Exercise Science Courses

Program | Faculty | Courses

All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise specified.

531 Mechanical Analysis of Human Motion

Topics include 2-D and 3-D kinematics, joint torques, joint power, segment power, energetics of locomotion and modeling. Prerequisites: Ex Sci 304 and 305.

535 Muscle Mechanics and Modelling

The study of mechanical properties of human muscle and models which represent various aspects of muscle function. Topics include basic muscle structure and function, elasticity in muscle function, con-tractile mechanics, the Hill model, the Hux-ley model, and applications of muscle modelling in biomechanics. Prerequisites: Ex Sci 305, Ex Sci 311, and Cmpsci 105 or equivalents.

550 Muscle Metabolism

The effects of exercise on skeletal mus-cle structure and function. Topics include neuromuscular junction, muscle tendon junction, mitochondria, capillaries, sarcoplasmic reticulum, and sarcolemma in response to use and disuse. Laboratory section deals with skeletal muscle histology, histochemistry and serum markers of muscle function. Prerequisites: histology or cell physiology or Biochm 523, exercise physiology.

570 Children and Exercise

The physiological principles underlying the child's response to exercise and the associated clinical implications. Topics include: pediatric exercise physiology; determinants of aerobic power; exercise testing in children; fitness and activity; exercise, growth and maturation; aerobic trainability of children; body composition for youth; and exercise training for rehabilitation in children. Prerequisite: Ex Sci 478 or equivalent

575 Physiological Basis of Physical Training

Eight to 10 topic areas related to exercise training covered in class. Examples of topics: osteoporosis, aging, lactate threshold, strength, children and fitness, CHD risk factors and exercise, and pregnancy and physical activity. Prerequisite: Ex Sci 478 or equivalent.

597 Special Topics

B: Energy Metabolism (1st sem)

How organisms store, deliver, and use the fuel required for energy transduction. Specific topics include how nutrients are stored, accessed, and oxidized to provide ATP; hormonal regulation of the metabolic pathways involved in fuel use; what factors determine the appropriate "mixture" of metabolic fuels; the impact of short- and long-term diet composition on exercise fuel use. Prerequisite: ExSci 478 or Biochm 420 or graduate student status.

E: Exercise Neuroscience

The neural control of movement. Selected topics include gradation of muscular force, motor unit control principles, neuromuscular aspects of strength, segmental motor control, the organization of ballistic movements, adaptations and plasticity in the control of movement, and aging and human motor control. Prerequisites: anatomy and physiology, laboratory course in Exercise Science.

F: Evaluation of Body Composition and Human Performance (1st sem)

Assessment of whole body and segmental body composition by indirect methods (densitometry, anthropometry, x-ray) and human performance evaluated by comput-er-controlled exercise monitoring and diagnostic systems. Prerequisite: ExSci 478.

I: Exercise and Sports Nutrition

Topics include historical development of exercise nutrition, micronutrients and water, digestion and absorption of food nutrients, nutrient role in bioenergetics, macronutrient metabolism in exercise and training, optimal nutrition, exercise thermoregulation, fluid balance and rehydration, pharmacologic, nutritional and chemical ergogenic aids, disordered eating, and optimal body composition. Prerequisite: Ex Sci 478 or equivalent.

J: Dynamics of Movement Coordination

Perspectives on the coordination and control of human movement. Topics include different theoretical perspectives of coordination, the role of perception in the control of movement, control of posture and locomotion, and the dynamical systems perspective. These topics discussed in the context of motor development, movement disorders, and expert performance. Prerequisite: Ex Sci 450 or equivalent.

K: Evaluation of Body Composition and Human Performance Practicum (2nd sem)

Laboratory research project dealing with an aspect of body composition and human performance, based on techniques and methods from Ex Sci 597F. Prerequisite: Ex Sci 597F.

R: Electrocardiography

Electrocardiogram analysis and interpretation. Identification of ECG abnormalities, vectorcardiography, ECG interpretation during graded exercise testing.

611 Introduction to Research in Human Movement

The nature of research; methods of acquiring knowledge; the role of research in human performance and exercise science with emphasis on the scientific method. Credit, 1.

612 Data Analysis and Interpretation in Human Movement Research

Theory and techniques involved in analysis and interpretation of data pertinent to research in human movement. Parametric and nonparametric inference statistics. Prerequisite: Statis 111 or equivalent.

621 Physiological Basis of Human Performance

Analysis and interpretation of cardiovascular and metabolic response to exercise and training, including body composition and performance parameters. Prerequisite: Ex Sci 478 or equivalent.

650 Advanced Exercise Physiology

Advanced study of cardiovascular and respiratory responses during exercise. Acute and chronic responses to exercise thoroughly examined and mechanisms underlying these responses critically evaluated. Laboratory component includes assessment of VO2 max, lactate threshold, running economy. Prerequisite: exercise physiology with lab.

655 Exercise Physiology Seminar

Presentation and discussion of current research literature in exercise physiology. Critical evaluation of research questions, experimental design, data analysis, and in-terpretation emphasized. Prerequisite: undergraduate exercise physiology. Credit, 1.

696 Independent Study

Credit, 1-6.

697 Special Topics

A: Master's Research Project

Non-thesis option, independent research project. Oral exam based on the project required.

B: Athletic Trainer Project

Comprehensive literature review for athletic trainers only.

699 Master's Thesis

Credit, 3.

732 Biomechanics

Topics include principles of data collection and analysis, high speed video, force measuring systems, accelerometry, and A/D conversion. Prerequisites: Ex Sci 304, 305, and 531 or equivalent.

735 Biomechanics Laboratory Techniques

Topics include: biophysical signals, frequency content, Fourier series, Fourier analysis, principles of data collection, data smoothing, electromyography, amplifier response characteristics, software data manipulation. Prerequisites: ExSci 305 and 531 or equivalent.

797 Special Topics

A: Muscle Adaptation

How skeletal muscle responds to various stressors such as acute and chronic exercise and myopathy. Emphasis on the mechanisms of cellular response to and recovery from perturbation. Topics also include adaptation response, hypertrophy regeneration, and atrophy. Prerequisite: Ex Sci 550.

B: Research in Exercise Neuroscience

In-depth training in instrumentation and techniques required to conduct research. Topics include electrophysiological instrumentation, surface and in-dwelling EMG procedures, spinal reflex responses, conduction velocity measurement, and other topics. Prerequisites: Ex Sci 597E and consent of instructor.

E: Exercise, Nutrition and Energy Metabolism

Fuel for muscular exercise and muscle energy production examined. Emphasis on the role of carbohydrates, fats, amino acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals in muscular performance. Other topics include fluid and electrolyte balance, diet manipulation to enhance performance, and drug-nutrient interactions. Exercise effects examined with regard to plasma lipoproteins, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hypertension. Prerequisite: Ex Sci 550.

N: Nonlinear Dynamics of Human Movement

Application of nonlinear dynamical techniques and principles to the understanding of human movement. Topics include introduction to basic concepts in nonlinear dynamics, theory of linear and nonlinear oscillators, assessment of system stability, phase transitions and bifurcations. These concepts used to investigate changes in neural and biophysical mechanisms underlying motor control of posture and locomotion; integration of locomotory, respiratory, and heart dynamics; issues related to disease and exercise. Prerequisite: Ex Sci 597J or equivalent.

891 Seminar in Human Movement

Presentation of research topics conducted by master's and doctoral students and outside speakers. Credit, 1 per semester; maximum credit, 6.

899 Doctoral Dissertation

Credit, 12.