Exercise Science

Course Descriptions

XS340 KINESIOLOGY (4). A study of location and action of major muscles. Emphasis is on learning to describe the organic skeletal and neuromuscular structure of the human body; identifying how these systems adapt to skillful movement, physical activity and fitness and analyzing their contributions to motor performance using and analyzing data gathered from various sources. Students will learn specific anatomical structures related to the musculoskeletal system as well as the origin, insertion action and innervation of the muscles of the body. Students learn to properly grade and test the major muscles manually and analyze the range of motion. They will also learn about the biomechanics of body motion, planes of movement and about the different levers associated with body movement. Prerequisite: HS344.

XS355 PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE (4). A study of how the bodies’ structures and functions are altered when exposed to acute and chronic bouts of exercise. How human performance is affected by environmental factors, nutrition, and dietary supplements is emphasized. The measurement of physiological parameters, the effects of various kinds of training, application of nutritional principles for athletes, the effects of learning on performance, positive health behaviors, and the effect of age and sex on physiological response and adaptation are included. Prerequisite: HS344.

XS130 INTRODUCTION TO EXERCISE SCIENCE (2). Introduction to the history of exercise science and an examination of the science and careers related to exercise science. Topics addressed include foundational anatomy and physiology, basic human movement, clinical testing and exercise prescription, and strength and fitness programming. The course is designed to introduce the student to the exercise science professionals and prepare them for further classes in the major.

XS231 Medical Terminology (4). This course is designed for those students who intend to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, dentistry, microbiology, pharmacy, physical therapy, athletic training, and medical technology. This course will teach the prefixes, suffixes and combining forms necessary to form proper medical terminology. It will include the rules for proper medical term formation, pronunciation, spelling, and definition of basic terms and abbreviations used in medical records. It will also include learning common pharmaceutical and anatomical terms and terms related to symptoms, diagnosis, surgeries, therapies, and diagnostic tests. Prerequisites: Sophomore, junior or senior standing and Biology or Exercise Science major

XS232 EXERCISE SCIENCE SEMINAR: PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT (1). This course is designed to begin the professional socialization process through an introduction to the professional standards and organizations that operate in the exercise science professions. Prerequisite: XS130.

XS285 FIELD EXPERIENCE IN EXERCISE SCIENCE (1). An opportunity to gain knowledge and experience (within the fields of Athletic Training or Exercise Science) in professional settings. Experiences are integrated with educational objectives to broaden student learning.

XS331 Exercise & Sport Nutrition (4). A study of the basic principles of nutrition and their application to overall health, physical activity, and sport. The topics include macronutrients, micronutrients, caloric expenditure, weight management, fluid & electrolyte balance, supplements, fad diets, nutrition in relation to disease risk & prevention, and athletic performance. Prerequisite: BI131 and Sophomore standing or above.

XS332 EXERCISE SCIENCE SEMINAR: ETHICS (1). This course is a discussion-based course designed to explore the ethics of professional practice in exercise science. A secondary focus of the course is to explore current best-practices in exercise science. Prerequisite: XS130.

XS342 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL TRAINING (2). A course designed to teach the principles of physical training. Topics would include how the body works, energy for the body, developing and conducting a physical training program, how to assess and monitor fitness training programs, how to determine the muscular demands for a sport, and how to design a muscular fitness program. Prerequisite: HP230.

XS360 BIOMECHANICS (2). A study in the properties of human movement in sport and physical activity. Emphasis is placed on understanding the physical laws that dictate motion and the calculations related to those laws. Further exploration into the current bio-mechanical literature emphasizes the application of bio-mechanical principles to professional practice. Prerequisites: AT340 and MT107 or higher.

XS363 STRENGTH AND FITNESS PROGRAMMING (2). This is a two-hour lecture/lab course covering the foundations of strength and fitness programming. The foundational anatomy and physiology are reviewed. The components of performance enhancement programming and team injury prevention programming are discussed in detail with lab time for application of learned skills. Prerequisite: AT355.

XS365 EXERCISE TESTING AND PRESCRIPTION (4). A study of the current guidelines and recommendations of exercise testing and prescription as outlined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The basics of testing in the laboratory and in the field are discussed with emphasis on evidence-guided application of testing and program design. Prerequisite: AT355.

XS432 EXERCISE SCIENCE SEMINAR: PROFESSIONAL BEST PRACTICES (1). This is a discussion-based course designed to explore current issues, research, professional practice, and more as related to exercise science. Prerequisites: XS130 and Junior/Senior standing.

XS440 PRINCIPLES OF ATHLETIC TRAINING/DRUG ABUSE & POLICY MAKING (2). A course designed to teach the principles of athletic nutrition, drug abuse, and policy making. The course topics would include the following: fueling the athlete, drug abuse and the athlete, and how to write athletic policies. Prerequisite: HP230.

XS485 FIELD EXPERIENCE IN EXERCISE SCIENCE (1-10). An opportunity to gain knowledge and experience (within the fields of Athletic Training or Exercise Science) in professional settings. Experiences are integrated with educational objectives to broaden student learning.

XS496 SENIOR EXERCISE SCIENCE THESIS (4). This capstone course is designed for Allied Health Concentration exercise science students. Each student will design and implement individual or small group in-depth research projects. The course requires extensive exploration of current literature, composition of scholarly writing, and presentation of research project findings. [Skill: W] Prerequisite: Prerequisite: EN101 or EN103H, Senior standing.