Kinesiology

The Department of Kinesiology provides Physical Activity Courses (PE) and study toward the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Kinesiology (KINS). The major is designed to provide the undergraduate student with a strong liberal arts background and prepares the student in the discipline of kinesiology. Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement and includes such sub-disciplines as biomechanics, physiology of work and exercise, motor control/motor learning, athletic training, sport pedagogy, i.e., teaching and learning of sport skills and strategies, sociology/psychology of sports and exercise, and philosophy of human movement. The department's educational goals encompass both the breadth and depth of knowledge of human movement. Courses address such questions as how and why the body moves, how simple and complex motor skills are acquired and developed over a life span, how the effects of physical activity may be immediate and lasting, and how and why injuries occur in the physically active. Students who major in Kinesiology have a variety of career opportunities, including further study in areas of kinesiology, e.g., physiology, biomechanics, psychology of exercise and sport, motor control/motor learning; further study toward a professional degree, e.g., medical school, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician's assistant; athletic training; researcher at a private or public university, government agency or private organization, such as Gatorade Sport Science Institute or Nike; teacher of physical education; coach, including strength coach of a school or university; exercise technologist in a hospital or clinical setting; program director and exercise leader in corporate wellness programs; personal trainer in private business or in association with health and fitness clubs; instructor in health and fitness clubs, including YMCAs, resort centers, etc.; corporate sport leadership; sports marketing/event planner.

Requirements for a major

Kinesiology (Sports and Exercise Science)

Kinesiology (Sports Medicine)

Requirements for a minor

Coaching

Kinesiology

Courses in Kinesiology

Introduction to Kinesiology

Includes laboratory. Designed to introduce students to the discipline of kinesiology including the major subdisciplines and approaches to studying movement. Laboratory activities are designed to allow for measurement of phenomenon discussed in class, to introduce common laboratory procedures and techniques, and to learn how to collect and analyze data to answer questions of interest in kinesiology.

First-Year Seminar in Kinesiology

A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of kinesiology. Open only to first-year students.

Philosophy, History and Sociology of Human Movement

Overview of physical education, fitness and sport, including a study of the historical, philosophical and sociological concepts contributing to physical education, fitness and sport, as well as foundations related to instruction and curriculum development in physical education.

Coaching Techniques I

Coaching techniques with emphasis upon methods, tactics and strategy. Students choose one outdoor sport and one indoor sport from the following: A. outdoor sports: football or soccer; and B. indoor sports: volleyball or basketball. Three meetings a week of lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: experience in the selected sports.

Coaching Techniques II

Coaching techniques with emphasis upon methods, tactics and strategy. Students choose two sports from the following: A. first half of semester: tennis or golf; and B. second half of semester: baseball, softball or track. Three meetings a week of lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: experience in the selected sports.

Scientific Principles of Conditioning

Study of physiological and biomechanical mechanisms underlying both neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory conditioning; acute and chronic adaptations of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic and neuromuscular systems to exercise stress; and methods of enhancing performance via structured aerobic, anaerobic and resistance training. Also presents techniques associated with anaerobic, aerobic and resistance training, and evaluation.

Methods of Teaching Team Sports

Instruction in the methods of teaching team sports to students of physical education or participants in a different sport setting, such as camps, commercial clubs or community recreation centers. Such topics as appropriate equipment, safety considerations, teaching progression, game rules, grade-level sequencing and lesson plan format are presented along with laboratory experiences in the performance of and teaching of basketball, softball/baseball, soccer and volleyball. Five meetings a week of lecture and lab.

Methods of Teaching Rhythmic and Physical Activities

Instruction in the methods of teaching rhythmic and physical activities to students of physical education or participants in a different activity setting, such as camps, commercial clubs or community recreation center. Methods will include fundamental skills and rules, progression in learning, sequencing for different ages, safety, unit plans and lesson plans. There are laboratory experiences in the performance of and teaching of rhythmic activities, such as basic movement, folk and square dance; and the physical activities of weight training, racquet sports, leisure activities, and track and field. Five meetings a week of lecture and lab.

Human Physiology

An integrated study of the normal functions of organs and organ systems in the human organism. The course begins with fundamental principles of biochemistry, cell biology and histology, followed by study of endocrine, nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.

Sport and Exercise Psychology

An examination of the psychological factors which influence human performance in adults, children and the elderly and the role of gender and race on these psychological factors. In addition, the course involves investigation of the role of psychology in health and exercise. Topics covered include personality, motivation, arousal, anxiety control, psychological skill training in sports,models of behavior change, psychology of injury and other topics.

Therapeutic Modalities

Investigates the physiological theories and the physical properties involved in promoting tissue healing through utilization of contemporary modalities. Describes principles and techniques of modality application.

Concepts & Perspectives Bridging Allied Medicine

This writing intensive course provides an opportunity for students interested in fields of allied medicine to investigate ethical and philosophical considerations for medical care, the development and regulation of allied medical professions through national organizations and the government for the protection of society, and the effect of health insurance--from its infancy to today's current practices--on how care is managed and provided. Prerequisite: At least one from KINS 100, BIO 135, BIO 145, CHEM 120, CHEM 130. Not open to students with credit in KINS 369.

Topics in Sports Science and Sports Medicine

Assorted topics related to physical education and sport; i.e., American sport, Olympic sport, sport psychology and sports marketing. Course may be repeated with different topics.

Biomechanics

(Formerly KINS 409) The science of human motion based on anatomical, mechanical and physiological principles. Laboratory experiences.

Motor Control

This course is an overview of the neural mechanisms underlying the control of human movement. Current theories of human motor control are used as a backdrop for the importance that different portions of the nervous system play in creating movement. Prerequisite: KINS 254. Not open to students with credit in KINS 250..

Physiology of Exercise

Includes laboratory. Study of physiological factors which influence human performance and the responses of body systems to physical activity. Laboratory emphasizes observation of concepts using the scientific method and developing quantitative skills in data interpretation. Prerequisite: KINS 254 or BIO 335.

Bioenergetics of Human Movement

Examination of energy metabolism, including metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and the role of vitamins and minerals in energy metabolism. The laboratory introduces techniques of measurement in energy metabolism.

Therapeutic Exercise

Includes laboratory. Examines the physiological and biomechanical theories of therapeutic exercise in the rehabilitation of the physically active individual. Presents principles and techniques of therapeutic exercise commonly integrated into the treatment/rehabilitation plan. Prerequisite: KINS 366.

Musculoskeletal Pathomechanics

Designed to enhance student's knowledge and understanding of pathomechanics by exploring structure, function, biomechanics and dysfunction of the human musculoskeletal system in order to improve orthopedic evaluation. The course will enhance the students understanding of underlying causes of pathomechanics and the effect of such pathomechanics on function of the musculoskeletal system. Prerequisite: BIO 203.

Injury Recognition and Evaluation II

Principles and methods utilized in the systematic evaluation of thigh, hip, spine and head injuries in sport. Integrates applied anatomy, injury pathology characteristics, head injuries in sport. Integrates applied anatomy, injury pathology characteristics and early injury management. Laboratory practice in clinical evaluation of pathologies.

Methods and Evaluation in Physical Education

Explores methods of instruction for varied student populations and lesson planning in physical education. Acquaints students with the general field of tests and measurements as an administrative and teaching device used in presenting and evaluating the physical education program. Includes elementary statistics, pertinent tests in the field and alternative forms of assessment.

Administration and Risk Management

Administrative process is applied to sports science and athletic training. Includes program philosophy, program development, facility and fiscal management, management of supplies and equipment, office procedures and public relations. Students learn to implement safety measures to ensure participants in physical activity and sport programs of a safe environment and to safeguard institutions and their employees from court lawsuits. The two emphases, sports medicine and sports science, divide into specialized learning groups for the second half of the semester.

Muscle Physiology

This course is provides an in depth examination of skeletal muscle from the molecular to system level function. Skeletal muscle physiology, production of movement, adaptation to increased and decreased use of skeletal muscle, and the physiological response to insults on system integrity are explored. Prerequisites: KINS 353 or permission of the instructor.

Environmental Physiology

This course explores the physiological responses and adaptations that humans make resulting from exposure to environmental stressors. Exposure to high environmental temperature, low environmental temperature, hypobaria, hyperbaria, reduced gravitational effects, and air pollution will be considered. Prerequisites: KINS 353 or permission of the instructor.

Senior Seminar

A. Sports Medicine B. Sports Science. This course provides students an opportunity to directly study an area of selected interest within the discipline while examining contemporary issues relevant to the field. This course provides students numerous opportunities for oral participation through various assignments and activities centered around article reviews, discussions, group debates, and presentations of common issues prevalent in the discipline today. Students will also complete and present a senior paper/thesis on a selected topic. Prerequisite for KINS 450: PSY 214, MATH 141 or MATH 247.

Senior Thesis

This course is the continuation of KINS 450 Senior Seminar. Each student is required to complete an individual research project under faculty supervision and to submit a thesis. Prerequisite: KINS 450 and permission of research sponsor. This course is required of Sports Medicine and Exercise and Sport Science majors in the senior year. May not be taken pass/fail.

Projects in Kinesiology

Independent projects under the direction of a kinesiology faculty member. A detailed written project proposal must be approved by the supervising faculty member and the chair of Kinesiology. Prerequisite: Permission of department. May be repeated up to 2 course credits. Not open for pass/fail credit.

Projects in Kinsesiology

A continuation of KINS 491.

Courses in Physical Education

Physical Education Activities

PE 001-098. Knowledge and skill development to satisfactorily participate in team sports, individual and dual sports, dance, swimming and physical fitness activities. Emphasis is placed on lifetime sports and fitness-wellness instruction. Any student who is unable to participate in regular activities due to physical disabilities should consult the department chair. No more than one full course of physical education activities may be applied toward the bachelor's degree. Classes meeting twice a week are for one-fourth course credit; classes meeting four times a week are for one-half course credit. Activity classes may not be counted toward a major in physical education, nor the major courses counted toward Group 6 requirement. Activities offered include: Aquatics: Aerobic Swimming, Beginning Swimming, Lifeguarding, Lifeguarding and First Aid Instructor, Scuba Diving, Water Safety Instructor Fitness: Free Weights, Aerobic Conditioning, Physical Conditioning, Super Circuit, Weight Training, Cross Training Fitness-Wellness: Lifefit includes personal fitness assessment: body composition, nutrition, cardiovascular, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and understandings for formulating personal exercise programs. Specific course topics are swimming, walking, physical conditioning or triathalon. Lifefit meets three times a week for activity and one time for lecture/discussion. Lifetime Sports: Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Fencing, Football, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Racquetball, Volleyball Martial Arts: Tae Kwan Do, Hap Kido, Self-Defense, Tai Chi Recreational Sports: Pickleball, Walleyball

Varsity Athletics

A. Baseball, B. Mens Basketball, C. Womens Basketball, D. Mens Cross Country, E. Womens Cross Country, F. Field Hockey, G. Football, H. Mens Golf, I. Womens Golf, J. Mens Soccer, K. Womens Soccer, M. Softball, N. Mens Swimming, P. Womens Swimming, Q. Mens Tennis, R. Womens Tennis, S. Mens Track, U. Womens Track, V. Volleyball. Participation in a varsity sport earns one-quarter PE Activity credit (Group 6) per season. No academic credit is awarded toward the 31 courses required for graduation. A maximum of 1.0 course credit PE Activity, including participation in varsity sports, may be applied toward completion of Group 6.