BioLab

"Improving accessibility and enhancing the quality of sport and exercise biomechanics teaching and learning."

Biomechanics is considered by many as a difficult subject to teach, lacks dedicated laboratories, qualified technicians and experienced teaching staff, but nevertheless is an essential element of sport and exercise science. The BioLab project aimed to alleviate this lack. The BioLab project was HEFCE funded via the HEA FDTL5 initiative whose aims are twofold: to stimulate developments in teaching and learning; and to secure the widest possible involvement of institutions in the take-up and implementation of good practices. For further information on FDTL5 go to the HEA FDTL website by clicking here. For the initial first two years the project was led by De Montfort University and partnered by Manchester Metropolitan University. For the last two years of funding the lead partner became the University of Bedfordshire with the continuing support of Manchester Metropolitan University, until its conclusion in October 2008.

Goals

still from a high speed video of a tennis serve

The project’s main aim was to improve accessibility and enhance the quality of sport and exercise biomechanics teaching and learning within sport-related courses by producing and evaluating a biomechanics Toolbox (BioLab) for tutors, thereby increasing the opportunities for students to study biomechanics from an HE entry level through to degree level and beyond (Strand 1). In its final phase, the project widened its scope to also examine generic problems, support issues and coping strategies associated with non-specialists teaching specialist subjects (Strand 2).

Project outcomes

The project produced:

  • A DDA compliant, three module teaching resource package for biomechanics teaching covering the three main areas of: Linear Kinematics; Linear Kinetics; and Angular Kinematics. [This included lecture notes, labs, tutorials, assessments, high-speed video and data sheets].
  • A report that examined the generic problems, support issues and coping strategies associated with non-specialists teaching specialist subjects.

Examples of the teaching package are available from the 'Downloads' section of this site, accessible using the link on the blue navigation bar on the left of this page.

Programme of work

The project addressed two separate strands:

Strand 1 (The Content): Production and evaluation of a three module teaching resource package

  • Reviewed current provision of biomechanics teaching in HE and HE in FE.
  • Produced and distributed the pilot resource to a small evaluation group.
  • Evaluated the resource using a variety of methods [including questionnaires, interviews, and reflective logs], and modified the resource where appropriate.
  • Evaluated the potential of a wiki in developing a community of practice and providing support for the non-specialist teaching biomechanics.
  • Produced several reports on elements within the strand.
still from a high speed video of a cricket stroke

Strand 2 (The Non-Specialists): Examination of generic problems, support issues and coping strategies associated with non-specialists teaching specialist subjects

  • Conducted a literature review of current research into the subject area.
  • Data were collected from a range of disciplines within the HE and HE in FE community [interviews and focus groups].
  • Evaluated findings and produced a report.