FRS 001T —
Sec. 001 —
(1 unit) — CRN 55886 — M 3:10-4:00pm — 2033 Bainer
Bicycles and Bicyclists
Instructor: Bruce Hartsough, Department of Biological &
Agricultural
Engineering, College of Engineering
Description: We will cover basic aspects of the
physical principles
associated with bicycles, and simple concepts in engineering and
materials science
that tie in with bicycle design. We’ll then focus on the rider as brawn:
a power source and energy conversion device, and a person who needs
to be properly
trained and clothed to perform optimally. We’ll look at some of
the brainy
aspects such as cycling behavior and mental distance thresholds.
Finally, we’ll
investigate bicycle facilities. Hopefully, students will gain a
heightened respect
for and understanding of a means of transportation that many people
take for granted.
They may become better cyclists as well.
Format: The class will meet for an hour during each
of nine weeks.
The time will be divided between informal lecture presentations,
discussion, and
student presentations. Some reading material will be provided;
students will conduct
brief literature searches to find other material. There is no text
for the course.
In pairs, class members will read background material on one of the
above topics
and prepare short presentations on the topics. During one hour
outside of class,
they will clandestinely observe the behavior of riders on campus. Each pair of
students will prepare a short paper (3 to 5 pages) and then an oral
presentation
on a topic within those covered in the course, to be chosen in
consultation with
the instructor. Grading: The grade will be based on the
quality of the paper (1/3), the oral presentation (1/3) and on the
frequency and
quality of participation in class discussion (1/3).
About the Instructor: Professor Hartsough is in the Department
of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. His research is aimed at
solving problems
in forestry such as high fire hazard due to accumulations of biomass fuel. He
learned to ride a bicycle in sixth grade; the experience was better than eating
ice cream. He commutes to work by bike and has crossed the U.S. on two wheels.
He finished first in the Davis Double Century, in 1974 on his trusty Peugeot,
then in 1981 with his brother on a Saturn tandem.