Skidmore Home

Skidmore Home

Contents

Index



CONTACT INFO

Key Contacts


STANDARD MAIL

815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs,
New York, 12866


SKIDMORE PHONE

518-580-5000

 

Exercise Science



Chair of the Department of Exercise Science, Dance, and Athletics: Denise Smith

Exercise Science Faculty:

Professors: P. Timothy Brown, Jeffrey Segrave

Associate Professors: Denise Smith, Patricia Fehling, Paul Arciero

Teaching Associates in Athletics: Jill Belding, Jennifer Fichera, Michael Garcia, Ron McEachen, Lisa Pleban, Ron Plourde, John Quattrocchi, James P. Tucci

The Department of Exercise Science, Dance, and Athletics provides a range of curricular and cocurricular programs for students, including:

1. Opportunities to major or minor in exercise science or dance, or pursue an interdepartmental major in dance-theater;

2. Experiences through which majors and nonmajors can develop an appreciation for and an understanding of human movement, performance, and the art of dance;

3. Opportunities to develop competence in health-related physical fitness activities and various sports; and

4. A variety of intercollegiate, intramural, and club opportunities.

THE MAJOR IN EXERCISE SCIENCE: Exercise science comprises the study and expansion of knowledge concerning the relationship between physical activity and human health. Course work and research emphasize an understanding of the effects of acute and chronic exercise on human function and health, and the physiological and biochemical mechanisms that underlie the response and adaptations to exercise. Underlying the curriculum is a commitment to physical fitness, health promotion, and disease prevention.

The bachelor of science degree in exercise science is designed to prepare students for graduate study and careers in exercise science and allied health fields. The exercise science major serves as the academic foundation for advanced studies in several sub-disciplines of the field, including: exercise physiology, bioenergetics, nutrition, sports medicine, biomechanics, and kinesiology. The major can also serve as the academic foundation for advanced study and careers in allied health fields, including physical therapy, athletic training, cardiac rehabilitation, and occupational therapy.

Students who major in exercise science must (1) fulfill the general College requirements; (2) complete nine courses in exercise science as listed below; (3) complete two physical activity courses as listed below; (4) complete
CH103, 105, 107H, or 110 (preferably in the first year); and (5) have CPR certification by the end of the second year.

The nine courses in exercise science must include
EX111, 119, 126, 127, 241, 311, 355, 361, and 374 or 375. The two physical activity courses must include one semester hour in weight training,** and one semester hour in an aerobic fitness activity.***

Students interested in professional courses of study at the graduate level should consult with the chair of the department so that the necessary biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and other prerequisites become part of the four-year curriculum plan.

HONORS: To be considered for honors in exercise science students must meet the College grade-point average requirement of 3.0 overall and 3.5 in the major. Students must also receive a grade of at least A- in
EX374 or 375, Senior Research, a capstone experience required of all majors.

THE MINOR IN EXERCISE SCIENCE: The minor consists of five courses to include
EX111, 119, 126, 127, 311; one physical activity course in weight training,** and one physical activity course in an aerobic fitness activity.***

**chosen from beginning weight training, intermediate weight training, bodybuilding, or power lifting

***chosen from swim for fitness, advanced swim for fitness, marathon training or self-paced fitness

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT FOR ALL: Instructional classes focus on increasing the level of skill in an activity, understanding the basic principles of movement involved, and applying them in a particular situation. Courses are sectioned according to ability level.

Classes meet for two hours a week. Seasonal sports are limited to a six-week period.

Riding activity courses carry an instructional fee. Contact Cindy Ford, director of the Riding Program, for current fees.

The Department of Exercise Science, Dance, and Athletics and the Athletic Council work closely together to provide a well balanced program of recreational and interest group activities. The Athletic Council provides opportunities for all students to engage in competitive and recreational sport activities within the College community.

GUEST LECTURERS: Outstanding specialists are brought to the campus each year to lecture and conduct clinics or workshops in an area of exercise science.


ACTIVITY COURSES
Courses are designated 100 level (beginning), 200 level (intermediate), 300 level (advanced). The department expects students to enroll for the appropriate level based on their previous experiences and skills levels; the department reserves the right to make adjustments as needed. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, physical activity courses may not be repeated for credit. They may be repeated as audits. With the exception of repeatable courses, students are allowed one credit per level per activity toward graduation. Riding courses carry prerequisites. Courses may be added or deleted as appropriate. Course series are half-credit offerings. Non-liberal arts.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY I
A. Aquatics
     PA101A Beginning Swimming
B. Sports
     PA101/102B Beginning Tennis
     PA103/104B Beginning Golf
     PA107/108B Indoor Soccer
     PA109/110B Softball
     PA111/112B Lacrosse
     PA113/114B Flag Football
     PA115/116B Fly Fishing
     PA120B Beginning Racquetball
     PA121B Beginning Squash
     PA122B Beginning Handball
     PA123B Volleyball
     PA124B Badminton
     PA125B Small-sided Soccer
     PA126B Basketball
     PA127B Group Games
C. Conditioning (includes Martial Arts)
     PA101/102C Jogging
     PA110C Aerobic Dance
     PA111C Self-paced Fitness
     PA112C Beginning Weight Training
     PA113C Beginning Rowing
     PA114C Judo
     PA115C Karate
     PA116C Self Defense    
R. Riding
     PA101R Introduction to Riding I
     PA102R Introduction to Riding II
     PA103R Position and Control I
     PA104R Position and Control II
     PA105R Novice Equitation I
     PA106R Novice Equitation II
Each of these riding courses has the course before it as a prerequisite or permission of instructor.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY II
A. Aquatics
     PA201A Intermediate Swimming
     PA202A Swim for Fitness
B. Sports
     PA201/202B Intermediate Tennis
     PA203/204B Intermediate Golf
     PA220B Intermediate Racquetball
     PA221B Intermediate Squash
     PA222B Intermediate Handball
C. Conditioning (Includes Martial Arts)
     PA201/202C Intermediate Jogging
     PA210C Intermediate Aerobic Dance
     PA211C Intermediate Self-paced Fitness
     PA212C Intermediate Weight Training
     PA213C Intermediate Rowing
     PA214C Marathon Training
F. First Aid    
     PA201F First Aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
R. Riding
     PA201R Intermediate Equitation I
     PA202R Intermediate Equitation II
     PA203R Advanced Equitation I
     PA204R Advanced Equitation II
     PA207R Schooling
PA106R is prerequisite for PA201R and PA201R is prerequisite for 202R, or permission of instructor for both. PA203R-207R require permission of instructor.     PA207R may be repeated for credit.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY III
A. Aquatics
     PA302A Advanced Swim for Fitness
     PA304A Lifeguard Training
     PA305A Water Safety Instructor
B. Sports
     PA301/302B Advanced Tennis
     PA303/304B Advanced Golf
     PA320B Advanced Racquetball
     PA321B Advanced Squash
     PA322B Advanced Handball
C. Conditioning (includes Martial Arts)
     PA308C Power Lifting
     PA309C Body Building
R. Riding
     PA301R Applied Schooling
     PA303R Stable Management
     Independent Study:
     PA304R Introduction to Teaching
     PA305R Intermediate Teaching
     PA306R Advanced Teaching
The 300-level riding courses require permission of instructor. PA304R-306R are taught one-on-one. PA301R may be repeated for credit.    


THEORY

EX 111.     INTRODUCTION TO EXERCISE SCIENCE     4

An introduction to the scientific basis of physical activity. Emphasis is placed upon the study of the physiological change and adaptations that occur as a result of the stress of exercise. Students will be active participants in laboratory experiments that examine the body's response to exercise. Three hours of lecture, two hours of laboratory per week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)     P. Fehling or P. Arciero

EX 119.     SPORT AND SOCIAL ISSUES     3

An introduction to the academic study of sport and the use of sociological, psychological, historical, and philosophical tools for the study of critical issues surrounding the cultural phenomenon of sport. (Fulfills social sciences requirement.)     J. Segrave

EX 126.     HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I     4

Students will actively study the structure and function of the human body. Students will acquire an understanding of fundamental principles of biochemistry, cell biology, and histology, as well as the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Students will explore the interdependence of structure and function at both the cellular and system level. Three hours of lecture, two hours of laboratory a week. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)    D. Smith

EX 127.     HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II     4

A continuation of the study of the structure and function of the human body. Students will study the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the interrelationships among the body systems and their role in maintaining homeostasis. Three hours of lecture, two hours of lab a week. Prerequisites:
EX126. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)     D. Smith

EX 212.     INTRODUCTION TO SPORTS MEDICINE AND ATHLETIC TRAINING     3

An introduction to the field of sports medicine in general and athletic training in particular. Through lectures and labs students will learn basic evaluation, management, and prevention of athletic injuries as well as current methods of sports conditioning. Prerequisite:
EX126, 127, or permission of instructor. Non-liberal arts.      M. Garcia or J. Fichera

EX 241.     EXERCISE TESTING AND PRESCRIPTION     4

Exploration of the theoretical and applied aspects of exercise testing and exercise prescription. Students will study the role of exercise testing in predicting disease, assessing fitness level, and prescribing exercise programs. Attention will be given to the development of appropriate exercise prescriptions to various populations. Prerequisites:
EX111 and CPR certification. Non-liberal arts.     P. Fehling

EX 242.     PRINCIPLES OF NUTRITION FOR HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE     4

This course explores the theoretical and applied aspects of human nutrition. Particular emphasis will be placed on the metabolism of the macro and micro nutrients and the nutrient requirements of various populations (young and old; sedentary and active; healthy and unhealthy). The laboratory component of this course will focus on laboratory procedures used to quantify body composition, energy expenditure, and nutrient intake and clinical tests to assess nutritional adequacy and health status. The goals of this course are to describe and calculate nutritional requirements, learn validated techniques of body composition analysis, energy expenditure, nutritional intake, and clinical and biochemical assessment using a human model. Applying the nutrition principles and laboratory techniques learned in the course will be useful in assessing nutritional adequacy of various populations—including children and adults, sedentary and active and healthy and diseased individuals. Prerequisites:
CH103 or CH110, and EX111, or permission of instructor. Non-liberal arts.      P. Arciero

EX 299.     PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP IN EXERCISE SCIENCE     3

An internship opportunity for students whose curricular foundations and cocurricular experience have prepared them for professional work related to the major field. With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may extend their educational experience into such areas as sports medicine, physical therapy, and related fields. Prerequisite: CPR certification may be required depending upon the nature of the internship. Non-liberal arts. Must be taken S/U.

EX 311.     PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE     4

Exploration of the physiological changes in the human body that occur during physical activity as well as the structural and physiological adaptations that occur as a result of a training program. Students will be active participants in laboratories that investigate the physiological mechanisms responsible for the exercise response and training adaptations. Prerequisites:
EX111, 126, 127, 241 and CPR certification. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab.     D. Smith

EX 355.     RESEARCH DESIGN     4

An examination of the fundamental concepts of research design in the field of exercise science. Students will learn and practice specific research skills in exercise science. The course includes the preparation and presentation of a thesis proposal and prepares students for EX374 and 375. Prerequisites: two EX theory courses.     The Department

EX 361.     TOPICS IN EXERCISE SCIENCE     3

Advanced study in special topics or current issues. The specific topic will vary each time the course is offered. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.

     A. Nutrition and Bioenergetics. An investigation of the many specific aspects of nutrition in health and exercise. Students will acquire an understanding of the biochemical and physiological adaptations following nutritional manipulation and supplementation. Primary focus will be on recent research examining nutrient metabolism in exercise and disease prevention. Prerequisites: CH103, EX111, 126, 127.     P. Arciero

     B. Cardiorespiratory Aspects of Human Performance. Advanced study of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic aspects of human physical performance and fitness. Students will acquire an understanding of both the acute and chronic adaptations of the cardiorespiratory system to exercise stress and will explore the neural control mechanisms responsible for regulating the cardiorespiratory response to static and dynamic exercise. Prerequisites: EX111, 126, 127, and CPR certifications.     D. Smith

     C. Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology. Advanced study of the anatomical and mechanical principles of human movement. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of health-related movements, i.e., sitting, standing, and transitional postures, walking and running gaits and low-back problems. Students will learn to apply these kinesiological principles to special populations including children, aged, and injured. Prerequisites: EX126, 127.     P. Fehling

     D. Advanced Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. Exploration of the current issues and research in sports medicine and the application of this research to athletic training. Students will study a variety of topics, which may include rehabilitation, preventative measures, the effects of ingesta, and controversial training practices. Prerequisites: EX212 and CPR certification.     M. Garcia

     E. Neuromuscular Aspects of Human Performance. Advanced exploration of the neural, muscular, and skeletal aspects of human physical performance and fitness. Students will acquire an understanding of both the exercise response and training adaptations of the neuromuscular systems to exercise stress, and will explore ways of enhancing performance via structured resistance training and the usefulness of various nutritional supplements. Prerequisites: EX111, 126, 127.     D. Smith

     F. Body Composition. Advanced study of the human body composition. Students will study the various constituents of the body, as well as the assumptions and violations of assumptions associated with various methodologies of determining body composition. Additionally students will analyze the changes that occur in body composition with aging, weight-reduction or weight-gaining programs, and certain disease states. Prerequisites: EX111, 126, 127.     P. Fehling

EX 371, 372.     INDEPENDENT STUDY     3, 3

Advanced research under guidance of a faculty member. A student may receive liberal arts credit at the discretion of both the department chair and the registrar. Prerequisite: Permission of the department; CPR certification may be required depending upon the nature of the research.     The Department

EX 374, 375.     SENIOR RESEARCH     3, 3

A capstone experience required of all exercise science majors. Study involves research in the discipline of exercise science. Students work on a specialized topic chosen during the fall semester in consultation with a member of the department faculty who agrees to serve as advisor. This course will include a written and oral presentation of the completed thesis to a research committee. Prerequisite:
EX355 and CPR certification. Non-liberal arts.     The Department

EX 376.     SEMINAR     3

This course provides an exploration of a variety of perspectives and issues in exercise science.    The Department




Creative Thought Matters.
Skidmore College · 815 North Broadway · Saratoga Springs, NY · 12866

Skidmore College Main Links
©2009 Skidmore College · Contact Information
Home | About Skidmore | Prospective Students | Current Students | Faculty & Staff
Parents & Friends | Alumni