Academics

This program satisfies Experiential Education (EE) for those in the Making Connections curriculum and HI-ABROAD for those in IDEAs in Action.

EXSS 290H: Smart and Connected Teams (3 credits)

Professor Adam Kiefer

Futbol Club Barcelona and the Barça Innovation Hub (BiHub) model specifically will serve as an anchor point for this course as we explore sport science technologies, methodologies, and analytic approaches that connect data, people, and systems to enhance athlete health and performance. Through a partnership with FC Barcelona’s Team Sports area and the associated infrastructure, we will survey approaches from computer and information science, data science, engineering, movement science, and the combination of these for applications to individual athletes and teams. Topics will include multimodal performance measurement and assessment, artificial intelligence/machine learning, data management and visualization, cyberphysical systems, mixed reality simulation technologies and behavioral modeling. The course will culminate with a small-scale on-field research experience at the famous Barca Escola—the flagship FC Barcelona training school for boys and girls between 6-18 years of age.

“Our time in Barcelona was equally inspiring, from a talk on data literacy in sports at INEFC, Univeristat de Barcelona, to visits with the CEO and CTO at Kognia Sports Intelligence, and a discussion of olympic athlete development and tour of CAR Sant Cugat. A highlight was hearing from a former coach on the “Barcelona Way” of fútbol, in which he shared fascinating insights into his training philosophies and work with Barcelona legend, Xavi. Shadowing strength training practitioners during elite athlete training was an enlightening experience that showcased the innovative use of technology in the sports industry. Their expertise and passion were truly inspiring, particularly their use of inertia machines for precise and effective athlete rehabilitation. This experience has greatly enriched my understanding and motivated me to explore further possibilities in this dynamic field.” – 2024 Participant

Cultural Immersion

Beyond the acadmic focus, the program takes place in the heart of Barcelona, a vibrant Mediterranean city known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and dynamic cultural life. From the world-renowned works of Antoni Gaudí — like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell — to the lively streets of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Students will have free time to explore the city’s diverse culinary scene, bustling markets, and beaches, and can immerse themselves in the Catalan culture that distinguishes this unique region of Spain. Barcelona’s mix of historic landmarks, modern innovation, and artistic energy provides the perfect backdrop for an educational experience, that extends far beyond the classroom. The program also includes a day trip to the charming city of Girona, known for its medieval architecture and cultural significance.