Exercise Science
Description
At its core, Exercise Science is a multifaceted field of study in which the acute and chronic responses of movement and physical activity are the intellectual focus. The Exercise Science program is designed for students interested in fitness, sport performance and health-related fields. It is designed to prepare students for positions in the exercise and fitness industry, or for post-graduate study in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or other health-related disciplines.
The Exercise Science program has two concentrations: Allied Health and Sport and Human Performance. The selection of the concentration depends on the educational and career goals of the student. The Allied Health concentration is directed at those students wishing to pursue graduate education in clinical allied health professions, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician’s assistant, or chiropractic. The Sport and Human Performance concentration is intended for those students wishing to pursue employment in coaching or the fitness industry. Either concentration will prepare the student for graduate study in Exercise Science or Kinesiology. Students may choose to change concentrations during their course of study. The Exercise Science discipline provides numerous potential career opportunities. In consultation with an academic advisor, the student will be able to select courses and create learning opportunities that will assist preparation for future endeavors.
In addition to the Exercise Science program, the Physical Education Activities Program (PEDU) offers a selection of physical skill classes designed to promote health and physical skill development. The program also strives to provide classes for students to gain technical and tactical skill in various physical activities for lifetime fitness.
Mission Statement
The Exercise Science program aims to support the mission of LaGrange College by developing highly qualified allied health and sport performance practitioners equipped to function as servant-leaders within their respective disciplines. As members of LaGrange College and Troup County, we believe it is our responsibility to share our time, talents, and resources to enhance the wellbeing of these communities. Furthermore, we intend to make a global impact by preparing our students to impart these service-driven ideals in their future endeavors as well.
Program Objectives
The objectives of the Exercise Science program are to:
- Create highly qualified Exercise Science practitioners through the completion of a rigorous, multi-disciplinary curriculum emphasizing practical application and critical thinking skills.
- Develop servant-leadership skills by solving common problems experienced in the realms of allied health (e.g. – physical rehabilitation) or sport performance (e.g. – strength and conditioning) for the purpose of serving others.
- Guide students in developing a resilient and versatile learning process that is adaptable to a variety of resources and academic mediums. Specifically, students will learn major-specific Exercise Science course material (e.g. exercise physiology, biomechanics, etc.) through in-person and online lecture platforms.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program in Exercise Science students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the acute and chronic physiological, biomechanical, and psychological responses to exercise.
- Effectively articulate and disseminate their knowledge of Exercise Science for the purpose of serving individuals entrusted into their care.
- Assess and improve health, fitness, and athletic performance across a variety of populations.
Assessment of Learning Objectives
Success in achieving the objectives of the Exercise Science major will be demonstrated by:
- Completing each major course with a grade of “C-” or better.
- Completing at least one major course in an online delivery format.
- Passing a comprehensive senior examination designed to assess essential concepts learned in core Exercise Science coursework.
- Satisfactory performance on a senior research project and its presentation.
Course Descriptions
EXCS 1154 First Aid: Responding to Emergencies. (3) Fall and Spring
This course focuses on the identification of emergency situations and selection of correct response. Certification in American Red Cross standard first aid and adult, child, and infant rescue breathing and cardiopulmonary resuscitation is earned upon successful completion of the course.
EXCS2000 Introduction to Exercise Science (2) Fall and Spring
This course is an introduction to the various sub-disciplines of exercise science including, exercise physiology, biomechanics, exercise and sport psychology, and motor behaviour and control. Career and graduate school opportunities and preparations will be discussed.
EXCS 2251 Introduction to Physical Education. (3) On Demand
A survey course of the career choices available in physical education. The students will have opportunities to talk with and observe professionals in various sub-specializations.
EXCS 2311 Survey of Strength & Conditioning. (3) Fall and Spring
This course focuses on the examination of proper techniques, concepts, and applications of strength and conditioning principles. Nutritional principles as are related to athletic performance also are discussed.
EXCS 2331 Personal Health Issues. (2) Fall and Spring
This course allows students to explore basic health issues and principles in depth. Topics include fitness, diet and weight control, nutrition, human sexuality, stress management, death education, aging, and drug and alcohol education.
EXCS 3305 Sports Psychology. (3) Spring
A study of human behavior in the context of the sporting experience and how performance is affected by the interactions of the coach, athletes, and the environment. Emphasis is on motivation, personality, attributions, disengagement from sport, aggression, leadership, and communication patterns.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 or permission of instructor
EXCS 3310 Coaching Theory and Methods. (3) Fall
Theories and principles pertaining to effective coaching of amateur and experts athletes. Emphasis is placed on examining and discussing concepts related to successful leadership, leading with a purpose, and creating positive learning/performance environments.
EXCS 3313 Leadership in Physical Education and Athletics. (3) On Demand
A study of the leadership skills necessary to implement and conduct physical activity programs and functions.
EXCS 3332 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries/Illnesses. (3) Fall and Spring
This course focuses on common injuries and illnesses occurring in athletics. Topics include, but are not limited to, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, abdominal injuries, injury management, emergency triage, anatomical instability, blood borne pathogens, and mechanics of injury.
Co-requisites: BIOL 2148/L or permission of instructor
EXCS 3333 Yoga for Wellness.(2) Fall and Spring
A study of the effects that yoga has on all aspects of the human body, including physical, mental, and spiritual. Topics will include breathing techniques, asanas, fasting, meditation, and different disciplines of yoga.
EXCS 3334 Advanced Yoga. (2) Fall and Spring
This advanced course will build on the foundation that the “Yoga for Wellness” course established. “Advanced Yoga ” will emphasize mental focus, body organization, alignment, technique, and core development. This advanced yoga course with martial arts training is designed to bring the student eye to eye with their greatest obstacles, which are perceived physical and mental limitations. This course is one pathway to cultivating the mind/body clarity and power that leads to developing the will.
EXCS 3354 Applied Exercise Anatomy (3) Fall
This course provides an investigation of the human skeletal and neuromuscular systems as they relate to exercise performance. Emphasis is on the application of gross human anatomy to exercise movements.
Prerequisites: BIOL 2148/L or permission of instructor
EXCS 3360 Motor Behavior and Control (3) Fall
This course is a study of how individuals learn and perform motor skill with special emphasis on mental and psychological aspects of learning and practical applications to teaching and coaching. The control of movement considering inputs from the neurosensory system is included.
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing or permission of instructor
EXCS 4310 Biomechanics (3) Spring
This course provides a study of the material properties of musculoskeletal tissues. In addition, the effects of the internal and external forces acting on the tissues will be examined. The effects of external forces on human movement will be explored.
Prerequisites: EXCS 3354, 3354L or permission of instructor
EXCS 4311 Principles of Strength & Conditioning. (3) Fall
This course is designed for Exercise Science students requiring knowledge and practical experience in strength and conditioning. This course will prepare you to demonstrate and teach weight training exercises, perform a needs assessment of a sport or athlete, program a periodized training plan for a sport or athlete addressing all aspects of training including strength, conditioning, and flexibility.
Prerequisites: EXCS 3352, 3352L or permission of instructor
EXCS 4312 Theories and Principles of Athletic Conditioning (3) Spring
This course focuses on research based training principles involved in athlete development and their application to both well established and more recent theoretical concepts. Discussions will focus on the practicality, feasibility, and the legitimacy of theoretical concepts. Concepts may include periodization, athlete monitoring methods, training techniques, training equipment and current trends in the training and fitness industry.
Prerequisite: EXCS 4311 or permission of instructor
EXCS 4325 Exercise and Sports Nutrition (3) Spring
This class studies the nutritional needs of strength, endurance and team sport athletes. Recommendations for carbohydrate, fat, and protein feeding will be covered. Aspects of nutrient timing relative to activity will be addressed. Strategies for hydration will be discussed. Information about sport supplements will be presented as will issues surrounding eating disorder and consequences in athletes.
Prerequisites: CHEM 1005 or CHEM 1101/L
EXCS 4330 Techniques in Human Performance Assessment (2) Fall
This course introduces procedures and protocols for laboratory and field tests used in assessing athlete conditioning. Tests for muscular strength and power, agility, speed, anaerobic capacity, lactate threshold, aerobic capacity, and other physiological measures will be addressed. Sport specific tests also will be covered. Test protocols, procedures, and interpretation will be covered with practical application.
Prerequisites: EXCS 3352, 3352L, and 4310 or permission of instructor
EXCS 4360 Introduction to Research in Exercise Science (3) Fall
This course examines current research trends in exercise science and addresses the research process in kinesiology. Emphasis is on learning techniques of research in the exercise sciences and the professional presentation of research and related aspects.
Co-requisites: MATH 1114 and Senior standing or permission of instructor
EXCS 4380 Senior Seminar Exercise Science (2) Spring
This course is designed to build upon all experiences from previous exercise science courses and prepare students for placement after graduation. As this course serves as a culmination of previous EXCS courses, it should not be taken until the senior year. Coursework will be focused around exercise science career preparation and possible certification exam preparation.
Prerequisites: Declared major and Senior standing
EXCS 4400 Internship (3-6) Fall, Interim, Spring, Summer
An opportunity for students to gain added applied experience and insight in approved off-campus settings. Internships consist of a minimum of 120 hours (per 3 credits) of work in areas such as physical and/or occupational therapy offices, health clinics, fitness gyms, coaching assignments, etc. Assignments may also include selected readings, public presentation, and a final portfolio containing essays, weekly journal, and supporting material. The internship must first be discussed with the student’s advisor prior to beginning the internship. Information from this meeting will then be transferred to the Career Development Center for placement. The application process is unique to each facility.
EXCS 4495 Independent Study I. (variable credit) on demand
This course allows students to pursue a special problem or topic beyond those encountered in any formal course.
Prerequisites: To be determined by the instructor, based on the material to be studied.
EXCS 4496 Independent Study II. (variable credit) on demand
This course allows students to pursue a second special problem or topic beyond those encountered in any formal course.
Prerequisites: To be determined by the instructor, based on the material to be studied.
Physical Education Activities
The physical education activity program is designed to provide opportunities for learning or enhancing those skills necessary to participate in leisure time activities throughout the life cycle. Special emphasis also is given to activities that improve one's physical fitness and condition. All courses carry one (1) semester hour of credit and count toward the hours needed for graduation.
PEDU 1102 Beginning Archery. (1) On Demand
Basic competencies in archery techniques and safety with experiences in target shooting.
PEDU 1103 Badminton. (1) On Demand
Introduction to the skills, strategies, and rules of badminton.
PEDU 1104 Basketball. (1) On Demand
Basic competencies in the techniques, strategies, and rules of basketball.
PEDU 1105 Jogging. (1) On Demand
Participation in progressive running programs designed to increase cardiovascular endurance.
PEDU 1106 Touch Rugby (1) On Demand
Introduction to the skills, strategies, and rules of touch rugby.
PEDU 1108 Physical Conditioning. (1) On Demand
Basic assessment, maintenance, and improvement of overall physical fitness.
PEDU 1109 Beginning Golf. (1) On Demand
Introduction to the basic skills, strategies, and rules of golf. Field trips to city golf courses.
PEDU 1111 Softball. (1) On Demand
Basic competencies and knowledge of rules and strategies of softball.
PEDU 1112 Beginning Tennis. (1) On Demand
Introduction to the basic skills, strategies, and rules of tennis.
PEDU 1114 Volleyball. (1) On Demand
Basic competencies in the techniques, strategies, and rules of volleyball.
PEDU 1122 Weight Training & Plyometrics. (1) On Demand
Introduction to exercises that are geared toward increasing speed, power, and jumping ability. A basic overview of the physiological factors involved in the exercises.
PEDU 1123 Beginning Swimming. (1) On Demand
Introduction to the aquatic environment, with emphasis on competence in primary swimming and safety skills and stroke readiness.
PEDU 1124 Intermediate/Advanced Swimming. (1) On Demand
Development and refinement of key swimming strokes. Introduction to turns, surface dives, and springboard diving.
Prerequisite:PEDU 1123 or equivalent skills
PEDU 1130 SCUBA. (1) On Demand
Competencies in safe diving techniques and practices, as well as safe use of SCUBA diving equipment. PADI Open Water Diver Certification available upon completion of course and optional trip for checkout dives.
PEDU 1159 Sailing. (1) On Demand
Basic sailing competencies and understanding with experiences in fundamental racing strategy. Field trips to lake facilities are required.
PEDU 1161 Rhythmic Aerobics. (1) On Demand
A conditioning course in which exercise is done to musical accompaniment for the purpose of developing cardiovascular efficiency, strength and flexibility.
PEDU 1164 Water Aerobics. (1) On Demand
Development of cardio-respiratory endurance, flexibility, body composition, and muscle endurance/tone through vigorous water exercise.
Majors and Minors
Major Minor
B.S. in Exercise Science with Sport and Human Performance Concentration Minor in Exercise Science B.S. in Exercise Science with Allied Health Concentration Minor in Coaching