Free course

The science behind wheeled sports

Free statement of participation on completion
The science behind wheeled sports
More about this course

Course description

Course content

Course reviews

This free course, The science behind wheeled sports, focuses on cycling and wheelchair racing: what we might collectively call wheeled sports. The Scientific concepts such as force, acceleration and speed are also useful for understanding these sports. However, cycling and wheelchair racing differ from other sports in that technology more obviously plays an important role.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • understand forces and their role in determining performance in sport
  • understand the science behind new technologies, and their impact on sport
  • apply this knowledge and understanding to familiar and unfamiliar situations
  • express course concepts in an objective and factually correct way
  • make sense of a variety of information sources, including textual, numerical, graphical and video material.

First Published: 09/08/2012

Updated: 24/01/2019

You can start this course right now without signing-up. Click on any of the course content sections below to start at any point in this course.
If you want to be able to track your progress, earn a free Statement of Participation, and access all course quizzes and activities, sign-up.

Course content

Expand all course content
Skip Your course resources

For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.

Have a question?

Take your learning further

Making the decision to study can be a big step, which is why you'll want a trusted University. The Open University has 50 years’ experience delivering flexible learning and 170,000 students are studying with us right now. Take a look at all Open University courses.

If you are new to university level study, find out more about the types of qualifications we offer, including our entry level Access courses and Certificates.

Not ready for University study then browse over 900 free courses on OpenLearn and sign up to our newsletter to hear about new free courses as they are released.

Every year, thousands of students decide to study with The Open University. With over 120 qualifications, we’ve got the right course for you.

Request an Open University prospectus

S172_1