Exercise Science

EXS 100 Introduction to Exercise Science – 3 credits

This course provides an overview of the history and development of the field of Exercise Science. Principles of exercise science applied in career settings are introduced and include the disciplines of exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, motor behavior, nutrition, athletic training, and sports medicine. Professional opportunities and current trends and theories in the field are presented.

EXS 101 Physical Conditioning for Exercise and Sport – 3 credits

This course prepares students to develop personal programs of physical conditioning for exercise and sport through individual assessment of fitness status and personal goals for lifetime activity.  An introduction to the health/sport-related components of physical conditioning, including cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, flexibility, muscular strength, and muscular endurance is incorporated.  Skill-related elements such as agility, speed, power, and balance are addressed.  This course is comprised of both lecture and activities.

EXS 102 Introduction to Athletic Training – 3 credits

This course is designed for students who are interested in professional fields including athletic training, physical therapy, medicine, nursing, fitness, exercise physiology, and kinesiology.  It is offered as a classroom course to provide students with an avenue through which to explore these fields of study.  The course also is intended to introduce students to the profession of athletic training and sports medicine; including history, function, career opportunities and professional standards of the national (NATA) and state organizations, as well as the educational objectives of the Athletic Training profession.  Facilities where athletic training is practiced, types of clients treated, equipment used, and the various relationships with other healthcare professionals are discussed.

EXS 200 Exercise Physiology I

This course investigates basic theoretical and practical principles of exercise physiology.  The study of bioenergetics and its application to performance and exercise training of varying intensities is incorporated.  Concepts related to cardiovascular, pulmonary, muscular, neural, and endocrine physiology as they relate to the acute responses and chronic adaptations to exercise are addressed.  This course is comprised of both lecture classes and laboratory experiences.
Pre-requisite BIO 118

EXS 201 Research Methods in Exercise Science

This course focuses on the study of the scientific method of research and the components of a scientifically based research paper in exercise science.  Various types of research and their characteristics are addressed.  Basic statistical concepts with statistical operations and interpretation are an integral component of this course.  Students will design and present a research proposal including an introduction, a literature review, and a methods section.
Pre-requisite EXS 200

EXS 202 Kinesiology

The science of human movement is examined within the framework of musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanical principles foundational to the fluidity of movement in everyday activities, exercise, dance, and athletics. The relationships among structure, function, and force are observed qualitatively and quantitatively to understand normal movement and apply that knowledge to the limitations and impairment of movement and the impact on our health, injuries, and pathologies.

EXS 203 Prevention and Care of Injury

This course is designed as an introduction to sports and fitness injuries and the management of them in an athletic or fitness setting.  Emphasis is placed on the elements of recognition/care and prevention of common sports and fitness injuries for professionals working with active populations.  The roles of the NATA/BOC certified athletic trainer and other community-emergency based emergency care providers are also discussed.
Pre-requisite BIO 117

EXS 300 Exercise Physiology II

This course is an extension of the basic principles covered in EXS 200 and includes advanced principles of exercise training for anaerobic power, aerobic power, and muscular strength.  Chronic adaptations of the metabolic, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems from exercise training are incorporated.  The acute physiological adjustments and chronic adaptations to exercise as they relate to environmental stressors, the aging process, disease prevention, and health are also addressed.  Assessment of body composition, as well as the principles of energy balance and weight loss, is an integral part of the course. This course is comprised of both lecture classes and laboratory experiences.
Pre-requisite EXS 200

EXS 301 Seminar in Exercise Science

This course focuses on the study and discussion of recent experimental and descriptive research in exercise science.  Critical thinking and evaluation of the literature, as well as integration of previous exercise science course material with current issues, are included.  Concepts and issues raised by students are addressed and further discussed with leadership of the instructor.  The development of scientifically based training programs for specific types of exercise and sport based on current research is an integral component of this course.
Pre-requisite EXS 200

EXS 302 Exercise Testing and Prescription

This course includes a comprehensive study of the health-related components of physical fitness including body composition, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and muscular endurance, as well as assessments of the health-related components.  The procedures for pre-assessment screening and risk factor assessment for chronic diseases are addressed.  Development of the basic principles of the use of electrocardiographic monitoring and physiological assessment during exercise testing are also incorporated.  This course is comprised of both lecture classes and laboratory experiences.
Pre-requisite EXS 200