This module prepares students for effective, ethical practice in sports medicine and science, focusing on essential competencies for professional support within various sub-disciplines. Students will develop interpersonal skills vital for working with diverse populations, including children and vulnerable adults, following ethical standards like the BASES guidelines. The module covers interview and case history techniques, referral processes, and reflective practice, enhancing students’ skills in patient assessment and self-improvement. Additionally, students will learn to work with data for professional presentations and explore how experimental research informs best practices through models like the scientist-practitioner approach.

This module equips students with essential research skills in sports and exercise medicine and science, from developing research questions to effectively reporting findings. Students will learn to design reliable and valid studies, exploring sampling techniques and addressing key considerations in hypothesis testing. Emphasis is placed on quantitative data analysis, covering traditional and modern statistical methods, along with common statistical flaws. Practical training includes the use of software to apply descriptive and inferential statistics, using real-world sports and exercise data. The module also highlights research ethics, including the process for ethical approval and considerations of current controversies within sports and exercise medicine and science research.

Based on the research-related knowledge and skills acquired in prior taught modules, you will go on to conduct an independent research study in sport and exercise sciences. This will be conducted with appropriate supervision from an expert member of staff. where you will collect appropriate data to answer your research question, before conducting advanced analysis suitable for research. Your assessments will allow you to develop a critical understanding of the research area, before presenting your research findings via means appropriate to the discipline.