Exercise Science (EXSC)

EXSC 100  Anatomical Kinesiology  Credits: 3  

This course is designed to develop the students proficiency in identifying the structures and functions of the musculoskeletal system.

Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  
EXSC 100L  Anatomical Kinesiology Lab  Credits: 1  

This course is designed to develop the students proficiency in identifying the structures and functions of the musculoskeletal system.

Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  
EXSC 101  Introduction to Exercise Science  Credits: 2  

This course will introduce students to the career options available with an Exercise Science degree. Students will gain the knowledge and skills required for becoming an Exercise Scientist. Classroom learning experiences will be provided, as well as guest speakers who will provide first-hand knowledge of the profession. Students will also be exposed to these professions with hands on learning experiences in the field via volunteer job shadowing/observation with professionals in these areas.

Fall: All Years  
EXSC 110  Introduction to Health Professions  Credits: 2  

This course will introduce students to the professions of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, and Speech-Language Pathology, as well as Physician Assistant, Chiropractic, Nursing, etc. Students will also be exposed to these health care professions with hands on learning experiences.

Fall: All Years  
EXSC 160  SMSU Exercise Science Community Fitness Program  Credits: 1  

This course will involve participating in a fitness assessment and individualized exercise prescription written by Exercise Science students under the direction of their instructor. This course involves direct participation in the program in the SMSU Exercise Science Fitness Center. The Exercise Science students complete this service learning component of two different 400 level EXSC courses.

Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  
EXSC 180  Principles of Fitness and Wellness  Credits: 2  

This course is designed to teach the components of fitness and the relationship of ones fitness to overall wellness. Topics will focus on understanding the components of Health-Related Fitness (cardiovascular, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition). Fundamental knowledge in the areas of nutrition, stress management, and behavior modification will be introduced and the implications of these variables on wellness will be discussed.

Spring: Department Discretion  
EXSC 225  Nutrition  Credits: 3  

This is an introductory course investigating nutrition from a scientific perspective. This course will introduce the nutrients and their work in the body from chemical, metabolic, and physiologic perspectives. Then, this information will help students learn to use this information to understand energy balance, weight control, and nutrition through the lifespan.

Fall: All Years  Spring: Department Discretion  Summer Department Discretion  
EXSC 286  Special Topics  Credits: 1-4  

This course is designed to provide lower division students an opportunity to experience a special or experimental curriculum enrichment course.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 100 AND EXSC 101  
Fall: Department Discretion  Spring: Department Discretion  
EXSC 300  Biomechanics of Human Motion  Credits: 3  

This course includes both lecture and lab experience to describe, analyze, and interpret the mechanical functions of human movement.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 100  
Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  
EXSC 325  Nutrition & Exercise  Credits: 2  

This course is intended to teach students an intermediate to advanced understanding of sport and exercise nutrition for the purpose of human performance and physical activity. Topics of study will include carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin, mineral, and water requirements of active populations, as well as the use of nutritional ergogenic aids for performance enhancement.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 225 AND EXSC 350 OR EXSC 225 AND BIOL 200 AND CHEM 121 OR EXSC 225 AND BIOL 200 AND CHEM 231  
Fall: All Years  Spring: Department Discretion  Summer Department Discretion  
EXSC 350  Exercise Physiology  Credits: 3  

This course includes lecture and lab experience to define and interpret the adaptations of the human organism to physical activity.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 100  
Fall: All Years  Spring: Department Discretion  Summer Department Discretion  
EXSC 350L  Exercise Physiology Lab  Credits: 1  

This course includes lecture and lab experience to define and interpret the adaptations of the human organism to physical activity.

Fall: All Years  Spring: Department Discretion  Summer Department Discretion  
EXSC 360  Athletic Enhancement, Human Performance, & Exercise Leadership  Credits: 3  

This course introduces students to the field of Athletic enhancement, human performance, and leadership skills involved in individual and group training. The class will cover specifics including: speed, agility, power, proper development of exercise programming in the athletic/human performance arena, and proper development and leadership of exercise instruction with individual training and group training programming. Students completing this class will be prepared to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine Group Training Certification and/or Certified Personal Trainer Certification, and/or National Strength and Conditioning Certified Personal Trainer Certification.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 350 AND EXSC 350L  
Spring: All Years  
EXSC 375  Research Methods  Credits: 2  

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic methods of research in Exercise Science. Emphasis will be placed on how to select a research project, how to conduct a literature search, how to write a project proposal, and methods for data collection. This course is designed to help students be successful in EXSC 475 Capstone Research.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 100 AND EXSC 300 AND EXSC 350  
Fall: All Years  
EXSC 380  Community and Corporate Wellness and Health Promotion  Credits: 3  

This course will introduce students to the field of Community Health and Corporate Wellness. Topics will include the history of Employee Health Promotion, workplace health and wellness services, design and implementation of health promotion programming in communities, schools and business, health care policy and legal issues, evidence based decision making in the community health and corporate wellness field, program assessment and evaluation tools, and program design and implementation.

Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  
EXSC 390  Fitness Assessment  Credits: 2  

This course is designed to provide students with the scientific theories and practical application for fitness assessment. Students successfully completing this course should be prepared for the fitness assessment components of the American College of Sports Medicine certification in Health & Fitness Specialist.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 300 AND EXSC 350 AND EXSC 225 OR PE 385 AND PE 391 AND EXSC 225 OR PE 385 AND EXSC 350 AND EXSC 225 OR PE 391 AND EXSC 300 AND EXSC 225  
Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  
EXSC 395  Applied Learning in Physical Therapy/Rehab Services  Credits: 1-3  

This course provides students with a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on learning within a physical therapy clinic setting. Participants will gain practical experience working alongside a licensed physical therapist. The course emphasizes the development of clinical and interpersonal skills essential for success in the field of physical therapy.EXSC 395 - participation in patient care, assisting the Physical Therapist with exercise prescription. Assignments outside of class will focus on learning about different diagnoses that may be seen in the clinic, including reading, reviewing and discussing research articles and treatment content.

Pre-Requisite : Requires minimum credits: 60  
Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  
EXSC 399  Psychosocial Aspects of Exercise Science  Credits: 3  

This course provides an in-depth examination of the psychological and social dimensions of exercise science. Students will explore the interplay between biology, psychology, and socio-environmental factors and engagement in healthy behaviors and physical activity. The course covers various topics, including sociological aspects of exercise, barriers, motivation, and adherence, mental health, and the impact of social environments and cultural influences.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 325 AND EXSC 390  
Fall: Department Discretion  Spring: Department Discretion  
EXSC 400  Motor Learning & Development  Credits: 2  

This course is designed to study motor learning and development through the lifespan of humans. Students will develop skills in analyzing and identifying learning and developmental stages in fundamental motor patterns.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 100  
Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  
EXSC 400L  Motor Learning and Development Lab  Credits: 1  

This course is designed to apply the concepts studied in EXSC 400 (motor learning and development). Students will develop skills in analyzing and identifying learning and developmental stages in fundamental motor patterns. Students must register for both lecture and lab courses in the same semester.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 100 OR PE 285  
Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  
EXSC 401  Human Kinematics  Credits: 3  

This course is designed for students to further develop their analytical skills related to human motion. Students will design, capture, and utilize movement analysis software to develop an advanced skill and scientific understanding in kinematic analysis. Both quantitative and qualitative kinematics of human gait and other movement outcomes will be emphasized. These kinematic studies prepare students to assess, interpret, and instruct the proper mechanics and/or adaptations of human movement and exercise.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 100 AND EXSC 300  
Spring: Department Discretion  
EXSC 450  Advanced Exercise Physiology Lecture/Seminar  Credits: 3  

This course is designed to advance the students knowledge in the physiological dynamics of the organ systems of the human body in response to exercise.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 100 AND BIOL 200 AND EXSC 300 AND EXSC 350  
Spring: All Years  
EXSC 450L  Advanced Exercise Physiology Lab  Credits: 1  

This course is designed to have the student use critical thinking in the application of laboratory research to a physiology exercise of interest. The student will demonstrate the ability to relate the research in an in-depth thesis-style written format and an oral presentation.

Spring: All Years  
EXSC 465  Research Methods and Professional Development  Credits: 3  

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic methods of research in Exercise Science. This will include reading, analyzing and understanding research in order to conduct a literature review, prepare a research proposal, and present in a professional manner. In addition, this course is designed to prepare students for entry into job market, therefore, students will develop a professional resume, application essay/personal statement, cover letter, and interviewing skills. This course is designed to help students be successful in EXSC 475 Capstone Research.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 100 OR PE 285 AND EXSC 300 OR PE 385 AND EXSC 350 OR PE 391  
Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  
EXSC 470  Adaptive and Inclusive Fitness Concepts  Credits: 1  

This course is designed to explore the realm of fitness programming tailored to diverse populations with varying physical abilities and needs. This course will delve into the principles, strategies, and methodologies behind adaptive fitness.Students will learn the fundamentals of adaptive fitness and gain insights into the physiological and psychological aspects of individuals with different abilities. The course will cover adaptive exercise programming, including strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, and balance exercises, with a focus on customizing workouts to meet specific adaptive requirements.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 325 AND EXSC 480 OR EXSC 490  
Fall: Department Discretion  Spring: Department Discretion  
EXSC 475  Capstone Research  Credits: 3  

This course will teach Exercise Science majors the skills and knowledge necessary to perform discipline-specific original research. Content examines the application and interpretation of statistical methods and research design in the field of exercise, and human performance by completing original research.

Pre-Requisite : MATH 200 OR PSYC 200 AND EXSC 375 OR EXSC 488 OR ENVS 390 and Requires minimum credits: 60  
Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  
EXSC 476  Research Seminar  Credits: 2  

This course provides students the opportunity to collect data and analyze data for a research project or a service project under the direction of a faculty member in the Exercise Science Program.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 465  
Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  
EXSC 477  Research Presentation  Credits: 1  

This course is designed to develop students proficiency in presenting scientific content.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 476  
Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  
EXSC 480  Principles of Training & Conditioning  Credits: 3  

This course is designed to provide students with the scientific theories and practical applications for exercise design and prescription. This course will apply concepts of exercise physiology, anatomical kinesiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and facility planning and management. This course is also designed to include content standards related to the NSCA, National Strength and Conditioning Associations Certified Strength Conditioning Specialist, CSCS, exam.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 300 AND EXSC 325 AND EXSC 350 AND EXSC 390  
Spring: All Years  
EXSC 486  Topics in Exercise Science  Credits: 1-4  

This course is designed to provide upper division students an opportunity to experience a special or experimental curriculum enrichment course.

Fall: Department Discretion  Spring: Department Discretion  
EXSC 488  Professional Communication  Credits: 3  

Students will conduct multiple review of literature studies in the field of Exercise Science and develop related professional presentations. In addition, this course is designed to prepare students for entry into the job market. Students will develop a Resume, Application Essay/Personal Statement, Cover Letter, and interviewing skills.

Pre-Requisite : Requires minimum credits: 75  
Fall: All Years  
EXSC 490  Exercise Prescription  Credits: 3  

This course is designed to provide students with the scientific theories and practical application for fitness assessment and exercise prescription. Students successfully completing this course should be prepared for completion of the American College of Sports Medicine certification Exercise Physiologist Certified.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 390 and Requires minimum credits: 75  
Fall: All Years  
EXSC 494  Directed Studies  Credits: 1-4  

This course provides students the opportunity to design a curricular experience or research project under the direction of a faculty member in the Exercise Science Program.

Fall: Department Discretion  Spring: Department Discretion  Summer Department Discretion  
EXSC 495  Fitness Specialist Training  Credits: 1-3  

This class will allow students to provide one on one, small group training or group training for credit.

Pre-Requisite : EXSC 350 AND EXSC 390 AND EXSC 490  
Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  
EXSC 499  Professional Practicum  Credits: 1-12  

To provide an opportunity for a student who works in the area of physical education or human performance in an internship program.

Fall: All Years  Spring: All Years  Summer All Years  
Note: While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, SMSU reserves the right to correct any clerical errors herein. Also, you can submit feedback.