Exercise Science and Athletic Training
Chair Jeffrey A. Beer, Brian R. Cashdollar, Zachary J. Dougal, Kim A. Duchane, Erin R. Foreman, Mark W. Huntington
The goal of the department is to develop knowledgeable and skillful leaders and practitioners in various fields of exercise and sport sciences. Students will be cognizant of scientific principles underlying movement patterns and analyses, as well as physiological, psychological and sociological perspectives of sport and fitness participation and management.
Formal application to the athletic training and exercise science and fitness majors is made typically in either the spring semester of the first year (deadline: April 15) or the fall semester of the sophomore year (deadline: December 1). Application to the physical education teaching major is made by December 1 of the sophomore year. Application forms for the majors are in the Exercise Science Student Handbook, available on the ESAT department website.
Baccalaureate Degrees
Exercise Science and Fitness Major
This major prepares students for programs in one of the exercise sciences (e.g., biomechanics, exercise physiology, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy). It is an appropriate preparation for graduate school, or for entry-level positions in fitness and wellness.
Major in exercise science and fitness, Core: ESAT 103, 200, 325, 325L, 410, three hours of 476; BIOL 202, 202L, 204, 204L.
Exercise science concentration, 51 hours: core courses plus; BIOL 422, 422L; MATH 210; CHEM 105/105L and 106/106L or CHEM 111/111L and 113/113L; 12 hours of directed electives approved by department chair.
Fitness and recreation concentration, 48.5 hours: core courses plus; ESAT 205, 206, 209, 243, 250, 260, 276 (2 hrs), 339, 345, four hours of 476; PE 105N; 4 hours of directed electives approved by department chair.
Physical Education Teacher Education Major
Students may elect to major in teacher education and earn certification in All-Grade Teaching in Physical Education. Requirements for the teaching major are available from the department chair or the Office of Teacher Education.
Exercise science and fitness and physical education teaching majors must successfully complete the senior comprehensive evaluation. Details are published in the ESAT Student Handbook on the department website.
Minors
Adapted physical activity minor — Chosen by students who want basic knowledge and skills for modifying physical activity for individuals of varying abilities.
Adapted physical activity minor, 16 hours: ESAT 363, 363L, 460; nine hours selected in consultation with advisor from: EDUC 211, 245, 263, 315; ESAT 103, 145, 243, 335, 339, 475, 476.
Coaching minor — This option prepares students for coaching at various levels within a community. Scientific, psychological and administrative principles are presented that focus on appropriate coaching behaviors with young people.
Coaching minor, 19-27 hrs: ESAT 121, 150, 209, 345, 410; BIOL 204; 2-6 hrs from ESAT 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 218; 2-6 hrs from ESAT 145, 243, 275, 325, 475.
Health promotion minor — This focus is chosen by students who want basic knowledge and skills in the area of promoting behaviors which positively affect health, including exercise adherence and access to health care.
Health promotion minor, 15 hours: ESAT 103, 262, 264, 333, 366; three hours electives selected in consultation with advisor from: ESAT 200, 276, 339, 343; SOC 333.
Physical education minor — This focus is chosen by students in another discipline who want basic knowledge and skills of physical education for alternative career options.
Physical education minor, 27 hours: BIOL 204, 204L; ESAT 103, 145, 205, 206, 243, 250, 260, 325 or 345, 410, 414.
Courses ESAT
103 FOUNDATIONS OF HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT SCIENCES - 2 hours
An introduction to the historical, philosophical, sociological and psychological foundations that provide the framework for diverse career opportunities as health professionals, fitness specialists, physical education teachers, therapists and sport personnel.
106 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY FOR ALLIED HEALTH - 1 hour
Self-paced instruction in the essentials of medical terminology including word roots, suffixes, prefixes, terms of anatomical orientation, commonly-used abbreviations and medical specialty nomenclature.
113 EMERGENCY CARE FOR THE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE - 3 hours
Emergency management of common injuries in the physically active population. Includes CPR for the professional rescuer, use of automatic external defibrillators, spine-boarding and fracture-splinting techniques. Emphasis is on recognition, assessment and immediate treatment of injuries and illnesses.
121 DEVELOPING THE STUDENT-ATHLETE LEADER - 1 hour
Students will develop skills to effectively lead in athletic team settings. Students will investigate (within team settings) effective communication, motivation, how to reduce conflict and how to promote team cohesiveness.
145 MOTOR DEVELOPMENT - 3 hours
A study of the progressive change in movement behavior throughout life from infancy through older adulthood. Emphasis is placed upon developing the ability to identify the stages in a variety of motor skills. Attention will also be given to the study of physical growth patterns and biological maturity and the relationship of each to motor performance.
150 INJURY AND ILLNESS PREVENTION FOR THE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE - 3 hours
A survey of strategies for the prevention of injury and illness in the physically active population. Topics include prophylactic taping, padding and bracing techniques, protective equipment, universal precautions and disease transmission and environmental threats to safety.
150L INJURY AND ILLNESS PREVENTION LABORATORY - 1 hour
Laboratory to accompany ESAT 150. Emphasis on clinical techniques to develop prophylactic taping, padding, bracing, protective equipment and universal precaution skills. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ESAT 150.
200 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NUTRITION - 3 hours
Basic nutrition with emphasis on the principles and theories of the function and interrelationships of the nutrients. The application of nutrition for the needs of the various life stages. Therapeutic diets are reviewed. Research paper is required.
205 TEACHING TEAM ACTIVITIES - 3 hours
Students will develop personal skills, learn basic rules, and focus on teaching progressions, analyzing skills and selecting appropriate skill tests for specific team activities. Concurrent enrollment in ESAT 250.
206 TEACHING INDIVIDUAL AND DUAL ACTIVITIES - 3 hours
Students will develop personal skills, learn basic rules, and focus on teaching progressions, analyzing skills and selecting appropriate skill tests for specific individual and dual sports and noncompetitive lifetime activities. Concurrent enrollment in ESAT 260. Prerequisite: ESAT 205 and 250.
209 PRINCIPLES OF COACHING - 2 hours
An overview of basic techniques and procedures involved in coaching at the elementary through secondary level. Administrative, scientific and psychological concepts facing the coach are discussed.
210-218 - COACHING
Coaching techniques, fundamental skills, conditioning and rules relating to participation and management of meets and games. Methods of coaching a specific system as it relates to the sport.
210 COACHING OF BASKETBALL - 2 hours
211 COACHING OF BASEBALL/SOFTBALL - 2 hours
212 COACHING OF FOOTBALL - 2 hours
213 COACHING OF SOCCER - 2 hours
214 COACHING OF TRACK AND FIELD - 2 hours
215 COACHING OF VOLLEYBALL - 2 hours
216 COACHING OF SWIMMING AND DIVING - 2 hours
218 COACHING OF WRESTLING - 2 hours
222 WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTION - 2 hours
Students are prepared to be certified teachers of American Red Cross swimming courses. Classroom instruction and practical skills are assessed. Prerequisite swimming skills will be tested at beginning of course. Note: This course does not certify students to become lifeguards. See PE 101 Lifeguarding.
231 MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING - 1 hour
A study and assessment of various diagnostic imaging being used in the present medical field. Class will be led by guest speakers from the medical profession, doctors, radiologist, etc. Students will focus on type, rationale for use, and history of diagnostic imaging techniques. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.
240 ETHICS AND PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF SPORT - 3 hours
This course will investigate the impact of psychological and socio-cultural factors on sports structure and participation. Topics such as performance enhancement techniques for both competing and injured athletes, team dynamics and leadership and socialization in sports will be examined. Ethical implications relating to the fields of sport psychology and sport sociology will be discussed.
243 PRINCIPLES OF FITNESS - 2 hours
A lecture/laboratory course which investigates basic principles of safe and effective exercise prescription for all age levels. Students will identify strengths and weaknesses of existing fitness testing programs and will field test selected programs with appropriate age groups including self-testing. Students design suitable exercise programs based on test results.
246 MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE - 3 hours
A survey of non-orthopedic conditions and other factors which affect participation in physical activity. Topics included are diabetes, seizure disorders, the effects of various pharmacological agents and the evaluation of systemic illness by athletic trainers.
247 PHARMACOLOGY FOR ALLIED HEALTH - 1 hour
This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of pharmacology emphasizing drug law, routes of administration, basic pharmacokinetics and the specific pharmacology of drugs commonly used in physical medicine. Permission of instructor required. Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ESAT 246.
250 TEACHING LABORATORY 1 - 1 hour
An introductory practice teaching experience in physical education with school-age children in an on-campus clinical teaching setting under the direct supervision of a physical educator. Concurrent enrollment in ESAT 205.
251 MUSCULOSKELETAL ASSESSMENT: UPPER EXTREMITY - 3 hours
Advanced physical assessment of injury and pathology of the upper extremity, cervical spine, thorax and abdomen. Proper documentation of clinical findings is also addressed and practiced. Prerequisite: ESAT 113, completion of or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 202.
253 MUSCULOSKELETAL ASSESSMENT: LOWER EXTREMITY - 3 hours
This course focuses on the principles of orthopedic examination and assessment. Emphasis will be placed on the components of the comprehensive orthopedic clinical evaluation and diagnosis including: history, inspection, palpation, functional testing and special evaluation techniques of the lumbar spine and lower extremity. Prerequisites: BIOL 204, ESAT 113, completion of or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 202.
260 TEACHING LABORATORY 2 - 1 hour
The second practical experience in teaching school-age children in an on-campus clinical setting applies instructional strategies covered in ESAT 206. Students are under the direct supervision of a physical educator. Concurrent enrollment in ESAT 206. Prerequisite: ESAT 250.
262 HEALTH CONCEPTS - 2 hours
An introduction of basic health and wellness concepts as a foundation for health professionals, including athletic trainers, fitness specialists, teachers and therapists. Attention will be given to topics such as growth and development, mental and emotional health, nutrition, personal health and alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
264 HEALTH PROMOTION - 2 hours
An investigation of the health content knowledge in communicable and chronic diseases; consumer and community safety; environmental health; family living; and injury prevention and safety. The course will provide a foundation for the promotion of health-enhancing behaviors and disease prevention for health professionals, including athletic trainers, fitness specialists, teachers and therapists.
265 RESEARCH METHODS IN ATHLETIC TRAINING - 2 hours
A survey of research methods appropriate for the athletic training discipline. Topics include evidence based practice, types of research, data collection methods, experimental design and analysis. Course includes completion of athletic training evidence-based practice competencies for the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Prerequisite: ESAT 150.
270 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IN ATHLETIC TRAINING I - 1 hour
In this first level of clinical experience in athletic training, students have the opportunity to apply clinical techniques addressed in ESAT 113 and 150. Students are under the direct supervision of an athletic training clinical instructor in an athletic training setting. Prerequisite: permission of a clinical instructor.
273 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IN ATHLETIC TRAINING II - 1 hour
First level of field experience in an athletic training setting under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Students will be assigned to a particular patient population in a particular health care setting. Prerequisite: ESAT 270.
275 PRACTICUM IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION OR SPORT MANAGEMENT - 1-4 hours
Designed to give students supervised work in varsity or intramural sports, physical education classes at any level, recreation settings or sport management settings. The course focuses on administrative aspects of chosen placement and participation suitable to the student’s expertise. Sport management students must complete a two-hour block of practicum under the direction of a faculty advisor. May be repeated for a maximum of four hours. Prerequisite: prior written approval by department chair.
276 PRACTICUM IN HEALTH/FITNESS/WELLNESS - 1-4 hours
Observation of and participation in a health, fitness or wellness setting. The focus is on allowing the student to observe and participate in the activities related to the particular setting. Practical application of previous learning is expected without a high level of professional responsibility. May be repeated for a maximum of four hours. Prerequisite: Prior written approval by department chair.
301 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR CHILDREN - 3 hours
Methods for teaching developmentally appropriate physical activities and fundamental motor skills based on the needs, interest and characteristics of elementary school children are stressed. Concurrent enrollment in ESAT-350.
303 TEACHING GYMNASTICS AND RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES - 3 hours
Methods for teaching tumbling, apparatus and rhythmic activities, including teaching progressions, analyzing skills, selecting appropriate skill tests and designing interdisciplinary activities. Concurrent enrollment in ESAT 360. Prerequisite: ESAT 301 and 350.
313 INTERNATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE - 3 hours
This international study abroad course travels to Ireland & the U.K and offers fantastic opportunities for students to visit and study the European model of sports medicine. These specific regions have unique medical professionals, health care and sports medicine teams to compare and contrast to that of the US. Students will explore the country sides, history, and culture of these two countries. This course will take students inside the European Model of Health Care and Sports Medicine where they will receive firsthand experience and knowledge at various facilities, clubs, universities and other sporting events. Prior completion of ESAT 251 and 253 is preferred. C-3GC
320 COMMUNITY HEALTH - 3 hours
An overview of health issues relevant to school, community and public health educators including athletic trainers, fitness personnel, teachers and physical therapists. Attention will be given to topics such as health care delivery systems, drug testing and screening, environmental and consumer health, disease prevention and health promotion.
325 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY (W) - 3 hours
A course investigating the various physiological adaptations which occur in the human body as a result of physical activity. The functions of various organs and systems involved in these adaptations will be reviewed. Commonly used physical training techniques and the physiological bases for their use are presented. Prerequisite: BIOL 204 and 204L; or consent of instructor; FYS or ENG 111.
325L EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 hour
Laboratory experience in collection and analysis of human physiological responses to both acute and chronic exercise. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ESAT 325.
330 THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES IN ATHLETIC TRAINING - 3 hours
A survey of the therapeutic modalities commonly employed in athletic training and other rehabilitation settings. Theory, indications and contraindications for use, and practical application of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, intermittent compression, and various heating and cooling modalities in the treatment of athletic injuries are addressed. Prerequisite: ESAT 150.
333 ADOLESCENT HEALTH APPLICATIONS - 3 hours
Application of previous coursework and expertise in presenting comprehensive health programs for today's youth. The course emphasizes current topics in health and fitness, as well as how to plan, implement and evaluate effective programs in health promotion, including behavior management and conflict resolution. Practical experience presenting health content is required.
335 THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE - 3 hours
Theory and techniques of restoration of muscular flexibility, strength, endurance and functional ability following injury. Topics included are joint mobilization, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and other selected rehabilitation strategies and modalities. Prerequisites: BIOL 204 and 204L.
339 FUNDAMENTAL TECHNIQUES OF EXERCISE AND FITNESS - 3 hours
The study of exercise techniques used for assessment and exercise prescription. Students will explore and practice the teaching of resistance and cardiovascular training techniques, current research, exercise trends, and motivational techniques. Students will apply the use of kinesiology, anatomy, physiology and exercise prescription for both healthy and special populations in fitness. Prerequisite: ESAT 243.
343 AGING: HEALTH AND WELLNESS - 3 hours
Students will study problems and concerns related to health, fitness and wellness in the aging population. Special emphasis will be given to exercise and strength training. Practical experience with older adults is required.
345 FUNCTIONAL KINESIOLOGY- 3 hours
A course that qualitatively investigates the principles of mechanics as they relate to the performance of motor skills. Special emphasis is placed on skill analysis through visual observation, video taping and musculoskeletal anatomy.
350 TEACHING LABORATORY 3 - 1 hour
The third practical experience in teaching physical education to elementary-age children in an on-campus clinical setting applies instructional strategies covered in ESAT 301. Students are under the direct supervision of a physical educator. PRAXIS I must be completed prior to enrollment in this class. Concurrent enrollment in ESAT 301. Prerequisite: ESAT 260.
360 TEACHING LABORATORY 4 - 1 hour
The fourth practical experience in teaching physical education to elementary-age children in an on-campus clinical setting applies instructional strategies covered in ESAT 303. Students are under the direct supervision of a physical educator. Concurrent enrollment in ESAT 303. Prerequisite: ESAT 350.
363 ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY - 3 hours
A study of general characteristics of individuals with various disabilities and their capabilities in movement performance. Consideration is given to the means of assessing the performance of people of varying abilities and effective ways of modifying the environment and physical activity to meet the needs of individuals across the lifespan.
363L ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LABORATORY - 1 hour
Students will participate in a supervised service-learning experience applying methods, materials, management, and assessment strategies to meet the psychomotor learning needs of individuals with disabilities. Course requires practical experience in the public schools and one all day Saturday commitment. May be repeated for a maximum of three hours. Only one hour can be counted for the major.
366 HEALTH AND FITNESS FOR CHILDREN - 3 hours
Provides integration of previous coursework and expertise in comprehensive health programs for elementary-aged children. The course emphasizes current topics in health and fitness, as well as how to plan, implement, and evaluate effective programs in health promotion, including behavior management and conflict resolution. Practical experience presenting health content is required.
370 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IN ATHLETIC TRAINING III - 1 hour
The second level of clinical experiences for athletic training students. Opportunities are provided for students to apply the clinical techniques covered in ESAT 243, 251, 253, 330 and BIOL 202. Students are under the direct supervision of an athletic training clinical instructor in an athletic training setting. Prerequisites: ESAT 243, 251, 270, 330; BIOL 202; and permission of a clinical instructor.
373 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IN ATHLETIC TRAINING IV - 1 hour
Second level of field experience in an athletic training setting under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Students will be assigned to a specific patient population in a particular health care setting. Prerequisite: ESAT 370.
410 ADMINISTRATION OF HEALTH AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAMS (W) - 3 hours
Management and leadership techniques for diverse careers in health and physical activity programs are presented. Topics include: program design and evaluation, fiscal administration, risk management, human resources, public relations, facility design and other relevant issues. Prerequisite: FYS or ENG 111.
411 TOPICS IN ATHLETIC TRAINING - 1 hour
Provides an integration of prior coursework and expertise in athletic training, preparation for the BOC Certification Exam and forum for discussion of athletic training issues of current concern. Prerequisite: ESAT 251.
440 CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION IN HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION - 3 hours
An examination of P-12 health and physical education curricula and effective instructional methodology. Teacher candidates will explore the assessment of student learning, different teaching styles, classroom management, conflict resolution, creative classroom materials in a student-centered classroom. Concurrent enrollment in ESAT 441. Prerequisite: Formal approval to student teach.
441 TEACHING HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION LABORATORY - 1 hour
Teacher candidates will participate in 20 hours of observation and teaching experience in a public school health and physical education classroom under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher. Concurrent enrollment in ESAT 440. Prerequisite: Formal approval to student teach.
460 SERVICE DELIVERY IN ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION - 3 hours
An in-depth study of the delivery of direct services in adapted physical education for students receiving a special education. Teacher candidates will pursue inquiry of the Adapted Physical Education National Standards and exchange results through discussions and reports. Service-learning experience in the public schools is required. Prerequisite: ESAT 363.
470 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IN ATHLETIC TRAINING V - 1 hour
This course is the third level of clinical experiences for athletic training students. Opportunities are provided for students to apply the clinical techniques covered in ESAT 325 and 335. Students are under the direct supervision of an athletic training clinical instructor in an athletic training setting. Prerequisites: ESAT 246, 325, 335, 370 and permission of a clinical instructor.
473 CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IN ATHLETIC TRAINING VI - 1 hour
Third level of field experience in an athletic training setting under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer. Students will be assigned to a particular patient population in a particular health care setting. Prerequisite: ESAT 470.
475 INTERNSHIP IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION - 1-4 hours
Work experience in the area of coaching, physical education or sports administration. This experience links classroom instruction to actual career responsibilities. The student is supervised by a professional employed by the specific agency. Open only to juniors and seniors. May be repeated for a maximum of four hours. Prerequisite: approval by department chair.
476 INTERNSHIP IN HEALTH/FITNESS/WELLNESS - 1-4 hours
Work experience in the area of health, fitness or wellness. This experience links classroom instruction to actual career responsibilities. The student is supervised by a professional employed by the specific agency. Open only to juniors and seniors. May be repeated for a maximum of four hours. Prerequisite: approval by department chair.
477 INTERNSHIP IN ATHLETIC TRAINING - 1-4 hours
Application of classroom theory to actual athletic training practice. Includes supervised injury evaluation, immediate care and long-term rehabilitation of athletic injuries, as well as experience in the administrative aspects of athletic training services. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours. Prerequisite: approval by department chair.
499 SENIOR RESEARCH PROJECT - 3 hours
Supervised research into a physical education topic of interest. Prerequisite: second semester junior or senior status and department major.
380 or 480 SPECIAL PROBLEMS - 1-4 hours
A student who has demonstrated ability to work independently may propose a course and pursue it with a qualified and willing professor. The department chair and college dean must also approve. A set of guidelines is available at the Office of the Registrar.
385 or 485 SEMINAR - 1-4 hours
An in-depth consideration of a significant scholarly problem or issue. Students pursue a supervised, independent inquiry on an aspect of the topic and exchange results through reports and discussions.
Physical Education Activity Courses
Students are encouraged to select physical education activities to learn new lifetime skills. Students should not take activity courses in which they can already perform the basic fundamentals. Students are permitted to enroll in a maximum of one physical education activity course per half semester.
Student-athletes who compete at the intercollegiate level are not allowed to take an activity course in the same sport in which they compete. Maximum credit toward bachelor’s degree is 2.0 hours. Maximum credit toward associate degree is 1.0 hours.
PE 101 LIFETIME ACTIVITY - 0.5 hour
Lifetime Activity courses may include, but are not limited to: archery, badminton, bowling, canoeing, golf, karate, racquetball, self-defense, SHARBADE, tennis, ultimate frisbee and volleyball. Bowling and golf have additional fees. Maximum credit toward bachelor’s degree is 1.0 hours. Maximum credit toward associate degree is 0.5 hours. C-2LA
Learning Goals:
- Skill acquisition for lifetime participation and enjoyment.
- Knowledge and application of etiquette and rules of the activity.
PE 105 FITNESS AND WELLNESS ACTIVITY - 0.5 hour
Fitness and Wellness courses may include but are not limited to biking, Core stability training, fitness walking, hydro aerobics, jogging, lifeguarding, pilates, stress reduction, swimming, tai chi, weight trainin, and yoga. Lifeguarding, swimming and hydro aerobics have additional fees. Permission of the department chair is required to enroll in lifeguarding. Maximum credit toward a bachelor’s degree is 1.0 hours. Maximum credit toward associate degree is 0.5 hours. C-2FA
Learning Goals:
- Knowledge and applications of scientific principles of fitness and nutrition for personal programs.
- Discussion of wellness principles related to each activity.