Sports Science MA, Independent Project, 15 credits

Aim

The aim of this course is to apply principles from sports science and/or sports medicine research into practice, by way of an applied research and/or development (R&D) project in a sporting environment of the student’s choice.

Course objectives

After completing this course, students should be able to:
- Identify a problem or opportunity for knowledge creation in the subject of sports science or sports medicine.
- Develop interpersonal relationships within an applied sports environment to facilitate successful completion of an R&D project.
- Formulate a realistic project aim and outline expected outcomes using input from a field-based mentor and academic supervisor.
- Use scientific principles to select and justify appropriate methodological approaches to fulfil project goals.
- Consider the ethical implications of their work in relation to principles and laws of research ethics and data security.
- Select and apply appropriate data analysis and visualisation methods for the project outcomes to be used in practice.
- Interpret results and draw appropriate conclusions for the target population.
- Present and critically evaluate their own and others’ work from combined scientific and applied perspectives.

Content

Plan, communicate, refine, execute, present and evaluate an independent project in sports science/sports medicine in an applied sports setting using principles from empirical research.

Entry requirements

A Bachelor degree with at least 180 credits, including a degree project or equivalent of at least 15 credits, in Sports Science, Sports Medicine or Physiotherapy.

OR

A Bachelor degree consisting of at least 180 credits, including a degree project or equivalent of at least 15 credits, and a minimum of 60 credits in one or more of the following subjects: clinical epidemiology, exercise physiology, testing methods in sports science, kinesiology, biomechanics, coaching and leadership, sports nutrition, sports medicine, training sciences, sports psychology.

AND

English course 6 or equivalent.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Different teaching methods will be used to support the student, e.g., seminars, discussions and mentorship/supervision. The course will be delivered online and entirely in English, although the student can complete the practical work in another language and country subject to approval by the course leader. Compulsory seminars, presentations and independent project work will form part of the assessment.

Examination form

1101: Module 1: Project planning
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
Project planning - secure a host (e.g., sports organisation), a placement mentor (affiliated to the host) and an academic supervisor (from Mid Sweden University); develop a project aim and select appropriate methods to achieve the aim; participate in a project planning seminar (including opposition of a peer); refine the project plan based on feedback from the mentor, supervisor, teacher(s) and peer(s); finalise the project plan.

2101: Module 2: Project execution and presentation, 15 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale
Module 2: Project execution and presentation of independent project - carry out and write up the project; adhere to specified milestones along the way; create a summary infographic; present the project to the host organisation, mentor and supervisor; participate in a presentation seminar (including opposition of a peer); finalise the written project and infographic.

Grading criteria for the subject can be found at www.miun.se/betygskriterier.

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Grading system

Three-grade scale

Other information

Course certificate, credit transer, appeal, etc are regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance.