Department of Exercise Science Course Descriptions

BIO 2060 – Human Physiology

A study of the way human systems function and interact. Homeostasis is a central principle to the
study of human physiology. Some time is given to examination of dysfunction of human systems.

BIO 2070 – Human Anatomy

A study of the anatomy of the various systems of the human body. All of the major systems will be
examined and the various parts learned.

CHM 1010/1011 – General Chemistry I and Lab

Matter is examined by a study of the atom, compounds, chemical nomenclature, formulas, the
periodic table, and chemical reactions. Other topics include the Gas Laws, Lewis structures, and
thermochemistry.

CHM 1020/1021 – General Chemistry II and Lab

Matter is examined by a study of the atom, compounds, chemical nomenclature, formulas, the periodic table, and chemical reactions. Other topics include kinetics, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, coordination chemistry, chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry. Pre-requisite(s): CHM 101

EXS 2100 – Introduction to Health Science

A study of the health science literature that includes both theories and applications of the major themes in the field as they pertain to a variety of populations. 4 credit hours.

EXS 2200 – Exercise Physiology

Provides students with understanding of factors affecting the physiological function of the body related to exercise and physical performance. Laboratory provides experiences in evaluating these physiological factors. Four credits. Prerequisite: BIO 2060.

EXS 2300 – Biomechanics

A study of the anatomical structures and mechanical aspects of human movement. Specific attention will be given towards examining the application of physical laws to human performance. Four credits. Pre-requisite(s): BIO 2070.

EXS 3100 – Research Methods in Exercise Science

This is an advanced undergraduate course that will explore the nature of research and the methods of acquiring knowledge in the field of exercise science. The topics of research ethics, communication, and protection of human subjects will also be covered. Four credits. Pre-requisite: Junior status.

EXS 3200 – Exercise Testing and Prescription

A study of the basic physiological principles and their application to the prescription of exercise and the administration of conditioning programs, for individuals of differing ages, health status, and occupational status. Four credits. Prerequisite: EXS 2200 or permission of instructor.

EXS 3700 – Motor Control

This course is designed to acquaint the student with motor learning – exploration and explanation of the materials, methods, and mechanisms that underlie the learning and performance of motor skills.  Various factors will be considered which affect skill acquisition, such as:  motivation, length and methods of practice, feedback mechanisms, retention and transfer of motor skills, etc.  The course is designed to make the student a better learner of motor skills as well as a better instructor of motor skills. Four credits. Pre-requisite: Junior status.

EXS 3750 – Strength and Conditioning

The purpose of this course is to understand the procedures used to strengthen and condition individuals in aerobic and anaerobic activities.  Discussions will focus on exercise models, performance evaluations, exercise equipment, training ethics and professional development.  The course will also provide an understanding of individualized exercise prescription design in programs to develop and maintain physical fitness through testing and re-evaluation strategies. Students will focus their attention toward applying the above content areas toward the training of athletes. Four credits. Pre-requisite: EXS 2200 or EXS 2300.

EXS 3800 – Advanced Exercise Physiology

This is an advanced course, intended as a sequel course to EXS 3250, which will allow students to develop a more in depth understanding of acute and chronic responses to exercise. Particular attention will be given to training adaptions in major organ systems, acute and chronic responses to exercise in special populations, environmental physiology, and implications for the application of physical activity in health and disease. Pre-requisite: EXS 2200

EXS 4200 – Exercise and Aging

The study of the scientific and theoretical bases of exercise as it related to aging.  The primary topics will include theories of aging, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, and sensory systems as related to physical activity and exercise. Four credits. Prerequisites: EXS 2200 –Exercise Physiology or permission of the instructor.  

EXS 4400 – Health Behavior Change

A study of the process of the theoretical and conceptual foundations of health-behavior change. This course will focus on developing interventions for individual health behavior change and will include behavior change strategies at multiple levels. Four credits. Prerequisite: Junior Standing.

EXS 4600 – Sociocultural Aspects of Obesity

This course exams the obesity epidemic from a sociocultural perspective. A critical and reflective analysis of the war on obesity is performed through an examination of the influences of culture, ethnicity, lifestyle, gender, class, and the media on our society’s interpretation of the obese individual. Four credits. Prerequisite: Junior Standing.

EXS 4650 – Physical Activity Epidemiology

This is an advanced undergraduate course that will expose the student to the topics related to the role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and additional health-related outcomes through the study of epidemiological research. Four credits. Prerequisite: Junior Standing.

EXS 4800 – Exercise Metabolism

The study of the mechanism of energy production and expenditure associated with exercise metabolism.  Content will focus on carbohydrates, lipid, and protein metabolism and the acute and chronic effects of physical activity and exercise. Four credits. Prerequisites: EXS 3800- Advanced Exercise Physiology.

EXS 4850 – Cardiovascular Exercise Physiology

Effects of acute and chronic exercise on heart function and size, peripheral vasculature, hemodynamics and cardiac output. The study of cardiovascular physiology as it relates to acute and chronic exercise responses.  Course content will focus on the function and regulation of the myocardium, vascular system, and hemodynamic and associated adaptations. Four credits. Prerequisites: EXS 3800 – Advanced Exercise Physiology or permission of instructor.

PHY 1510/1511 – General Physics I and Lab

An introduction to mechanics, properties of matter, waves, sound, and thermodynamics. This
course is intended for science majors who are not required to take calculus-based physics for their
major. This course satisfies the Area II General Education elective in Natural Science. The lecture
must be taken concurrently with the lab (PHY 1511).

PHY 1520/1521 – General Physics II and Lab

An introduction to electricity and magnetism, geometrical and physical optics, relativity, and atomic
and nuclear physics. The course is intended for science majors who are not required to take
calculus- based physics for their major. The lecture must be taken concurrently with the lab (PHY
1521).