Exercise Science Major, BS

Description

To qualify for the Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science, the student must satisfy the general studies course requirements as well as the major and professional components of the program. A minimum grade of C or better is required in each major course. Students are required to complete a minimum of 120 semester hours of course work to qualify for graduation.

Mission

It is the goal of the proposed exercise science degree program to produce knowledgeable and skilled practitioners who are able to develop and implement safe and effective physical activity programs for apparently healthy adults and who are equipped to successfully pursue graduate studies in exercise science and allied health.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of human functional anatomy including the skeleton, cardiorespiratory system, skeletal muscle, and sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
2. Demonstrate a knowledge of basic exercise physiology including: a) identifying the role of aerobic and anaerobic systems and their required fuels in the performance of various physical activities; b) describing the normal cardiorespiratory responses to an exercise bout and how these responses may differ between subjects of different ages, gender, and ethnicity and with chronic adaptation to exercise; c) identifying the physiological principles related to muscular endurance, strength and flexibility training; d) identifying the effects of temperature, humidity, altitude, and pollution upon the physiological response to exercise; e) identifying neuroendocrine adaptations to exercise; and f) identifying the use and misuse of ergogenic aids to enhance performance.
3. Show the ability to identify risk factors and the pathophysiology of the major chronic diseases which may require consultation with medical or allied health professionals prior to participation in physical activity through demonstration of the use of health history, informed consent and medical clearance.
4. Demonstrate an ability to design exercise programs, which take into account client goals, dose, development and maintenance.
5. Demonstrate the ability to use knowledge of the basic principles of nutrition, weight control, energy balance and body composition to develop a weight loss program.
6. Demonstrate the ability to use knowledge of basic statistical and research design to propose and test a research hypothesis.