Exercise Science
College of Health, Department of Health & Exercise Science
Anderson Athletic Recreation Center (AARC) 206, (651) 962-5982
Mellick (Chair), Arogbokun, Bruininks, Hedman-Robertson, Korak, Mead, Mellick, Roy, Sage, Scibora
Department Web Site: https://health.stthomas.edu/health-exercise-science/index.html
A major in exercise science prepares students for entrance into a doctor of physical therapy program or other related medical field. A student graduating with a major in exercise science will be trained on highly sophisticated assessment equipment and gain real-world experience outside the classroom.
Exercise Science Major
Major Courses:
- NUTR 245 Introduction to Nutrition (4 credits)
- EXSC 130 Foundations of Exercise Science (2 credits)
- EXSC 211 Introduction to Research Methods (2 credits)
- EXSC 213 Human Anatomy and Lab (4 credits)
- EXSC 214 Physiology (4 credits)
- EXSC 214L Physiology Lab (0 credits)
- EXSC 326 Kinesiology (4 credits)
- EXSC 332 Exercise Physiology (4 credits)
- EXSC 332L Exercise Physiology Lab (0 credits)
- EXSC 413 Exercise Testing & Prescription (4 credits), OR
- EXSC 414 Essentials of Strength & Condition (4 credits)
- EXSC 426 Biomechanics (4 credits)
- EXSC 426L Biomechanics Lab (0 credits)
- EXSC 449 Exercise Science Research Methods (2 credits)
- EXSC 450 Ex Sci/Hlth Prom Internship (100 hours) (2 credits)
Elective Courses (select 8 credits):
- HLTH 250 Personal Health & Wellness (4 credits)
- EXSC 313 Motor Development (4 credits)
- EXSC 314 Aging & Exercise (4 credits)
- EXSC 413 Exercise Testing & Prescription (4 credits)
- EXSC 414 Essentials of Strength & Condition (4 credits)
- EXSC 432 Advanced Exercise Physiology (4 credits)
- PHYS 110 General Physics II (4 credits)
- CHEM 112 General Chemistry II (4 credits)
Allied Courses:
- BIOL 207 Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution (4 credits)
- BIOL 208 Biological Communication and Energetics (4 credits)
- CHEM 111 General Chemistry I (4 credits)
- PHYS 109 General Physics I (4 credits)
- STAT 220 Statistics (4 credits)
- PSYC 111 General Psychology (4 credits)
- PSYC 301 Psychopathology (4 credits)
- Select one of the following:
- MATH 108/109 Calculus with Review I & Review II (4 credits each)
- MATH 113 Calculus (4 credits)
Exercise Science Minor
This minor is for students looking to enhance their career objectives and goals who may be considering work in the allied health, wellness or fitness world. A minor increases a student's knowledge base, enhances qualifications, provides for a greater competitive edge in the job market and builds individual credibility.
This minor is a good complement to a number of other disciplines such as business, marketing, communications and psychology. Students interested in pursuing careers in fields such as sports broadcasting, sports marketing, and advertising and promotions may also be interested in this minor.
Core Courses:
- EXSC 213 - Human Anatomy and Lab (4 credits)
- EXSC 214 - Human Physiology and Lab (4 credits)
- EXSC 326 - Kinesiology (4 credits)
- EXSC 332 - Exercise Physiology (4 credits)
Select one of the following:
- EXSC 426 Biomechanics (4 credits)
or EXSC 432 Advanced Exercise Physiology (4 credits)
The following prerequisites must be observed:
EXSC 213 is a prerequisite for EXSC 326
EXSC 214 is a prerequisite for EXSC 332
EXSC 326 is a prerequisite for EXSC 426
EXSC 332 is a prerequisite for EXSC 432
Please note: Health Promotion majors may not earn an Exercise Science Minor.
Exercise Science Undergraduate Courses
| Course Number | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXSC 130 | Foundations Exercise Science | 2 | |
| Description of course Foundations Exercise Science : | This is the introductory course in the Exercise Science major and provides and overview of the field of applied exercise science. The student will gain exposure to various career options and possible settings for professional practice of exercise science, and will be introduced to the foundations of Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Exercise Psychology and Sociology. (Formerly PHED 130) | ||
| EXSC 211 | Intro to Research in EXSC | 2 | |
| Description of course Intro to Research in EXSC : | This course allows students the opportunity to be engaged in hands-on research methodology focused on exercise science. This includes instruction regarding obtaining and reading research, the IRB process, the use of equipment in the exercise science labs, working with human participants, and the process of manuscript preparation. | ||
| EXSC 213 | Human Anatomy | 4 | |
| Description of course Human Anatomy : | This course is a study of human anatomical structure using a body systems approach from the microscopic to gross levels of organization. Of particular emphasis are unifying themes including the complementarity of human anatomy form and function, interrelationships between organ systems and the application of knowledge to homeostatic disruptions observed in human disease and other clinical conditions. This workshop-style course combines the lecture and laboratory components (three laboratory hours per week) to provide students with hands-on experiences learning anatomical concepts, developing critical thinking, understanding scientific methodology and the application of scientific principles. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing | ||
| EXSC 214 | Human Physiology | 4 | |
| Description of course Human Physiology : | This is a course designed to provide students with an understanding of the regulation and function of the human body and physiological integration for the maintenance of homeostasis. Areas of study include muscular, neural, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine and reproductive systems. This course is a three-hour lecture course with a two-hour lab section. Two laboratory hours per week. (Formerly PHED 214) | ||
| EXSC 240 | Medical Terminology | 2 | |
| Description of course Medical Terminology : | This course is intended to introduce students to technical terminology used in the health profession. Emphasis will be placed on nomenclature, medical vocabulary, pronunciation, spelling, and accurate definition. The Greek and Latin root words that form the basis of the technical terminology used in the health profession will be studied, thus providing students with an understanding of the fundamental building blocks of this terminology. (Formerly PHED 240) | ||
| EXSC 243 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||
| EXSC 269 | Research | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Research : | No description is available. | ||
| EXSC 295 | Topics | 2 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, (Formerly PHED 295) View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| EXSC 296 | Topics | 2 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule (Formerly PHED 296) | ||
| EXSC 297 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule (Formerly PHED 297) | ||
| EXSC 298 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule (Formerly PHED 298) | ||
| EXSC 313 | Motor Development | 2 | |
| Description of course Motor Development : | This course provides an in-depth study of the principles of human growth and life span motor development and motor learning. Topics of study will include physical growth and aging, development of motor skills across the life span, perceptual motor development and the interaction of exercise and structural constraints. | ||
| EXSC 314 | Aging and Exercise | 2 | |
| Description of course Aging and Exercise : | This course is designed to apply the principles of anatomy and physiology to the study of aging and physical activity. The student will gain an understanding for how exercise adaptations are impacted by the aging experience, and how exercise can be programmed and prescribed in an aging population. Prerequisites: EXSC 213 and 214. | ||
| EXSC 326 | Kinesiology | 4 | |
| Description of course Kinesiology : | Structure and function of the human skeletal and muscular systems with respect to movement will be examined. Neuromuscular aspects of movement, forces, torque, balance and stability are studied with applications to sport, physical activity and activities of daily living. Observing and analyzing skill performance are experienced. Laboratory experiences will be done within the scheduled class time. Prerequisite: EXSC 213 | ||
| EXSC 332 | Exercise Physiology | 4 | |
| Description of course Exercise Physiology : | This course is designed to provide an introduction to physiological responses experienced when training for, and participating in, sport and physical activity. Basic exercise physiology topics will be covered including the principles of exercise as well as adaptations to exercise for the purpose of cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and/or endurance. Training for sport, detraining and ergogenic aids, cardiovascular disease, and obesity will also be studied. Laboratory experiences will be done within the scheduled class time. (Formerly PHED 332) Prerequisite: PHED 208 or EXSC 214 (Formerly PHED 214) | ||
| EXSC 389 | Research | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Research : | No description is available. | ||
| EXSC 393 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||
| EXSC 413 | Testing and Prescription | 4 | |
| Description of course Testing and Prescription : | Exercise Testing and Prescription follows the current recommended guidelines set forth by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and introduces undergraduate students to the scientifically-based standards related to human physiology assessment, health screening, health-related physical fitness testing and interpretation, prescription/program design, and exercise program adherence commonly used in healthcare and clinical settings, progressive health club, and elite athletics environments. Prerequisite: EXSC 332 | ||
| EXSC 414 | Essentials: Strength Training | 4 | |
| Description of course Essentials: Strength Training : | Essentials of strength training and conditioning is a professional preparation course addressing the theory and practical skills necessary to design and implement a variety of resistance training programs across a diverse population. The use of different resistance training modalities typically used to improve muscular endurance or muscular strength will be considered as well as physiological, biomechanical, and safety aspects of resistance, anaerobic, and aerobic training. Prerequisites: EXSC 326 and 332. | ||
| EXSC 426 | Biomechanics | 4 | |
| Description of course Biomechanics : | This course is designed to build on the basic understanding of the skeletal and muscular systems as they relate to human movement and examine the mechanics of movement in exercise and sport. Techniques for observing movement, data collection and analyzing sport performance and movement will be emphasized. Research techniques will be introduced and students will participate in designing and conducting a Biomechanics research project. Two hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in EXSC 326 | ||
| EXSC 432 | Advanced Exercise Physiology | 4 | |
| Description of course Advanced Exercise Physiology : | Application of the principles of anatomy and physiology to the study of metabolic, respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and nervous system changes during exercise and physical activity. The student will gain an understanding of the acute and chronic adaptations of these systems and how to impose these adaptations. In addition, students will gain hands-on experience in the testing and measurement of individuals in an exercise physiology laboratory. This course is a three-hour lecture course with a two-hour lab section. (Formerly PHED 432) Prerequisite: PHED 208 or EXSC 214 (formerly PHED 214); EXSC 332 (formerly PHED 332) or PHED 304 | ||
| EXSC 449 | Research Seminar | 2 | |
| Description of course Research Seminar : | This course is designed to teach research methodology specific to the field of Exercise Science. Students are required to engage in hands-on research focused on an area of interest in the field of Exercise Science. Students will learn research skills, through locating primary literature sources, formulating a research question, conducting an original research study, and presenting it in several formats. Prerequisite: EXSC 211, 326, 332 | ||
| EXSC 450 | Ex Sci/Hlth Prom Internship | 2 | |
| Description of course Ex Sci/Hlth Prom Internship : | This course meets the internship requirement for majors in the Exercise Science and Health Promotion programs. The required 100 observational hours fulfills a requirement for application to graduate clinical programs (e.g. physical therapy, chiropractic school, physician assistant school). S-R grading option only. Prerequisite: EXSC 326 and EXSC 332 must be successfully completed prior to (not at the same time as) enrolling in EXSC 450. | ||
| EXSC 476 | Exer Sci Experiential Lrng | 1 TO 4 | |
| Description of course Exer Sci Experiential Lrng : | Experiential learning in Exercise Science. | ||
| EXSC 483 | Exercise Science Seminar | 2 | |
| Description of course Exercise Science Seminar : | Seminar in Exercise Science | ||
| EXSC 484 | Exercise Science Seminar | 2 | |
| Description of course Exercise Science Seminar : | Exercise Science Seminar | ||
| EXSC 485 | Exercise Science Seminar | 4 | |
| Description of course Exercise Science Seminar : | Seminar in Exercise Science | ||
| EXSC 486 | Exercise Science Seminar | 4 | |
| Description of course Exercise Science Seminar : | Exercise Science Seminar | ||
| EXSC 487 | Topics | 2 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| EXSC 488 | Topics | 2 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| EXSC 489 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| EXSC 490 | Topics | 4 | |
| Description of course Topics : | The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule | ||
| EXSC 491 | Research | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Research : | No description is available. | ||
| EXSC 495 | Individual Study | 2 OR 4 | |
| Description of course Individual Study : | No description is available. | ||