Courses

Courses in the Exercise Science curriculum include:

• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Functional Exercise Anatomy
• Exercise Testing and Prescription
• Theory and Application of Conditioning Principles
• Exercise and Sport Nutrition

An internship tailored to each student’s specific area of interest is also required.

You can review detailed course listings here:

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.

EXCS 2000 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 behavior 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.

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.