Test Methodology I, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course includes basic test methodology with a focus on both sports-specific tests and tests for use in the area of health. Significant emphasis is on evaluating the validity and reliability of various test methods. The course covers experimental design, including such practical aspects as standardisation, information for test participants and data processing. It also includes factors, such as benefit and risk and other ethical considerations associated with the choice of test structure. Practical implementation of tests also includes data processing (analysis, interpretation and documentation) and information for test participants about the test results.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:
1. Explain the basic principles of test methodology.
2. Explain the selection of basic physical test methods based on standardisation, sources of error in the test methods, reliability and validity.
3. Explain the risks of maximal and submaximal exercise tests.

Skills and abilities:
4. Plan and implement practical tests for health and performance in accordance with ethical, methodological and practical guidelines.
5. Modify tests for different groups.
6. Analyse, interpret and document test results.
7. Compare test results from different exercise tests and explain their importance for health and performance from the perspective of exercise physiology.

Judgement and approach:
8. Evaluate basic physical test methods based on standardisation, sources of error, ethical aspects, reliability and validity

Required Knowledge

Human anatomy and exercise physiology of at least 15 credits.

Form of instruction

Instruction takes the form of lectures, seminars and active laboratories that include physical exertion.

The course includes practical application exercises and individual and group work in exercise settings, including the Umeå Movement and Exercise Laboratory (UMEX).

Students need access to a computer with an internet connection. Classes are held in English.

Examination modes

Course objectives 1-3, 5, 8 are assessed via written individual supervised on-campus exams.
Course objectives 4 and 6 are assessed at the group level in lab reports.
Course objective 7 is assessed via oral seminar and written submitted assignment.
Course objectives 4, 6 and 7 are graded as pass or fail.
Course objectives 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 are graded as pass with credit, pass or fail

Earning a pass grade requires at least a pass on all components. The grade pass with credit requires earning pass with credit on the written supervised on-campus exam.

Deviating from the examination format indicated on the syllabus is permissible if a student has been approved for pedagogical support due to disability. Individual modification to the examination format will be considered based on the student's need. The examination format is modified within the framework of the expected learning outcomes on the syllabus. Upon student request, the course instructor, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide upon a modified examination format. The student must then be notified of the decision. 

Assessment for a grade in the course is based on all mandatory components. The assessment criteria are presented in the course assignment descriptions. The following grades are possible for the full course: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with credit (VG). The grade is an overall assessment and is given only when all mandatory components have been completed and assessed.

If tests or mandatory components cannot be repeated according to the applicable rules for retakes, another reasonable, proportionate assignment may be given. The number of test occasions is limited to a total of five. The first retake must be offered no later than two months after the original test, but no earlier than ten business days after the results of the original test have been made available. For tests given in May or June, the first retake may be offered within three months of the original test date. The date of the retake must be announced no later than the original test date. 

Students who fail twice have the right to request another examiner from the Programme Committee. Otherwise, refer to the programme syllabus.
 
The examiner may decide to allow supplementary work to earn a passing grade and must adapt this work individually based on the unfulfilled objective(s). Supplementary work must take place within two weeks after students have been notified of the examination results but before the next examination date.

Supplementary work may only lead to at most a grade of pass and no higher. If the examiner has decided to allow supplementary work, the student has the right to choose to do the supplementary work or to retake the examination to have the opportunity to earn a grade higher than pass.

If the course is no longer offered or if the syllabus undergoes significant changes, a test/new test based on the same syllabus as the original examination is guaranteed for two years after the student's initial registration in the course. 

Credit transfer

Students are entitled to have previous studies or professional work evaluated to see if credit be given for all or part of the course. For more information, see the Higher Education Ordinance and http://www.student.umu.se/examen/tillgodoraknanden. A decision to not give credit may be appealed to the Higher Education Appeals Board. A negative decision is to be explained in writing.

Other regulations

Studies are to be conducted on equal terms in accordance with Umeå University's policy documents regarding gender equality and equal opportunities (www.umu.se). 

Students who violate Umeå University's plagiarism policy will face measures as defined in Chapter 10 of the Higher Education Ordinance.