This course provides a foundation that students will need to be successful in future classes in exercise science, sports medicine, and fitness leadership. Sample topics covered in the class include sports nutrition, sports psychology, exercise physiology, exercise prescription, motor behavior, biomechanics, as well as an exploration into the career possibilities in the field.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
The goal of this class is to provide the student with the necessary knowledge and experiences to succeed in further study of exercise science. This course provides information on scientific principles of exercise and their applications within the field of exercise science/kinesiology.
- Introduction to Exercise Science
- Examine the scientific study of human movement and its historical beginnings.
- Explain the many and varied benefits of regular exercise and physical training.
- Introduction to Research in the Exercise Field
- Recognize standard research tools and the scientific process.
- Discriminate between scientifically valid and invalid sources of exercise science information.
- Exercise Physiology
- Describe basic structure and function of the human circulatory, skeletal, endocrine and muscular systems.
- Distinguish the anaerobic and aerobic processes that provide energy for the working muscle.
- Sports Medicine
- Determine basic emergency treatment for common sport injuries and medical emergencies.
- Exercise and Sport Nutrition
- Illustrate the interaction of exercise, nutrition, and body composition.
- Exercise and Sport Psychology
- Elaborate on the influence of personality, motivation, stress, and social factors on participation in physical activity.
- Motor Behavior and Biomechanics
- Describe the study of biomechanics in relation to our understanding of human movement.
- Identify the diversity of human motor performance and learning.
- Equipment and Assessment in Exercise Science
- Utilize the basic tools and procedures to assess fitness levels and health risk.
- Professional Issues in Exercise Science
- List professional organizations and publications in the discipline of Exercise Science.
- Identify current issues within the fields of Exercise Science.
- Recognize the occupational opportunities available to Exercise Science majors.
Assessment and Requirements
Academic achievement will be assessed including but not limited to the following methods:
- Group discussions
- Chapter quizzes
- Homework assignments
- Observations
- Demonstrations
- Presentations
- Group projects
American College of Sports Medicine Introduction to Exercise Science