Exercise Science (B.S.)
As the most popular Health and Human Performance major, nearly 50% of our Exercise Science students apply to graduate schools to study physical therapy, physician’s assistant, chiropractic or occupational therapy. An internship and a full-year of research and statistics are required.
Students interested in health-related professions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and chiropractics may elect to major in Exercise Science. Students should consult with their advisor regarding pre professional requirements and suggested program of study.
Mission Statement: To develop students’ knowledge, critical thinking skills, and values to serve and perform successfully in a diverse array of allied health and wellness professions.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Gain factual knowledge, analyze, and apply concepts in human nutrition, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and kinesiology.
- Assess health, fitness, and well-being and develop programs to achieve goals in a safe and effective environment.
- Apply knowledge and ethical decision making in an appropriately supervised organizational setting.
- Analyze and effectively communicate (oral and written) scholarly work in health and human performance.
- Demonstrate purpose and contribution in their personal, professional, and civic lives.
Learning Outcomes
Majors will be able to:
- Possess understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of movement and performance.
- Demonstrate proficiency in assessing health, fitness, and well-being and prescribing programs to achieve goals in a safe and effective environment.
- Demonstrate practical application of knowledge and ethical decision making in an appropriately supervised organizational setting.
- Analyze and effectively communicate (oral and written) scholarly work in health and human performance.
| Required Courses | 21 hours |
|---|---|
| HHP 1270 Advanced Emergency Care | 1 hour |
| HHP 1320 Introduction to Allied Health | 1 hour |
| HHP 1910 Medical Terminology | 1 hour |
| HHP 2500 Basic Human Nutrition | 2 hours |
| HHP 2850 Structural Kinesiology | 1 hour |
| HHP 3850 Biomechanics | 3 hours |
| HHP 4150 Physiology of Exercise | 4 hours |
| HHP 4250 Exercise Testing and Programming | 3 hours |
| HHP 4800 Research and Statistical Methods | 3 hours |
| HHP 4970 Internship | 2 hours |
| Select 12 credit hours from the following courses (must choose 1 course from each elective block below) | 12 hours |
|---|---|
| Health Electives | |
| HHP 2010 Drugs in Modern Society | 3 hours |
| HHP 2030 Human Sexuality | 3 hours |
| HHP 2040 Stress and Disease Management | 2 hours |
| HHP 2800 Clinical Exercise Physiology | 2 hours |
| HHP 3100 Worksite Health Promotion | 3 hours |
| HHP 3330 Health Assessment | 3 hours |
| HHP 3550 Health Methods | 3 hours |
| Performance Electives: | |
| HHP 1300 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries | 3 hours |
| HHP 2760 Sport and Exercise Psychology | 2 hours |
| HHP 2920 Sport Facility and Event Management | 3 hours |
| HHP 3120 Motor Learning and Control | 3 hours |
| HHP 3150 Principles Of Sport Performance | 3 hours |
| HHP 3400 Advanced Human Nutrition | 2 hours |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 8 hours |
|---|---|
| 8 hours |
| Capstone Courses | 2 hours |
|---|---|
| HHP 3990 Professional Engagement | 1 hour |
| HHP 4990 Senior Capstone | 1 hour |
An introductory study of cellular physiology and tissues along with a comprehensive study of the integumentary skeletal, muscular, nervous systems, and special senses. Does not count toward a biology major.
Three lectures per week.
Pre or Corequisite(s): BIO 1090L Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
Laboratory experiments and investigative exercises supporting BIO 1090 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I.
Pre or Corequisite(s): BIO 1090.
An introductory study of the blood, cardiovascular lymphatic, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems in addition to metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance and acid-base balance of the body. Does not count toward a biology major.
Three Lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1090 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I or permission of the instructor.
Pre or Corequisite(s): BIO 1100L Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
Laboratory experiments and investigative exercises supporting BIO 1100 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology II.
Pre or Corequisite(s): BIO 1100.
This course is the first of a two-semester sequence anatomy and physiology for pre-health students that emphasizes the structure and function of the human body. It includes the study of homeostasis, tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems in addition to the special senses.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and sophomore standing.
Corequisite(s): BIO 3200L Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
Laboratory experiments and investigative exercises supporting BIO 3200.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and sophomore standing.
Corequisite(s): BIO 3200 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I.
Normally offered each fall semester.
Human Anatomy and Physiology is the study of structure and functions of the human body. This course will cover the topics of blood, the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, renal and reproductive systems as well as nutrition and metabolism, acid-base, fluid, and electrolyte balance, and human development.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and sophomore standing.
Corequisite(s): BIO 3210L Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
Laboratory experiments and investigative exercises supporting BIO 3210.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and sophomore standing.
Corequisite(s): BIO 3210 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
A study and application of the principles and techniques involved in the advanced administration of first aid, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated electronic defibrillators (AEDs). Students will earn American Red Cross certifications.
(Normally offered each semester.)
A study of injuries common to athletic participants and the prevention and care of such injuries. Cross listed with AT 1300.
(Normally offered each semester.)
This course is designed to introduce students to the world of allied health. The course will explore careers in the allied health fields. Additionally, students will begin to develop the personal and professional skills needed to work in these fields.
(Normally offered each semester.)
This course focuses on the systematic approach to word building and term comprehension of medical terms. Includes definitions, spellings, pronunciations and common abbreviations of medical terms.
(Normally offered each semester.)
A course designed to develop and expand information about the use and abuse of drugs including: alcohol, tobacco, depressants, stimulants, narcotics, inhalants, club drugs, date rape drugs, hallucinogens, marijuana, sport enhancement drugs, prescription and OTC drugs. The course will include history of, and facts about the substances, the pharmacokinetic properties, the formation of laws, the victims, prevention, and approaches to treating the problem.
(Normally offered each semester.)
A course designed to develop and expand current information about human sexuality in a practical manner. The course will present facts and statistics about anatomy and physiology, gender, sexual orientation, reproduction, sexually transmitted infections, contraception, sexual growth and development, relationships and sexual communication, sexual health, commercialization of sex and sexual coercion.
(Normally offered each semester.)
A course designed to develop and expand information about stress, mental health, and major chronic diseases. The course will present causes and warning signs of major chronic diseases and coping strategies for emotional stress.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
This is a course designed to provide students with the basic scientific principles of nutrition focusing on their personal choices and experiences. The student will develop a definition of nutrition, and learn how nutrition has evolved. The student will be introduced to the concepts of: essential nutrient classifications, defining and developing a healthy diet, recommendations for specific nutrients, eating disorders, energy balance and obesity, body composition, lifetime nutrition (infancy to older adults), and food/beverage choices and the influence on chronic disease and optimal wellbeing.
(Normally offered each semester)
This course examines psychological theories and practices related to sport and exercise behavior. The course is designed to introduce you to the field of sport and exercise psychology by providing a broad overview of the major topics in the area.
(Normally offered each semester.)
This course is designed to introduce students to clinical exercise. This course will involve the application of clinical exercise physiology to medical populations, including patients with cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, cancer, and various musculoskeletal diseases and disorders. Introduction to interpreting electrocardiograms, exercise testing, and case-study analyses are also included.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
This course integrates musculoskeletal anatomy with human movement. Students will learn and apply musculoskeletal anatomy and joint actions to upper extremity, lower extremity, and trunk movements.
Normally offered each semester.
This course examines the sports industry in relation to facility design, facility maintenance and risk management of operating sporting and recreational facilities. Students are required to complete 20 hours of facility/event management experience.
(Normally offered each semester.)
A course designed to introduce students to concepts and practices relating to worksite health promotion. Students will learn how to develop, implement, and evaluate wellness promotion programs. Students will complete a 20-hour field experience in an assigned worksite in the community to provide invaluable experience.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
A course that will introduce students to current understandings of how complex motor skills are initially learned, and how they are controlled and refined with practice, from a behavioral point of view. A variety of activities will provide students with practical examples to deepen understanding. This course has applications to general exercise science, physical therapy, and coaching.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
An advanced study of the scientific principles and theories related to sport performance in both the private and public sectors. Discussions related to applications and concepts in the exercise sciences, testing and evaluation, exercise technique, sport nutrition, exercise psychology, program design, and strength and conditioning administration and facility organization will be emphasized.
Normally offered each semester.
See ATTR-3330.
This is a course designed to study foods and their effects upon health, development, and performance of the individual. The student will build on materials and knowledge learned from HHP 2500 Basic Human Nutrition. The student will be introduced to the concepts of: link between food and energy, proper water balance and electrolytes, science of supplementation, manipulation of macronutrient intake, nutrient timing, customized nutrition plans, and the key concepts of sport nutrition relative to both exercise and nutrition for optimal health and physical performance.
Prerequisite(s): HHP 2500 Basic Human Nutrition, BIO 1090 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 3200 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I, BIO 1100 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology II or BIO 3210 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II, or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each semester)
A course designed to instruct students on how to teach Health education in the school setting. This course will prepare students to teach standards-based Health to all grade levels. Topics include curriculum development, planning, CSPAP, assessment, and technology. Students will have numerous opportunities to create and teach Health lessons to each other. For Health and PE majors, a 10-hour practicum experience in a local school Health class is required. For non-majors, a final project will be required.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered every fall semester.)
This course integrates physics with human movement to provide understanding of human movement from a kinetic and kinematic perspective. Students will explore and apply these principles to a human movement or exercise of their choice.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1090 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 3200 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I.
(Normally offered each semester.)
This class is designed to prepare students who are entering the professional field of health and human performance. Real-life, hands on tools for career advancement will be examined and then applied including the creation of goals and objectives, a personal statement, a cover letter, and a professional resume with references. An investigation into graduate schools (and the requirements for applying) or the job market for your intended career will be explored, as well as searching for alternative career paths. No Pass/Fail.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each semester.)
This course explores the physiological effects and adaptations of exercise using a system approach. Students will be exposed to the latest research in the field that contributes to our understanding of how the human body is designed for exercise and movement. Practical application of these principles will be explored during class and throughout the laboratory experience.
One 1.5 hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1100 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology II or BIO 3210 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II and junior standing.
(Normally offered each semester.)
This course provides students hands-on learning of the laboratory and field tests used for assessing physical fitness and body composition for health and performance. Test results are used in developing individualized exercise programming to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, body weight and body composition, as well as flexibility.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1100 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology II or BIO 3200 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I and junior standing.
(Normally offered each semester.)
Research and Statistical Methods is designed for senior-level HHP majors to develop an understanding of the research process and the rationales for basic behavioral statistics in the field of exercise science. This class will focus on the creation of a research proposal for exercise science and on developing reading, writing, and practical skills to interpret and conduct research.
Prerequisite(s): HHP 1320 Introduction to Allied Health and junior standing, or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each semester)
An on-the-job experience oriented toward the student's major interest. Each student must work with the department internship coordinator to obtain an internship related to the specific area of emphasis or interest of the student. This position must satisfy the mutual interests of the instructor, the sponsor, and the student. This course presents each student the opportunity for work-related application of interest in the Health and Human Performance area.
No P/F.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and approval of the supervising faculty member.
This senior capstone class is the final course for a degree in the Health and Human Performance Department. In a capstone experience, students will reflect on your academic growth while finalizing a customized electronic portfolio. The ePortfolio will be used to review and reflect on previous work, carryout an assessment of their academic career, and project a future vision for an intended career in their chosen field. This ePortfolio can be used for future academic goals as well as to serve as an aid for housing acquired material. Prerequisites: Senior standing and Departmental major or permission of the instructor. No Pass/Fail.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and a departmental major, or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each semester.)