Exercise Sciences 365

General Learning Objectives:

At the end of this course, students will have an increased understanding of how mechanical principles (i.e., principles concerning force and corresponding motion) influence/explain human motion during everyday life. Special emphasis will be given to the influence of mechanics on human exercise and sport. Topics that will be covered during this course include force, torque, linear and angular motion (kinematics), fluid mechanics, and some mechanical characteristics of muscles, bones, and connective tissue. It is my intent that students will improve their think, speak, and write more clearly, as a result of their participation in this class.

Class Details:

Monday/Wednesday 10-11am
255 SFH

Textbook:

(not required)
Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise by Peter M. McGinnis
The text is not required to accomplish the learning objectives related to this course, however, you might benefit from having access to a textbook (your own or one that belongs to a classmate). The book might provide a different voice regarding complex topics and can certainly provide more practice problems that are representative of the problems you will see on the exams. I don't have a preference for one edition of the text over another (buy the cheapest edition you can find).

Class Website:

The class website can be accessed through my BYU biomechanics website: biomech.byu.edu. This website provides the learning outcomes (listed as learning objectives) for all chapters and outlines for some chapters, as well as links to other relevant information. Use your BYU NetID and password to log into the class website.

Course Calendar:

The tentative course calendar can be accessed on the class site at: learningsuite.byu.edu
MATH: You will need some basic algebra and trigonometry skills to complete this course. If your math skills are rusty, I recommend that you review this document as soon as possible.

Course Requirements:

During this course you will be required to complete 14 small assignments that each correspond to different reading assignments and classroom material (see schedule and the assignments tab on learningsuite.byu.edu), two midterm exams, and one final exam. Related to your final grade, each of these requirements are weighted differently (see the Assessment Breakdown below). The course requirements are described in more detail below. Except under extraordinary circumstances (life-threatening illnesses, car crashes, etc.), I do not accept late work.

Small Assignments:

Throughout the semester, you will be required to complete 14 small assignments (see schedule and the assignments tab on learningsuite.byu.edu). Each of these assignments will count for 2.5% of your final grade. It is my intent that these assignments will evaluate your understanding of the reading assignments and corresponding classroom concepts, as well as your ability to organize and articulate ideas in a written format. Each assignment will be turned in electronically, via BYU Learning Suite (learningsuite.byu.edu). The due date for each assignment is provided on the class schedule at BYU Learning Suite.

Exams:

Two midterm exams and one comprehensive final exam will be given. Each exam will consist of free response questions. The midterm exams will be administered in the testing center. The final exam will be administered in our classroom on the date provided in the class schedule. You must take the final at the scheduled time.

Attendance:

Other than for the final exam, I do not require or record attendance. I sincerely hope, however, that you will attend class regularly and find that class time is worthwhile and interesting. I value your time, and I will try to use class time in a valuable way to complete activities that could not be accomplished by yourself on your own time. Generally, students who attend and participate in class regularly understand the material better, more fully appreciate the significant role that the laws of mechanics play in our everyday lives, and perform better on the exams.

Academic Honesty:

The first injunction of the BYU Honor Code is the call to “be honest.” Students come to the university not only to improve their minds, gain knowledge, and develop skills that will assist them in their life’s work, but also to build character. President David O. McKay taught that “character is the highest aim of education” (The Aims of a BYU Education, p. 6). It is the purpose of the BYU Academic Honesty Policy to assist in fulfilling that aim. BYU students should seek to be totally honest in their dealings with others. They should complete their own work and be evaluated based upon that work. They should avoid academic dishonesty and misconduct in all its forms, including but not limited to plagiarism, fabrication or falsification, cheating, and other academic misconduct.

Preventing Sexual Harassment:

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds. The act is intended to eliminate sex discrimination in education. Title IX covers discrimination in programs, admissions, activities, and student-to-student sexual harassment. BYU’s policy against sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university, but to students as well. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender based discrimination, please talk to your professor; contact the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895 or 367-5689 (24-hours); or contact the Honor Code Office at 422-2847.

Students with Disabilities:

Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere, which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the University Accessibility Center (UAC) Office (422-2767). Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified, documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by the UAC Office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures. You should contact the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895, D-285 ASB.

Diversity:

A classroom is similar to the workplace. In the workplace, it is illegal to discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age. Furthermore, we believe Christ would never belittle anyone based on their race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age. Therefore, we feel strongly that no one in a classroom should be belittled for any reason. If you experience such an offense in any class in this Department (caused either by the instructor or a fellow student), we strongly encourage you to contact the Department Chair.

Dress and Grooming:

“The dress and grooming of both men and women should always be modest, neat, and clean consistent with the dignity adherent to representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and any of its institutions of higher education.” Students understand and have committed to obey this policy, thus instructors or other students should never be placed in the uncomfortable situation of having to remind someone of adhering to the sacred honor they have pledged.

Use of Technology in the Classroom:

Technology is an essential part of today’s learning environment. However, technology, when used inappropriately, can also hinder learning. Most students have, at some point, sat next to students who use their laptops or phones in class to check e-mail, talk to friends, instant message, search the internet, or play on-line games. Unfortunately, other people who are sitting around such students are often distracted by this behavior and classroom learning decreases. Please respect your fellow students and professors and refrain from the aforementioned distractive behaviors. This would naturally include not reading newspapers, doing work for another class, or other potentially disruptive activities not associated with the class in session.