FRS 004 — Sec. 014 — (2
unit) — CRN 53642 — T 9:00 – 10:50am — 153A
Hickey Gym
Insights Into Sport and Exercise Through Science
Instructor: Keith Williams, Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, College
of Biological Sciences
Description: Science is fundamental to many popular issues involving
sport and exercise - from recent controversies over performance-enhancing drugs
to concern over increasingly obese Americans to hawkers of fitness equipment in
late-night infomercials. This course will explore, in a user-friendly way, some
of the biomechanical and physiological principles that can help us better understand
issues related to sport and fitness and make our own judgments regarding when
something is fact and when it’s fallacy.
Format: The seminar will meet for two hours each week, with a
different topic covered each week. The time will be divided between informal lecture
presentations, discussion, and student presentations. The text for the course
will be “The Sweet Spot in Time” by John Jerome, with additional readings
provided. Grading: Students will write a short paper on
a topic relevant to the course content, to be chosen in consultation with the
instructor. Pass/No Pass grading will be used. Passing the course will be based
on the quality of the written paper -- 4 to 6 pages (40%) and including revision
of a draft paper, on a ten minute oral presentation related to one of the weekly
topics (20%), on several brief one page written assignments (15%), and on the
frequency and quality of participation in class discussion (25%).
About the Instructor: Professor Keith Williams is a member of
the faculty of Neuroscience, Physiology and Behavior and teaches in the Exercise
Biology program. His research and teaching focus in the area of the biomechanics
of human movement and how mechanical and biological concepts can further our understanding
of why we move the way we do. He also has an interest in the practical side of
sport science, having consulted in the athletic footwear industry for many years
and participated in a program analyzing the biomechanics of elite distance runners.