| Effective Term: | 2026/05 |
| Institute / School : | Institute of Health and Wellbeing |
| Unit Title: | Principles of Research in Exercise Science |
| Unit ID: | EXSCI1704 |
| Credit Points: | 15.00 |
| Prerequisite(s): | Nil |
| Co-requisite(s): | Nil |
| Exclusion(s): | Nil |
| ASCED: | 010103 |
| Other Change: | |
| Brief description of the Unit |
This unit is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of statistics used within the field of Exercise and Sport Science including coaching, athletic training, rehabilitation and health. It will provide background knowledge in qualitative and quantitative research paradigms, including research design, ethical issues, data analysis techniques, interpretation of findings and research report writing. Students will work on tasks which require them to collect, analyse and report data to assist them in developing research and evaluation competencies, and appreciating the importance and applications of research and statistics in the field of exercise science. |
| Grade Scheme: | Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF) |
| Work Experience Indicator: |
| No work experience |
| Placement Component: | |
| Supplementary Assessment:Yes |
| Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment |
| Course Level: |
| Level of Unit in Course | AQF Level(s) of Course | | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | | Introductory | | |  | | | | | Intermediate | | | | | | | | Advanced | | | | | | |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
| Knowledge: |
| K1. | Describe the types and applications of qualitative and quantitative research study designs in the exercise and sports science domain. |
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| K2. | Classify types and levels of data obtained through conducting research in exercise science. |
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| K3. | Distinguish between higher and lower quality information when reading published research. |
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| K4. | Critique contemporary peer-reviewed exercise science literature, including research methodologies and statistical results and integrate this knowledge into other areas of exercise science. |
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| K5. | Describe the ethical concepts associated with conducting research. |
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| Skills: |
| S1. | Utilise primary research databases to conduct literature searches. |
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| S2. | Critically analyse and incorporate relevant peer-reviewed research literature to support findings and claims. |
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| S3. | Calculate, report, and discuss descriptive and inferential statistics. |
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| S4. | Conduct and analyse qualitative data to determine trends and/or themes. |
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| Application of knowledge and skills: |
| A1. | Present findings in a technical report format, displaying appropriate academic writing skills, and incorporating correct APA referencing. |
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| A2. | Engage collaboratively with peers to research a contemporary sports science issue. |
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| Unit Content: |
The following topics will be covered: introduction to research, using the literature, types of research study designs, ethical issues in research and scholarship, becoming acquainted with statistical concepts, quantitative research, qualitative research, mixed-methods research, completing the research process, and ways of reporting research. |
| Graduate Attributes: |
| Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.
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| FED TASK and descriptor | Development and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit | | Level | FEDTASK 1
Interpersonal | Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate, inter-act and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display skills in-person and/or online in: • Using effective verbal and non-verbal communication • Listening for meaning and influencing via active listening • Showing empathy for others • Negotiating and demonstrating conflict resolution skills • Working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams. | Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines | FEDTASK 2
Leadership | Students will demonstrate the ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others. Students will be required to display skills in: • Creating a collegial environment • Showing self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect • Inspiring and convincing others • Making informed decisions • Displaying initiative | Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor | FEDTASK 3
Critical Thinking and Creativity | Students will demonstrate an ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in: • Reflecting critically • Evaluating ideas, concepts and information • Considering alternative perspectives to refine ideas • Challenging conventional thinking to clarify concepts • Forming creative solutions in problem solving. | Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor | FEDTASK 4
Digital Literacy | Students will demonstrate the ability to work fluently across a range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in: • Finding, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information • Collating, managing, accessing and using digital data securely • Receiving and responding to messages in a range of digital media • Contributing actively to digital teams and working groups • Participating in and benefiting from digital learning opportunities. | Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor | FEDTASK 5
Sustainable and Ethical Mindset | Students will demonstrate the ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in: • Making informed judgments that consider the impact of devising solutions in global economic environmental and societal contexts • Committing to social responsibility as a professional and a citizen • Evaluating ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses • Embracing lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to diverse others • Implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life. | |
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| | Learning Outcomes Assessed | Assessment Tasks | Assessment Type | Weighting | Professional Standards |
| 1. |
K3, K4, S1, S2 |
Utilise research databases to conduct and critically review contemporary literature. |
Literature review |
20-40% |
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| 2. |
S1, S2, S3, S4, A1, A2 |
Conduct and analyse a research project and develop and present a report. |
Research report |
30-50% |
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| 3. |
K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, A1 |
Review of research principles presented in the unit. |
End of semester test |
30-50% |
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| 4. |
K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, S1, S2, S3, S4, A1, A2 |
Attendance of weekly laboratories/tutorials and/or flexible learning blocks (90% attendance requirement) |
Attendance |
S/U |
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