Exercise Science (EXSCI.BS)

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Health, Exercise Science, and Secondary Education

This program prepares students for careers in corporate, commercial, community, and hospital-based settings. Knowledge of the human body, the effects of exercise, and general self-care are emphasized in courses such as Exercise in Health and Disease.

Degree Checklist

For a check list of all the courses required for this degree program and a suggested four-year sequence of study, please click on the link below.

General Education Requirements - Total Hours: 43-49

Click here for the General Education Core requirements

Specialty Area Requirements

EXSC 205 - Foundations of Exercise Science Credit Hours: 1

This course is an overview of the components, careers, and basic terms and concepts in the field of Exercise Science. It will also review curriculum, major expectations, opportunities to participate in research and professional organizations, and includes ten hours of field experience.

Prerequisites

None.

EXSC 215 - Exercise Techniques in Performance and Wellness Credit Hours: 3

This course seeks to provide the exercise professional the necessary background in proper techniques in exercise, spotting, and screening. Students will develop a knowledge of muscle groups predominantly involved in free weight and machine exercises that are used in the realm of personal training, strength, and conditioning and wellness.

Prerequisites

None.

EXSC 225 - Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics in Exercise Science Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces research methods and statistical analysis typical in the field of Exercise Science.

Prerequisites

MTHS-135

EXSC 335 - Exercise Physiology I Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to provide the essential physiological background that is necessary for an understanding of the human response to exercise.

Prerequisites

BIOS-110 or HSCS-231 or BIOS-332

EXSC 365 - Kinesiology Credit Hours: 3

Review of basic anatomy, primarily the muscular system; relationship of the fundamental laws of physics to human movement, and mechanical principles of skill instruction and analysis.

Prerequisites

BIOS-110 or HSCS-231 or BIOS-332

EXSC 375 - Exercise Testing and Prescription Credit Hours: 3

A course providing knowledge and practical experience in exercise testing procedures and in the principles and guidelines of safe and effective exercise prescription.

Prerequisites

EXSC-335

EXSC 395 - Nutrition for Health and Performance Credit Hours: 3

This second nutrition course covers nutritional needs of diseased persons and those participating in various types and levels of physical activity and sport. 

Prerequisites

CHYS-131 or CHYS-161, BIOS-231, and EXSC-335

EXSC 435 - Exercise Physiology II Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to provide a deeper understanding and application of concepts introduced in EXSC-335.

Prerequisites

EXSC-335

EXSC 445 - Exercise in Health and Disease Credit Hours: 3

A survey of the role of physical activity and exercise in individuals with chronic lifestyle-related diseases. Also investigates the use of exercise as a preventative measure against most chronic disease states.

Prerequisites

EXSC-435

EXSC 455 - Program Design in Performance/Wellness Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to equip students with the theory behind the development of training programs geared to improve muscular strength, power, speed, and agility. Additionally, it will aid in preparation for the nationally accredited Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification exam.

Prerequisites

EXSC-435

EXSC 475 - Internship in Exercise Science Credit Hours: 3

The internship experience provides an opportunity for students to bridge the gap between theory and practice by gaining practical experience in an approved fitness/wellness agency under the general supervision of a University supervisor. 

Prerequisites

EXSC-465 (may be taken concurrently) 

Collateral Requirements

MGMT 205 - Principles of Business Management Credit Hours: 3

A study of the managerial process which emphasizes the management functions of planning and decision making, organizing, leading, and controlling with an integration of the trends and applications for global and contemporary management practices.

Prerequisites

ENGL-110

MTHS 135 - Introduction to Statistics Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to techniques for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.  The primary emphasis is on the analysis of data sets to facilitate informed decision-making processes.  Topics include sampling methods, summaries of data, descriptive statistics, probability, distributions, correlation, and regression.

Prerequisites

ACT mathematics score of 19 or SAT equivalent, or completion of MTHS-099 with a grade of C or better, or placement by the math placement exam.

CHYS 135 - Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry Credit Hours: 3

A foundational level chemistry course for Nursing and Exercise Science majors.  Examines components of matter and measurement, dimensional analysis, atomic structure, nuclear medicine and safety, periodic table, bonding, polarity, hydrogen bonding, ions and electrolytes, chemical reactions, equilibrium, solutions, acids and bases, pH, gases, organic functional groups, nomenclature, properties and reactions, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and metabolism.  Requires co-requisite enrollment in CHYS-135L.

Prerequisites

Minimum composite ACT of 21 or (SAT equivalent - RSAT 1090 / SAT 1490)

CHYS 135L - Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry Lab Credit Hours: 1

A foundational level chemistry laboratory course, intended to complement the CHYS-135 lecture, to provide laboratory skill and application, and to reinforce concepts introduced in CHYS-135 lecture. Requires co-requisite enrollment in CHYS-135. Not intended for biology, chemistry, or health science majors.

Prerequisites

Minimum composite ACT of 21 or (SAT equivalent - RSAT 1090 / SAT 1490)Must be concurrently enrolled in CHYS-135.

BIOS 231 - Principles of Nutrition Credit Hours: 3

The study of food and its relationship to the well-being of the human body with emphasis upon metabolism, nutritive value and quantitative requirements of food at different age and development levels. The selection and eating of foods at different economic, social and cultural levels are also studied.

Prerequisites

CHYS-131, CHYS-132, CHYS-135, CHYS-161 or CHYS-162 (OR EDUC-199 OR PHED-201 for Education majors)ANDBIOS-110 or BIOS-161 (OR EXSC-205 OR EXSC-215 for Exercise Science and Health/Wellness Education majors)

HSCS 231 - Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credit Hours: 4

A study of the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, integumentary and endocrine systems and their role in support, movement, integration, and control of the human body. An emphasis upon cells, cell processes, and tissues precedes consideration of the systems. Requires co-requisite enrollment in HSCS-231L. Intended for Nursing, Athletic Training, and Exercise Science majors.

Prerequisites

CHYS-135

HSCS 232 - Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credit Hours: 4

A study of the structure and function of the human cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Lecture and laboratory emphasize the role of these systems in the maintenance and continuation of life. Requires co-requisite enrollment in HSCS-232L. Intended for Nursing, Athletic Training and Exercise Science majors. 

Prerequisites

HSCS-231.

HLTH 353 - Safety and First Aid Credit Hours: 2

The nature and causes of accidents, safety measures for the prevention of common accidents in the home, school, industry, transportation and recreation.

HSCI 353 - Safety and First Aid Credit Hours: 2

The nature and causes of accidents and safety measures for the prevention of common accidents in the home, school, industry, transportation and recreation.

PHED 350 - The Psychology of Sport and Human Performance Credit Hours: 3

This class presents the application of behavioral principles, motivational research, personality factors, and cognitive processes to the area of sport. It introduces students to this discipline and provides knowledge to enhance their own performances and the performances of others.

PHED 395 - Managing Sport Facilities Credit Hours: 3

A course designed to give advanced candidates information and knowledge regarding the operation and management of sport facilities.  Candidates will investigate the management functions necessary to operate a variety of sport venues. Course emphasis is on liability risk reduction, staffing, design and renovation, maintenance, and amenities pertinent to sport facilities.

Prerequisites

ENGL-110 and BUSN-205

PHED 404 - Sport Law Credit Hours: 3

Examines fundamental issues of law as they apply to sport. Sports law is a broad based mixture of laws that apply to athletes and the sports they play. It is not a singular legal topic with generally applicable principles, but it incorporates a variety of legal areas of law relevant to the business of sports: contracts, torts, antitrust, and labor law.

Prerequisites

PHED-395

PHED 440 - Motor Learning & Development Credit Hours: 3

A study of theoretical constructs of learning and knowledge of motor learning principles relating to neuromuscular and response mechanisms, feedback motivation, stress anxiety factors, and the variable influences to the acquisition of motor skills.

PHED 495 - Integration of Faith and Practice - Capstone Credit Hours: 3

This capstone course is designed to provide health science, physical education, recreation, athletic training majors with opportunities to study discuss, defend and integrate a Christ-centered worldview in the health care, recreation and education arenas.

Prerequisites

A student enrolling in this class must have at least 90 hours of complete course credit. Spring semester only.