2022-2023 Course Catalog
Exercise Science (BS)
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the major, students will be able to:
- Write well on exams, short papers, and long papers.
- Make oral reports of varying lengths, either alone or as part of a team.
- Exhibit critical thinking when reading texts, lecture supplements, and other materials.
- Recognize and use connections of exercise science to biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics.
- Demonstrate knowledge about the broad core of exercise science.
- Use ethical scientific methods in obtaining and evaluating exercise science data.
- Exhibit skills in such areas as First Aid, CPR, Principles of Nutrition, Exercise Prescription and Safe Exercise Testing.
Learning Outcomes Matrix [PDF]
» Click here to view more detailed learning outcomes listings for each course.
Chatham University Exercise Science
Falk Hall • Woodland Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Curriculum
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+Major Requirements
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55 Credits of Required Courses
BIO143 The Cell This course is designed to provide a broad overview of current biological concepts, including cell structure, function, division, and basic genetics. Biologically important molecules also are presented. This course serves as the foundation for all upper-level biology courses. Three hours of class
3 BIO143L Lab: The Cell Experiments to complement the material presented in BIO143. Two hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite or Prerequisite: BIO143. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.
1 BIO144 The Organism This course provides a general survey of animals and plants at the organismic level, with emphasis on their evolution and various physiological processes such as respiration, circulation, digestion, and reproduction. This course serves as the foundation for all upper-level biology courses. Three hours of class.
3 BIO144L Lab: The Organism Experiments to complement the material presented in BIO144. Two hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: BIO144. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fees.
1 -------------------- BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab This is the first of two courses designed for students who need a broad coverage of anatomy and physiology and have little or no background in science. It includes a study of the structure and function of human cells, tissue, organs, and systems. Clinical applications of anatomy and physiology will also be considered. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. Enrollment in a school of nursing is required.
4 OR BIO201 Anatomy This course introduces students to the basic concepts of anatomy. Lectures emphasize the human body and clinical applications of anatomy. They focus on anatomical terminology, gross structures, body movements, forming a three-dimensional mental image of body parts, and functional understanding of normal structures. Three hours of class per week.
Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: - BIO143 The Cell
- BIO144 The Organism
3 BIO201L Lab: Anatomy Laboratory experiments emphasizing comparative anatomy between humans and other animals. Three hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: BIO201. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fees.
Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: - BIO143 The Cell
- BIO144 The Organism
2 -------------------- BIO117 Basic Anatomy and Physiology II with lab This is the second of two courses designed for students who need a broad coverage of anatomy and physiology and have little or no background in science. It includes a study of the structure and function of human cells, tissue, organs, and systems. Clinical applications of anatomy and physiology will also be considered. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week.
Pre-requisites Complete the following course: - BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
4 OR BIO302 Physiology This course introduces students to the basic concepts of physiology. The lectures will emphasize chemical principles, cellular biological principles, and a survey of the nervous, endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, excretory, respiratory, and digestive systems. The laboratory will emphasize comparative physiology between humans and other animals. Three hours of class per week.
Pre-requisites Complete the following course: - BIO201 Anatomy
3 -------------------- PSY101 General Psychology An introduction to the scientific study of behavior with an emphasis on the origins of behavior, learning, social influences, physiological factors, individual differences, personality, and adjustment and maladjustment.
3 -------------------- CHM102 Chemistry in Context One semester lecture course with selected topics in inorganic and organic chemistry. Emphasis is on relevance to biological and environmental issues. Topics include matter, energy, atomic and molecular structure, bonding, reaction chemistry, and radioactivity. Three hours of lecture per week. Not open to majors in biology or chemistry.
3 CHM102L Chemistry in Context Lab One semester laboratory course to accompany CHM102 Chemistry in Context. Two hours of lab per week. Not open to majors in biology or chemistry.
1 OR CHM109L Chemistry I Laboratory Introduction to the basic experimental procedures and laboratory techniques in chemistry. Experiments are correlated with the lectures in Chemistry 105 and Chemistry 107. Three hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: CHM 105 or 107. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.
1 CHM107 Chemistry I This course is the first course in a two-semester sequence designed to provide a robust foundation in the principles of chemistry. Topics include atomic and electronic structure, periodicity, nomenclature, dimensional analysis, reaction stoichiometry, molecular shapes, bonding, intermolecular forces, gases, solids, liquids, and solutions.
3 -------------------- MTH110 Elementary Statistics Topics include statistical measures and distributions, decision making under uncertainty, application of probability to statistical inference, linear correlation, introduction to nonparametric statistical methods, and application to problems drawn from the natural and social sciences. Three hours of class per week. Three hours of class per week.
3 EXS101 Introduction to Exercise Science This course is designed to provide an overview of the field of exercise science as a discipline and profession. Students will be exposed to methods and techniques employed to develop positive attitudes and habits that support an active lifestyle. Topics of health risk factors and wellness will be explored as they specifically relate to exercise. Possible career choices related to this field will also be discussed.
1 EXS201W Introduction to Critical Research Appraisal This course reviews current research design and statistical techniques needed for a better understanding of peer reviewed literature within exercise science. This course also reviews basic principles of an evidence based approach related to various types of exercise interventions, and common diagnoses and prognoses in the area of public health (e.g., obesity, diabetes). Material presented in lecture will be focused on "real world" data from the current literature.
Pre-requisites Complete the following course: - EXS101 Introduction to Exercise Science
2 EXS252W Exercise and Nutrition This course introduces the student to the science of human nutrition and the relationship between health, exercise and food intake. Basic topics of digestion, absorption, metabolism, interaction and functions of nutrients will be covered. Special topics emphasized in this course include optimal nutrition for exercise and sport, energy use during exercise, evaluation of body composition (body fat, muscle mass), development of obesity, weight management, and nutritional factors in planning a successful muscular strength and endurance program.
3 EXS275 Measurement and Evaluation in Human Performance This course provides students with an introduction to measurement and evaluation across all domains in human performance. Common test and measurement techniques in physical fitness, sports performance and motor abilities will be covered and students will practice these techniques on their classmates.
Pre-requisites Complete the following course: - EXS101 Introduction to Exercise Science
3 EXS302 Principles of Strength and Conditioning Students learn to integrate anatomical and physiological function into a comprehensive strength and conditioning model. Topics include testing, evaluation, exercise techniques, program design, and aerobic endurance training. Students are introduced to facility organization, risk management, and developing a policies and procedure manual.
Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: - BIO201 Anatomy
- BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
3 EXS326 Applied Exercise Physiology I This course provides students with the knowledge of theoretical and applied aspects of exercise physiology with an emphasis on exercise response and exercise testing. An in-depth understanding of how the body responds when exposed to acute bouts of exercise will be provided through lectures and laboratories. Topics discussed will include physiological adaptations of the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neuromuscular systems in response to exercise, and assessment of aerobic endurance, muscular fitness and body composition. Three hours of lecture per week. CPR and first aid certifications are required.
Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: - BIO201 Anatomy
- BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
3 EXS326L Lab: Applied Exercise Physiology I Experiments to complement the material presented in EXS326. Two hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: EXS 326. Additional fee(s): Laboratory fee.
Co-requisites - EXS326 Applied Exercise Physiology I
1 EXS345 Kinesiology and Movement Science This course serves as an introduction to kinesiology and movement science of the human body. The student will learn the functional anatomy and biomechanics of the major joints of the human body and the application of kinesiology and biomechanical principles to describe and analyze normal and pathological human movement. Principles and practical application of motor learning, motor control and skill acquisition will also be introduced. Lab will include activities related to skill acquisition, performance and biomechanical analysis of functional motor patterns. Three hours of lecture per week.
Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: - BIO201 Anatomy
- BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
Co-requisites - EXS345LW Lab: Kinesiology and Movement Science
3 EXS345LW Lab: Kinesiology and Movement Science Experiments to complement the material presented in EXS 345. Lab will include activities related to skill acquisition, performance and biomechanical analysis of functional motor patterns. Three hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: EXS 345. Additional fee(s): Laboratory fee.
1 -------------------- One of the following four: EXS303 Skeletal Muscle Biochemistry This upper level undergraduate course will provide students with a comprehensive examination of the biochemical properties of skeletal muscle within the context of human health and disease. Specific topic areas include control of gene expression and protein synthesis, contraction and substrate utilization, non-muscle tissue interactions and exercise training and adaptations.
Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: - BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
- BIO201 Anatomy
3 EXS321 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries This course is designed to provide entry-level knowledge regarding the prevention and treatment of athletic injuries. This includes the recognition of signs and symptoms of injuries and their care that occur during exercise, physical activity, or athletic participation. Students will earn nationally recognized certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED.
Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: - BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
- BIO201 Anatomy
3 EXS360 Exercise and Aging This course will explore the importance of exercise across the lifespan. Theories of aging, exercise prescription for older adults, and exercise for the prevention and management of chronic disease will be discussed. The role of exercise in the compression of morbidity will be emphasized.
Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: - BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
- BIO201 Anatomy
3 EXS385 Pathophysiology This course provides students with the knowledge needed to understand complex disease processes. The pathophysiology of several acute and chronic diseases will be covered with special attention given to the management and treatment applications in the health sciences.
Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: - BIO117 Basic Anatomy and Physiology II with lab
- BIO302 Physiology
3 -------------------- EXS490 Integrative Capstone The integrative capstone, undertaken by the student during the senior year, is an extended project that helps the student complete their transition from an undergraduate student to a world-ready professional. The study usually centers on the student's major and may be conducted, at least in part, in the context of a group experience. Such programs are crafted to meet the unique needs of each major, and could include, for example, fieldwork, theater production, creative work in the arts, independent research, or independent readings. The integrative capstone in an interdisciplinary major must have the approval of both academic programs.
Pre-requisites Complete the following course: - EXS301W Introduction to Critical Research Appraisal
3 -------------------- INTEXS303 Internship - Exercise Science Internship - Exercise Science
3 OR ATH512 Clinical Experience in Athletic Training I This course is designed to allow students to review and demonstrate lower extremity and lumbar spine injury evaluations, foundational athletic training skills, modality implementation and emergency management techniques through the completion of a 12-week clinical education experience of approximately 240 clinical hours.
3 -------------------- -
+Physician Assistant Graduate School Applicants
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Students intending to apply to physician assistant graduate school are advised to take the following courses in addition to the above curriculum:
BIO221 General Microbiology The study of fundamental characteristics of bacteria and related microorganisms, including taxonomy, physiology, and distribution. Three class meetings per week.
Pre-requisites Complete all 3 of the following courses: - BIO143 The Cell
- BIO144 The Organism
- CHM108 Chemistry II
3 PSY251 Human Growth and Development Physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development are studied throughout the life span. Major theories of development are discussed. Applications and examples are presented from applied contexts. Special needs of individuals at various stages throughout the life span are addressed. Does NOT count toward the Psychology major.
3 BIO119 Medical Terminology This course is designed for students who need a broad coverage of medical terminology and who have little or no background. It includes studies of etymology and human anatomy. There is a special emphasis on clinical applications. Three hours of lecture including media presentations per week.
3 CHM205 Organic Chemistry I Development of the structural theory of organic compounds. Relationship of structure to reactivity, stereochemistry, types of organic reactive intermediates, and the chemistry of alkanes, alkenes, and aromatic compounds are covered. Co-requisite: CHM 215.
Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: - CHM108 Chemistry II
- CHM110L Chemistry II Laboratory
3 CHM215L Elementary Organic Laboratory Basic manipulative skills, including introduction to several chromatographic techniques, are followed by chemistry of alkenes and aromatic compounds. Four hours of laboratory per week. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.
2 -
+Physical Therapy Graduate School Applicants
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Students intending to apply to physical therapy graduate school are advised to take the following courses in addition to the above curriculum:
-------------------- PHY151 Fundamentals of Physics I Introduction to the fundamental concepts of laws and mechanics. This is the first course in an algebra-based sequence. Topics include motion, Newton's Laws, gravity, conservation of energy and momentum, collisions, circular and harmonic motion, and waves.
3 PHY155L Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory I An algebra-based exploration of the experimental techniques of classical physics, with applications to mechanics.
Co-requisites - PHY151 Fundamentals of Physics I
1 OR PHY251 Principles of Physics I Introduction to the concepts, laws, and structure of physics. This is the first course in a calculus-based sequence that focuses on classical mechanics. Topics include vector analysis, kinematics, Newton's laws, work, conservation of energy and momentum, collisions, gravity, harmonic motion, and wave phenomena.
Pre-requisites Complete the following course: - MTH151 Calculus I
4 PHY255L Physics Laboratory I Experimental techniques of classical mechanical physics. Three hours of laboratory per week. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.
1 -------------------- PHY152 Fundamentals of Physics II This is the second course in an algebra-based sequence. Topics include electricity and magnetism, circuits, sound, optics, and relativity.
Pre-requisites Complete the following course: - PHY151 Fundamentals of Physics I
3 PHY156L Fundamentals of Physics Laboratory II An algebra-based exploration of the experimental techniques of classical physics, with applications to electricity, magnetism, sound, and optics. Three hours of laboratory per week. Co-requisite: PHY152.
Co-requisites - PHY152 Fundamentals of Physics II
1 OR PHY252 Principles of Physics II Introduction to the concepts, laws, and structure of physics. The second course in a calculus-based physics sequence. Topics include thermodynamics, fluids, electricity, circuit analysis, magnetism, Maxwell’s equations, properties of light, and optics. Four hours of class per week.
Pre-requisites Complete the following course: - PHY251 Principles of Physics I
4 PHY256L Physics Laboratory II Experimental techniques of classical physics with applications to electricity, magnetism, sound, and optics. Three hours per week. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.
1 -------------------- PSY251 Human Growth and Development Physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development are studied throughout the life span. Major theories of development are discussed. Applications and examples are presented from applied contexts. Special needs of individuals at various stages throughout the life span are addressed. Does NOT count toward the Psychology major.
3 -
+Occupational Therapy Graduate School Applicants
-
Students intending to apply to occupational therapy graduate school are advised to take the following courses in addition to the above curriculum:
PSY251 Human Growth and Development Physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development are studied throughout the life span. Major theories of development are discussed. Applications and examples are presented from applied contexts. Special needs of individuals at various stages throughout the life span are addressed. Does NOT count toward the Psychology major.
3 PSY333 Abnormal Behavior A study of definitions of normality and abnormality, functional and organic syndromes, theories of causation, and procedures for the diagnosis and modification of disturbed behavior.
Pre-requisites Complete the following course: - PSY101 General Psychology
3 -
+Minor Requirements
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21 or 23 Credits
-------------------- BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab This is the first of two courses designed for students who need a broad coverage of anatomy and physiology and have little or no background in science. It includes a study of the structure and function of human cells, tissue, organs, and systems. Clinical applications of anatomy and physiology will also be considered. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. Enrollment in a school of nursing is required.
4 OR BIO201 Anatomy This course introduces students to the basic concepts of anatomy. Lectures emphasize the human body and clinical applications of anatomy. They focus on anatomical terminology, gross structures, body movements, forming a three-dimensional mental image of body parts, and functional understanding of normal structures. Three hours of class per week.
Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: - BIO143 The Cell
- BIO144 The Organism
3 BIO201L Lab: Anatomy Laboratory experiments emphasizing comparative anatomy between humans and other animals. Three hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: BIO201. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fees.
Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: - BIO143 The Cell
- BIO144 The Organism
2 -------------------- BIO117 Basic Anatomy and Physiology II with lab This is the second of two courses designed for students who need a broad coverage of anatomy and physiology and have little or no background in science. It includes a study of the structure and function of human cells, tissue, organs, and systems. Clinical applications of anatomy and physiology will also be considered. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week.
Pre-requisites Complete the following course: - BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
4 OR BIO302 Physiology This course introduces students to the basic concepts of physiology. The lectures will emphasize chemical principles, cellular biological principles, and a survey of the nervous, endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, excretory, respiratory, and digestive systems. The laboratory will emphasize comparative physiology between humans and other animals. Three hours of class per week.
Pre-requisites Complete the following course: - BIO201 Anatomy
3 BIO302L Physiology Lab Laboratory experiments emphasizing comparative physiology between human and other animals. Three hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: BIO302. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fees.
Pre-requisites Complete the following course: - BIO201L Lab: Anatomy
2 -------------------- EXS252 Exercise and Nutrition This course introduces the student to the science of human nutrition and the relationship between health, exercise and food intake. Basic topics of digestion, absorption, metabolism, interaction and functions of nutrients will be covered. Special topics emphasized in this course include optimal nutrition for exercise and sport, energy use during exercise, evaluation of body composition (body fat, muscle mass), development of obesity, weight management, and nutritional factors in planning a successful muscular strength and endurance program.
3 EXS302 Principles of Strength and Conditioning Students learn to integrate anatomical and physiological function into a comprehensive strength and conditioning model. Topics include testing, evaluation, exercise techniques, program design, and aerobic endurance training. Students are introduced to facility organization, risk management, and developing a policies and procedure manual.
Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: - BIO201 Anatomy
- BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
3 EXS326 Applied Exercise Physiology I This course provides students with the knowledge of theoretical and applied aspects of exercise physiology with an emphasis on exercise response and exercise testing. An in-depth understanding of how the body responds when exposed to acute bouts of exercise will be provided through lectures and laboratories. Topics discussed will include physiological adaptations of the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neuromuscular systems in response to exercise, and assessment of aerobic endurance, muscular fitness and body composition. Three hours of lecture per week. CPR and first aid certifications are required.
Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: - BIO201 Anatomy
- BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
3 EXS326L Lab: Applied Exercise Physiology I Experiments to complement the material presented in EXS326. Two hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: EXS 326. Additional fee(s): Laboratory fee.
Co-requisites - EXS326 Applied Exercise Physiology I
1 Choose one 300+ EXS Elective: EXS303 Skeletal Muscle Biochemistry This upper level undergraduate course will provide students with a comprehensive examination of the biochemical properties of skeletal muscle within the context of human health and disease. Specific topic areas include control of gene expression and protein synthesis, contraction and substrate utilization, non-muscle tissue interactions and exercise training and adaptations.
Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: - BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
- BIO201 Anatomy
3 EXS345 Kinesiology and Movement Science This course serves as an introduction to kinesiology and movement science of the human body. The student will learn the functional anatomy and biomechanics of the major joints of the human body and the application of kinesiology and biomechanical principles to describe and analyze normal and pathological human movement. Principles and practical application of motor learning, motor control and skill acquisition will also be introduced. Lab will include activities related to skill acquisition, performance and biomechanical analysis of functional motor patterns. Three hours of lecture per week.
Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: - BIO201 Anatomy
- BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
Co-requisites - EXS345LW Lab: Kinesiology and Movement Science
3 EXS321 Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries This course is designed to provide entry-level knowledge regarding the prevention and treatment of athletic injuries. This includes the recognition of signs and symptoms of injuries and their care that occur during exercise, physical activity, or athletic participation. Students will earn nationally recognized certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED.
Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: - BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
- BIO201 Anatomy
3 EXS385 Pathophysiology This course provides students with the knowledge needed to understand complex disease processes. The pathophysiology of several acute and chronic diseases will be covered with special attention given to the management and treatment applications in the health sciences.
Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: - BIO117 Basic Anatomy and Physiology II with lab
- BIO302 Physiology
3 EXS360 Exercise and Aging This course will explore the importance of exercise across the lifespan. Theories of aging, exercise prescription for older adults, and exercise for the prevention and management of chronic disease will be discussed. The role of exercise in the compression of morbidity will be emphasized.
Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: - BIO116 Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
- BIO201 Anatomy
3