KIN 335 - Biomechanics
Overview and Objectives: The purpose of KIN 335 is to introduce students to concepts of mechanics as they apply to human movement, particularly those pertaining to exercise, sport, and physical activity. The student should gain an understanding of the mechanical and anatomical principles that govern human motion and develop the ability to link the structure of the human body with its function from a mechanical perspective. At the completion of this course it is desired that each student be able to: 1) describe motion with precise, well-defined mechanical and anatomical terminology; 2) understand and quantify linear and angular characteristics of motion; 3) understand the quantitative relationships between angular and linear motion characteristics of a rotating body; and 4) understand and quantify the cause and effect relationship between force and linear and angular motion. Required textbook: McGinnis, P.M. (1999). Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Assigned readings: Additional readings from the biomechanics literature will be assigned for lecture and lab discussions. Readings will be available in the main office of PEBE (107B) and in the Biomechanics Lab (PEBE 177). Reading assignments accompanying the lectures are noted on the calendar below. Laboratory reading assignments are identified in the laboratory handouts. Other materials: The following items are also required for this course: 1) a scientific calculator (with trigonometric functions), 2) a ruler with mm increments; and 3) the KIN 335 course notes. The course notes will be made available online at least 24 hours prior to the lecture in which they will be introduced. It is the students' responsibility for printing these notes and bringing them to class.
Your course grade will be based on 400 possible points. The following represents the point breakdown for assigned letter grades using a 90-80-70-60 scale.
I DO NOT CURVE the grades that are earned during exams, quizzes or individual assignments. Depending on the final distributions of scores, however, I may chose to use a plus/minus to reward those students who are especially close to the next higher letter grade (e.g., 78.5% may be either a C+ or B ). I will not use the plus/minus scale to lower your grade (e.g., 70.1% will be a C, not a C or D+). Attendance: Attendance is not formally part of the course grading system. However, you are expected to attend all lecture and lab sessions and to arrive in class at or before the designated starting time. You are solely responsible for obtaining any and all course-related materials that might have been missed because of an absence. Late policy: All assignments will have a specific due date. A 5% deduction will be made for each 24-hour period (beginning at the start of the class period on the due date) that an assignment is turned in late. Note that any late assignment must be turned in directly to the secretary in the main office of PEBE (107B) and time stamped. Neither missing class nor arriving late for class on the day an assignment is due prevents you from incurring a late penalty. Once an assignment is handed back, no late assignments will be accepted. Exam and Quiz Format: Exams and quizzes will consist of both objective and subjective material. The objective portion of the test may include but is not limited to: Multiple Choice; True/False; True/False Correction; Matching. The subjective portion may include but is not limited to Mathematical Problems; Short Essay; Applied Analysis; Drawing and Labeling. There will be three exams during the Fall semester (including the final). Since each class builds upon the material covered in the previous class, all exams may be thought of as being comprehensive. There will be a minimum of 6 quizzes during the Fall semester. If more than 6 quizzes are given, only your best 6 quiz scores will count toward your final course grade. Quizzes may be given during either lab or lecture periods. Quizzes may be either announced or unannounced. Quizzes will always relate to topics covered in lecture and/or laboratory. Laboratory Procedures: Laboratory sessions have been scheduled to correspond with the lecture material. These labs are scheduled for Wednesdays. Each section will meet in the Biomechanics laboratory (PEBE 177) unless otherwise noted. Attendance: Laboratory attendance is mandatory for successful completion of this course. However, if you know you will be unable to attend your normally scheduled lab session you may attend the other session taught by the lab instructor if you receive approval from the instructor at least 1 day prior to the date you will miss. If this is not possible then you must see the lab instructor to make alternate arrangements. You may not switch lab sections without the lab instructor's prior approval. Laboratory Handouts: All handouts will be made available online at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled lab. This will allow you to read the material and come prepared to lab. If you have questions, these can be answered at the beginning of the lab. The handouts will outline the purpose, procedures, analysis and discussion questions for the lab. Many times, assigned readings will be made available for reading and/or copying in the main office of PEBE (107B) and in the biomechanics lab (PEBE 177). These papers are not optional and it is your responsibility to read them. They will definitely be reflected in exams and quizzes. Bonus Point Opportunities: Up to 20 bonus points may be awarded for successful completion of various assignments given during the semester. You will be notified of these opportunities as they become available. Extra Help/Tutoring Opportunities: Any student having difficulty with the material in the course is first encouraged to see me outside of class for help. I am willing to do just about anything to help you understand the material that is presented in this class (I have actually stood on my head before!). The easiest time to reach me is during my office hours but you can schedule another time if it is mutually convenient. In the event that you desire additional help, I will be happy to help you locate a tutor. Writing Format: All written work-handwritten and typewritten-must be presented to me in the following manner:
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