Advanced Testing Methods, 7.5 credits

Contents

The course covers test methodology and sports physiology at an advanced level, with a focus on planning, execution, and analysis of tests in health and sports. The course addresses validity and reliability of tests and measurement methods, construction of test batteries, and the accurate and reliable handling of data. Further, the course examines methodological adaptations for different populations such as children and adolescents, elite athletes, and clinical groups. The course also includes the implementation of sports technology and critical evaluation of the usability and limitations of technology and test methods. In addition, the course incorporates elements focusing on analysis and oral communication of test results.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:
Student must be able to
1. Summarize and explain measurement methods and technologies used within sport and health for assessing an individual’s physical status.

Skills and ability:
Student must be able to
2. Analyse and interpret test results from individuals or groups and integrate data obtained from multiple test methods.
3. Design and justify a test battery based on current objectives for a specific individual or group, taking methodological, practical, and physiological factors into account.

Judgement and approach:
Student must be able to
4. Evaluate and justify principles of validity and reliability in measurement methods and discuss their relevance for testing in different populations.
5. Critically analyse the strengths and limitations of selected test methods or monitoring tools.
6. Evaluate and reflect upon selected tests and their methodological limitations in relation to relevant biological and contextual factors such as age, sex, and physical status.

Required Knowledge

A Bachelor's degree that includes at least 180 credits or equivalent foreign degree. At least 90 credits are required in either exercise physiology/sports medicine/medicine or physiotherapy, or a degree from the Biomedical Scientist programme with specialisation Clinical Physiology, or a degree in Sports Science, of which at least 30 credits must be within the areas of exercise physiology, sports medicine, or medicine. In addition, English 6/level 2 is required.

Form of instruction

The course is taught in English but may be delivered in Swedish if only students with Swedish as their first language are enrolled. Teaching consists of a combination of digital and on-campus sessions, including lectures, laboratory sessions, and seminars. During on-campus sessions at Umeå University, the focus is on practical elements such as laboratory exercises, group-based learning activities, and assessed seminars. On-campus sessions may take place on weekends. Digital tools are used throughout the course, and students are required to have access to a computer with an internet connection.

Examination modes

Learning Outcomes 1–5 are assessed through individual written assignments. These assignments are graded Pass with Distinction, Pass, or Fail.
Learning Outcome 6 is assessed individually through an oral seminar. The seminar is graded Pass or Fail.
To obtain the grade Pass, the student must receive at least Pass on all assessed components.
To obtain Pass with Distinction, the student must receive Pass with Distinction on at least one of the written assignments.

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the students’ needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination and have received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator at the Student Services Office for students with disabilities must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 working days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Other regulations

If the course has expired or undergone substantial changes, re-examinations based on the original syllabus will be guaranteed for two years after the student's first registration.