Instructor: James A. Yaggie, PhD, RKT

Office: ENS #317

Phone: 594-2392

e-mail: jyaggie@mail.sdsu.edu

Office hours: MW 9-10AM or by appointment

Materials: The Biomechanics of Sports Techniques, 4^th ed by Hay

Prerequisite: ENS 303

Objectives:

1. Define biomechanics and understand its role in the study of human movement.

2. Identify kinematic variables in human movement and apply kinematics in analyzing human movement.

3. Identify kinetic variables in human movement and demonstrate competency in using different types of kinetic relationships to analyze human movement.

4. Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative analyses of human movement from a biomechanical perspective.

5. Identify structural and mechanical factors that affect successful performance in selected fundamental movement patterns.

6. Perform a systematic qualitative biomechanical analysis at a basic level.

7. Apply the principles of biomechanics in the qualitative analysis of several fundamental movement patterns.

Evaluation Components and Grading:

Course evaluation will be based upon a point system that includes the following components (described more specifically in the following pages):

Component	Points
Exam #1	100
Exam #2	100
Exam # 3	100
Total Points Possible	300

Grades will be assigned according to the following schedule:

Points	Grade	Points	Grade
278 - 300	A	224 - 232	C
269 - 277	A-	215 - 223	C-
260 - 268	B+	206 - 214	D+
251 - 259	B	197 - 205	D
242 - 250	B-	188 - 196	D-
233 - 241	C+	0 - 187	F

Exams:

There will be 3 exams during the semester. Exams will comprise of both multiple choice and short essay/calculation formats. There is an exam after each 5-week unit. Each exam covers one-third of the course material and each exam grade will comprise one-third (33.3%) of your final course grade. Exams must be taken at the scheduled times. However, under truly exceptional circumstances, a student may be permitted to take an examination at some mutually agreed time, provided that prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.

** All exam dates are tentatively scheduled and may change. Students will get at least 1-week advanced notice for any date adjustments.

Homework:

Homework assignments may be given during the semester. These assignments are for the purpose of practicing mathematical skills and comprehension of the concepts covered in class. The assignments are not graded, however, similar tasks will required on each of the tests.

Course Topics:

Topics and order are subject to change, however the general organization of the course will be as follows:

Week 1 - 5: Readings in Chapters 1-4

Course introduction

· Forms of motion (translation, rotation, general, absolute and relative)

Kinematics:

Linear & angular motion
Scalars and vectors

Distance/displacement, speed/velocity, acceleration

Review of trigonometry & calculator usage
Relationship between linear and angular motion
Acquisition, analysis & interpretation of Kinematic data
Mechanics of projectiles

Exam #1 – Tentatively scheduled for February 19^th

Week 6 - 10

Kinetics: Readings in Chapters 5-8

Forces and linear motion
Internal and external forces
Newton’s Laws of Motion and linear kinetics
Six significant forces

Weight
Normal reaction
Friction
Buoyancy
Drag
Lift

Exam #2 – Tentatively scheduled for April 1^st

Week 11 - 15: Readings in Chapters 6, 9-11

Angular kinetics:

Computation of tendon loads and anatomical moment arms
Mechanics of strength training machines
Stability, concentric & eccentric forces
Center of gravity
Biomechanical analysis of selected gross motor activities.

Exam #3 – Set by the SDSU exam Schedule

Date: May 6^th

Time: 10:30 – 12:30 PM

Room#: ENS #291