Biology - Major in Biology Program

Required courses:

One of the following:
HSC 170 Statistics for Health Professionals

This is an introductory statistics course for health care professionals. This course will provide foundational knowledge about types of variables, probability, hypothesis testing, choosing correct statistical tests, data collection and management, producing descriptive statistics, and applying and interpreting the results of parametric and non-parametric statistical tests to health-related datasets. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. A student may not receive credit more than one of HSC 170, MAS 170, and MAS 270. 3 credits.

MAS 170 Elementary Statistics

An introduction to elementary descriptive and inferential statistics with emphasis on conceptual understanding. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. A student may not receive credit for MAS 170 after completing MAS 372. A student may not receive credit more than one of HSC 170, MAS 170, and MAS 270. 3 credits.

One of the following:
EXSC 148 Health Psychology

This course will provide an overview of the relationship between psychological factors and health status. Evidence-based theories and models related to psychology of health will provide the framework for this course. Topics will include adherence, behavior and personality, stress/coping, and psychological factors that impact engagement in the healthcare system. Recommended prerequisite: PSY-110. 3 credits. (This course is cross-listed with PSY 148)

PSY 148 Health Psychology

This course is designed as an introduction to health psychology/behavioral medicine. It will consider the role of psychology in the health field, including medical settings. It covers the relationship between psychological factors and physical disease from predisposition through maintenance. The study of behavioral medicine will include treatment of stress and stress-related disorders, preventive health behaviors and factors related to adherence of treatment programs. It also explores the psychological connections of pain and pain management, and how personal control is related to both health and the disease process. 3 credits. (This course is cross-listed with EXSC 148)

Science foundation courses:
BIO 111 General Biology I

A rigorous study of basic biological principles, designed for science majors. Topics emphasized include basic biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, embryology and histology. Fulfills requirement: . Corequisite: BIO 111L. 4 credits.

BIO 112 General Biology II

This course, also rigorous and designed for science majors, covers concepts in animal and plant physiology, botany, ecology and evolution. Fulfills requirement: . Prerequisite: BIO 111/L. Corequisite: BIO 112L. 4 credits.

CHM 111 Principles of Chemistry I

An introduction to chemistry for the science major. First semester topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, and calculations involving chemical concentrations, gas laws and bonding. Fulfills requirement: . Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: CHM 113 or 115, if not previously completed. 3 credits.

CHM 112 Principles of Chemistry II

A continuation of first semester. Topics include kinetics, acids and bases, equilibrium, thermodynamics, electro-chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Fulfills requirement: . Prerequisite: CHM 111. Corequisite: CHM 114 or 116, if not previously completed. 3 credits.

CHM 113 Introductory Laboratory I

Laboratory course to accompany CHM 111. Experiments provide exposure to both quantitative and qualitative methods. Topics include stoichiometry, synthesis, standard curves, spectrophotometry, quantitative analysis, and gas laws. In addition to the use of essential laboratory equipment and instrumentation, there is a strong emphasis on the use spreadsheets to organize and analyze data. Fulfills requirement: . Corequisite: CHM 111, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

CHM 114 Introductory Laboratory II

Second semester laboratory course to accompany CHM 112. Experiments cover colligative properties, isolation & extraction methods, thin layer chromatography, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry. In addition to the use of essential laboratory equipment and instrumentation, there is a strong emphasis on the use spreadsheets to organize and analyze data. Fulfills requirement: . Prerequisite: CHM 111 and 113. Corequisite: CHM 112, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

EXSC 211 Introduction to Human Movement

This Course is designed to introduce principles, terminology, and function of the human body. Specific topics will include joint movements, muscle action, and basic function associated with the neuromuscular system. Laboratory experiences will allow the student to visualize and demonstrate movement patterns associated with basic functional movement. Fulfills requirement: . Prerequisite: BIO 111/L or EXSC 101/L, with a grade of "C" or better, or permission of the department chairperson. 4 credits.

EXSC 311 Fundamentals of Anatomy

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of human anatomy. Covering human muscle origins, insertions, and actions as well as the anatomy of the skeletal, circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems. Traditional lecture format and a weekly laboratory session using anatomical models will serve as the teaching method. Prerequisite: EXSC 102/L or BIO 111/L, and EXSC 211/L, with a minimum grade of "C" or better; or permission of the department chairperson. 4 credits.

PHY 103 General College Physics I

This course provides an algebra-based introduction to the fundamental concepts and laws of classical mechanics and thermodynamics, with laboratory work in each area. The mechanics unit covers translational motion, Newton's laws, energy, momentum, rotational motion, statics, fluids, oscillations, waves, and sound. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Corequisite: PHY 103L. 4 credits.

PHY 104 General College Physics II

Second semester of General College Physics. This course provides an algebra-based introduction to the fundamental concepts and laws of electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics, with laboratory work in each area. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: PHY 103 or equivalent. Corequisite: PHY 104L. 4 credits.

Exercise science core courses:
EXSC 100 Introduction to Exercise Health Professions

This course introduces students to health and fitness professions that require an exercise science foundation. Opportunities are provided to identify the various content areas of exercise science, characteristics of health and fitness professionals and current trends in the field. Emphasis is placed on the development of professional behavior and professionalism components, and career or practice settings/opportunities. Students will examine terminology used by health and fitness providers in service delivery, explore word structure; terminology applicable to all body systems and health related abbreviations. Graded pass/fail. 1 credit.

EXSC 152 Scientific Writing in Exercise Science

This course is designed to prepare exercise science students with the knowledge and skills to effectively read and write exercise science documents. Students will be introduced to the exercise science literature and common writing formats that they will experience throughout the undergraduate program, and graduate and professional curricula. Emphasis will be placed on developing writing skills to be successful in exercise science. 2 credits.

EXSC 202 Training and Conditioning

This course is designed to provide EXSC students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a strength and conditioning professional and to prepare them for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam. Successful completion of the National Certification Examination will facilitate recognition as a unique professional in both the Fitness Industry and Sports Science Programs. The theoretical component of the course will further advance the student's knowledge of biomechanics, bioenergetics, adaptations to training, as well as program design and periodization. The practical component of the course mimics responsibilities of a Strength and Conditioning professional. Prerequisite: EXSC 216 or a pre/co-requisite of EXSC 315. 3 credits.

EXSC 210 Exercise Physiology Lab

This course presents students with a comprehensive study of the human body's responses to exercise. Topics include cardiovascular and respiratory response to exercise, adaptations of the human body, energy production, metabolism, body composition, and muscular adaptations to exercise. This course is the corresponding lab content for exercise physiology didactic material. Pre- or co-requisite: EXSC 216 or 315. 1 credit.

EXSC 216 Human Physiology

The design of this course is intended to impart an understanding of the basic concepts of human physiology with emphasis on neuromuscular, cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine physiology. Laboratory exercises place emphasis on effective experimental designs and data analysis in the study of physiological mechanisms. Lab exercises cover such topics as muscle contraction measurements, spirometry, and ECG analysis. Prerequisite: EXSC 102/L or BIO 111/L, and CHM 105/106 or 111/113, all with a minimum grade of "C" or better; or by permission of the department chairperson. 3 credits.

EXSC 221 Fitness Instruction and Design

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the educational concepts, performance techniques, program design, music knowledge and leadership skills needed to teach instructor-led exercise programs. The course will include basic analysis and application of safe and effective exercise procedures for all fitness levels. Fulfills requirement: . 3 credits.

EXSC 310 Exercise Physiology

Examines skeletal muscle structure and function and cardiovascular, respiratory, and neuro musculoskeletal physiology during exercise in general and special patient/client populations. Current methods of nutritional and physical assessment will be evaluated. Prerequisite: EXSC 216 or BIO 222, or permission of the department chairperson. 3 credits.

EXSC 316 Exercise Testing and Prescription

The purpose of this course is to provide students in EXSC: 1. theoretical understanding of the principles of exercise testing and prescription, 2. an opportunity to engage in basic fitness profiling and exercise prescription aimed to improve fitness and health outcomes; 3 an opportunity to develop skills required to administer health/fitness assessments; and 4 to further develop problem solving, decision-making, and communication skills. Prerequisite: EXSC 210; EXSC 310 or EXSC 315; or by permission of the department chairperson. Corequisite: EXSC 316L. 4 credits.

EXSC 319 Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the basic and necessary knowledge to undertake a systematic approach to the analysis of human movement. The student will investigate mechanical and anatomical analysis of movement in relation to human performance. Prerequisite: EXSC 211 and PHY 103, or permission of the department chairperson. Corequisite: EXSC 319L. 3 credits.

EXSC 430 Nutritional Aspects of Exercise and Eating Disorders

This course is designed to educate exercise science majors on the basics of exercise nutrition, as well as the impacts that body image can have on eating habits. Students will explore details of macronutrients, micronutrients and proper hydration. They will correctly identify nutritional needs of persons undertaking a variety of levels of physical exertion, and be proficient in educating their patients of those needs. Students will understand disordered eating patterns, their physiological and psychological impacts, and will be able to identify obvious and subtle signs of disordered eating patterns. Prerequisite: EXSC 216 or 315. 3 credits.

EXSC 434 Management in Exercise Science

This course is designed to develop essential management skills needed in the health and fitness industry. Through incorporation of guest lectures from industry experts, facility visitations, and other external experiences students are provided "real-world" context to exercise science management issues. Assignments focus on topics of health promotion programming, financial budgeting, personnel management, facility planning, safety, design, and operation. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing, or by Department Chair permission. 3 credits.

EXSC 464 Exam Certification Preparation

The purpose of this course is to ensure student readiness for and completion of their selected national certification exam, as a program requirement, prior to completing their degree in exercise science. Students will take a department organized practice exam that focuses on ensuring student knowledge in domain specific areas, after which they are eligible to register for and take the certification exam of their choice. Graded pass/fail. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: EXSC 316 and in the final semester prior to graduation, or permission of the department chair. 0 credits.

Practicum experience (minimum 8 credits, maximum 12 credits):
EXSC 460 Practicum Experience: Internship

Supervised learning experience spanning one, sixteen-week period aimed to emphasize the diversity of career options available with an exercise science degree. Fulfills requirement: Immersive Experience. Graded pass/fail. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: EXSC 316/L; or permission of the department chairperson. Required major GPA of 2.0 or greater prior to Practicum placement. 1-12 credits.

EXSC 463 Practicum Experience: Research

Experiential research opportunity in exercise science or related field. Fulfills requirement: Immersive Experience. Graded pass/fail. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: EXSC 316/L; or permission of the department chairperson. Required major GPA of 2.0 or greater prior to Practicum placement. 1-12 credits.