Students from South East Technological University’s (SETU) Department of Health and Sports Science (HSS) switched the classroom for the ocean as they engaged in an innovative outdoor learning experience of exploring physics through surfing.
Inspired by SETU physics lecturer and surfer Dr Amanda Barry, and fellow SETU physics lecturer Dr Gary Cahill, this transformative approach to health and sports science education was created to bridge the gap between physics theory and real-world applications in health science and sports performance and rehabilitation.
'Understanding forces and motion, sports performance, and injury prevention'
Dr Barry, who has a passion for innovative education, highlighted the significance of physics in health and sports science. She explained: “Physics, the study of nature’s forces, plays a crucial role in understanding forces and motion, sports performance, and injury prevention. However, it can be a daunting subject matter for many, and its abstract concepts can feel disconnected from real life. Learning beyond the classroom helps students gain a deeper appreciation for how physics shapes movement, balance, and performance in a high-energy, hands-on setting, making it more accessible and relevant.”
The immersive experience was developed so that students could apply key physics concepts such as kinematics, kinetics, waves and vibrations, and thermodynamics to real-world scenarios in health and physiology, sports and exercise science, sports rehabilitation, and athletic therapy.
Dr Paula Rankin, Head of the Faculty of Science and Health Sciences at SETU said: “Active learning is a key element in our undergraduate teaching approach at SETU. This SATLE funded project, led by Dr Amanda Barry, exemplifies the meaning of active learning.
"First year students in the Department of Health and Sport Science have been given the opportunity to learn physics in a real-world context, and what better way to do that than through surfing! Concepts such as force, buoyancy, work and energy transfer are suddenly very real to them and demonstrates how physics is relevant to their programme of study and real-life activities.”
This initiative brought more than 100 students to Tramore, where they received expert instruction from surf instructors from the Freedom Surf School and Water Safety Ireland’s beach lifeguard trainers.
Promoting water safety awareness
Councillor Lola O’Sullivan, Chair of Waterford Water Safety, hosted the event at the National Beach Lifeguard Training Centre. Cllr O’Sullivan praised the initiative, emphasising its role in equipping students with critical skills while promoting water safety awareness.
"Water Safety Ireland’s commitment to teaching and training lifeguards and surf instructors, highlights a crucial link between STEM and water safety. Its partnership with physics at SETU unites expertise in water safety and scientific innovation, enhancing education and making every water-based activity a practical lesson in the power of physics."
SETU’s HSS students are given practical and academic training to improve the lives of individuals in their communities, aligning with SETU’s role in positively impacting the region. SETU is committed to innovative education that enhances student learning.
Through integrating STEM with practical applications in health and sports sciences, SETU is fostering a new generation of professionals equipped with the scientific knowledge necessary to drive advancements in health science, sports performance and rehabilitation.