SP7026 - Critical appraisal of evidence in CEP

What will I learn on this module?

This critical appraisal of evidence in clinical exercise physiology module will help you understand how to critically appraise the evidence base related to a topic in Clinical Exercise Physiology. You will learn how to conduct a systematic review within an area of clinical exercise physiology, in accordance with PRISMA guidance. You will also learn how to use quality assessment tools in the appraisal of research. This module aims to improve your ability to critique the evidence base that underpins practices in the field of clinical exercise physiology.

How will I learn on this module?

The taught content will be delivered and provided in a variety of formats, including lectures and seminars. You will be guided through the initial stages of the systematic review process. There will be the opportunity to work in smaller groups with discipline specific members of staff who will facilitate context driven discussion and learning. You will also be set independent tasks informed by key literature to complete outside of class time to further develop your understanding of the taught content.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically appraise literature related to clinical exercise physiology
2. Conduct a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. The ability to critically analyse literature to make judgement on best practice.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Communicate effectively in an academic context
5. Demonstrate autonomy in guiding own learning by setting priorities and working independently.

How will I be assessed?

Systematic review (2500 words)– You will be guided through performing the initial stages of conducting a systematic review up to finalising full text articles. For the assessment, you will write a concise introduction, the methods, results and discussion of the systematic review, in line with PRISMA guidelines. Formative feedback will be provided in seminars on your communication skills and knowledge/understanding of evidence appraisal. You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The critical appraisal of evidence in CEP module is designed to develop your understanding of how to read, understand and critique pertinent literature and guidelines within clinical exercise physiology. These are important skills to have when working in clinical practice. You will be guided on how to complete a systematic literature review in a relevant area in clinical exercise physiology. The systematic review you complete will be in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Teaching is carried out by staff that are experts in their respective fields and have strong research backgrounds in clinical exercise physiology.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Part Time
1 other options available

Department Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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