Run by School of Human and Behavioural Sciences

60.000 Credits or 30.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr Anthony Blanchfield

The aim of this module is to allow students to complete a MSci research project in an area of mutual agreement with their supervisor in the school of sport, health and exercise sciences. Students will have the opportunity to produce an original piece of research work and integrate knowledge and skills developed previously during the course at undergraduate level (e.g. research methods). Please note students must be able to demonstrate progression from undergraduate level and the standard required is equivalent to that expected at level 7.

Throughout the academic year it is the responsibility of the student to seek adequate tutorial guidance for the preparation and completion of the MSci research project. You should agree an appropriate level, and timing, of tutorial support with your supervisor. Scheduled lectures, meetings and workshop sessions will also be provided. Helpful feedback tutorial support in Semester 1 and 2 forms an important foundation. Ample opportunity for verbal formative feedback will be present in these sessions. This formative feedback can be supplemented by one pre-marked draft of the Research Project or individual sections. In order to obtain pre-marked feedback it is imperative that the supervisor has sufficient time (e.g., 2-3 weeks).

threshold

Insufficient to fulfil the associated learning outcomes • Deficiencies in Knowledge even of key areas/principles • No evidence of understanding, even of main areas • No evidence of background study • Answer relies on tangential material and lacks a coherent structure • No arguments presented • Many factual/computational errors • No original interpretation • No links between topics are described • No attempt to solve problems • The presentation is very weak containing many inaccuracies

good

Strong knowledge • Understands most but not all • Evidence of background study • Focussed answer with good structure • Arguments presented coherently • Mostly free of factual/computational errors • Some limited original interpretation • Well known links between topics are described • Problems addressed by existing methods/approaches • Good presentation with accurate communication

excellent

Comprehensive knowledge • Detailed understanding • Extensive background study • Highly focussed answer and well structured • Logically presented and defended arguments • No factual/computational errors • Original interpretation • New links between topics are developed • New approach to a problem • Excellent presentation with very accurate communication

1. 1. Identify and demonstrate skills that underpin the independent management of empirical research within their chosen area of study
2. 1. Critically appraise ideas and empirical findings in order to formulate research hypotheses that address a chosen research question
3. 1. Obtain ethical approval for a research study
4. 1. Maintain adequate contact with their supervisor and contribute proactively to tutorials and project management sessions
5. 1. Demonstrate a range of communication skills appropriate to the outcomes of postgraduate study
6. 1. Provide evidence of a critical and analytical approach to the collection, organisation and interpretation of scientific data

Type	Name	Description	Weight
ESSAY	Written Proposal of Research Project	In this assignment yuo will submit a written proposal for your MSci research project	20.00
ESSAY	MSci Research Project	Fot this assignment you will submit the final version of your full MSci project	70.00
INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION	Verbal Proposal	In this assignment you will verbally present the research proposal for your MSci project	10.00

		Hours
Individual Project	As a 60-credit module, a rule of thumb might be to dedicate approximately 600 hours to this module. You should aim for around 20 hours of project related meetings with your supervisor. The project driven nature of this module means that students should use much of their time for reading and writing, hypothesis formulation, ethics submission, data collection and analysis and preparation of assignment submissions, both written and verbal. Students might use come of this time in a very guided manner as a result of action that arise from one-to-one supervisor meetings.	580
One-to-one supervision	Students should be pro-active in meeting with their supervisor for this module. It is expected that consistent student supervisor interaction is maintained. Students might use this time to consult their supervisor about writing content, experimental design, hypothesis formulation, ethics preparation, preparation for data collection, data interpretation and writing feedback	20

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
• Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
• Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
• Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
• Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

• research and assess paradigms, theories, principles, concepts and factual information, and apply such skills in explaining and solving problems
• critically assess and evaluate data and evidence in the context of research methodologies and data sources
• describe, synthesise, interpret, analyse and evaluate information and data relevant to a professional or vocational context
• plan, design, execute and communicate a sustained piece of independent intellectual work, which provides evidence of critical engagement with, and interpretation of, appropriate data
• develop a sustained reasoned argument, perhaps challenging previously held assumptions
• demonstrate effective written and/or oral communication and presentation skills
• work effectively independently and with others
• take and demonstrate responsibility for their own learning and continuing personal and professional development
• undertake fieldwork with continuous regard for safety and risk assessment.
• demonstrate evidence of competence in the scientific methods of enquiry, and interpretation and analysis of relevant data and statistical outputs.
• communicate succinctly at a level appropriate to different audiences.

Compulsory in courses:

• C612: MSci Adventure Sport Science year 4 (MSCI/ASS)
• C608: MSci Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences year 4 (MSCI/SHS)
• C607: MSci Sport Science year 4 (MSCI/SS)
• C613: MSci Sport Science with International Experience year 5 (MSCI/SSIE)
• C609: MSci Sport Science (Outdoor Activities) year 4 (MSCI/SSOA)