Exercise Science

A survey of contemporary psychology, including the topics of conditioning and learning, sensation and perception, psychophysiology, motivation and emotion, memory and cognition, development, social behavior, psychological testing, personality, psychopathology and psychotherapy. Participation in research projects or an alternative exercise is required.

Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring

An examination of sports from an empirical point of view with emphasis on behavioral/learning principles as they apply to the influence of sports on athletes and spectators.

Prerequisite: PSYC 110.

Descriptive statistics including measures of central tendency and variability, graphic representation, probability, the binomial, normal and T distributions, hypothesis testing and linear regression.

Students will learn to analyze and interpret data using descriptive and inferential statistics. Measures of central tendency, variability and hypothesis testing using parametric and non-parametric tests will be discussed. Correlation, ttests, regression, z-scores, chi square and analysis of variance will be presented. The course will make significant use of the SPSS computer analysis program.

Prerequisite: PSYC 110 with grade of C+ or better.     

This course introduces the vocabulary, abbreviations, and symbols used in the language of medicine. Emphasis placed on building medical terms using prefixes, suffixes, and word roots. Upon completion, students should be able to pronounce, spell, and define accepted medical terms.

The first course in a two course sequence that examines the anatomy and physiology of the human body. This course begins with the study of the levels of structural organization and proceeds with an in-depth study of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous and endocrine systems.

This lab features dissection of the organ systems of the cat, with supporting dissections of some other animal organs, including the heart, brain and kidney. Structures of the organs and systems will be correlated with human structures.

Corequisite: BIOL 150 or 152.

This is the second course in a two-course sequence that examines the anatomy and physiology of the human body. This course provides an in-depth study of the cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, immune, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.

Prerequisite: BIOL 150

This lab provides a hands-on learning experience for exploration of human system components and basic physiology. Systems to be studied include cardiovascular, respirator, digestive, immune, urinary, and reproductive. Corequisite: BIO 152.

Modern concepts of atomic structure and chemical properties, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium and kinetics. Satisfies the general chemistry requirements for chemistry and biology majors as well as prerequisites for medical, veterinary and other health related graduate programs. Placement into MATH 151 or higher required. A drop or withdrawal in the lecture must be matched by a drop or withdrawal in the corresponding laboratory course.

Corequisite: CHEM 142

Qualitative and quantitative studies of chemical systems. Introduction to basic synthetic and instrumental chemical methods.

Required: placement into MATH 151 or higher     Corequisite: CHEM 141

This is the gateway course for Exercise Science. This course covers the initial beginnings of modern day exercise science disciplines, professionalism, organizations related to the field, certifications, academic progression beyond the undergraduate degree, and opportunities existing upon graduation, and legal/liability issues. Some anatomy and physiology as it relates to exercise will also be addressed. This course is the pre-requisite course to all other EXSC classes.

This course is a view of the processes and mechanisms underlying the development of motor skills. Topics such as progressive motor patterns, cognitive, emotional, and physiological development, as well as fundamental motor development milestones in children will be discussed. In addition, this class also looks at motor activity across the lifespan inclusive of infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age.

Pre-req: EXSC 120

Heavy emphasis on applied kinesiology pertaining to general musculoskeletal anatomy and joint dynamics related to degrees-of-freedom, planes of motion, arthrokinematics and osteo-kinematics will be addressed. The student will learn muscle origins, insertions, and nerve innervations of key muscles that promote movement as well as bony landmarks with regards to the skeletal system. The student will gain a very thorough foundation of the muscles responsible for human movement.

Pre-req: EXSC 120; EXSC 212

This course is designed to prepare the student to be able and capable in emergency situations, whether in an athletic environment or day-to-day life situations. Roles played by EMT’s / Paramedics / Athletic Trainers will be addressed as well as the legalities and potential liabilities that may exist when providing emergency care as a good Samaritan. The student will be required to certify in CPR/AED. First Aid certification will be recommended and encouraged.

Pre-req: BIOL 150/151, BIOL 152, EXSC 120

Exercise physiology is a foundational course in all matters of exercise science. An understanding of how the body is affected by acute increases in activity (i.e., physical labor, physical activity, exercise, etc.), as well as the chronic changes that occur with exercise and the factors that affect positive changes to those who consistently are physically active will be addressed. EXSC 313 EP Lab is to be taken in conjunction with this course as a Co-Requisite.

Prereqs: BIOL 150/151, BIOL 152, EXSC 120

This lab corresponds with EXS 312 lecture and provides hands-on experience pertaining to the measurement of physiological variables during exercise. Assessment of health-related parameters including cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition via both field and laboratory tests will occur. In addition, measurements in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and other physiological variables will also be addressed. The initial preparation for a research project also begins with this course including the scientific process and IRB submission.

Co-Requisite: EXSC 312

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of strength and conditioning. Emphasis will be placed on the exercise sciences (including anatomy, exercise physiology, and biomechanics), nutrition, exercise safety and technique, needs analysis, program design, testing, and evaluation. NSCA certifications will be discussed and encouraged.

Pre-req: EXSC 312/313

This course addresses the basics of musculo-skeletal rehabilitation of common injuries which could be sustained while participating in sports or recreational activities. Education in the process of inflammation, repair, and remodeling will occur as well as discussion of various protocols, progressions, and applications for injuries incurred which affect bone, nerve, ligament, tendon, muscle, and skin. A general knowledge will be gained by the student related to rehabilitation in a safe and conscientious manner. Roles played by ATC’s, PT’s, PTA’s, Coaches, and Strength & Conditioning Specialists will also be provided.

Pre-req: EXSC 312/313

This course provides foundational principles in nutrition and caloric management. It focuses on what balance should be attained relating to carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake, caloric output and input, hydration, electrolyte management, body composition, and the unique needs of various athletes in various sports.

Pre-req: EXSC 312/313

This course is designed to prepare students to enter the professional world in an exercise science field. The course will include such topics as program management, financial resource management, facility design and planning, legal considerations, and ethics.

Heavy emphasis will be placed on the anatomy and physiology of cardio-pulmonary systems and peripheral circulation, hemo-dynamics, and regulation of circulatory performance. The cardiac cycle, heart sounds, and intrinsic electrical control of the heart are part of the academic challenge in this course. EKG interpretation, 12-lead placement, and various GXT protocols for those with cardiac and pulmonary compromises will be presented. In addition, the field of cardiac rehab as well as pulmonary rehab will be included.

Pre-req: EXSC 312/313

This course provides an overview of the disease pathophysiology, the effects on the exercise response, exercise application, and exercise management in those suffering from chronic diseases and disabilities. Selected topics including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, obesity, frailty, pregnancy, muscular-skeletal disorders, and many other maladies will be presented.

Pre-req: EXSC 312/313

This course builds on the foundational exercise physiological concepts which were taught in Exercise Physiology I. EP II progresses to exercise training/adaptations, environmental influences on performance, optimizing performance in sport, gender considerations, and physical activity for health and fitness. The effect of CV disease, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle will be reviewed and discussed.

Pre-req: EXSC 312/313; PSYC-115 strongly recommended

This lab is intended to be taken in conjunction with EXSC 451 lecture. Various exercise testing protocols utilizing the treadmill, cycle ergometers, VO2/RER/RMR measurements, and further assessments in both health-related (cardio-vascular, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition) and skill-related parameters (agility, balance, coordination, power, speed, reaction time) are presented. The completion of the research project started in EXSC 313 lab should be completed in time for WJU’s Student Research Symposium.

Pre-req: EXSC 312/313; Co-req: EXSC 451

The course will meet once a week and encompass many of the current exercise-related issues that affect our lives. A variety of areas where exercise is utilized, including rehab, sports, health, fitness, and function will be explored through current evidence-based research and articles. Critique and assessment of research articles will also be presented and required of the student.

Pre-req: EXSC 451

This course details the process and methods used to conduct a research project.  Students will explore a topic, perform the research, analyze the data, evaluate ethical considerations, and compile a draft of the paper.  The project and paper will be completed and presented in the subsequent Exercise Science Capstone course.  Students will be encouraged to seek publication of their work.  Students will work closely with the course instructor and chosen mentors. This will satisfy the writing intensive core requirement.

This course is intended to supply students with the appropriate knowledge and skills regarding critical thinking and problem-solving.  Students are expected to utilize resources and knowledge gained in the first three years of the program as it relates to real-life scenarios.  Students will be responsible for meeting specific objectives related to the cases as well as developing their own objectives they deem relevant.  The primary goal will be to look at the “whole person” and not just the problem itself.  Students should complete the course feeling confident they have performed an extensive review of key concepts and points from previous classes and feel that they could approach a real-life scenario dealing with the same issues.

This course is designed as the subsequent course to Research Methods in Exercise Science.  Students will use previously completed research to finalize their project, paper, and presentation for submission to the University’s Annual Research Day.  Students will be encouraged to seek publication of their work and potentially present at local, state, and/or national conferences.

The Student will be required to participate in a Practicum Experience at a facility, or in a program, that is matched to their particular path (clinical, health & fitness, etc.).  The student is responsible for securing a Site at which to complete the Practicum Experience.  Approval is required by the Course Instructor.  The Exercise Science Practicum Student Manual and guidelines will be issued to the student and the Site for reference.  The Student will be evaluated by the Site Supervisor, as well as the Course Instructor.  The Practicum Experience requires 135 contact hours over the course of the semester (approximately 10 hours per week).

An overview of the anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, with an emphasis on human structures. The interrelationships of the hierarchical levels of biological organization will be discussed. BIOL 120, 108 and 109 are required for Biology majors, and may be completed in any order.

Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring

(Is required of all biology majors in conjunction with BIOL 120, 125 or 130) This fall semester lab is meant to accompany the general biology lectures. The lab is designed to provide intensive training in laboratory techniques that are involved in cell biology. Laboratory exercises include microscopy, genetics, enzymology, biological chemistry and animal behavior. Students will also gain experience in developing critical thinking skills, scientific writing, computer applications and statistical analysis of data.

Course Offered: Every Fall

An exploration of variations on the themes of biology at the cellular level, including subcellular architecture and ultrastructure; metabolism; molecular biology; cell signaling; cellular reproduction; and an introduction into the concepts of genetics and development. Since this course will involve the examination of living systems at the molecular level, this course should only be taken after students have had at least one semester of college-level chemistry. Students should have had a successful experience in chemistry at the college level prior to taking BIOL 130.

Prerequisite: CHEM 142.     Course Offered: Every Fall, Every Spring

(Is required of all biology majors in conjunction with BIOL 120, 125 or 130) This is the spring semester lab that is meant to accompany biology lectures. Topics include numerous dissections, taxonomic identifications, a systematic survey of the five kingdoms and ecological studies.

Course Offered: Every Spring

Modern concepts of atomic structure and chemical properties, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium and kinetics. Satisfies the general chemistry requirements for chemistry and biology majors as well as prerequisites for medical, veterinary and other health related graduate programs. A drop or withdrawal in the lecture must be matched by a drop or withdrawal in the corresponding laboratory course.

Prerequisites: CHEM 141/142     Corequisite: CHEM 152     Course Offered: Every Fall

Qualitative and quantitative studies of chemical systems. Introduction to basic synthetic and instrumental chemical methods.

Prerequisites: CHEM 141/142    Corequisite: CHEM 151     Course Offered: Every Spring

To be taken concurrently with PHYS 142. An algebra-based introduction to the concepts and methods of physics: I; Kinematics and Newtonian Mechanics in 1 -d, Work and Energy, Gases, Fluids, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics: II; Newtonian Mechanics in 2-d, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves, Sound and Optics. Students need to have good algebra skills and basic Trigonometry.

Course Offered: Every Fall

To be taken concurrently with PHYS 141. Experiments designed to supplement the lecture course and to provide proficiency in the methods of measurements, the analysis and presentation of data and the interpretation of results.

Course Offered: Every Fall

To be taken concurrently with PHYS 242. An algebra-based introduction to the concepts and methods of physics: I; Kinematics and Newtonian Mechanics in 1-d, Work and Energy, Gases, Fluids, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics, II; Newtonian Mechanics in 2-d, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves, Sound and Optics. Students need to have good algebra skills and basic Trigonometry.

Course Offered: Every Spring

To be taken concurrently with PHYS 241. Experiments designed to supplement the lecture course and to provide proficiency in the methods of measurements, the analysis and presentation of data and the interpretation of results.

Course Offered: Every Spring