Using the entrepreneurial mindset to master kinematics and human body motion in a biomechanics course

Abstract

Engineering analysis of the human body through kinematics and dynamic motion can be a challenging task that is daunting to undergraduate students. The mastery of dynamics in a biomedical engineering program starts by creating a framework of understanding in dynamics, kinematics, calculus and a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology. Most critically, is to develop a concrete knowledge of joint movement, kinesiology and gait, as well as current technologies used to analyze human body motion [1]. Students then must combine this knowledge with the comprehension of applied forces and muscle mechanics to understand how the body generates power to create locomotion [2]. The literature is significantly lacking opportunities to teach this content while also considering entrepreneurial mindset and applied applications of biomechanics. Educators should move towards a course structure that requires students to apply concepts to project-based learning and think innovatively in the field of biomechanics. Students will greatly benefit from using concepts in kinetics and kinematics in an application that also trains them on business planning, cost analysis of new biotechnology and market analysis. There is a need to introduce engineers to the entrepreneurial mindset which can help to engage students in the course material and become more curious about the world around them. This paper aims to demonstrate how a semester-long human body motion analysis project can teach innovation and business skills in the engineering classroom through the use of an entrepreneurially minded learning (EML) module.