815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs,
New York, 12866
SKIDMORE PHONE
518-580-5000
Exercise Science
Chair of the Department of Exercise Science: Denise Smith
Professors: P. Timothy Brown, Jeffrey Segrave, Denise Smith
Associate Professors: Patricia Fehling, Paul Arciero
Teaching Associates: Jennifer Plourde, Ron Plourde, Christine Jenkins, Michael Garcia
Laboratory Instructor: Karen Arciero
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 medicine and allied health
fields, including physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, and physician assistant work.
Students who major in exercise science must:
fulfill the general College requirements;
complete nine courses in exercise science as listed below;
complete
CH103,
105,
107H, or
110
(preferably in the first year); and
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 GPA 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.
**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
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
Focuses on the epidemiologic methods for examining lifestyle-related
factors and their impact on health in populations. Covers basic
epidemiological study design and methods issues pertinent to the
study of chronic diseases; students will learn to analyze and
critique the epidemiological methods used in scientific research
studies. Primarily focused on the role of physical activity and
nutrition in preventing and treating chronic disease, but also
touches on the role of other lifestyle factors in this process. Prerequisites:EX111,
126,
127. J. Burden
G. Chronic Disease Epidemiology
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
EX 399. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN HEALTH AND EXERCISE SCIENCE 3 or 6
Professional experience at an advanced level for juniors and
seniors with substantial academic experience in the major.
With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may
extend their educational experience into such areas as
laboratory or clinical research, or allied health fields.
Prerequisite: completion of at least one related 300-level
course (as determined by the department). Non-liberal arts.
