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Exercise Science


Chair of the Department of Heath and Exercise Sciences: Patricia Fehling Paul Arciero

Professors: Patricia Fehling; Jeffrey Segrave, The David H. Porter Chair; Denise Smith, The Class of 1961 Term Professorship

Associate Professors: Paul Arciero

Assistant Professor: Thomas H. Reynolds

Visiting Assistant Professor: Molly Winke, Mike Ormsbee

Teaching Associates: Karen Arciero,
Jennifer Burden, Michael Garcia, Meghan Nicchi, Rebecca Begalle

Research Project Manager: Lauren Trantham

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. Students who major in Exercise Science will be expected to collect and analyze data, synthesize information, and communicate effectively with various audiences in medicine, health, physiology and nutrition.

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, integrated physiology,
bioenergetics, nutrition, public health, sports medicine, biomechanics, and kinesiology athletic training. The major can also serve as the academic foundation for advanced study and careers in medicine and allied health fields, including physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, physical therapist, chiropractor, dietician and pharmacist. physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, and physician assistant work.

Students who major in exercise science must:

  1. fulfill the general College requirements;

  2. complete eight nine courses in exercise science as listed below;

  3. complete CH105 and 106 or 107H (preferably in the first year); and

  4. complete EX355 to fulfill the Department Writing requirement; 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, 242, 311, 355, and 361.

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 375, Senior Research.

THE MINOR IN EXERCISE SCIENCE: The minor consists of
six courses to include EX111, 126, 127, 241, 242, and 311.


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.)    T.H. Reynolds, 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. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.)    T.H. Reynolds, 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. Not for liberal arts credit.    
M. Garcia, R. Begalle, M. Nicchi

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. Not for liberal arts credit.    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: EX111. Not for liberal arts credit.    P. Arciero

EX 299.    PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP IN EXERCISE SCIENCE    1-3
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. The internship experience must take place for at least 5 weeks and follow the guidelines for contact hours (1 credit requires at least 45 contact hours; 2 credits requires at least 90 contact hours; 3 credits requires at least 130 contact hours.) 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:
EX126, 127, 241, and CPR certification. Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab.    D. Smith, P. Fehling, P. Arciero

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 EX375. Successful completion of this course fulfills the department's writing requirement. Prerequisites:
EX311 or concurrent enrollment in EX311.    The Department

EX 361.    TOPICS IN EXERCISE SCIENCE    4
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: EX111, 126, 127, and 242.    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.    T.H. Reynolds

F. Chronic Disease Epidemiology. 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. 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

I. Cellular Aspects of Skeletal Muscle Physiology and Metabolism. Advanced study in skeletal muscle physiology as it relates to human movement, exercise, and health. Students will acquire an understanding of the cellular effects of exercise and metabolic disease on skeletal muscle physiology by reviewing skeletal muscle anatomy and physiology and the neuromuscular control of human movement. Students will also study advanced topics in skeletal muscle metabolism, molecular aspects of skeletal muscle hypertrophy/atrophy, and signal transduction pathways that control skeletal muscle gene expression. Integrating cellular control mechanisms in skeletal muscle with human performance and health will also be a focus of study. Prerequisites: EX111, EX126, and EX127. T Reynolds

EX 371, 372.    INDEPENDENT STUDY    
3, 3 1-3
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 375.    SENIOR RESEARCH IN EXERCISE SCIENCE    4
An opportunity for students to engage in research under the guidance of a faculty member. Students will work on a specialized topic within Exercise Science chosen in consultation with a member of the department who agrees to serve as an advisor. Students meet weekly for one hour of discussion but work individually with faculty mentors to complete their research throughout the semester. Students will present their results in the form of a written thesis and an oral presentation. Prerequisite: agreement by a faculty member to serve as a thesis advisor, completion of EX241 and EX311. EX375 may be repeated once for all-college credit. Not for liberal arts credit.    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  1- 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. The internship experience must take place for at least 5 weeks and follow the guidelines for contact hours (1 credit requires at least 45 contact hours; 2 credits requires at least 90 contact hours; 3 credits requires at least 130 contact hours.) Prerequisite: completion of at least one related 300-level course (as determined by the department). Not for liberal arts credit.




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