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Exercise Science Major

NSM PEAK

Exercise science uses exercise as the lens to analyze human performance and human health.  This program will challenge the student to apply analytical, biological, chemical, and physical principles to the health and human performance. Students first take introductory biology, human anatomy, and physiology, and health and wellness courses to build fundamental knowledge of the human body before moving into exercise specific coursework that includes Physiology of Exercise and Mechanical Analysis of Sport. Graduates of the Exercise Science program will understand how the structure and function of the human body respond to different exercise stimuli, appreciate the factors important for wellness as a basis for personal choice, be competent in data collection and analysis, and engage in experiential learning opportunities such as collaborative research or substantive internships.  The program prepares students for careers in the health professions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, athletic training, physician's assistant, as well as cardiac rehab, exercise physiology, biomedical research, health promotion and education, coaching, personal fitness, sports psychology, motor development, and teaching. 

Major Requirements

41-42 credits

Core Requirements (29 credits for major)

BIO-201Molecules to Cells

3 credits
BIO-201LMolecules to Cells Lab

1 credit
BIO-202Organismal Biology

3 credits
BIO-202LOrganismal Biology Lab

1 credit
BIO-224Human Anatomy and Physiology I

3 credits
BIO-224LHuman Anatomy and Physiology I Lab

1 credit
BIO-225Human Anatomy and Physiology II

3 credits
BIO-225LHuman Anatomy and Physiology II Lab

1 credit
-
 
HHP-203Human Health and Wellness

3 credits
HHP-314Research Methods in Human Performance and Health Sciences

3 credits
HHP-319Principles in Biomechanics

3 credits
HHP-343Physiology of Exercise I

3 credits
HHP-343LPhysiology of Exercise I Lab

1 credit
-
 
MAT-125Data Analysis and Statistics

3 credits
-
or
MAT-212Multiple Regression Analysis

3 credits

MAT-212 is more appropriate for students who have a background in statistics already. 

The credits for the math requirement (MAT-125 or MAT-212) are counted in the Professional Foundations minor.

Capstone (3 credits)

HHP-496Collaborative Research

1-3 credits
-
or
INT-497Internship

1-6 credits
-
 
HHP-498Capstone II

1 credit

In the summer before senior year or the fall of senior year, majors must complete two credits of HHP-496 or INT-497 . HHP-498 is scheduled for the spring term of senior year. 

Electives (9-10 credits)

Complete at least 9 credits from the following:

HHP-300Applied Sport Psychology

3 credits
HHP-304Motor Learning

3 credits
HHP-312Health Related Fitness and Exercise Prescription

3 credits
HHP-318Applied Nutrition

3 credits
HHP-410Exercise Metabolism

3 credits
HHP-410LExercise Metabolism Lab

1 credit
HHP-411Cardiopulmonary Physiology

3 credits

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this major, students will be able to:

1)  Justify the scientific merit for key factors important in a wellness-oriented lifestyle as a basis for personal choice;

2)  Analyze how the structure and functions of the human body relate to human movements important for performance and prevention of injuries;

3)  Predict how the disruption of homeostasis due to exercise and nutrition leads to adaptations at the level of the cell, organ, and whole organism;

4)  Create evidence-based recommendations from performing or evaluating exercise science research; and

5)  Employ metacognitive learning strategies to knowledge within the exercise science domain.