Biology - Major in Biology Program

Science Foundations:
CHM 105 General, Organic and Biochemistry

An introduction to general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry for the students majoring in certain health science programs. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactivity, pH, equilibrium, and radioactivity. This course is not intended as a substitute for any student who requires a typical two semester, Principles of Chemistry lecture sequence, such as those students planning to attend medical school or other health-related professional programs. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: CHM 106, if not previously completed. 3 credits.

CHM 106 General, Organic and Biochemistry Laboratory

This lab involves the application and experimental investigations of the principles and knowledge of general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. This laboratory is not intended as a substitute for any student who requires a typical two semester, Introductory Chemistry laboratory sequence, such as those students planning to attend medical school or other health-related professional programs. Corequisite: CHM 105, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

EXSC 101 Anatomy and Physiology I

A detailed study of the human organism according to levels of chemical and structural organization with special reference to cytology, histology, and organs of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and fluid and electrolyte balance. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Corequisite: EXSC-101L. 4 credits.

EXSC 102 Anatomy and Physiology II

A detailed study of the human organism according to levels of chemical and structural organization with special reference to cytology, histology, and organs of the sense organs, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive and reproductive systems and genetics. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisite: EXSC 101/L with a minimum grade of "C" or better. 4 credits.

Cross-Discipline Requirements:
MAS 170 Elementary Statistics

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

PSY 110 General Psychology

This course is designed as an introduction to the conceptual and methodological foundations of psychological science. Through a broad exploration of neuroscience, cognition, social processes, development, and psychopathology, the course provides a conceptual background for understanding behavior, and active engagement with the scientific process including the addressing of connections between research and theory, and the role of empirical data, in understanding psychological processes. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. 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)

(or PSY-148)
PSY 149 Psychology of Sport

This course is designed as an introduction to sport and exercise psychology. It will consider the role of psychological variables in training and performance, including personality, arousal, and motivation, and review overtraining, burnout, and injury. It will explore the role of communication, leadership, and team dynamics. It will cover psychological skills training techniques and strategies for performance improvement. 3 credits.

Exercise Science Core:
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 105
EXSC 123 Scientific Basis of Coaching

Coaching theory and methodologies are reviewed relative to specific sport teams and the relationship to team development. Students will develop a coaching philosophy and apply such to exercise and sport case studies. Recommended prerequisite: PSY 110. 3 credits.

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 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: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisite: BIO 111/L or EXSC 101/L, with a grade of "C" or better, or permission of the department chairperson. 4 credits.

EXSC 219 Foundations of Biomechanics

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to concepts of mechanics as they apply to human movement, particularly those pertaining to exercise, sport, and rehabilitation. This course will assist students in developing the ability to link the structures of the human body with mechanical laws and principles. Corequisite: EXSC 219L. 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: Oral Communication. 3 credits.

EXSC 305
EXSC 315 Principles of Human and Exercise Physiology

The course is designed to provide EXSC students with an overview of exercise physiology to improve their physiological understanding of how the body responds to exercise. Students will be able to identify behaviors, choices, and environments that impact health and training. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisite: CHM 105/106 or CHM 111/113 or EXSC 102/L with a minimum grade of "C". 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 404 Advanced Theories in Training and Conditioning

The course is designed to provide EXSC students with knowledge of advanced strength training and conditioning theory and practice. The course explores advanced areas of resistance training, metabolic training, flexibility, reaction time, speed, and agility. The course will also investigate alternative methods and practices used in the fitness and strength and conditioning industry to provide the student with a variety of skills and techniques to be used in the field. Prerequisite: EXSC 202/L; EXSC 310 or 315. 3 credits.

EXSC 420 Lifespan Health Promotion

Students will explore the concept of health across the lifespan. Emphasis will be placed on the understanding of health, its impact on individuals and the community and the development of health promotion programs unique to ages ranging from young children to the older adult. 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 432 Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Prep (CSCS)

The 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 given by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Prerequisite: EXSC 202/L. 2 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):
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.