EFR 515 01

I am a professor of kinesiology at the University of North Dakota (UND) and an adjunct professor of allied health and human performance at the University of South Australia (UniSA). I received my Bachelor of Sports Science (Exercise Science) from the University of New South Wales, and my Bachelor of Applied Science (Honors) and PhD in Human Movement from UniSA. 

My research interests include the assessment and interpretation of physical fitness, and anthropometry, with a recent focus on the digit ratio. My research has informed healthy public policy in Australia, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and the U.S., including the International Olympic Committee’s consensus statement on Fitness and Health of Young People through Sport and Physical Activity. I am a Young Tall Poppy Science Award winner and an associate editor of the Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness.

I currently teach two undergraduate kinesiology courses (KIN 326: Fundamentals of Physical Conditioning and KIN 446: Exercise Testing and Prescription), two graduate kinesiology courses (KIN 535: Applied Exercise Physiology and KIN 539: Ex Phys Lab: Anthropometry and Body Composition), and one graduate educational foundations and research course (EFR 515: Statistics 1). I take a student-centered learning approach (i.e., what the student needs to learn as opposed to what I want to teach). My main aim is to help you develop deep, transferable skills that are required for critical thinking, non-specific decision making, and problem-solving so you can initiate creative responses to real-world problems you do not currently know how to solve or are beyond the particular context in which you developed them.

This course is designed to develop your basic competency in statistical skills that will be required in your graduate studies and professional lives. It will introduce you to statistics by taking you through the following steps: data entry—screening—cleaning—treating—analyzing—reporting.

On completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Describe common data types and categories
2. Differentiate between descriptive and comparative statistical approaches
3. Describe common descriptive methods for presenting and summarizing data for parametric and non-parametric data
4. Outline the principles of probability as a basis for comparative statistics
5. Apply common statistical procedures to determine statistical significance for one, two, and multiple group comparisons
6. Use a statistical computer package to analyze data

Course Content

• Basic concepts and terminology used in research and statistical analysis
• Populations and samples
• Levels of measurement
• Excel basics, including navigating the workspace, data entry, formatting, formulae, charts, and tables
• Descriptive statistics, including measures of centrality and variability (presenting data through graphical and numerical summaries)
• Basic principles of probability
• Normal distribution
• Sampling distribution of the sample mean
• Confidence interval estimation
• Relationships between quantitative variables (simple linear correlation and regression, and multiple linear regression)
• Power of hypothesis tests (power, probability of a type II error)
• Parametric based statistical hypothesis testing procedures (one sample z- and t-tests, independent sample t-test, matched pairs t-test, one-way ANOVA, Bonferroni multiple comparison test and other post-hoc tests, two-way ANOVA, repeated measures one-way ANOVA, and chi-square test)

Textbook

There is no required textbook for this course, although but you will need continual access to Excel and SPSS statistical software. Online tutorials are available for Excel and SPSS. While not required, I highly recommend the following textbook:

Pyrczak, F., & Oh, D.M. (2019). Making sense of statistics: A conceptual overview (7th ed.). Glendale, CA: Pyrczak Publishing. ISBN-13: 9781138894761.

Reference(s)

Some additional readings might be made available throughout the course to complement your learning. These readings can be accessed on Blackboard.

You will use Word, Excel, and/or SPSS Statistics to complete Assessments 1–4 and Word, Excel/SPSS Statistics, and PowerPoint to complete Assessment 5. (Note, files created using Pages in Apple can be saved as a Word file before submitting). You will also need continual access to a laptop computer/mobile device to actively engage in each class. Please visit the SPSS Statistics webpage to install SPSS on your personal laptop. You are expected to use their official UND email in the course. Visit the Office 365 Email webpage for information on your UND email and how to download/install a free version of Microsoft Office. For technical assistance, please contact UND Technical Support at 701.777.2222. Visit the University Information Technologies (UIT) website for their hours, help documents, and other resources.

Access and Log in Information

This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing Blackboard. To get started with the course, please go to: http://blackboard.UND.edu and log in with your NDUS.Identifier, Username and Password. If you do not know your NDUS Identifier or have forgotten your password, please visit Your NDUS Account page on the UIT website.

Course Overview

Prior to the start of the first week you should have reviewed the syllabus. The course content is organized into 16 weeks for the Fall/Spring semester. Each week contains a purpose, learning objectives, and links to instructional resources selected to enhance your learning experience. Quizzes and presentations will be used to assess your comprehension and application of those materials. You should review this course outline prior to the start of our first class. 

You will notice on the left side course menu on Blackboard there is a Lessons tab. Inside it, you will find all the required content for each week. The course schedule can be found on Blackboard under the Schedule tab and at the end of this course outline.

Resources

Many services are available to UND students such as writing assistance from the UND Writing Center, free online tutoring from Smarthinking, and more. Visit the Student Resources page for more information. Students also have access to the UND Student Resource Site via Blackboard. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the site to better equip you in navigating the course.

Course Requirements/Expectations

It is expected that you will:

1. Review the course outline and schedule posted on Blackboard
2. Access and review all course materials located in the weekly Lessons area of Blackboard 
3. Attend and actively participate in every online class in order to get the benefit of learning from your Instructor and/or classmates
4. Complete and submit quizzes and presentations on time as noted on Blackboard and in the Assessment Summary (see below). Central Standard Time (CST) will be used for due dates and times

Course/Instructor Evaluation

At the end of the semester, you will be asked to complete the online Student Evaluation of Learning and Feedback for Instructors (SELFI). Your feedback on the course and instructor is very important to me. I will read your comments carefully and will try to use them to improve this course, and my teaching, in the future.

• When the time comes, please let me know which aspects of the course helped you learn, how effective I was in promoting your learning, and which aspects of the course or my teaching might be modified to help future students learn better
• Please note that the course evaluations are anonymous and that I won’t see the results until after the grades for the course are submitted, allowing you to provide honest and constructive feedback
• If you have feedback to offer before the end of the semester, please let me know via email.

Announcements

Announcements will be posted on Blackboard on a regular basis. Be sure to check the class announcements regularly as they will contain important information about class assignments and other class matters.

Email

While you are encouraged to ask questions about the course and content in the online classes if you need to contact me directly, check the Faculty tab on Blackboard or the Instructor Information (see above) for my contact information. I will attempt to respond to your emails within 24 hours on weekdays and 48 hours on weekends.

Course Etiquette

When participating in class (online or in-person) it is important to interact with your peers in an appropriate manner. Always use professional language (no netspeak) in your postings and emails. Please be respectful of your classmates at all times even if you disagree with their ideas.

Class Participation

You are required to participate in all class activities. You are also are expected to attend on-campus or synchronous classes. One of the key indicators of academic performance is whether you present for class! Failure to do so may mean that you are unprepared for assessments, or have not satisfied the attendance criteria in order to sit the assessment. Marks may be deducted for non-attendance and/or unsatisfactory participation unless unexpected, exceptional, or special circumstances arise (e.g., bereavement, unexpected illness). Imagine if other disciplines had lax attendance standards (e.g., medicine). Do you think that a Neurosurgeon would pass any of his/her courses if they did not always turn up to class? Of course, they wouldn’t because it is a requirement that they always attend. So choose to be professional and meet the attendance standard. If for some reason you cannot attend or participate in class, then there will need to be unexpected, exceptional, or special circumstances preventing you, which must be communicated to the Instructor in a timely manner. In addition, it is your responsibility to follow up on missed materials (e.g., by consulting Blackboard, the Instructor, and classmates).

Incompletes

It is expected that students will complete all requirements for a course during the time frame of the course. For reasons beyond a student’s control, and upon request by the student or on behalf of the student, an incomplete grade may be assigned by the instructor when there is reasonable certainty the student will successfully complete the course without retaking it. The mark “I,” Incomplete, will be assigned only to the student who has been in attendance and has done satisfactory work up to a time within four weeks of the close of the semester, including the examination period, and whose work is incomplete for reasons satisfactory to his or her instructor. More information regarding UND’s Incomplete policy can be found on The Grading System webpage.

Copyright Notice

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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA POLICIES & RESOURCES

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a serious matter, and any deviations from appropriate behavior will be dealt with strongly. At the discretion of the professor, situations of concern may be dealt with as a scholastic matter or a disciplinary matter.

As a scholastic matter, the professor has the discretion to determine appropriate penalties to the student’s workload or grade, but the situation may be resolved without involving many individuals. An alternative is to treat the situation as a disciplinary matter, which can result in suspension from the University, or have lesser penalties. Be aware that I view this as a very serious matter, and will have little tolerance of or sympathy for questionable practices. A student who attempts to obtain credit for work that is not their own (whether that be on a paper, quiz, homework assignment, exam, etc.) will likely receive a failing grade for that item of work, and at the professor’s discretion, may also receive a failing grade in the course. For more information read the Code of Student Life.

Access & Opportunity, Disability Support and Medical Services

If you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need accommodations in this course because of a disability, please visit with me as soon as possible. My office hours are at the top of this syllabus. If you plan to request disability accommodations, you are expected to register with the Disability Support Services (DSS) office online, (180 McCannel Hall, 701.777.3425).

If you have a temporary medical condition such as a broken arm or recovering after surgery, you may be able to arrange for courtesy services. In most cases, it is expected that you will make your own arrangements for these services. Examples of courtesy services include access to a test scribe if the student has a broken hand; lift equipped van transportation when the student has a broken leg or temporary accessible parking for a student using crutches for a short period. If you are unable to make your own arrangements, please contact DSS (777-3425). Unlike services and/or accommodations provided to eligible students with disabilities, the University is NOT obligated to provide courtesy services.

Resolution of Problems

Should a problem occur, you should speak to your instructor first. If the problem is not resolved, meet with insert name of conflict mediator or ombudsperson if available in your department, otherwise delete this sentence. If the problem continues to be unresolved, go to the department chair, and next to the college Dean. Should the problem persist, you have the right to go to the Provost next, and then to the President.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the University of North Dakota that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, religion, age, color, gender, disability, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran’s status, or political belief or affiliation and the equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all. Concerns regarding Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, and Section 504 may be addressed to: Donna Smith, Director of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Title IX Coordinator, 401 Twamley Hall, 701.777.4171, UND.affirmativeactionoffice@UND.edu or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 500 West Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60611 or any other federal agency.

Reporting of Sexual Violence

If you or a friend has experienced sexual violence, such as sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, or sex-based harassment, please contact UND’s Title IX Coordinator, Donna Smith, for assistance: 701.777.4171; donna.smith@UND.edu; or visit the Title IX webpage.

Faculty Reporting Obligations Regarding Sexual Violence

It is important for students to understand that faculty are required to share with UND’s Title IX Coordinator any incidents of sexual violence they become aware of, even if those incidents occurred in the past or are disclosed as part of a class assignment. This does not mean an investigation will occur if the student does not want that, but it does allow UND to provide resources to help the student continue to be successful at UND. If you have been the victim of sexual violence, you can find information about confidential support services on the Title IX webpage.

UND Cares Program

The UND Cares program seeks to educate faculty, staff and students on how to recognize warning signs that indicate a student is in distress.

How to Seek Help When in Distress

We know that while college is a wonderful time for most students, some students may struggle. You may experience students in distress on campus, in your classroom, in your home, and within residence halls. Distressed students may initially seek assistance from faculty, staff members, their parents, and other students. In addition to the support we can provide to each other, there are also professional support services available to students through the Dean of Students and University Counseling Center. Both staffs are available to consult with you about getting help or providing a friend with the help that he or she may need. For more additional information, please visit the UND Cares program Webpage.

How to Recognize When a Student is in Distress

The term “distressed” can mean any of the following:

• Student has significant changes in eating, sleeping, grooming, spending, or other daily activities.
• Student has cut off or minimized contact with family or friends.
• Student has significant changes in performance or involvement in academics, sports, extracurricular, or social activities.
• Student describes problems (missing class, not remembering, destructive behavior) that result from experiences with drinking or drugs.
• Student is acting withdrawn, volatile, tearful, etc.
• Student is acting out of character or differently than usual.
• Student is talking explicitly about hopelessness or suicide.
• Student has difficulty concentrating or difficulty carrying on normal conversation.
• Student has excessive dependence on others for company or support.
• Student reports feeling out of control of one’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors.

UND Cares about Your Success

Important information is available to you through Starfish, which is an online system used to help students be successful. When an instructor observes student behaviors or concerns that may impede academic success, the instructor may raise a flag that notifies the student of the concern and/or refer the student to their academic advisor or UND resource. Please pay attention to these emails and take the recommended actions. They are sent to help you be successful!

Starfish also allows you to (1) schedule appointments with various offices and individuals across campus, (2) request help on a variety of topics, and (3) search and locate information on offices and services at UND.

You can log into Starfish by clicking on Logins on the UND homepage and then selecting Starfish. A link to Starfish is also available in Blackboard once you have signed in.

Ensure Accessibility

To comply with the latest accessibility guidelines, documents posted online, including, but not limited to, Adobe PDF files, Microsoft Word documents, Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, and online flipbooks, must be screen-reader friendly. For directions on how to make your syllabus and other course materials accessible, visit the Creating Accessible Content webpage on the TTaDA site.

COVID-19

All members of the University community have a role in creating and maintaining a COVID-19 resilient campus. There are several expectations that all community members, including students, are asked to follow for the safety of all: maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet while in UND facilities, wear face coverings during interactions with others and in the classroom, wash their hands often and use hand sanitizer, properly clean spaces that they utilize, and if experiencing any symptoms, stay home and call their health care provider. Students electing not to comply with any of the COVID-related requirements will not be permitted in the classroom and may be subject to disciplinary action. We encourage all members of the University community to choose to model positive behavior both on- and off-campus.

Information regarding the pandemic and UND’s efforts to create a COVID resilient campus is available at COVID-19. Please subscribe to stay up to date on COVID-related information. Students who test positive for COVID-19 or are identified as close contact are expected to immediately self-isolate/quarantine. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been placed in quarantine due to being identified as a close contact or travel we strongly recommend that you report the information to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities at 701-777-2664 or online at https://veoci.com/veoci/p/w/ss2x4cq9238u. Doing so will ensure students have the support they need to continue with their academic goals and to protect others.