Exercise Science (B.S.)
As the most popular Health and Human Performance major, nearly 50% of our Exercise Science students apply to graduate schools to study physical therapy, physician’s assistant, chiropractic or occupational therapy. An internship and a full-year of research and statistics are required.
Students interested in health-related professions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and chiropractics may elect to major in Exercise Science. Students should consult with their advisor regarding pre professional requirements and suggested program of study.
Learning Outcomes
Majors will be able to:
- Possess understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of movement and performance.
- Demonstrate proficiency in assessing health, fitness, and well-being and prescribing programs to achieve goals in a safe and effective environment.
- Demonstrate practical application of knowledge and ethical decision making in an appropriately supervised organizational setting.
- Analyze and effectively communicate (oral and written) scholarly work in health and human performance.
Required Courses | 21 hours |
---|---|
HHP 1270 Advanced Emergency Care | 1 hour |
HHP 1320 Introduction to Allied Health | 1 hour |
HHP 1910 Medical Terminology | 1 hour |
HHP 2500 Basic Human Nutrition | 2 hours |
HHP 2850 Structural Kinesiology | 1 hour |
HHP 3850 Biomechanics | 3 hours |
HHP 4150 Physiology of Exercise | 4 hours |
HHP 4250 Exercise Testing and Programming | 3 hours |
HHP 4800 Research and Statistical Methods | 3 hours |
HHP 4970 Internship | 2 hours |
Capstone Courses | 2 hours |
---|---|
HHP 3990 Professional Engagement | 1 hour |
HHP 4990 Senior Capstone | 1 hour |
This course will provide skills required to conduct a holistic health assessment through comprehensive analysis of a patient's health status across the age continuum. Topics include: dermatological, cardiovascular, ear, nose and throat, neurological, respiratory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, renal and urogenital, endocrine and metabolic systems, and psychological medical disorders.
Cross listed with HHP 3330.
Prerequisite(s): HHP 1320 Introduction to Allied Health or HHP 1300 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries and junior standing or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
Designed for non-science majors, this general education course will examine the principles of biology within the context of the human experience and covers cell biology, physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and the interaction of humankind and the environment. Course content will be offered in a variety of formats including but not limited to: lectures in person or online; laboratory experience; group activities and discussion-based activities. Does not count toward a biology major.
(Normally offered at least once per academic year.)
An introductory study of the structure, physiology, and pathogenicity of microorganisms, with an emphasis on bacteria and viruses that cause infectious diseases in humans. Does not count toward a biology major.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I.
Pre or corequisite(s): BIO 1080L Microbiology Laboratory.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
An introductory study of cellular physiology and tissues along with a comprehensive study of the integumentary skeletal, muscular, nervous systems, and special senses. Does not count toward a biology major.
Three lectures per week.
Pre or Corequisite(s): BIO 1090L Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
Laboratory experiments and investigative exercises supporting BIO 1090 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I.
Pre or Corequisite(s): BIO 1090.
An introductory study of the blood, cardiovascular lymphatic, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems in addition to metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance and acid-base balance of the body. Does not count toward a biology major.
Three Lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1090 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I or permission of the instructor.
Pre or Corequisite(s): BIO 1100L Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
Laboratory experiments and investigative exercises supporting BIO 1100 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology II.
Pre or Corequisite(s): BIO 1100.
An introduction to environmental science and scientific methodology using the environment as the system of study. The goals are to help the student develop a better understanding of the environment, gain insight into human-caused problems found in nature, explore the relationships of humanity with the environment, and provide practical experience in performing scientific measurements and experiments.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Does not count toward a biology major.
This course is designed for biology majors and replaces traditional introductory biology courses. The overarching goal is to introduce students to collegiate biology by teaching them how to carry out scientific research. Across all sections of this course, students will pose scientific questions, design and critique experiments, run those experiments, evaluate experimental outcomes, and communicate those outcomes. Within this framework of investigative inquiry, students will learn introductory content that will not only be meaningful for the current course, but will allow for a smoother transition to their sophomore year. Content areas include ecology, genetics, evolution, biodiversity, reproduction, development, and cellular/molecular mechanisms.
Course fluidly transitions between lecture and lab with an equivalency to 3 lecture hours and 3 laboratory hours per week. No P/F.
Pre or corequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I; or prerequisite of CHEM 1100 Prep Chemistry.
(Multiple sections normally offered each semester.)
This course emphasizes molecular mechanisms associated with intracellular structures, metabolism, genetic information transfer, heredity, and evolution in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
Three lectures per week with one three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I, CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I.
(Normally offered each semester.)
An introduction to the interaction of life with the environment at the molecular, organismal through ecosystem levels, highlighting the major factors influencing evolutionary change. Topics include genetic and phenotypic variation, natural selection, adaptation, speciation, symbiosis and populations dynamics especially in light of human interference, and ecosystem structure and function. Where possible, principles of evolution and ecology will be integrated.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week, including field, laboratory and greenhouse work.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I.
(Normally offered each semester.)
This course is the first of a two-semester sequence anatomy and physiology for pre-health students that emphasizes the structure and function of the human body. It includes the study of homeostasis, tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems in addition to the special senses.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and sophomore standing.
Corequisite(s): BIO 3200L Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
Laboratory experiments and investigative exercises supporting BIO 3200.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and sophomore standing.
Corequisite(s): BIO 3200 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I.
Normally offered each fall semester.
Human Anatomy and Physiology is the study of structure and functions of the human body. This course will cover the topics of blood, the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, renal and reproductive systems as well as nutrition and metabolism, acid-base, fluid, and electrolyte balance, and human development.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and sophomore standing.
Corequisite(s): BIO 3210L Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
Laboratory experiments and investigative exercises supporting BIO 3210.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and sophomore standing.
Corequisite(s): BIO 3210 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
A study of fundamental principles of chemistry including structures of atoms and molecules, periodicity, stoichiometry, reactions, solutions, gases, and thermochemistry.
Three classes per week.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
Laboratory supporting CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I.
One three-hour lab per week.
Pre or corequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
A continuation of CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I. Topics include reaction kinetics, aqueous equilibria, thermodynamics (Entropy and Gibbs Free Energy), electrochemistry, colligative properties, nuclear and coordination chemistry.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and CHEM 1110L Chemical Principles I Laboratory with grades of "C-" or better.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
A laboratory supporting CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
A survey of the structure and reactions of carbon-containing molecules.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I with a grade of "C-" or better.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
A laboratory supporting CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I.
One 3-hour lab per week.
One 1-hour pre-lab lecture per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110L Chemical Principles I Laboratory with grade of "C-" or better.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
A continuation of CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I. A study of reactions of importance in the synthesis and biosynthesis of carbon compounds, including reaction mechanisms and spectroscopic methods for the determination of structures.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I with grade of "C-" or better.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
A laboratory supporting CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms.
One 3-hour lab per week.
One 1-hour pre-lab lecture per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 2100L Organic Chemistry I Laboratory with grade of "C-" or better.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
A comprehensive introduction to the field of biochemistry that will stress the role of molecular structure and reactivity in determining biological function. The course will emphasize biochemical problem solving by the application of basic chemical principles.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II and CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms with grades of "C-" or better. A basic biology background is strongly recommended.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
A study and application of the principles and techniques involved in the advanced administration of first aid, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated electronic defibrillators (AEDs). Students will earn American Red Cross certifications.
(Normally offered each semester.)
A study of injuries common to athletic participants and the prevention and care of such injuries. Cross listed with AT 1300.
(Normally offered each semester.)
This course is designed to introduce students to the world of allied health. The course will explore careers in the allied health fields. Additionally, students will begin to develop the personal and professional skills needed to work in these fields.
(Normally offered each semester.)
This course focuses on the systematic approach to word building and term comprehension of medical terms. Includes definitions, spellings, pronunciations and common abbreviations of medical terms.
(Normally offered each semester.)
This is a course designed to provide students with the basic scientific principles of nutrition focusing on their personal choices and experiences. The student will develop a definition of nutrition, and learn how nutrition has evolved. The student will be introduced to the concepts of: essential nutrient classifications, defining and developing a healthy diet, recommendations for specific nutrients, eating disorders, energy balance and obesity, body composition, lifetime nutrition (infancy to older adults), and food/beverage choices and the influence on chronic disease and optimal wellbeing.
(Normally offered each semester)
This course is an introduction to the field of massage therapy in rehabilitation programs and personal wellness plans. The class will address local, national and global perspectives, current research, history and development in the field. Laboratory experiences with methods in wellness massage are emphasized.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
This course examines psychological theories and practices related to sport and exercise behavior. The course is designed to introduce you to the field of sport and exercise psychology by providing a broad overview of the major topics in the area.
(Normally offered each semester.)
This course is designed to introduce students to clinical exercise. This course will involve the application of clinical exercise physiology to medical populations, including patients with cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, cancer, and various musculoskeletal diseases and disorders. Introduction to interpreting electrocardiograms, exercise testing, and case-study analyses are also included.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
This course integrates musculoskeletal anatomy with human movement. Students will learn and apply musculoskeletal anatomy and joint actions to upper extremity, lower extremity, and trunk movements.
Normally offered each semester.
A course designed to introduce students to concepts and practices relating to worksite health promotion. Students will learn how to develop, implement, and evaluate wellness promotion programs. Students will complete a 20-hour field experience in an assigned worksite in the community to provide invaluable experience.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
A course that will introduce students to current understandings of how complex motor skills are initially learned, and how they are controlled and refined with practice, from a behavioral point of view. A variety of activities will provide students with practical examples to deepen understanding. This course has applications to general exercise science, physical therapy, and coaching.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
An advanced study of the scientific principles and theories related to sport performance in both the private and public sectors. Discussions related to applications and concepts in the exercise sciences, testing and evaluation, exercise technique, sport nutrition, exercise psychology, program design, and strength and conditioning administration and facility organization will be emphasized.
Normally offered each semester.
See ATTR 3330 Health Assessment.
This is a course designed to study foods and their effects upon health, development, and performance of the individual. The student will build on materials and knowledge learned from HHP 2500 Basic Human Nutrition. The student will be introduced to the concepts of: link between food and energy, proper water balance and electrolytes, science of supplementation, manipulation of macronutrient intake, nutrient timing, customized nutrition plans, and the key concepts of sport nutrition relative to both exercise and nutrition for optimal health and physical performance.
Prerequisite(s): HHP 2500 Basic Human Nutrition, BIO 1090 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 3200 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I, BIO 1100 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology II or BIO 3210 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II, or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered semester)
This course integrates physics with human movement to provide understanding of human movement from a kinetic and kinematic perspective. Students will explore and apply these principles to a human movement or exercise of their choice.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1090 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 3200 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I.
(Normally offered each semester.)
This class is designed to prepare students who are entering the professional field of health and human performance. Real-life, hands on tools for career advancement will be examined and then applied including the creation of goals and objectives, a personal statement, a cover letter, and a professional resume with references. An investigation into graduate schools (and the requirements for applying) or the job market for your intended career will be explored, as well as searching for alternative career paths. No Pass/Fail.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each semester.)
This course explores the physiological effects and adaptations of exercise using a system approach. Students will be exposed to the latest research in the field that contributes to our understanding of how the human body is designed for exercise and movement. Practical application of these principles will be explored during class and throughout the laboratory experience.
One 1.5 hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1100 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology II or BIO 3210 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II and junior standing.
(Normally offered each semester.)
This course provides students hands-on learning of the laboratory and field tests used for assessing physical fitness and body composition for health and performance. Test results are used in developing individualized exercise programming to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, body weight and body composition, as well as flexibility.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1100 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology II or BIO 3200 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I and junior standing.
(Normally offered each semester.)
Research and Statistical Methods is designed for senior-level HHP majors to develop an understanding of the research process and the rationales for basic behavioral statistics in the field of exercise science. This class will focus on the creation of a research proposal for exercise science and on developing reading, writing, and practical skills to interpret and conduct research.
Prerequisite(s): HHP 1320 Introduction to Allied Health and junior standing, or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each semester)
This course will focus on developing skills to conduct a research study, analyze results, and complete a research paper. Students will present their research proposal to recruit subjects, give an informal elevator speech regarding the state of their research project, and at the end of the course, formally present their research study at
the NWU Student Symposium.
Prerequisite(s): HHP 4800 Research and Statistical Methods.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
An on-the-job experience oriented toward the student's major interest. Each student must work with the department internship coordinator to obtain an internship related to the specific area of emphasis or interest of the student. This position must satisfy the mutual interests of the instructor, the sponsor, and the student. This course presents each student the opportunity for work-related application of interest in the Health and Human Performance area.
No P/F.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and approval of the supervising faculty member.
This senior capstone class is the final course for a degree in the Health and Human Performance Department. In a capstone experience, students will reflect on your academic growth while finalizing a customized electronic portfolio. The ePortfolio will be used to review and reflect on previous work, carryout an assessment of their academic career, and project a future vision for an intended career in their chosen field. This ePortfolio can be used for future academic goals as well as to serve as an aid for housing acquired material. Prerequisites: Senior standing and Departmental major or permission of the instructor. No Pass/Fail.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and a departmental major, or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each semester.)
A survey of geology and geophysics. Topics include characteristics of minerals and rocks, plate tectonics, Earth's interior, Earth history and time scales, surface processes, and ocean processes.
Three lectures per week.
One laboratory per week.
Prerequisite(s): One year of high school algebra or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered alternate fall semesters.)
A course covering some of the most critical problems facing the world today - those relating to the production, distribution, and use of energy. The basic concepts of heat, work, electricity and energy as they apply to energy use around the world will be studied. The major source of energy, their value and importance, the historical and future demand for energy and the specific environmental problems and benefits encountered will be identified.
Three lectures and one laboratory per week.
Prerequisite(s): One year of high school algebra or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered alternate fall semesters.)
An introductory course on the solar system, stars and galaxies.
Three lectures per week.
One laboratory/observation per week.
Prerequisite(s): One year of high school algebra or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered alternate spring semesters.)
A survey of and explanation of weather and climate phenomena in terms of the physical characteristics and processes of the atmosphere.
Three lectures per week.
One laboratory per week.
Prerequisite(s): One year of high school algebra or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered alternate spring semesters.)
The principles of classical mechanics, energy and motion designed for majors in the natural and health sciences. Algebra and trigonometry will be used in descriptions and problems.Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 1600 and PHYS 2000 General Physics I.
Prerequisite(s): A grade of "C" or better in MATH 1470 Trigonometry or MATH 1400 Pre-Calculus or MATH 1600 Calculus I or a MATH ACT score of 27 or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
A continuation of PHYS 1600 with emphasis on waves, sound, electricity, magnetism, and electronics.
Three two-hour workshop sessions per week.
Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 1700 and PHYS 2100 General Physics II.
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 1600 Principles of Physics I.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)