Metahuman Studies - Course Listing

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-MHS101Y Introduction to Metahuman Studies
Instructor: Staff

Covering the basic elements that are germane to metahuman studies, this course
endeavours to give the neophyte an overview of the major developments in metahuman
studies from 1935 to the present. Various "Golden Age" heroes and Mystery Men will be
studied along with the more recent metahumans of 1961 to the present day. Distinctions
will be made between the merely superlative humans in the field and the truly metahuman.
Among the main topics of the course:

• History of Metahuman activity
• Vigilantes vs. true Metahumans
• Basic genome manipulation
• Techniques for detection and development of the metagene.

One of the most effective, albeit unpredictable, methods of invoking the
metagene is through the use of highly radioactive bombardment. While the
success:failure ratio for such experimentation hovers near the 1:3500 mark it
is still favoured by many members in the field. Topics covered will include:

• Gamma and Beta-Ray bombardment
• Irradiated Bio-Zoological Mediation
• Emotional response and controlled transmutation

The presence of metagene physical enhancements severely effects the way in which
one ought to approach physical conflict. In this course Mr. Rogers will go through
various methods of utilising one's own metahuman abilities in combat situations,
as well as countering those of one's opponent. Students are assumed to have high
competence in all open hand combat techniques against normals.

Pre-requisites: MAS345Y, MAS444Y

Relying on a combination of ancient technique and highly advanced cybernetics
and specializing in anti-terrorist infiltration, the Science Ninja is a relatively
new form of metahuman. First seen in the late 1970's, the science ninja displayed
skills such as: basic transmutation, advanced relfexes and perception, superior
strength and a certain affinity with mechanical devices. They are also known for
the use of advanced technological weapons and vehicles such as the super-car, super-bike
and feather shuriken. All aspects of the development and implementation of the science
ninja will be covered.

Exploding onto the scene in the early to mid 1980's, the devolutionary human
displayed some truly bizarre innovations. Their most highly advanced ability seemed
to be in the realm of witty repartee, though their grasp of pernicious logic was also
a formidable weapon. Their affection for technology (esp. electronic noise) and
(de)evolutionary processes was characteristic.

(May also include discussion of the Eternals and Deviants of Mu if time permits).

This course covers some of the varied implications of extra-terrestrial involvement
in metahuman affairs. Topics covered will include:

• Skrull, Durlans and other true shapeshifters
• The Shi'Ar empire and mutagenesis
• The Kree, Inhumans and Terrigen Mist transmutations
• Oans, Qwardians and other energy manipulators
• Thanagarians, Raanians and advanced barbarian technology

Regardless of the power weilded through the metagene, the use of hyper-advanced
technology is a requirement for success in the field. In this course Dr. Tarleton
will cover all aspects of both mobile field gadgetry and the more permanent technologies
required for any secret base of operations (S.B.O.) worth its salt. There may also
be some delving into artificial meta-development of cerebral processes, time permitting.

While the design of useful and powerful human-computer interfaces is a complex
science in its own right, the challenges of designing for the metahman user are
both singular and many. Many of the assumptions made in traditional HCI design
are rendered obsolete or irrelevant by the typical metahuman physiology and
psychology. This course will present the advanced Computer Science student with
an overview of the unique challenges of MHCI design theory, but will primarily
involve the practical application of these theories to a design problem each
student will define in conjunction with the course teaching assistant, subject to
Prof. Kalway's approval.

Pre-requisites: Students are expected to be proficient in COBOL, FORTRAN and
Visual C++, and must have completed at least 4 half courses in both metahuman
studies and computer science.

This course gives the advanced Metahuman studies student the opportunity to go
into the field and test extant theories and methodology. Those with a double-major
in Martial Science may opt for a completely combat oriented field test, while
those in the Metaphysic/Cosmology programs will likely center their research
on issues such as:

• Combination of chemical compounds with electro-magnetic energy to induce mutagenesis.
• Grafting onto chthonic avatar forces and/or morphogenic fields.
• Development of a meta-mutational serum or compound.
• Searching for lost alien and/or ancient artifacts of power.

Note: students are responsible to sign all damage/injury waivers prior to enrolment and must find their own test subjects.