Biology - Major in Biology Program

Required Courses:
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 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 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.

One from the following:
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: Natural Science Analysis. Corequisite: BIO 111L. 4 credits.

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.

One from the following:
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 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 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 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)

)
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.