I am a lecturer in sports biomechanics. I am involved in developing and delivering innovative materials within several areas of sport science including: sports biomechanics, performance analysis for elite sports and research methods. Underpinning my professional position, I am a BASES Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Before joining Abertay in 2016, I graduated from the University of the West of Scotland with a 1st class honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science in 2013. Following this, I completed a PhD at the University of the West of Scotland within the field of biomechanics, focusing on the kinematics and muscle activation patterns during the golf swing.
Currently, I teach and lead a range of modules associated with sport science. These include:
SPS103: Introduction to Anatomy and Biomechanics for Sport and Exercise
SPS308: Applied Biomechanics for Performance
SPS312 Research Methods
SPS400 Sport Project
SPS404 Student Negotiated Learning
SPS414 Performance Analysis for Elite Sport
I have been appointed as an external examiner for undergraduate and PhD programmes throughout the UK.
My research interests are focused primarily within the field of golf, particularly within the area of golf biomechanics and golf and health. I have presented some of my work at national and international conferences and published in journals such as Sports Medicine, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Journal of Sports Sciences and Journal of Physical Activity and Health.
2nd International Congress on Golf and Health - The impact of the closure and reopening of golf courses in the United Kingdom on wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asian Society of Sports Biomechanics Conference - An EMG study of the effect of hand grip sizes on forearm muscle activity and golf performance.
International Society of Biomechanics Conference - Static versus dynamic stretching in relation to improving golf drive performance.
As part of my outreach work, I am part of the Carnoustie Golf Links Research Hub Steering Group, which has a mission to make golf more accessible to all. I also work closely with several golf associations within the United Kingdom and worldwide, with the overall aim of understanding the benefits of playing golf.
Invited speaker at Carnoustie Golf Links - The physical health benefits of caddying.
s.hardie@abertay.ac.uk
01382 308587
j.babraj@abertay.ac.uk
01382 308165