Narrative
Before I describe the specific benefits that would be afforded the students in the department of Exercise Science & Health Promotion (ESHP), please know that our undergraduate program has doubled in size since 2009 with an estimated 1200 students making ESHP the 4th largest undergraduate program at FAU. Additionally, we enroll approximately 50+ graduate students. What I am asking for is to replace 10 eight year old computers housed, for student access, in our exercise science laboratory (FH 11A). This lab space is what we call our teaching lab wherein we deliver laboratory experiences to more than 300 students each term. Below find an explanation of how the 10 computers we are requesting would benefit ESHP students.
1. Students enrolled in biomechanics (offered 2 x p/yr. @ 25 ea.) and kinesiology (3 sections p/term @ 35 ea.) courses frequently study human movement by breaking down film frame by frame to understand movement mechanics and the musculoskeletal interactions that provide simple movement (e.g. flexion of the ankle) to complex movement sequences (e.g. throwing a ball). Current machine processors and memory offer painfully slow analysis/output. If we were using a current generation processor we could provide students with a much richer experience. I should also add that we would like to upload the latest in human anatomical software to supplement the kinesiology course but, again, find it unrealistic given the current machines in our lab.
2. We deliver 7-8 lab sections for our exercise testing/prescription course each term (20-25 students p/lab section). Selected key laboratory demonstrations in this course include electromyography (EMG) and electrocardiography (ECG). We rely on equipment to capture electrical signals output by contracting muscles (imagine pointing your toes during which we capture electrical current via surface electrodes over the muscles serving as prime movers) and the heart during each contraction (again you have electrodes on your chest which receive electrical signals from the heart – they go unidirectionally. These are hugely important demonstrations as students are informed about the rate and magnitude of electrical signaling in physiological systems (i.e. skeletal, cardio). What we want to do is upload simulation software to our lab computers so students can, through repetition, link theory to practice. Again, the current processors in our lab computers are limited.
Potentially, several hundred students will benefit from upgrading our laboratory computers. Specifically, upgrading our lab computers will allow us to run all available software (quickly) so that students who wish to work in the lab can do so with confidence. What I see more and more is 2-4 students huddled around the same machine running videos or simulations (although limited) as a way to study and share information. This appears to be extremely valuable as students are both informed and empowered by working together. Finally, the aforementioned laboratory experiences are key to our students being prepared to assume jobs in rehabilitation settings and to compete for graduate school in PT, OT and PA.
The costs: DELL quote #1025680070 10 machines @ $1,123.97 for a total request of $11,964.08
