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MATSE 120 - Materials and the Games People Play

This is a sample syllabus.

This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.

Overview

The world of sports and recreation and materials science and engineering have been together intertwined from the beginning. As a consequence, as the world of materials has evolved, so too has the world of sports and recreation. In the course, we will explore the history of sports, recreation, and the materials they depend on. We will explore how the evolution of materials technology has enabled a revolution in sports and recreation. From shoes to baseball bats to carbon fiber, we will cover the fields in terms of individuals and teams, outdoors and indoors, real and virtual. This is an introductory course to both subjects as for many of these investigations, you could create a separate, stand-alone course. By the end of the semester, we will have a fundamental understanding of materials science and engineering and be able to engage in meaningful conversation about how materials have changed, the games people play.

Objectives

Students who excel in this course are able to:

  1. Identify and describe the relationships between the structure and property of various materials used in sport and recreation.
  2. Discuss the historical evolution of games and their broader impacts.
  3. Assess the quality of play that materials have imparted with respect to performance, accessibility, and safety through the history of games.
  4. Discuss how materials are selected for a specific application based on the material's attributes.

Required Materials

The materials listed here represent those that may be included in this course. Students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.

Yellowdig is a required technology. There is a small for for the semester. 

Prerequisites

None

Expectations

We have worked hard to make this the most effective and convenient educational experience possible. How much and how well you learn is dependent on your attitude, diligence, and willingness to ask for clarifications or help when you need them. We are here to help you succeed. Please keep up with the class schedule and take advantage of opportunities to communicate with us and with your fellow students. You can expect to spend an average of 12 – 15 hours per week on class work.

Major Assignments

  • 7 Yellowdig online discussions: 40%
  • 4 Exams: 30%
  • Numerous Reading Comprehension Quizzes: 20%
  • 1 Final Exam: 10%

Course Schedule

Course Schedule
LessonWeekTopicAssignment
11Materials and Exercise

Yellowdig discussions

Reading comprehension quizzes

End of lesson quiz

22Materials and Sports

Yellowdig discussions

Reading comprehension quizzes

23Materials and Sports, cont.

Yellowdig discussions

Reading comprehension quizzes

24Materials and Sports, cont.

Yellowdig discussions

Reading comprehension quizzes

End of lesson quiz

35Materials and Games

Yellowdig discussions

Reading comprehension quizzes

36Materials and Games, cont.

Yellowdig discussions

Reading comprehension quizzes

End of lesson quiz

47Materials and Recreation

Yellowdig discussions

Reading comprehension quizzes

End of lesson quiz

Final Exam