Exercise Science

The American International College (AIC) Exercise Science department offers students both undergraduate (BS) and graduate (MS) educational opportunities. Our faculty is dedicated to increasing inter-departmental collaborations among students and enhancing scholarly activity within the field. Students will develop strong academic and professional foundations through applied curricula and hands-on lab experiences. Students will leave our programs prepared to succeed at the graduate level or in the professional workforce.

BS Exercise Science

Students in the Bachelor of Exercise Science Program will gain extensive knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers in the field of Exercise Science and other related disciplines. Through an applied curriculum with a strong physiological foundation, hands-on lab experiences, and inter-professional collaborations, students will be prepared to enter the workforce or excel at the graduate level in various Health Science related programs.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply physiological and biomechanical concepts related to movement, fitness, and health related issues
  • Demonstrate knowledge of how the human body moves by relating the different structures/systems of the body to one another: musculoskeletal, nervous, and connective tissue
  • Apply motor development theories to a developing adolescent with regards to skillful movement and physical activity
  • Perform fitness-related tests independently
  • Design and implement exercise programs for normal healthy individuals
  • Evaluate and prescribe proper exercise prescriptions to special populations by using foundational concepts of exercise physiology and nationally recognized guidelines
  • Demonstrate knowledge of injury prevention through therapeutic exercise techniques related to different athletic populations

MS Exercise Science, Concentration Strength and Conditioning

The professional track for AIC’s MS program in Exercise Science with a concentration in strength and conditioning is designed to prepare students with the expertise and skills they will need to succeed in the industry by applying foundational knowledge to Division I and Division II NCAA College Athletics.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply critical strength and conditioning/physiological concepts to the athletic population
  • Demonstrate leadership development as a strength and conditioning professional
  • Develop and execute advanced strength and conditioning programs to the athletic and special populations
  • Be adequately prepared to pass national certification exams
  • Correctly critique athletes athletic performance and during training (resistance exercise, plyometric exercise, speed/agility, endurance).

What You'll Learn

A Concentration in Strength and Conditioning prepares students to become successful strength and conditioning coaches in the collegiate, professional, or private settings.

Future Studies

The BS program prepares students for graduate studies in the allied health professions (Applied Exercise Science/Physiology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, and Strength and Conditioning)

Career Opportunities

The Exercise Science programs prepare students to become successful at the graduate level in allied health professions or in the workforce.

Exercise Science Major courses

Major Courses: Must complete to receive a BS in Exercise Science

  • EXS1100: Introduction to Exercise Science
  • EXS1200: Health Science Professions
  • EXS 2100: Research Methods
  • EXS 2300: Motor Development and Learning
  • EXS 2400: Sport and Exercise Nutrition
  • EXS 3100: Human Biomechanics
  • EXS3300: Physiology of Exercise
  • EXS 3050: Foundations of Strength and Conditioning
  • EXS 4100: Therapeutic Exercise
  • EXS 4200: Exercise Testing and Rx
  • EXS 4300: Exercise for Special Populations
  • EXS 4450: Senior Seminar
  • EXS 4500: Research Seminar
  • EXS 4800: Practicum/Internship

Other BS Exercise Science Requirements

  • BIO1400/1401: Biology I + Lab
  • BIO1500/1501: Biology II + Lab
  • BIO1200/1201: Human Anatomy and Physiology I + Lab
  • BIO1210/1211: Human Anatomy and Physiology II + Lab
  • PSY1401: General Psychology I
  • PSY1501: General Psychology II
  • SRM3203: Sports Psychology
  • PSY2302: Statistics
  • SRM 1600 Management of Sports Industries
  • BIO 3200 Human Functional Anatomy

Elective Courses in Exercise Science (when offered)

  • BIEXS 3200: Injuries and Evaluation of Lower Extremities
  • EXS 3400: Injuries and Evaluation of Upper Extremities
  • EXS 4400: Gerokinesiology
  • EXS 4600: Therapeutic Modalities

Additional Program Requirements

A minimum grade of “C” must be achieved in all EXS courses as well as BIO 1200, BIO 1210, BIO 3200.  A minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.7 must be maintained to remain in the program. Students must fulfill the Professional Development Point (PDP) requirements upon graduation (See handbook for detail).

General Education Requirements

See page 70. General Education requirements may be fulfilled by major requirements where applicable.

Additional Program Notes:

BIO 1400, BIO 1500, PSY 1401, PSY 1501, and PSY 2302 also count towards 17 credits of General Education requirements.

MS Exercise Science, Concentration Strength and Conditioning

Prerequisites into Program:

  • Anatomy and Physiology I + Lab
  • Anatomy and Physiology II + Lab
  • Physiology of Exercise
  • Human Biomechanics or Kinesiology or Human Functional Anatomy

All prerequisites must be completed with a B- or better to enter into the program. An undergraduate overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 is highly recommended/preferred.

Requirements: Professional Track

  • EXS5010: Research Methods
  • EXS5030: Strength and Conditioning
  • EXS5050: Neuromuscular and Hormonal Aspects of Exercise
  • EXS5120: Exercise Testing and Evaluation
  • EXS5240: Sports Nutrition
  • EXS5290: Bioenergetics in Athletic Performance
  • EXS5500: Program Internship
  • EXS5610: Strength & Conditioning Applications and Program Design
  • EXS5640: Exercise for Special Populations
  • EXS5676: Facility Management for Exercise Professionals
  • EXS5720: Psychology and Philosophy of Sport Coaching
  • EXS6500: 400 Hour Internship
  • EXS6700: Winter (December) Comprehensive Examinations

Additional Program Requirements:

An overall graduate GPA of 3.0 must be maintained throughout the program. No more than 1 course may be completed with a grade of “C+”. Students will be allowed repeat one course only once. All students must take and successfully pass the Comprehensive Examinations in order to graduate. Please see handbook for guidelines.

Exercise Minor

To receive a minor in EXS, 18 credits must be taken/completed from the lists below:

  • EXS 1000: Intro to Exercise Science
  • EXS 1200: Health Science Professions
  • EXS 2100: Research Methods
  • EXS 2300: Motor Development and Learning
  • EXS 2400: Sport and Exercise Nutrition
  • EXS 3100: Human Biomechanics
  • EXS 3300: Physiology of Exercise
  • EXS 3050: Foundations of Strength and Conditioning
  • EXS 4100: Therapeutic Exercise
  • EXS 4200: Exercise Testing and Rx
  • EXS 4300: Exercise for Special Populations

When offered (EXS electives), students may include these in their minor

  • EXS 3200: Injuries and Evaluation of Lower Extremities
  • EXS 3400: Injuries and Evaluation of Upper Extremities
  • EXS 4400: Gerokinesiology
  • EXS 4600: Therapeutic Modalities

Other courses accepted for EXS minor:

  • BIO 3200 Human Functional Anatomy

 

 

Course Descriptions

This entry level course in Exercise Science provides information on selected topics in the field of exercise science and other related health science disciplines which include: history of exercise science, anatomy, exercise physiology, exercise epidemiology, nutrition, biomechanics, motor control/learning, and sports psychology.  This course is designed to introduce students to the field and to prepare students for advanced courses in the Exercise Science curriculum.

This course explores the various disciplines in the field of Health Sciences. Topics to be covered on each discipline include: history, educational requirements, licensure requirements, employment trends, and salary ranges.  An emphasis is placed upon how the disciplines work together in the professional workforce and in an educational setting.

This course is intended for students majoring in biology. It is an introduction to living organisms through the topics of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee.

CO-REQUISITES: BIO1400

This course is intended for students majoring in biology. It is an introduction to living organisms through the topics of taxonomy, evolution, the diversity of life, and physiology. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee.

CO-REQUISITES: BIO1500

This course presents the basic patterns and organizational theories of the human body, including topics of interest for students seeking careers in the health sciences, using a systems approach from cellular levels and support systems to control and regulation. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee.

This course continues the systematic exploration of the human body, including clinical considerations of the endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. One three-hour laboratory period per week with laboratory fee.

The course will examine the development of gross and fine motor skills over the lifespan in healthy populations. The course will also examine factors that influence the learning of new motor skills (Motor Learning) as a result of practice and/or experience.


PREREQUISITES: EXS1100

This course introduces students to the concepts of human body mechanics as they apply to human movement. An emphasis is placed upon the mechanics of movement pertaining to exercise, physical activity, and sports. Students will become knowledgeable of the anatomical and mechanical principles which govern human motion and understand how the structure of the body links to function.


PREREQUISITES: EXS1100, BIO1200 and BIO1201

This course explores the physiological effects of human physical activity. Topics to be covered include, the neuromuscular, cardio-respiratory, biochemical, and metabolic responses and adaptations to exercise/training.


PREREQUISITES: EXS1100, BIO1200 and BIO1201

This course covers the basic principles of behavior, that make up the foundation of psychology. Emphasis is placed on the biological basis of behavior, sensation, perception, learning, language, memory, thinking, infancy, and childhood. The methods of inquiry used in psychology are also emphasized.

continuation of PSY1401, with an emphasis on the application of psychology to contemporary life. Topics include: motivation and emotion; social behavior; adolescence and adulthood; personality; abnormal behavior and psychotherapy; stress, health, and psychology of the workplace.

Examines psychological theories and research related to sport and exercise behavior. The course is designed to introduce students to the field of sport and exercise psychology by providing a broad overview of the major topics in the area. Students work to increase understanding of how psychological factors influence involvement and performance in sport, exercise, and physical education settings, and to increase understanding of how participation in sport, exercise, and physical education influences the psychological makeup of the individuals involved.

This course introduces students to the basic concepts of research methodology and terminology.  It includes the identification of relevant research problems, examination of various research methods, and an introduction to statistical procedures/designs.


PREREQUISITES: PSY2302

This course is an introduction to statistical methods as they are used in the social sciences. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are covered, including sampling, probability, and hypothesis testing. Specific parametric and non-parametric analyses include analysis of variance, the t-test, Chi-square, and correlation.

This course introduces basic nutritional concepts with application to exercise and athletic performance. An emphasis is placed upon energy expenditure during aerobic and anaerobic exercises, athletic diets, nutritional supplements, and the role of ergogenic aids in performance.


PREREQUISITES: EXS1100

This course encompasses common injuries which affect the athletic population and includes orthopedic evaluation, assessment, management and rehabilitation of the upper extremities and the peripheral joints. This course will be a combination of lecture and laboratory format for instruction.


PREREQUISITES: BIO1200 and BIO1201

This course introduces the student to basic concepts of kinesiology, biomechanics, and anatomy as applied to human motion. Primary areas of study will include the foundations of kinesiology, functional anatomy, posture, gait, and motion analysis. PREREQUISITE: BIO1200, BIO1201, BIO1210, BIO1211 or concurrent enrollment in BIO1210 and BIO1211, PHY 1600 or permission of instructor.


PREREQUISITES: BIO1210, BIO1211 and PHY1600

This course is designed to introduce and explore therapeutic exercise techniques. Students will gain an understanding of the theories and application methods of therapeutic treatments commonly used in rehabilitation programs on individuals recovering from exercise-induced injuries.


PREREQUISITES: EXS3100 and EXS3300

This course introduces students to the theoretical and clinical aspects of therapeutic modalities with regards to athletic rehabilitation. The physiological effects along with proper indications and contraindications are discussed with each modality. Proper application procedures are emphasized.


PREREQUISITES: EXS3100 and EXS3300

This course introduces preventative and rehabilitate exercise program designs, basic concepts of electrocardiography, and exercise testing/prescription guidelines via the American College of Sports Medicine.


PREREQUISITES: EXS3300

This course examines the recommended procedures for exercise testing and prescription in healthy and diseased populations. The course covers basic physiology of each condition along with the impact of exercise training on the health outcomes of each population.


PREREQUISITES: EXS3300

This course is designed to discuss the physiological processes of aging and how exercise impacts the aging process. Students will explore and develop exercise programs for the older adult population. The various cardiovascular, orthopedic, hormonal, and metabolic issues which commonly effect older adults are discussed and taken into consideration when developing an exercise plan.


PREREQUISITES: EXS3100 and EXS3300

This course is designed to apply basic research skills to current literature in the field of Exercise Science. Students will gain an understanding of how to analyze different types of literature and what types of research designs are appropriate in various settings. An emphasis on APA style writing is also explored. PREREQUISITE: Junior Status


PREREQUISITES: EXS2100

This course provides students with foundational knowledge of experimental research methods in Health Sciences. Topics to be covered include types of research, research design, data collection, analysis, validity, reliability, introduction to statistics, and ethics.

This course will provide students with foundational knowledge of strength and conditioning concepts which will allow students to develop and implement effective strength and conditioning programs to various athletic populations. This class emphasizes proper exercise techniques, proper application of exercises, and safety techniques. Topics which may be covered include the analysis of athletic movement, exercise physiology, muscle physiology, resistance/strength training, aerobic training, speed and agility, plyometric training and other training methods.

This course is designed to explore the structural and physiological components of the muscular and endocrine systems. In-depth analyses of how these two systems integrate and coordinate with one another with regards to homeostatic balance will be discussed at rest and during exercise.

This course emphasizes concepts from the Strength and Conditioning course (EXS5030). Students will be able to create in-depth fitness programs for various athletic populations in the appropriate settings. An evidence-based approach will be utilized to critically analyze and develop strength and conditioning programs based off of current literature in the field.


PREREQUISITES: EXS5030

This course explores the nutritional parameters of sport performance in the athletic population. Topics covered include energy production, macro nutrients, vitamins and minerals, timing and composition of intakes, hydration, balanced diets, and weight management strategies related to physical activity.

This course explores the energy systems of the human body and how they are utilized from a resting to exercise condition. Different modes of exercise will be explored from a biochemistry standpoint. Applications of how to maximize energy system use will be explored in the athletic population.

Students will gain field experience in the Strength and Conditioning Varsity weight room in coordination with the Athletics Department at American International College. Intern(s) will work with the Strength & Conditioning program in direct association with student-athletes. Intern(s) will be expected to work inside the Strength & Conditioning weight room and outside on the Athletics fields as applicable. Other office related responsibilities will be expected as it relates to the internship curriculum and administration of Strength & Conditioning services. Intern(s) will be directly supervised by and report to the Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Faculty member.

This course explores the analysis of preventative and rehabilitative exercise programs, electrocardiography, exercise testing, and exercise prescription.  An emphasis is placed upon the physiological principles which enhance various components to fitness and how to reduce the risk for chronic diseases.

This course explores how physical activity is associated with diminishing risks for chronic diseases in various populations. The course will explore recommended exercising procedures for exercise testing and prescription for special populations which include: children, adults, women, pregnant women, aging population, among others.

This course explores how students can develop the insight, tools, and process of either owning or managing their exercise-based facility.

This course explores the psychological aspect to sport, exercise, and physical activity. Key psychological theories will be discussed and applied to the athletic population based upon research in the field. An emphasis will be placed upon coaching aspects of sport psychology and application to athletes. Topics will include motivation, stress, communication, group cohesion/dynamics, leadership, reinforcement, and feedback as they relate to sport & exercise.

The purpose of the internship requirement in the Master of Exercise Science Program concentration Strength and Conditioning is to offer students the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the program and to apply them to a real-world experience. The off-campus experiences may include private practices, colleges/universities, as well as professional sport organizations. The internship experience gives students the opportunity to enhance their professional behavior via interaction with other professionals and athletes.

The strength and conditioning comprehensive examinations are essay based examinations which encompass the curriculum’s learning objectives and course material taught throughout the program. Each student must pass the exams in order to receive a Master of Science Degree in Exercise Science concentration Strength and Conditioning. Students are allowed ONLY ONE re-try on the examinations to complete this program requirement. See manual for more information.

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