EXERCISE SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

EXSC 101: Introduction to Exercise Science (3)

This course introduces students to the exercise science discipline. Students will examine concepts including professionalism, ethics, certification and licensure, employment opportunities and scientific foundations of the various sub-disciplines. Basic foundations of exercise science will be emphasized, as well as career planning and professional development. This course includes an extensive guest speaker series by professionals in the field of exercise science, as well as hands-on group exercise.

Cross-listed as OT 101

EXSC 150: Prevention, Treatment, and Emergency Care of Injuries (3)

This course will introduce students to emergency and immediate care of injuries. The course will also provide an introduction to the mechanisms of injury, signs and symptoms, and management procedures for common sport/activity-related injuries. Medical emergencies, physical trauma, various disease pathologies, bleeding, respiratory and cardiac emergencies will be explored. The student will also learn emergency bandaging for open wounds and the use of a stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, and a pulse oximeter in a practical setting. Upon completion of the course, students will be certified in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers.

EXSC 245: Principles of Health (3)

The student will be introduced to techniques and principles to improve an individual's mental and physical health. Human sexuality and personal relations will be explored. The effects of legal and illegal drugs on the body will be examined. Systemic and acquired diseases and their effects on the human body will be investigated. The final areas of emphasis for this course will be to study the effects of aging, dying, and the various types of medical services available to the consumer.

EXSC 280: Clinical Kinesiology & Anatomy (3)

The student will primarily be exposed to functional human anatomy focusing on skeletal muscle origin, insertion, action, and nerve supply. In addition, the student will develop an understanding and appreciation of fundamental principles that relate to human movement and, in particular, an understanding of those principles that apply to efficient, skilled, and safe movement. The student will develop the ability to functionally and mechanically analyze typical and irregular or potentially harmful movements in terms of principles derived primarily from anatomy, physiology and biomechanical physics.

EXSC 290: Exercise Physiology (3)

This course presents the student with a comprehensive study of the human body's responses to exercise. Topics include functions and adaptations of the nervous and muscular systems, principles of bioenergetics and metabolism, as well as exploration of acid-base balance as it pertains to exercise.

Pre-requisite – BIOL 219/L

EXSC 309: Electrocardiology (3)

This course is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge of the structure and function of the heart and circulatory system. Students will understand the electrical and mechanical events of the cardiac cycle, as well as develop an understanding heart and circulatory diseases and conditions. Additionally, students will set-up electrocardiograph (ECG) monitoring systems and record and interpret ECG data through administration of 12-lead ECGs at rest. Finally, students will interpret normal and abnormal heart rhythms and artifacts.

Pre-requisite – EXSC 290 and BIOL 220/L

EXSC 310/310L: Assessment & Prescription in Exercise/Lab(3)/(1)

This course presents practical and theoretical knowledge about the various modes and protocols used in graded exercise testing, basic electrocardiography and exercise prescription based on testing results. Laboratory sessions provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience in performing various physiological testing procedures as well as various methods of fitness testing. The course focuses on developing expertise in preparation of clients for fitness testing, utilization of various modes of exercise testing and test interpretation. The course will also prepare students to take the ACSM certified personal trainer exam.

Pre-requisite - EXSC 150 and EXSC 309

EXSC 320: Exercise and Special Populations (3)

This course provides an in-depth study of changes that occur due to acute exercise, chronic exercise, and aging. Students will examine the physiologic differences among individuals with various medical conditions. Behavioral modification and counseling skills for various populations are also developed.

Pre-requisite - EXSC 150 and EXSC 309

EXSC 325: Nutrition and the Athlete (3)

The student will understand the relationship between physical fitness, physical performance, injury prevention, and nutritional intake. The student will understand how to conduct a nutritional analysis and how to evaluate various diets to provide appropriate dietary recommendations. The student will develop an understanding of how to improve physical performance and overall health through proper utilization of food, how to identify improper eating habits, the effects of food supplements, techniques and effectiveness of carbohydrate loading, and the construction of pre-event and post-event meals.

EXSC 330: Alternative Methods of Exercise (3)

This course examines different exercise modalities including group fitness activities and adapted physical activities such as yoga, pilates, aerobic, aquatics, boxing, boot camp, chair aerobics etc. Students will be exposed to the history, principles, and design guidelines of each activity. Additionally, students will learn and demonstrate proper coaching principles and concepts. Students will be required to design and lead an exercise class themselves as the culminating project.

Pre-requisite - EXSC 280

EXSC 360: Advanced Exercise Physiology (3)

This course explores advanced bodily responses to exercise and adaptations, specifically of the respiratory and circulatory systems, hormonal regulation and responses to exercise, adaptations to aerobic and anaerobic exercise, as well as special exercise considerations for females, children, and older individuals.

Pre-requisite - EXSC 290

EXSC 370: Biochemistry for Exercise and Nutrition (3)

This course examines the application of organic chemistry and biochemistry to food processing and exercise metabolism. Basic chemical principles will be explored in depth. Basic nutrient composition as it pertains to organic chemistry will be explored. The role of nutrients for exercise metabolism from an organic chemistry perspective will be applied to various exercise scenarios.

Pre-requisite - EXSC 360

EXSC 400/400L: Science of Strength & Conditioning/Lab (3)/(1)

This course will expose students to the techniques and training principles of modern strength and conditioning as it applies to athletic and sport settings. Principles of strength, power, plyometrics, speed, speed endurance, endurance, mobility, flexibility, and balance training will be emphasized. Students will learn how to perform an athletic needs analysis based on observation and review of scientific literature, as well as program design based on scientific literature and applied practice. Lab activities will include the performance and application of strength training, plyometrics, speed training, and speed endurance training. Students will also be prepared to take the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam.

Pre-requisite - EXSC 280, EXSC 310/L, EXSC 330

EXSC 440: Administration & Organization for Exercise Facilities (3)

The student will gain an understanding of policies and procedures in the operation of an exercise/testing facility. Students will study position statements that describe various aspects of industry standards, appropriate staff to client ratios, budgeting, management strategies of staff and organizational requirements of operating various exercise/fitness facilities. Students will learn appropriate evaluation and care of equipment for exercise and testing and appropriate record keeping and budgeting for facilities. Students will study legal considerations of all aspects of exercise and fitness facilities.

EXSC 450: Olympic Weightlifting (2)

This course will expose students to an in-depth understanding of Olypmic Weightlifting exercises and programming. Students will learn all variations of the Snatch and Clean & Jerk and various accessory and teaching exercises. Students will create their own Olympic Weightlifting programs that will include progression and detailed programming. Successful demonstration of the Olympic Lifts will be required.

Pre-requisite - EXSC 400/L

EXSC 460: Corrective Exercise Training (2)

This course will expose students to the corrective exercise continuum in order to prescribe exercise for clients that have muscle imbalances or who have come off an injury. This system of training uses corrective exercises to improve movement capabilities and decrease the risk for injury. Students will also be prepared to take the NASM corrective exercise specialist certification exam.

Pre-requisite - EXSC 400/L

EXSC 480: Research & Design (2)

This course is designed to help students understand, evaluate and conduct exercise science research. Students will examine the basic concepts and procedures for conducting research, acquire skills necessary for interpreting research, and develop an understanding of how to apply research findings. Students will perform several journal article discussions culminating in a scientific article presentation and analysis.

Pre-requisite – MATH 126

Cross-listed as OT 480

EXSC 491: Sport Psychology (3)

This course is designed to help students understand, evaluate and conduct exercise science research. Students will examine the basic concepts and procedures for conducting research, acquire skills necessary for interpreting research, and develop an understanding of how to apply research findings. Students will perform several journal article discussions culminating in a scientific article presentation and analysis.

Pre-requisite – PSYC 101 and EXSC 310

EXSC 499: Field Experience/Internship (3)

Internship experience designed to provide students with an opportunity to gain real-world experience in exercise science settings while completing all of the assignments found in the Exercise Science Program internship handbook.

Pre-requisite - Successful completion of all 300-level exercise science courses