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 provide a ‘capstone’ experience for students by affording them a learning experience that involves the completion of a research project of interest to the student and of relevance to the industry. Projects may take the form of an investigative study and will include the preparation of a manuscript for publication. The project 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.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.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.
Communicate the design of an evidence-based projec...
Learning Outcome 01
Critically appraise literature and contemporary co...
Learning Outcome 02
Use specialised knowledge and technical skills to ...
Learning Outcome 03
Display appropriate standards of technical and eth...
Learning Outcome 04
Use systems of information/data storage, retrieval...
Learning Outcome 05
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. EXSC682 assessments have been developed to guide the 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 - Oral presentation provides students with the opportunity to prepare and present their research in a conference presentation mode of delivery.
- Assessment task 2 - Students will prepare a piece of scholarly academic work in the form of a manuscript according to selected author guidelines ready for submission to a peer reviewed journal to communicate the outcomes of their research project.
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 and obtain a minimum mark of 50% in graded tasks.
Assessment Task 1 - Oral Presentation: Enables s...
Assessment Task 1 - Oral Presentation:
Enables students to demonstrate the ability to interpret and communicate the findings of a research project, including the limitations and practical applications of the research and its outcomes.
30%
Assessment Task 2 - Journal manuscript: Enables ...
Assessment Task 2 - Journal manuscript:
Enables students to demonstrate the ability to answer a research question in the context of relevant literature, by designing and conducting a study with appropriate methods and data collection to address the aims of the project, and demonstrating critical analysis and perceptive scholarship to draw conclusions.
70%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit combines research training with work-integrated learning, drawing on both academic and practical settings to support students’ transition into their chosen graduate pathways. It fosters the development of essential research skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and self-directed learning. Students will work independently and collaboratively with their supervisor(s), receiving regular guidance and support through face-to-face meetings, tele/videoconferencing, or electronic communication. Supervision includes mentoring on project design, analysis, presentation, and manuscript preparation. The unit uses student-centred teaching strategies that respect learners as independent adults and provide authentic experiences aimed at making a positive impact on individuals and communities, including those with chronic and complex health conditions.