Exercise Science
The Exercise Science Department is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for allied health, human movement, and physical education career opportunities. Coursework in the major that contributes to the understanding of human movement includes:
- biomechanics
- exercise physiology
- motor learning and development
- nutrition
The program is augmented by foundational courses in:
- anatomy
- physiology
- psychology
- biology
- chemistry
- physics
Many of the careers associated with a degree in exercise science require additional education, certification, or licensure beyond an undergraduate degree. As such, upon graduation, students are prepared to enter additional educational programs in:
- medicine
- physical therapy
- athletic training/sports medicine
- exercise physiology
- biomechanics
- fitness management
- nutrition
- teaching physical education
- other health and movement related fields
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
The Exercise Science Department offers three emphasis areas for the Bachelor of Science degree:
- Health Professions
- Human Performance
- Pedagogy/Teaching Physical Education
The Exercise Science Department emphasizes a “hands on” approach to learning with laboratory experiences for many of its courses. In addition, the Department is committed to undergraduate research as a key element of the academic experience. Students are exposed to research throughout the program, culminating in an independent research project in their terminal experience. Students are encouraged to participate in internships and volunteer throughout the community in venues relating to their particular emphasis and future professional aspirations.
Course Requirements by Emphasis Area
Health Professions
63-66 credits minimum, 23-25 credits upper division.
EXSC 201/201L | Functional Anatomy and Functional Anatomy Lab 1 | 4 |
EXSC 202/202L | Exercise Physiology and Exercise Physiology Lab 1 | 4 |
EXSC 301/301L | Biomechanics and Biomechanics Lab | 4 |
EXSC 302 | Motor Development Across a Life Span | 3 |
EXSC 494 | Capstone | 2 |
BIOL 120 | Introduction to Ecology and Populations | 3 |
BIOL 121 | Introduction to Cells and Organisms | 3 |
BIOL 123L | Introduction to Biological Experimentation I | 2 |
BIOL 124L | Introduction to Biological Experimentation II | 2 |
CHEM 151 | General Chemistry | 4 |
CHEM 151L | General Chemistry Lab | 1 |
CHEM 152 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
CHEM 152L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
Select one of the following: | 4-5 | |
Mechanics and Thermodynamics-Algebra and Mechanics and Thermodynamics-Algebra Lab | ||
Mechanics and Thermodynamics-Calculus and Mechanics and Thermodynamics-Calculus Lab | ||
Select one of the following: | 4-5 | |
Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics - Algebra and Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics - Algebra Lab | ||
Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics - Calculus and Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics - Calculus Lab (Select one of the following:) | ||
PSYC 222 | Abnormal Psychology | 4 |
EXSC 300 | Exercise Prescription | 3 |
EXSC 325 | Statistics and Research Methods in Exercise Science | 4 |
Select two of the following: * | 8 | |
Microbiology and Microbiology Lab | ||
Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Lab | ||
Biochemistry and Biochemistry Lab | ||
Motor Learning and Control | ||
Advanced Biomechanics and Advanced Biomechanics Lab | ||
Advanced Exercise Physiology and Advanced Exercise Physiology Laboratory | ||
Clinical Exercise Prescription | ||
Child and Adolescent Development | ||
Adult Development and Aging | ||
Physiological Psychology | ||
Total Hours | 64-66 |
* | Two additional courses chosen in consultation with an adviser. |
Required Supporting Courses
Support courses are those courses from outside the department that fulfill foundational knowledge requirements (prerequisites) for students in Exercise Science.
BIOL 223/223L | Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Lab | 4 |
BIOL 224/224L | Human Physiology and Human Physiology Lab | 4 |
PSYC 200 | General Psychology | 4 |
Total Hours | 12 |
1 | BIOL 223 and BIOL 224 (Anatomy and Physiology) are prerequisites for EXSC 201 (Functional Anatomy) and EXSC 202 (Exercise Physiology). Students are advised to take Anatomy and Physiology as early as possible in their course sequence. |
Human Performance
60 credits minimum, 38 credits upper division.
EXSC 201/201L | Functional Anatomy and Functional Anatomy Lab 1 | 4 |
EXSC 202/202L | Exercise Physiology and Exercise Physiology Lab 1 | 4 |
EXSC 301/301L | Biomechanics and Biomechanics Lab | 4 |
EXSC 302 | Motor Development Across a Life Span | 3 |
EXSC 494 | Capstone | 2 |
EXSC 300 | Exercise Prescription | 3 |
EXSC 303 | Nutrition | 3 |
EXSC 325 | Statistics and Research Methods in Exercise Science | 4 |
EXSC 340 | Motor Learning and Control | 4 |
EXSC 401/401L | Advanced Biomechanics and Advanced Biomechanics Lab | 4 |
EXSC 470/470L | Advanced Exercise Physiology and Advanced Exercise Physiology Laboratory | 4 |
EXSC 480 | Social Psychology of Sport | 4 |
EXSC 487 | Clinical Exercise Prescription | 3 |
CHEM 151 | General Chemistry | 4 |
CHEM 151L | General Chemistry Lab | 1 |
CHEM 152 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
CHEM 152L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
Select one of the following: | 4-5 | |
Mechanics and Thermodynamics-Algebra and Mechanics and Thermodynamics-Algebra Lab | ||
Mechanics and Thermodynamics-Calculus and Mechanics and Thermodynamics-Calculus Lab | ||
Total Hours | 60-61 |
Required Supporting Courses
Support courses are those courses from outside the department that fulfill foundational knowledge requirements (prerequisites) for students in Exercise Science.
BIOL 223/223L | Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Lab | 4 |
BIOL 224/224L | Human Physiology and Human Physiology Lab | 4 |
MATH 151 | Precalculus | 4 |
PSYC 200 | General Psychology | 4 |
Total Hours | 16 |
1 | BIOL 223 and BIOL 224 (Anatomy and Physiology) are prerequisites for EXSC 201 (Functional Anatomy) and EXSC 202 (Exercise Physiology). Students are advised to take Anatomy and Physiology as early as possible in their course sequence. |
Pedagogy/Teaching
62 credits minimum, 39 credits upper division.
EXSC 201/201L | Functional Anatomy and Functional Anatomy Lab 1 | 4 |
EXSC 202/202L | Exercise Physiology and Exercise Physiology Lab 1 | 4 |
EXSC 301/301L | Biomechanics and Biomechanics Lab | 4 |
EXSC 302 | Motor Development Across a Life Span | 3 |
EXSC 494 | Capstone | 2 |
EXSC 203 | Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries | 2 |
EXSC 251 | Individual and Dual Sports and Activities | 3 |
EXSC 252 | Team Sports | 3 |
EXSC 300 | Exercise Prescription | 3 |
EXSC 350 | Movement Education in the Elementary School | 2 |
EXSC 351 | Folk and Square Dance | 1 |
EXSC 352 | Adaptive Physical Education | 3 |
EXSC 353 | Field Observations | 2 |
EXSC 354 | Elementary School Physical Education | 4 |
EXSC 355 | Secondary School Physical Education | 4 |
EXSC 450 | History and Principles of Physical Education | 3 |
EXSC 451 | Organization and Administration | 3 |
EXSC 452 | Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education | 3 |
EXSC 480 | Social Psychology of Sport | 4 |
Activity Courses * | 5 | |
Total Hours | 62 |
* | A minimum of five activity courses for this emphasis must be taken. |
Required Supporting Courses
Support courses are those courses from outside the department that fulfill foundational knowledge requirements (prerequisites) for students in Exercies Science.
BIOL 223/223L | Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Lab | 4 |
BIOL 224/224L | Human Physiology and Human Physiology Lab | 4 |
PSYC 200 | General Psychology | 4 |
Total Hours | 12 |
1 | BIOL 223 and BIOL 224 (Anatomy and Physiology) are prerequisites for EXSC 201 (Functional Anatomy) and EXSC 202 (Exercise Physiology). Students are advised to take Anatomy and Physiology as early as possible in their course sequence. |
Activity Courses
Lower Division
ACTV 102. Badminton. (1).
ACTV 103. Fundamentals of Basketball. (1).
ACTV 104. Golf. (1).
ACTV 105. Tennis I. (1).
ACTV 107. Volleyball. (1).
ACTV 111. Physical Fitness, Health & Wellness. (1).
ACTV 112. Alexander Technique. (1-2).
Introduces students to the principles of the
Alexander Technique and the application of these
principles in their major areas. The principles
develop increased mind and body coordination and
are most commonly applied to acting, singing,
public speaking, musical instrument performance
and athletic performance. (cross-listed with
TA 112).
ACTV 120. Aerobic Dance. (1).
ACTV 121. Folk and Square Dance. (1).
ACTV 122. Modern Dance I. (1).
ACTV 123. Modern Dance II. (1).
ACTV 124. Polynesian Dance. (1).
ACTV 125. Swing Dance. (1).
ACTV 126. Ballroom Dance. (1).
ACTV 127. Ballet. (1).
ACTV 130. Tap Dance. (1).
ACTV 140. Body Conditioning -(women). (1).
ACTV 141. Body Conditioning (men). (1).
ACTV 142. Tai Chi. (1).
ACTV 143. Yoga. (1).
ACTV 146. Jogging. (1).
ACTV 148. Tang Soo Do. (1).
ACTV 149. Swimming. (1).
ACTV 150. Self Defense and Assault Prevention. (1).
ACTV 151. Speed Development. (1).
ACTV 152. Advanced Body Conditioning. (1).
ACTV 182. Selected Topics. (1).
Upper Division
ACTV 312. Alexander Technique. (1-2).
Introduces students to the principles of the
Alexander Technique and the application of these
principles in their major areas. The principles
develop increased mind and body coordination and
are most commonly applied to acting, singing,
public speaking, musical instrument performance
and athletic performance. (cross-listed with
TA 312 and MUS 312).
Athletic Team Courses
ATHL 160. Intercollegiate Baseball. (1).
ATHL 161. Intercollegiate Basketball. (1).
ATHL 163. Intercollegiate Cross Country. (1).
ATHL 164. Intercollegiate Football. (1).
ATHL 165. Intercollegiate Golf. (1).
ATHL 166. Intercollegiate Soccer. (1).
ATHL 167. Intercollegiate Softball. (1).
ATHL 168. Intercollegiate Tennis. (1).
ATHL 169. Intercollegiate Track & Field. (1).
ATHL 170. Intercollegiate Volleyball. (1).
ATHL 171. Intercollegiate Swimming & Diving. (1).
ATHL 172. Intercollegiate Water Polo-Men. (1).
ATHL 173. Intercollegiate Water Polo-Women. (1).
Exercise Science Courses
Lower Division
EXSC 201. Functional Anatomy. (4).
The anatomical basis of human motion. Development
of the locomotor system from tissue structure and
function to anatomical description of skeletal
muscles and their interaction in producing
coordinated movement. Mechanical aspects of
movement at the skeletal and muscular level.
Prerequisites: BIOL 223, BIOL 224; Corequisite:
EXSC 201L.
EXSC 201L. Functional Anatomy Lab. (0).
Hands-on activities designed to enhance the
understanding and learning of associated lecture
topics. Corequisite: EXSC 201.
EXSC 202. Exercise Physiology. (4).
Structure, function and regulation of the
physiological systems most important in exercise,
physical education and sport settings. Emphasis
is placed on muscular, metabolic, cardiovascular,
nervous and endocrine systems. Prerequisites:
BIOL 223, BIOL 224; Corequisite: EXSC 202L.
EXSC 202L. Exercise Physiology Lab. (0).
Will cover tests of exercise metabolism via
oxygen uptake, muscle physiology and performance
via electromyography and lactate production,
anthropometry and body composition via standard
anthropometric methods, resting and exercise
respiration via standard spirometry and
cardiovascular response to exercise via
electrocardiography. Corequisite: EXSC 202.
EXSC 203. Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries. (2).
Topics covered in this course include medical
terminology, emergency medical techniques, basic
injury mechanisms and an introduction to
recognition and treatment of common athletic
injuries. Experience will be gained in basic
taping techniques. Prerequisites: BIOL 223 &
BIOL 224.
EXSC 204. Introduction to Exercise Science. (2).
This course is designed to introduce students to
the field of Exercise Science, including the
various disciplines included under the umbrella
of exercise science, the professionals related to
an exercise science degree, the terminology
applied to the field, the interactions between
the various disciplines, and how methods of
inquiry produce knowledge in exercise science.
EXSC 206. First Aid and C.P.R for the Professional Rescuer. (2).
The theory and practice of first aid and
cardio-pulmonary resuscitation for the
professional rescuer. Topics in the class
include: one and two rescuer CPR, bag valve mask
and pocket mask use, oxygen administration and
AED administration. American Red Cross First Aid,
CPR/AED Certification for the professional
rescuer is awarded upon successful completion of
the necessary requirements.
EXSC 220. Coaching Baseball/Softball. (2).
EXSC 221. Coaching Basketball. (2).
EXSC 222. Coaching Football. (2).
EXSC 223. Coaching Golf. (2).
EXSC 224. Coaching Gymnastics. (2).
EXSC 225. Coaching Swimming and Diving. (2).
EXSC 226. Coaching Tennis. (2).
EXSC 227. Coaching Track and Field. (2).
EXSC 228. Coaching Volleyball. (2).
EXSC 229. Coaching Soccer. (2).
EXSC 251. Individual and Dual Sports and Activities. (3).
Studies knowledge and skills involved in playing
and teaching individual and dual sports and
encouraging participation in individual and dual
exercise activities. Emphasis on teaching the
skills involved in individual and dual sports and
activities and motivating people to engage in a
healthy and active lifestyle through exercise.
Includes techniques for special populations,
cultures and ethnicities.
EXSC 252. Team Sports. (3).
Studies the knowledge and skills required for
playing and teaching team sports and games.
EXSC 253. Aquatic and Rhythmic Activities. (2).
EXSC 282. Selected Topics. (1-4).
Upper Division
EXSC 300. Exercise Prescription. (3).
Design, implementation and evaluation of exercise
and physical activity programs for all
populations. Covers the scientific basis for
exercise prescription, gender issues, ethnicity
issues, children and older adult issues, and
exercise prescription for sports. Emphasis
involves the scientific application of training
principles and safety to improve both health and
physical fitness. Prerequisite: EXSC 201,
EXSC 202.
EXSC 301. Biomechanics. (4).
Studies the mechanical basis of human motion
based on Newtonian mechanics. Emphasis involves
applying the laws of physics to sports and
exercise. Corequisite: EXSC 301L. Prerequisite:
EXSC 201.
EXSC 301L. Biomechanics Lab. (0).
Covers the physics of human movement. Study will
be augmented by laboratory experiences using high
speed video, electromyography, kinematic analysis
via computer digitized skills, kinetic analysis
via load cells and a force platform. Corequisite:
EXSC 301.
EXSC 302. Motor Development Across a Life Span. (3).
Motor skills or movement skills provide much of
the means of human interaction with the
environment. Studies the interaction of motor
skills and the environment through birth,
infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood,
middle adulthood and old age. Emphasis involves
recognition and analysis of the sequence of skill
landmarks throughout the life span.
EXSC 303. Nutrition. (3).
Studies the role of food in metabolism for
enhancing exercise performance and the
interaction of food types with energy production,
growth, development and weight control. The
course integrates data from chemistry, exercise
physiology, biochemistry, medicine, and
physiology. Cultural issues of food and the
social implications of diet and nutrient intake
are emphasized. Prerequisite: EXSC 202.
EXSC 325. Statistics and Research Methods in Exercise Science. (4).
The course will provide a strong basic knowledge
of statistics commonly used in research in the
exercise sciences. Understanding of appropriate
research design will be covered. A strong
emphasis on reading current literature and the
application of statistics will be made.
Prerequisite: MATH 151.
EXSC 340. Motor Learning and Control. (4).
This course will provide an introduction to
clinical assessment of exercise, with particular
focus on modalities. This course will examine the
theoretical and clinical basis for the use of
therapeutic modalities in clinical assessment.
This course will provide knowledge regarding the
scientific basis and physiological effects of
various modalities, as well as knowledge of safe
and appropriate use of modalities in clinical
assessment. Prerequisite: EXSC 201, EXSC 202,
EXSC 302.
EXSC 350. Movement Education in the Elementary School. (2).
Movement education methods can enhance or replace
traditional command-style teaching techniques.
Studies the methods of movement problem solving
and how a variety of educational goals can be
achieved by movement education.
EXSC 351. Folk and Square Dance. (1).
Studies folk, social and square dances from many
cultures. Emphasis on the history and cultural
importance of dances and their role in serving
social needs and providing cultural identities.
EXSC 352. Adaptive Physical Education. (3).
Covers the theory and techniques of providing
physical activity for special populations.
Emphasis is on the interaction of physical/mental
challenges and physical activity. Prerequisite:
EXSC 251.
EXSC 353. Field Observations. (2).
Students will observe community teachers and
students in real physical education settings. The
students will perform systematic observation of
student and teacher conduct and meet once each
week to discuss their observations.
EXSC 354. Elementary School Physical Education. (4).
Covers the development of knowledge, skills and
attitudes in traditional and nontraditional
activities and methods at the elementary school
level.
EXSC 355. Secondary School Physical Education. (4).
Covers the development of knowledge, skills and
attitudes in traditional and nontraditional
activities and methods at the secondary school
level.
EXSC 401. Advanced Biomechanics. (4).
Studies the three-dimensional mechanical aspects
of human movement. Topics include gait analysis,
mechanical properties of biological tissues,
work-energy approach to movement analysis,
inverse dynamics, ergonomics and postural sway.
Prerequisite: EXSC 301.
EXSC 401L. Advanced Biomechanics Lab. (0).
Use cutting-edge technologies to understand an
analyze human movement. Technologies include
high-speed motion analysis, electromyography, and
force plates. Students will complete a
semester-long research project in a topic of
their choice. Pre-requisite: EXSC 301 & EXSC 301L.
EXSC 450. History and Principles of Physical Education. (3).
Studies the historical roots of physical
education and sport. Emphasis on the history of
physical education and sport in the development
of societies from antiquity to current times.
EXSC 451. Organization and Administration. (3).
Covers the principles and methods of organizing
and administering physical education, recreation
and sports.
EXSC 452. Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education. (3).
Covers the use of statistics to collect data,
analyze the data and make decisions based on the
data. Also covers the use of tests in exercise
science. Emphasis on the reliability and validity
of tests and appropriate methods for
interpretation of test scores. Discussion of test
issues that relate to gender, ethnicity, culture
and others.
EXSC 460. Mechanics of Biosystems - Calculus. (4).
Covers basic concepts of beam theory applied to
biological systems. Topics covered include
tension, compression, torsion, shear, moments,
flexure, moments of inertia, dynamics,
conservation of momentum, angular velocity,
momentum, Conservation laws, constitutive
relationships and yield criteria. Students will
engage in simple design exercises.
EXSC 461. Exercise Psychology. (4).
This course will examine applied and theoretical
issues related to the psychology of physical
activity. Theories of motivation and exercise
behavior will be examined in relation to the
increasing problems of exercise adherence and
physical inactivity. Other topics that will be
discussed include: the psychological benefits of
exercise, personality and exercise, body image,
and the psychology of injury. Various techniques
will be discussed in relation to motivating
exercise behaviors and how to deal with special
populations.
EXSC 470. Advanced Exercise Physiology. (4).
Builds on the concepts developed in EXSC 201.
Emphasis covers physiological demands of exercise
at terrestrial extremes (e.g., altitude,
temperature, pressure, etc.). Also covers the
special physiology involved in high performance
exercise and sport. Pre-requisite: EXSC 202.
EXSC 470L. Advanced Exercise Physiology Laboratory. (0).
Will cover physiological processes in more depth
particularly exploring physiology at terrestrial
extremes and sport and exercise high performance.
EXSC 480. Social Psychology of Sport. (4).
Studies the social significance of sports and how
sport factors interrelate with the structures,
relations and problems of society. Covers
contemporary theories and methods of the social
sciences as applied to sport.
EXSC 482. Selected Topic. (1-4).
EXSC 483. Seminar. (2-4).
EXSC 487. Clinical Exercise Prescription. (3).
This course will teach principles to manage
exercise in persons with chronic disease or
disability. Students will learn how to decrease
physiologic limitations and improve physical
capacity through specific exercise therapies.
Students will learn how to define specific goals
and choose appropriate training intensity,
duration and frequency for persons with chronic
disease or disability. Prerequisite: EXSC 300.
EXSC 490. Independent Study. (1-4).
EXSC 492. Internship. (1-4).
EXSC 493. Capstone Preparation. (2).
This course covers the development, organization,
conduct and presentation of a major research
question which demonstrates mastery of a subject
from the discipline of Exercise Science. The
course involves preparation for completing a
major research paper covering a student-selected
(with faculty approval) topic. Prerequisites:
Successful completion of EXSC 201 & EXSC 201L and
EXSC 202 & EXSC 202L. Completion of or
concurrently taking either EXSC 325 or EXSC 452.
EXSC 494. Capstone. (2).
Covers the development organization, conduct and
presentation of a major research question based
on all the previous work involved in course work
and personal experiences. The course involves a
major research paper covering a student-selected
topic (with faculty approval). Prerequisite:
Senior Standing and EXSC Core completion or
concurrent enrollment, and completion of or
concurrent enrollment in EXSC 325 or EXSC 452.
Professors
Hawkins, Steve | ||
Leblanc, Michele |
Assistant professors
Lamont, Hugh | ||
Kelly, Louise | ||
Rider, Janie |