- Academic Registry
Course & Unit Catalogues


HL30567: Research project design and preparation

[Page last updated: 23 October 2023]

Academic Year: 2023/24
Owning Department/School: Department for Health
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: CWPF 75%, CWPI 0%, PRPR 25%
Assessment Detail:
  • Practical (PRPR 25%)
  • Portfolio (CWPF 75%)
  • Project output (pass/fail) (CWPI 0%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you must take HL20535
Learning Outcomes:
  1. Critically evaluate scientific research in a chosen sport and exercise science sub-discipline to build a rationale for a novel research question
  2. Formulate a research proposal addressing a novel research question or hypothesis
  3. Compose and submit a research ethics application
  4. Reflect on personal learning needs and participate in relevant skill development opportunities to support your independent research activities



Aims: To provide an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge of sport, exercise and health science concepts to the evaluation of published research and the development of an independent research idea. Focus will be on critical appraisal of research methods and applied research design.

Content: The aim of this unit is for students to develop an advanced and comprehensive understanding of research methods specific to a sport and exercise science sub-discipline of their choice. Students will design an original research project, including an ethics application, that they will be able to carry out in their final year of study.
Detailed contents (all geared toward practical application in the development of research proposals):
  • Conducting literature reviews to identify knowledge gaps in a field of research
  • Writing research questions
  • Identifying quantitative study designs, and choosing appropriate designs for specific research questions
  • Study design types in qualitative research
  • Designing mixed methods research
  • Scales of measurement and their implications for measurement selection and analysis plans
  • Measurement error (including a catalogue of stochastic error and types of bias)
  • Selecting outcome measures (including issues of validity, reliability, sensitivity to change, positive and negative predictive value, feasibility)
  • Challenges in using self-reported or subjective measures
  • Qualitative data collection methods (including methodologies, issues of rigour and trustworthiness, positionality)
  • Study validity (e.g., bias, confounding, moderation vs mediation)
  • Study sampling methods and recruitment
  • Ethical principles in research (including professional ethics and issues of funding) and the practicalities of applying for ethical approval
  • Planning for impact (including knowledge translation and public engagement)
  • Scientific communication (e.g., writing research outputs, giving scientific presentations, publication)


Course availability:

HL30567 is a Must Pass Unit on the following courses:

Department for Health
  • UHHL-AFM22 : MSci(Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Year 3)
  • UHHL-ACM22 : MSci(Hons) Sport and Exercise Science with Combined Professional Placement and Study Abroad (Year 4)
  • UHHL-AAM22 : MSci(Hons) Sport and Exercise Science with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • UHHL-AKM22 : MSci(Hons) Sport and Exercise Science with Professional Placement (Year 4)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2023/24 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2024/25 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2023/24.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.