Exercise Science and Human Performance

Degrees

Courses

EXS 110: Introduction to Exercise Science

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 3

Explores the various professions available to students in the Exercise Science major as well as the major sub-disciplines such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor behavior, sport and exercise psychology, and health and fitness related professions. This course will also introduce essential job-related skill sets such as interviewing, resumes, cover letters, and professional decorum in the Exercise Science field.

Semester Offered
Offered fall and spring semesters.
Notes

EXS 110 is tagged for the PCOM (Professional Communication), PETH (Professional Ethics), and PCEN (Professional Civic Engagement) sections of the core curriculum. 

Must earn a C or better to continue in the Exercise Science program.

EXS 210: Personal and Community Health

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 3

A study of health-related dynamics of human adaptation throughout the life cycle. An overview of physical, psychological, and social dimensions of health as they combine to influence the whole human being.

Core Tags
WI
Semester Offered
Offered every semester.
Notes

EXS 210 is cross-listed with PHE 210.

EXS 220: Nutrition for Healthy Living

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 3

An introduction to basic nutritional concepts applied to the needs of individuals for maintaining and improving quality of life.  Students completing this course will gain skills needed for optimum performance and will research the latest scientific findings.

Semester Offered
Offered every semester.

EXS 221: Introduction to Athletic Training: Injury, Prevention, and Care

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 3

An entry level course to introduce the profession of athletic training and will include injury/illness care and prevention, emergency care, treatment and rehabilitation, as well as organization within the profession.  The Athletic Training student will be presented with basic practical skills and knowledge applied to Athletic Training both in the class and lecture setting.

Semester Offered
Offered at department discretion

EXS 230: Foundations of Strength and Conditioning

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 3

This course is intended to prepare future professionals in various fitness fields to apply scientifically sound principles to strength and conditioning programs.  We will study strength, speed, cardiovascular, and flexibility training through the use of concepts learned in physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, and psychology.  You will learn appropriate exercise program design, safe exercise technique, and the ways to assess physical improvement in your clients.  By the end of this course, you should be prepared to sit for a national credentialling examination.

Prerequisites

C or better in EXS 110

Semester Offered
Offered every spring.

EXS 240: Exercise Diagnosis and Prescription

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 3
This course will use components of exercise physiology and exercise prescription to study the impacts of physical activity and exercise on clinical and non-clinical populations. Particular emphasis will be placed on the acute and chronic effects of physical activity and exercise on pulmonary and cardiovascular health, metabolism, musculoskeletal health, body composition, and quality of life both in the presence and absence of disease. Students will also perform both clinical and field assessments to assess an individual’s preparedness for physical activity and develop appropriate exercise prescriptions for individuals at low, moderate and high clinical risk.
Prerequisites

C or better in EXS 110

Semester Offered
Offered fall semester.

EXS 242: Research and Information Technology in Sport and Physical Education

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 3

Designed for students to learn and understand research and information technology in sport and physical education. Students will participate in the use of information technology. An introduction to basic research techniques will be demonstrated.

Core Tags
WI
Semester Offered
Offered every semester.
Notes

EXS 242 is cross-listed with PHE 242.

EXS 255: Motor Development and Motor Learning

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 3

A study of motor development and motor learning which covers the development of essential motor skills and how people move, learn, and perform skilled actions in a variety of settings, including teaching, coaching, and rehabilitation.  Required of all Exercise Science majors. 

Core Tags
CE
Semester Offered
Offered every semester.
Notes

EXS 255 is cross-listed with PHE 255.

EXS 330: Exercise Across the Lifespan

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 3
Exercise Across the Lifespan will explore the role of exercise and physical activity in the aging process and in modifying health and longevity, quality of life and clinical comorbidities. Special emphasis will be placed on the pediatric and geriatric populations.
Prerequisites

C or better in EXS 110

Semester Offered
Offered fall and spring semesters.

EXS 343: Kinesiology

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 3

This course provides an in-depth exploration of human movement through the integrated study of anatomical, physiological, and introductory biomechanical principles. Students will examine the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system, joint movements, and neuromuscular control as they relate to exercise and performance. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of movement patterns, functional anatomy, and the application of introductory biomechanical principles to exercise technique and injury prevention.

Prerequisites

Must earn a C or better in all pre-requisite courses.

Semester Offered
Offered every fall semester.
Notes

Must earn a C or better in this course to continue in the Exercise Science program.

EXS 424: Biomechanics

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 3

This course explores the mechanical principles governing human movement, with a focus on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of motion. Students will study the forces acting on the body during physical activity and how these forces influence performance, injury risk, and movement efficiency. Topics include linear and angular kinematics, kinetics, levers, torque, center of mass, and the mechanical properties of biological tissues.

Prerequisite Courses
Semester Offered
Offered every spring semester.
Notes

Must earn a C or better in this course to continue in the Exercise Science program.

EXS 430: Physiology of Exercise

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 4

Provides a basic understanding of physiology and its application to muscular activity, conditioning, exercise, and health-related fitness. Also, direct implications for physical education and athletics will be discussed. Laboratory experience included.

Prerequisites

C or better in BIO 215 and BIO 216

Semester Offered
Offered fall and spring semesters.
Notes

EXS 430 is cross-listed with PHE 430.

Must earn a C or better in this course to continue in the Exercise Science program.

EXS 480: Special Topics

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 1 4

This course can cover a variety of topics within the field of Exercise Science. Specific descriptions will be provided in the syllabus for the course.

Semester Offered
Offered at department discretion

EXS 491: Independent Study

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 3

This three-credit hour course consists of 150 hours of supervised professional experience completed at one or more sites aligned with the student's professional interests. 300 total hours are required for completion of the major.

Prerequisites

Exercise Science major
Current CPR/AED certification
Completion of EXS 110 or approval from Exercise Science Internship Coordinator

Notes

Must earn a C or better in this course to continue in the Exercise Science program.

EXS 492: Independent Study

Level
Undergraduate
Credits 3

This three-credit hour course consists of 150 hours of supervised professional experience completed at one or more sites aligned with the student's professional interests. 300 total hours required for completion of the major.

Prerequisites

Exercise Science Major
Current CPR/AED certification
Completion of EXS 110 or approval from the Exercise Science Internship Coordinator

Notes

Must earn a C or better in this course to continue in the Exercise Science program.