Coursework in Exercise Science: The BS in Exercise Science Online Curriculum

The course provides an overview of the exercise science profession to include the history of exercise science, career opportunities, and certifications available. The concepts of basic physiological, neurological, and biomechanical processes associated with physical activity and human movement will be discussed. Students will be given the opportunity to meet with experts in the field and learn about the various career opportunities. Content based on guidelines published by the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

The course provides a comprehensive approach to stress management that is proactive and motivating. Topics include physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and environmental wellness. Emphasis is given to the conceptual frameworks and the applied aspects of sport performance enhancement and mental skills, exercise behavior and motivation, sociological factors, and health and well-being. Applications are made to future practitioners of coaching, teaching, sports medicine, counseling, sport management, and fitness instruction.

The course is designed to provide entry level knowledge in the field of sport-related injuries. This course includes units dealing with basic anatomy of common injuries, evaluation techniques, and preventive measures to reduce the incidences of injuries and a knowledge of basic treatment procedures to be used after injuries occur. Legal and ethical issues will also be discussed. This course includes adult CPR, child CPR, and first aid. In addition, OSHA recommendations, blood borne pathogen precautions, and injuries are discussed.

The course emphasis is on positive lifestyle practices to reduce one’s risk for disease and for the maintenance of health and vitality. Topics include health behavior, stress, psychological health, chronic diseases, sexually transmitted infections, immunology, and psychoactive substance use and abuse. Community and Population health will also be examined.

The course includes aspects of psychology for understanding and explaining behavior in the context of exercise and sport. Discussions of identifying high-risk individuals, counseling and referring individuals for help are emphasized. The course will also examine the relationships between psychological factors and human physical activity while obtaining peak performance. Evaluating published research, particularly theory and research methodology practices will be required. Motivational interviewing and behavioral change theory will be briefly discussed.

The course provides an introduction to exercise physiology and preparation for progression into Exercise Physiology 2. Topics include: bioenergetics, energy expenditure, functions of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuromuscular and neuroendocrine systems, muscle, renal function, training, environmental influences, ergogenic aids, nutrition, weight control, and body composition.

The course discusses physiological principles of exercise. Topics include: bioenergetics, energy expenditure, functions of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuromuscular and neuroendocrine systems, muscle, renal function, training, environmental influences, ergogenic aids, nutrition, weight control, and body composition. (Lab required)

The course introduces basic physical concepts as they apply to human movement. Emphasis is placed upon structural anatomy, neuromuscular physiology, and biomedical principles as they apply to sport skills, injury assessments, fitness activities, and rehabilitative exercises.Applies fundamental biomechanical principles to the human musculoskeletal system. Topics include musculoskeletal mechanics, and quantitative analysis of human movement. (Lab required)

The course focuses on age-related changes in human movement. Changes in the sensory, neuromuscular, and central neural systems will be addressed, as well as the development of adaptive strategies and the application of various therapeutic techniques to enhance motor performance. Recent experimental findings will be incorporated where appropriate.

The course covers topics involving the development of motor learning and control systems, as well as introductory concepts in program design for speed, strength, power, and endurance, and explores specific methods of strength and conditioning through the anatomical, neural, and physiological systems.

The course discusses the study of body mass regulation, including the understanding of food, digestion, metabolism and different intervention strategies such as a diet and exercise. Students learn assessment and prescription principles and techniques.

The course discusses concepts and application of fitness, health and wellness principles in a digital world. Topics include online fitness consultations, motivational interviewing, video analysis of exercise prescription, and blogging/vlogging. Common smartphone applications, website and social media usage is discussed to enhance accountability and education for online training clients.

The course provides a culminating experience for the BS in Exercise Science program. Students complete 150 supervised contact hours in a setting of their choice, from a list of designated university partners. Supervised field experiences may include fitness, wellness, sports training, exercise physiology and/or motor control. Students may also choose to include research, management or community fitness projects.

The course examines techniques of evaluation for physical fitness and health with a particular emphasis on aerobic capacity, flexibility, strength, and body composition and to design, implement, and administer programs for developing physical fitness and lifestyle changes. (Lab Required) The course provides a hands-on practical application of basic principles and skills learned in EXSC 410 Exercise Testing and Prescription. Emphasis is placed on the proper techniques associated with assessing health-related components of physical fitness for the development of appropriate exercise prescriptions for individuals.

The course discusses general terminology, concepts and principles of pharmacology in the field of exercise science. Topics include relevant drug categories, common dosage, ranges and routes of drug administration with an understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms of action and interaction (contraindications, side effects and implications) of various pharmacological agents. Emphasis will range from drugs used for hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, cardiac abnormalities, CVD, cardiac arrhythmias, orthopedic problems and common illnesses.

The course examines management principles relating to facility design, budgeting, purchasing, marketing, fitness center program development (front-end & back-end offers, special promotions), and personnel issues in the field of exercise and wellness.

The course addresses issues relevant to exercise science, wellness and sports medicine. The course provides a broad overview of the many dimensions exercise plays on health promotion, wellness, and sport. Topics covered include health organizations, communicable and chronic diseases, socioeconomic issues, environmental issues, and other topics related to epidemiology, as well as a review of program planning, development of interventions, and implementation of programs.

The course provides a culminating experience for the BS in Exercise Science program. Students complete 300 supervised contact hours in a setting of their choice, from a list of designated university partners. Supervised field experiences may include fitness, wellness, sports training, exercise physiology and/or motor control. Students may also choose to include research, management or community fitness projects.

The senior capstone course integrates the knowledge, concepts and professional skills gained from prior coursework in exercise science. Students choose between two different option: (1) an applied project in which the student develops a hypothetical applied case and intervention program for a client or team in order to synthesize and demonstrate the ability to understand, develop, and advance the principles of exercise science or (2) conduct a research project in which the student displays the development of research techniques, including the ability to define a research problem, write hypotheses, review the literature, apply a research design, collect and analyze data, and interpret the results.

The course will expose students to methods in various venues of strength and conditioning.Current research and practice are examined for both basic and advanced training strategies in use at different levels of competition. Students will examine different methods currently in use in the field and discussed in the literature on selected topics and demonstrate appropriate implementation of training methods. Additionally, this course will refine the students’ ability to construct an advanced training program designed to enhance performance in specific ways. The student will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and alter a training program. This course includes a hands-on exercise component. Students must be medically cleared to participate in a moderate-intensity, physical exercise program, or request an accommodation. Submit PAR-Q: Physical Activity Readiness - Questionnaire, medical clearance paperwork, and any accommodation requests to EXSC Program Director. Appropriate gym attire is required.

The course will offer foundational underpinnings that will help tomorrow’s practitioners better learn the skills necessary to successfully lead and interact with clients and athletes from diverse backgrounds and upbringings. It will draw upon a combination of research and strategies derived by coaches worldwide who use these very practices every day when leading either recreational athletes or some of the world’s elite to the pinnacle of human performance. Achieving success in the realm of fitness, sport or human performance is not only dependent on a deep understanding of the physiology and biomechanics of the human body, but also that of the mind, emotions and behavioral economics. We may live in the age of technology, but people are not robots, and connecting with them is dependent on not only identifying and refining your own coaching and communication style, but learning how to attune that with those that we lead.

The course will explore the exciting world of multi-directional speed and how it opens up doors to understanding athletic movement. Study the various models of athletic movement patterns such as; linear acceleration and max velocity speed, lateral shuffle and lateral run, backpedal variations and hip turns, and jumping. Gain and keen understanding of how mass and momentum play a huge role in change of direction mechanics. Discover how biomechanics, laws of motion, and motor learning allow a mastery of understanding and teaching multi-directional speed from a scientific standpoint, and how using these three areas to drive the assessment process when identifying functional patterns.

The course provides an overview of the principles and practices of promoting, marketing and budgeting in the sports and fitness industries. Topics include market analysis and segmentation, marketing planning, target market identification and analysis, sponsorship, fundraising, and budgeting for sports & fitness centers. Budgeting topics cover both for profit and non-profit organizations.

The course outlines the various disciplines that play important roles in sports performance enhancement. Course topics include practical application of relevant research in sports biomechanics, motor learning, exercise physiology, sociology, and sports psychology. Students are required to apply foundational knowledge to real world sports scenarios to solve problems, enhance training, reduce injuries, or improve performance.

The course outlines metabolism, thermodynamics and nutritional requirements associated with the performance of exercise. Course emphasis is on maximizing physical performance through nutrition periodization. Course topics include in-depth coverage of nutrient quantities and qualities, and the timing of nutrient consumption as they relate to exercise performance and training adaptations. This course will involve a comprehensive case analysis and evidence based practice to develop appropriate nutrition recommendations for athlete/client populations. The course will also delve into the efficacy and relevance of supplementation.

The course builds upon program design principles and periodization. Emphasis will be placed on examining outcomes associated with various resistance training programs. A strong application of acute program variables (frequency, intensity, tempo, rest, volume) will be analyzed through case studies. Principles of precision, progression and integration are discussed and applied.

This course will introduce students to the various methods and strategies for improving performance in military, law enforcement, and fire department venues. Topics such as injury prevention and tactical job preparation will be discussed with students completing applied projects in selected tactical operations. Tactical fitness research and literature Content and dates are subject to change. 28 will serve as the content for developing professionals capable of supporting the tactical field with evidence-based practice.

The course will present theories/models for health promotion program planning and implementation in community health settings. Steps to program planning include a needs assessment, logic models, community organizing, program evaluation and social marketing will be addressed.

The course provides an overview of the principles and practices of promoting, marketing and budgeting in the sports and fitness industries. Topics include market analysis and segmentation, marketing planning, target market identification and analysis, sponsorship, fundraising, and budgeting for sports & fitness centers. Budgeting topics cover both for profit and non-profit organizations.

The course outlines the various disciplines that play important roles in sports performance enhancement. Course topics include practical application of relevant research in sports biomechanics, motor learning, exercise physiology, sociology, and sports psychology. Students are required to apply foundational knowledge to real world sports scenarios to solve problems, enhance training, reduce injuries, or improve performance.

The course outlines metabolism, thermodynamics and nutritional requirements associated with the performance of exercise. Course emphasis is on maximizing physical performance through nutrition periodization. Course topics include in-depth coverage of nutrient quantities and qualities, and the timing of nutrient consumption as they relate to exercise performance and training adaptations. This course will involve a comprehensive case analysis and evidence based practice to develop appropriate nutrition recommendations for athlete/client populations. The course will also delve into the efficacy and relevance of supplementation.

The course discusses the personal, cultural and environmental factors affecting participation in health promotion, disease and disability prevention activities; examining the application and relevance of the concepts of health, wellness, health promotion, and health education. The importance of providing appropriate, individualized health and wellness care that is sensitive to the ethnic, racial, gender, and age differences within and across diverse populations is stressed and the role of the wellness practitioner is emphasized.

The course will expose students to methods in various venues of strength and conditioning.Current research and practice are examined for both basic and advanced training strategies in use at different levels of competition. Students will examine different methods currently in use in the field and discussed in the literature on selected topics and demonstrate appropriate implementation of training methods. Additionally, this course will refine the students’ ability to construct an advanced training program designed to enhance performance in specific ways. The student will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and alter a training program. This course includes a hands-on exercise component. Students must be medically cleared to participate in a moderate-intensity, physical exercise program, or request an accommodation. Submit PAR-Q: Physical Activity Readiness - Questionnaire, medical clearance paperwork, and any accommodation requests to EXSC Program Director. Appropriate gym attire is required.

This course will discuss the integration of the four EXOS pillars of mindset, nutrition, movement, and recovery as they pertain to coaching general population clients. A key component to this course is understanding the EXOS Behavior Upgrade Model which is an amalgamation of several prevailing theories in behavior change. Ultimately, this model helps shed light on how mindset is coached and provides strategies for coaching “the person within the body.” Once behavior upgrade is clearly defined, this course will introduce the “X’s and O’s” of program design for general population clients, highlight 5 components of the EXOS training system - Pillar Preparation, Movement Preparation, Strength/Power, Energy Systems Development, and Regeneration.

The course will offer foundational underpinnings that will help tomorrow’s practitioners better learn the skills necessary to successfully lead and interact with clients and athletes from diverse backgrounds and upbringings. It will draw upon a combination of research and strategies derived by coaches worldwide who use these very practices every day when leading either recreational athletes or some of the world’s elite to the pinnacle of human performance. Achieving success in the realm of fitness, sport or human performance is not only dependent on a deep understanding of the physiology and biomechanics of the human body, but also that of the mind, emotions and behavioral economics. We may live in the age of technology, but people are not robots, and connecting with them is dependent on not only identifying and refining your own coaching and communication style, but learning how to attune that with those that we lead.

The course details the study of exercise testing and prescription for all age groups at every athletic level, including special needs and at-risk athletes/clients. Exercise prescription, testing for optimal performance and wellness, demonstrations, a practical component, and review of the current literature are featured. Field Experience I requires 50 contact hours in an operational or clinical setting.

Personal Trainer Track: The course studies general topics in sports science including youth, adolescent, and adult participation assessments, assessment of upper and lower extremities in relationship to injury and performance, return to play criteria and management, and common injuries involving musculoskeletal systems. Demonstration, a practical component, and a review of current literature are featured. Field Experience II requires 50 contact hours in an operational or clinical setting. Wellness Management Track: The course studies general topics in health promotion and wellness including youth, adolescent, and adult participation assessments, community/public health program design and operation. Field Experience II requires 50 contact hours in an operational or clinical setting.

The course provides hands-on demonstration and practical application of Strength Training & Conditioning concepts. Students apply exercise science principles to develop an 8 to 12 week strength and conditioning program. Students design programs based on personal or client goals and a need’s analysis. Appropriate gym attire is required.

This course will discuss the integration of the four EXOS pillars of mindset, nutrition, movement, and recovery. Emphasis will be placed on the testing, theory, and program design behind the EXOS training system and will focus on providing practical, real-world application of the material. There will be a strong focus on coaching and motivational science, movement instruction, feedback, error identification and correction, as well as cueing. We will examine the outcomes associated with differential resistance training regimens. Emphasis is placed on training principles centered on periodization, variation, and progression of the acute program variables of frequency, intensity, volume, and rest across cycles of training to prevent overtraining and promote optimization of performance in various areas. This course will include an extensive hands-on instruction component.

The course will explore the exciting world of multi-directional speed and how it opens up doors to understanding athletic movement. Study the various models of athletic movement patterns such as; linear acceleration and max velocity speed, lateral shuffle and lateral run, backpedal variations and hip turns, and jumping. Gain and keen understanding of how mass and momentum play a huge role in change of direction mechanics. Discover how biomechanics, laws of motion, and motor learning allow a mastery of understanding and teaching multi-directional speed from a scientific standpoint, and how using these three areas to drive the assessment process when identifying functional patterns.

The course builds upon program design principles and periodization. Emphasis will be placed on examining outcomes associated with various resistance training programs. A strong application of acute program variables (frequency, intensity, tempo, rest, volume) will be analyzed through case studies. Principles of precision, progression and integration are discussed and applied.

This course will introduce students to the various methods and strategies for improving performance in military, law enforcement, and fire department venues. Topics such as injury prevention and tactical job preparation will be discussed with students completing applied projects in selected tactical operations. Tactical fitness research and literature Content and dates are subject to change. 28 will serve as the content for developing professionals capable of supporting the tactical field with evidence-based practice.