module specification

SP5065 - Sports Science Research Methods (2023/24)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2023/24
Module title Sports Science Research Methods
Module level Intermediate (05)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Human Sciences
Total study hours 150
 
117 hours Guided independent study
33 hours Placement / study abroad
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 100%   A project proposal (2500 words)
Running in 2023/24

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Wednesday Morning

Module summary

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Educations Qualifications. This module aims to allow students to reflect on their chosen course. Students will select their project within the context of the course and possible future career. Students will consider and carry out the preparation necessary for a scientific dissertation proposal. In so doing, students will gain experience in devising dissertations by taking into account experimental design, feasibility in terms of costs and resources, and aspects of ethics and safety.

Prior learning requirements

Prerequisite SP4065
Available for Study Abroad? NO

Syllabus

Literature retrieval: use of established resources such as ScienceDirect, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed; awareness of generic library resources. (LO2)

Experimental design: consideration of laboratory organisation, resource needs and costing, safety and ethical matters. Understanding of time management and personal responsibility, the use of controls and replicates, and the proper recording of results. (LO1)

Statistical analysis: an appreciation of the scope of statistical analysis, an understanding of the statistical design appropriate for the chosen project. Application of statistics to the analysis of experimental data, to include; correlation, regression, confidence levels, standard errors, t-test, F-test, analysis of variance. (LO1)

Dissertation proposal: writing in an academic scientific style. (LO3)

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Students will be provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the subject material through teacher-led activities in the form of lectures and tutorials (30 hours) and practicals (30 hours). Students' ability to seek, handle and interpret information will be encouraged through directed reading, access to the websites of professional bodies, and other learning resources. Students will work in groups on aspects of experimental design and as individuals on the project proposal.

Learning outcomes

LO 1: Demonstrate an ability to creatively design a scientific dissertation, taking into account experimental design (including appropriate statistical frameworks), resources, ethics and safety.
LO 2: Research the background information to their dissertation using appropriate primary sources.
LO 3: Present a written report of the dissertation proposal in an appropriate scientific form.

Assessment strategy

The module will be assessed by means of one coursework component (100% of the overall mark). This component (2500 words) will consist of a written project proposal that will include a literature survey alongside resource, ethical and safety considerations (LO1, LO2, and LO3). To pass the module students need to achieve a minimum mark of 40%.

Bibliography