Unit rationale, description and aim
Research in the field of clinical exercise physiology is critical for providing clients and practitioners with evidence-based strategies for improving health and well-being. The aim of this unit is to design an experimental research project of interest to the student and of relevance to the industry. A literature review will be conducted to provide evidence for the research question. The project design and literature review will be conducted under the supervision of a member of staff. The Exercise Physiology Research Project units (EXSC681 Part A and EXSC682 Part B) are a 12-month commitment, with students enrolling in this unit (EXSC681 Part A) as a prerequisite to EXSC682 Part B.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Critically present the design of an evidence-based...
Learning Outcome 01
Critically appraise literature and contemporary co...
Learning Outcome 02
Apply specialised knowledge and technical skills t...
Learning Outcome 03
Demonstrate appropriate standards of technical and...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics of the unit include:
- identifying industry-relevant issues/problems
- planning and conducting an evidence-based project
- application of bibliographic and data management software packages
- ethical practice in research project design, implementation and reporting
- communication of project findings
Assessment strategy and rationale
This unit features authentic learning activities which are reflective of key requirements of clinical researchers’ practice. EXSC681 assessments have been developed to guide students in their finalisation of a capstone project that reflects an advanced level of professional knowledge and skills, enhanced critical analysis and professional writing style developed during the Master’s Thesis pathway. Assessments for the unit incorporate a constructivist approach providing for a broad range of tasks aligned to andragogic principles of adult learning facilitating choice and self-direction for the postgraduate student.
- Assessment Task 1 - Research proposal provides students with the opportunity to provide an initial proposal regarding their research project.
- Assessment Task 2 - (Ungraded Hurdle*) Human Research Ethics Committee project approval enables students to develop real world skills in ethical research trial design and application.
- Assessment Task 3 - Literature review provides students the opportunity to present a piece of scholarly academic work outlining the evidence, rationale and methodology underpinning their research project.
Theses assessment tasks will be delivered, assessed and moderated according to University Policies and Procedures.
Overview of assessments
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome, pass the hurdle task, and obtain a minimum mark of 50% in graded tasks.
Assessment Task 1 - Research Proposal: Enables s...
Assessment Task 1 - Research Proposal:
Enables students to apply evidence-based approaches to project design, ethical decision making, statistical design and communication skills.
20%
Assessment Task 2 - Ungraded Hurdle* Human Resea...
Assessment Task 2 - Ungraded Hurdle*
Human Research Ethics Committee project approval:
Students must submit the approval letter from the ACU HREC and the project’s assigned ethics approval number.
Ungraded Hurdle*
Assessment Task 3 Literature Review: Enables st...
Assessment Task 3
Literature Review:
Enables students to apply research-related skills, which demonstrate literature searching, critique, interpretation and scholarship to draw conclusions.
80%
*Ungraded Hurdle - Students are required to submit an ethics approval letter which includes reference to the students involvement in the project as appropriate. Application timeframes and deadlines will be determined by the approval authorities. Students should not commence research until approval has been obtained from the appropriate authority and approval documentation has been uploaded to the LMS.
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The andragogical structuring of learning experiences that comprise this unit of research training and work-integrated learning recognises and utilises contributions from both academic and practice settings. It intentionally integrates the learning arising in both settings to realise the knowledge and skills students need to move smoothly into, and be effective in, their selected graduate destination. Students will develop key research skills including problem solving and critical thinking as well as build upon their ability and initiative to undertake self-directed study. In this unit, students will work both independently and in collaboration with their supervisor(s). Students will be mentored and supported in their learning by their supervisor(s) who will provide regular guidance and maintain contact with the student. Mentorship and supervision are facilitated through face-to-face on-campus meetings, or by tele- or videoconference or electronic communication between student and ACU research supervisor(s). A range of student-centred learning and teaching strategies will be adopted such as: i) regular meetings between supervisor(s) and student; and ii) guidance regarding conduct of project, analyses, oral presentation and drafting of manuscript. Learning and teaching strategies will reflect respect for the individual as an independent adult learner and provide students with an authentic learning experience to make a positive impact on communities and the lives of healthy individuals and those with chronic and complex conditions.