XNH269 Evidence Based Practice in Exercise Science
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | XNH269 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | XNB173 or XNB178 |
| Equivalent(s): | XNH279 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,704 |
| International unit fee | $4,848 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | XNH269 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | XNB173 or XNB178 |
| Equivalent: | XNH279 |
| Coordinator: | Neil King | n.king@qut.edu.au |
Overview
On completion of this unit you will have a fundamental understanding of the research process and how research informs the practice of exercise professionals. The skills you will develop include; 1) the ability to conduct a literature review; 2) provide a critical evaluation of research evidence (e.g. journal articles) supporting an evidence-based exercise science practice, and 3) interpret qualitative and quantitative data in the field of exercise science. This unit provides an introduction to the research processes and basic analytical methods commonly used in this field to develop evidence-based practice.This is a crucial part of the professional roles of exercise scientists, exercise physiologists and other sport, physical activity and exercise professionals. The development of research skills in this unit provides the basis for you to undertake future studies in exercise research.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain what is meant by 'evidence', the principles of evidence-based practice, and how these apply to exercise professionals
- Develop formal, operational and strategic digital literacy skills by conducting systematic literature searches of primary sources using online databases, and critically evaluate the quality of evidence
- Critically appraise and synthesise research evidence, communicating the quality and limitations of various research methods and design approaches
- Collaborate effectively to create and present a team-based critical evaluation of research evidence supporting an evidence-based exercise science practice
- Perform basic statistical and textual analyses and interpret the results.
Content
The topics covered in this unit have been developed to provide you with grounding in the processes of inquiry, research and evidence-based practice used to inform and enable, actions and behaviours as an exercise professional. Major topics include:
- What to ask, why ask it, how to answer it, and does anybody care?
- Embracing data and statistics in the exercise sciences
- Translating exercise evidence into exercise practice
Learning Approaches
The unit adopts a blended learning approach, combining interactive face to face workshops and digitally enabled learning experiences. In workshops you will engage in collaborative, peer-based learning activities and apply the concepts learnt in class to prepare for summative assessment tasks. Real-world examples will be used to develop computer-assisted and other data-processing competencies. Library support is included to further aid the development of literature review skills. Class attendance is encouraged to maximise learning opportunities.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback to Students
Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:
- You will be provided with verbal and/or written feedback on each piece of formative and summative assessment during the semester;
- Criteria sheet grading;
- Comments on summative assessment work in addition to criteria sheets; and
- Generic comments back to the cohort via QUT Canvas.
You are encouraged to communicate with the unit coordinator or teaching staff if you have any questions or concerns about the assessment items.
Assessment
Overview
General Assessment Information
Each assessment item is designed to measure your knowledge and mastery of professional skills stated in the learning outcomes.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Literature Review
Using a range of formal, operational and strategic digital literacy skills (e.g., navigation and orientation searches, content creation), you will be required to conduct an up-to-date literature review of an exercise science topic associated with a real world, evidence-based exercise practise. The literature review will involve searching primary sources using online databases and other digital tools to describe the current evidence, critically evaluate the evidence and identify research gaps.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details page for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Practice in Exercise Science
You will assume the role of a research exercise scientist, collaborating within a team, to provide a critical evaluation of an evidence-based exercise science practice. Your task will involve critically reviewing a journal article that supports an evidence-based exercise science practice, and presenting your evaluation to a group of exercise professionals considering implementing the practise to their patients or clients.
Although each group is awarded the same mark, this assessment includes a peer evaluation of contribution component which allows moderation for potential individual variation in contribution.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools is NOT authorised during this assessment. Unauthorised use may be treated as a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and appropriate penalties imposed.
Assessment: Exam
In this exam you will analyse case examples to identify types of research and evidence, explain evidence based practice as it relates to sports and exercise science, and perform basic statistical and textual analyses.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools is NOT authorised during this assessment. Unauthorised use may be treated as a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and appropriate penalties imposed.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There is no required text for this this unit. Required weekly readings will be made available via the unit Canvas site and the Course Materials Database.
Risk Assessment Statement
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.XN50 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
- Apply problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning to implement, analyse and evaluate evidence-based interventions for diverse clients and stakeholders.
Relates to: Literature Review, Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Practice in Exercise Science, Exam
XN51 Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Apply problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical reasoning to implement, analyse and evaluate evidence-based interventions for diverse clients and stakeholders.
Relates to: Literature Review, Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Practice in Exercise Science - Communicate and collaborate to transfer complex knowledge to clients and health professionals in a culturally safe manner.
Relates to: Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Practice in Exercise Science
XN55 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (Honours)
- Critically apply problem-solving, innovative thinking, and analytical reasoning to develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions for diverse clients and stakeholders.
Relates to: Literature Review, Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Practice in Exercise Science, Exam - Communicate and collaborate effectively using a range of written, oral and digital formats to transfer complex knowledge to clients and sport and exercise professionals in an inclusive and culturally responsive manner.
Relates to: Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Practice in Exercise Science, Exam - Design and execute research in sport and exercise science contexts and disseminate findings that contribute to the sustainability of sport and exercise research and practice.
Relates to: Literature Review, Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Practice in Exercise Science, Exam