Exercise Science Courses (EXS)
Exercise Science includes the knowledge of anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics and physiology as it applies to human movement and exercise. Students will be equipped for a number of careers following graduation, while many pursue related graduate degrees. The Undergraduate Exercise Science Program will prepare students for advanced study and career pursuits in: Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Strength & Conditioning Professional, Physician Assistant, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist, Chiropractor, Exercise Physiologist, Athletic Trainer, Corporate Wellness Specialist, Fitness Manager, Sport Coach, Lifestyle Coach. This major does not lead to teacher certification.
The Department of Sport Science also offers three minors for students to choose from: Nutrition, Sports Medicine, Strength & Conditioning.
Exercise Science (EXS)
EXS 1010. Foundations of Sport Science (3). This course will enable students to discover the variety of topics, fields of study, and community opportunities as it pertains to exercise science, health and physical education, and sport. Students will be involved in assessing career paths through experiential learning.
EXS 1895-4895. Special Topics (1-3). Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor. Special Topics or pilot courses.
EXS 1990-4990. Independent Studies in Exercise Science (1-3). Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor. This course will consist of a project agreed upon by the student and supervising professor.
EXS 2000. Kinesiology (3). This course will address the structure and function of the human body as it applies to movement, exercise, and sport.
EXS 3000. Electrocardiography (3). This course will discuss cardiovascular physiology and the theory and practice of electrocardiogram interpretation as it relates to fitness and clinical programs.
EXS 3100. Principles of Sport Training (3).This course focuses on biomechanics of sport, training fundamentals, energy systems, body composition, strength and conditioning and periodization of training as it relates to sport and athletic conditioning.
EXS 3010. Exercise Physiology (3). This course deals with the functional physiological changes in the human body brought about by acute and chronic exercise. Energy systems of exercise, physiological support systems, and methods of physical training are addressed.
EXS 3120. Laboratory Methods in Exercise Science (3). This course will introduce the rationale, procedures, and interpretation of health/fitness assessments with particular attention given to practical application appropriate for these assessments.
EXS 3620. Sport Psychology (3). Prerequisite PSY 1200. The course examines various topics in sport psychology including the learning of athletic skills, principles of motivation, goal setting and reinforcement. Emotional aspects of athletic competition and various strategies for mental preparation for competition (such as relaxation, concentration, and visualization) will be discussed.
EXS 4210. Exercise Prescription (3).This course will focus on the knowledge and skills necessary for the development and implementation of an exercise prescription according to guidelines established by the American College of Sports Medicine.
EXS 4400. Program Planning and Implementation In Exercise Science (3). This course will involve program planning in the exercise science / health promotion, including needs assessment, missions, goals and field objectives of health promotion programs. It will also include program implementation and evaluation in several health promotion settings.
EXS 4500. Internship in Exercise Science I (3). This course is designed to give students practical work experience in an Exercise Science related field. The internship will culminate with a final report summarizing the quality of the experience. (Pass / Fail)
Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I – Internships, Clinicals, Practica).
EXS 4510. Internship in Exercise Science II (3). Prerequisite: EXS 4500. This course is designed to give students additional practical work experience in an Exercise Science related field beyond EXS 4500. The internship will culminate with a final report summarizing the quality of the experience. (Pass / Fail)
EXS 4600. Seminar in Exercise Science (3). This is a senior level course that will focus on reading and understanding the research pertinent to Exercise Science, preparation for certification exams, job seeking skills and current events in Exercise Science.
EXS 4980. Professional Growth and Participation (0) (Pass/Fail). Students will complete a Professional Growth and Participation Checklist of Sport Science-related activities, certifications, and positions. Completion requires a minimum of fifty (50) points as determined by the Sport Science faculty, spread over five areas of development. Required to be completed by all majors in Exercise Science and Physical Education / Health before graduation. The student must be signed up for the course by the beginning of their last semester.
Health Courses (HTH)
HTH 3000. School Health Education (3). (Req. for Elem. Ed. students.) This course focuses on various health problems which affect the school and community in which schools exist. Some of the topics covered are: the well child, illness affecting children and adults in school, disease prevention and control, home and school safety, first aid including CPR and treatment for choking, personal health, nutrition and drugs.
HTH 4000. Methods, Materials, and Standards for Health Instruction (3). Students in this course will learn to design curriculum, teaching units, and lesson plans for teaching various health topics, with special emphasis on methods and teaching aids. Topics covered will include family life and sexuality, mental health, disease prevention and control, substance use and abuse, environmental and community health, and consumer health.
Nutrition Courses (NTR)
NTR 2230. Principles of Nutrition (3). The study of the nutritive value of foods, the effect of food on the overall health of the individual, and nutritional needs throughout the life span. The course will explore how the body fuels itself, and the effects of diet on performance, health and well-being.
NTR 3430. Community Nutrition (3). Prerequisite: NTR 2230. The study of identifying nutrition resources and meeting the nutritional needs of individuals in the community. The course includes planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs for individuals throughout the life cycle. Field experiences include observing, developing, and presenting community nutrition education classes.
NTR 3440. Nutrition for Physical Activity (3). Prerequisite: NTR 2230. Application of nutrition principles to health promotion such as weight management, sports nutrition, eating disorders, and disease prevention. The course includes program development, assessment, and evaluation. An emphasis on methods of teaching, principles of effective communication, and motivation are covered.
NTR 4100. Advanced Nutrition (3). Prerequisite: NTR 2230.Physiological aspects of nutrition including digestion, absorption, and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Nutritional assessment, lab value interpretation, and vitamins and minerals are covered.
NTR 4120. Diet and Disease (3). Prerequisite: NTR 2230. Therapeutic nutrition based on modifications of the nutrients in a normal diet for prevention and treatment of various diseases. Case studies are used to apply the dietary modifications for specific diseases.
NTR 4800. Internship in Nutrition (3).Supervised fieldwork in an institution or agency that has an established program to provide nutrition related services to individuals. The student will be allowed to select an area of interest to complete the hours required for the field experience.
Sports Administration (SAM)
SAM 2010. Introduction to Sport Administration (3). Introduction to the multiple facets of the sport industry. The knowledge gained in this course will provide a foundation for the future study of the industry.
SAM 2020. Sport in Society (3). Prerequisite: SAM 2010. This course explores the contemporary issues in sport and the impact sport has on society. Topics that will be critically analyzed include children and sport, sport and education, gender and racial issues, and deviance in sports.
SAM 3100. Legal Aspects of Sport (3). Prerequisite: SAM 2010. Introduction to important legal aspects when managing sport. The course examines common legal concepts in addition to case studies to learn from the experiences of various sport organizations in managing legal issues.
SAM 3210. Principles of Sport Finance (3). Prerequisite: SAM 2010. This course examines the financial and accounting principles and practices and their application in for-profit and nonprofit sport organizations. Topics include revenue and expenses, issues impacting revenue and expenses, budgeting methods, economic impact, and methods of funding for-profit and nonprofit sport organizations and programs.
SAM 3400. Sport Leadership (3). Prerequisite: SAM 2010. Focuses upon the leadership, legal, and governance elements of sport organizations. Topics covered in the course include leadership theory, ethical decision-making, human resource management, policy development, and budget planning.
SAM 4000. Sport Administration Internship (3). Prerequisite: Permission of the Program Director. This course allows students opportunities to experience real-life sports management situations "in the field." Internships are cooperatively sponsored by participating partners. The course approach and content can be designed to match the needs of the sponsor with the desires of the student, as the student gets hands-on opportunities to participate in the practical application of the sports management concepts and principles studied in the classroom. Normally taken during senior year.
SAM 4030. Sport Administration Capstone (3). Prerequisite: SAM 2010. This course allows students to critically reflect on their progression through the program and coursework to this point as well as completely prepare them for professional placement in the industry. Must be taken during senior year.
Sports Medicine (SPM)
SPM 1990-4990. Independent Studies (1-3). Courses designed with a professor for independent study purposes.
SPM 1895-4895. Special Topics (1-3). Special Topics or pilot courses.
SPM 2350. Prevention and Treatment of Injury (3).Designed to help students recognize and control injury risk factors through an introduction to the public health approach to injury prevention. Additionally, it includes skills training for certification in CPR, AED, and first aid to provide immediate and temporary care in the event of an injury or sudden illness. There will be a fee for this course to cover certification cards.
SPM 3750. Sport Medicine I (3). Prerequisite: BIO 2230. The course consists of providing the student with the knowledge and technical skills to work with the prevention, management and rehabilitation of athletic and sports injuries.
SPM 3800. Sport Medicine II (3). Prerequisite: SPM 3750. This course is a complimentary course to SPM3750, Sport Medicine I. Advanced athletic training techniques are taught along with practical experience in recognizing and treating sports injuries.
SPM 3850. Therapeutic Modalities (3).This course consists of an advanced and in-depth study of the use of hydrotherapeutic, manual, and electrotherapeutic modalities in the rehabilitation of athletic injuries.
SPM 4000. Rehabilitation of Athletic Injuries (3). The course will be an elective for the athletic training minor. The course consists of the principles of planning and implementation of rehabilitation programs for injured athletes. An emphasis is placed on the application of contemporary therapeutic exercise techniques.
SPM 4010. Clinical Rotation in Sports Medicine (1).The senior-level course is designed for the student to work in a variety of sports medicine laboratory settings. The student will observe an arthroscopic surgery, in addition to spending clinical hours with medical professionals and nationally-certified athletic trainers.
SPM 4050. Practicum in Sports Medicine (3). Directed practicum in the professions of athletic training and sports medicine under the supervision of licensed and / or National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification Certified Athletic Trainers.
Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I - Internships, Clinicals, Practicum).
Strength & Conditioning (STR)
STR 3010. Scientific Principles of Strength & Conditioning (3). The purpose of this course is to provide theoretical and practical knowledge of the muscular, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, endocrine, and respiratory systems as they relate to strength and conditioning. Furthermore, nutritional factors, performance enhancing substances, and key concepts of sport psychology will be discussed.
STR 3020. Strength & Conditioning Technique, Program Design, and Exercise Prescription (3). The purpose of this course is to provide sound knowledge of exercise technique, program design, and testing and evaluation as it relates to strength and conditioning. Additionally, organization and administration will be covered to include facility organization and risk management, and also develop policies and procedures as it relates to facility management.
STR 4010. Exercise for Special Populations (3). This course will address exercise as it relates to special populations. Anatomical and physiological considerations as well as safe and effective exercise prescriptions, and health and fitness recommendations for a variety of special populations (obese, cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory related illnesses) will be covered.
STR 4020. Advanced Topics in Strength & Conditioning (3). This senior level course will focus on reading and critically evaluating research pertinent to Strength & Conditioning. Peer-reviewing journal articles from NSCA's Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and the Strength & Conditioning Journal will be utilized.
STR 4110. Optimizing Human Performance (3). The purpose of this course is to provide practical knowledge to develop mobility, enhanced movement, posture, and recovery between training sessions, while improving human performance and quality of life.
STR 4120. Principles of Movement (3). This course will enable students to concentrate on body weight exercises as it relates to conditioning and fitness. Students will also understand authentic movement, and how the brain and body create and learn movement patterns. Students will also learn how to assess and develop strategies to correct movement deficiencies.
STR 4510 / 4520 Practicum in Strength & Conditioning I and II (3), (3). This course is designed to give students practical work experience in a strength and conditioning setting. The student is to augment classroom instruction with practical application of theory and concepts.
Wellness Courses (WEL)
WEL 1500. Lifetime Fitness (1). Each student will design a personal fitness program. A study will be made of nutrition, weight control, and general lifetime fitness.
WEL 1600. Health and Fitness Concepts (2). This course is a health-based, lecture-oriented class that provides an in-depth study of fitness and wellness issues. Students may only count WEL 1600 or WEL 1700 toward the Wellness requirement in the BELL Core, but not both.
WEL 1700. Health and Fitness Concepts with Activity (3). This course is an introduction to health and wellness with an emphasis on applying the learned content knowledge to an activity (e.g., Aerobic Walking, Weight Training, etc.). The desired outcome is to create a classroom environment that inspires students to participate in healthy behaviors for a lifetime and to gain appropriate knowledge as it pertains to changing behaviors for the better while learning about and participating in a wellness activity that can help meet these goals. Students may only count WEL 1600 or WEL 1700 toward the Wellness requirement in the BELL Core, but not both.
WEL 1990-4990. Independent Studies (1-3). Courses designed with a professor for independent study purposes.
WEL 1895-4895. Special Topics (1-3). Special Topics or pilot courses.
WEL 2000-2044. Physical Education Activities (1). These varied activity courses are designed to develop cognitive and lifetime performance skills in individual and dual sports. Letter grades are awarded in these courses. ($0.00 - $100.00 course fee)
WEL 3015. Junior Cornerstone Seminar (3). Wellness Junior Cornerstone.