Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Exercise Science (Physical Activity Literacy Concentration)

ESS 5101. Graduate Assistant Development.

This course is required of all graduate teaching and instructional assistants in the department. This course provides regular in-service and planned periodic evaluations of instructional and professional responsibilities. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.

ESS 5110. Research Seminar.

The focus of this course engages students in research and professional development in Exercise and Sports Science. This seminar will allow students to gain exposure to a variety of scholarly activities in an interdisciplinary setting.

ESS 5117. Laboratory in Exercise Physiology.

Students in this leveling laboratory course perform experiments that highlight the physiological responses to exercise. The course introduces students to basis techniques in the assessment of health and human performance, including the assessment of maximal oxygen consumption, body composition, anaerobic power and capacity, muscular fitness, movement economy, and dietary intake. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Prerequisite: BIO 2430 or equivalent. Co-requisite: ESS 5317.

ESS 5199B. Thesis.

This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the completed thesis is submitted for binding. Prerequisite: ESS 5399A.

ESS 5201. Graduate Assistant Development.

This course is required of all graduate teaching and instructional assistants in the department. This course provides regular in-service and planned periodic evaluations of instructional and professional responsibilities. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.

ESS 5299B. Thesis.

This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the completed thesis is submitted for binding. Prerequisite: ESS 5399A.

ESS 5304. Motor Learning and Performance.

This course is designed to provide students the foundation for understanding the principles involved in enhancing motor skill acquisition, and physiological, neurological, and psychological factors affecting motor learning and performance. Inquiry is made into the various motor learning theories and concepts.

ESS 5305. Advanced Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription.

This course provides an intensive study of current scientifically based exercise testing and prescription procedures. Students will learn how to evaluate fitness and prescribe exercise through laboratory experiences.

ESS 5306. Advanced Exercise Physiology.

This advanced course will provide students with a thorough understanding of the acute responses to exercise and the physiological adaptations that occur in response to exercise training. Additional topics to be covered include environmental influences, aging, and sex differences.

ESS 5307. Advanced Resistance Training and Conditioning.

This course will include the development, instruction, and evaluation of resistance training exercises and programs for diverse populations and settings. Physiological and mechanical principles related to resistance training will be applied to study human performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.

ESS 5308. Physical Activity, Disease Prevention and Treatment.

This course will provide students with opportunities to examine the role of physical inactivity in the development of chronic diseases and the benefits of activity in prevention efforts. A special emphasis will be placed on activity assessment and intervention research.

ESS 5309. Biomechanics for Exercise & Sports Science.

Review of current research and research techniques in the biomechanics of exercise and sport science. Students will developskills in reviewing, planning, and conducting biomechanical research.

ESS 5310. Cardiopulmonary Exercise Physiology.

The course will provide studetns with a thorough understanding of the structure, function, neural mechanisms, and integrated responses of the human cardiopulmonary system to acute and chronic exercise. In addition, basic cardiopulmonary pathology, pharmacology, and electrocardiography will be introduced.

ESS 5311. Applied Neuromuscular and Skeletal Muscle Physiology.

The course will provide students with a thorough understanding of the structure and function of neuromuscular and skeletal muscle physiology. This course will examine mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle force production and human performance in response to acute and chronic exercise. In addition, advanced laboratory techniques will be introduced.

ESS 5312. Applied Exercise Metabolism.

This course will provide students a thorough understanding of exercise metabolism. Students will develop advanced knowledge of the influence of various environmental and physiological factors on metabolism during exercise and the impact on physical performance and recovery. Students will also examine the relationships between metabolic factors and chronic diseases.

ESS 5313. Proprioception and Neuromuscular Control in Rehabilitation.

This course provides for an advanced study of the concepts, theories, and current research related to proprioception and neuromuscular control as applied to the prevention, diagnosis, and clinical management of sport-related musculoskeletal injuries, neuromuscular disease, and concussions. Prerequisite: Department approval.

ESS 5314. Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury.

This course focuses on the application of biomechanical principles to the pathoetiology, diagnosis, and physiological capacity for healing of injuries to bone, ligament, tendon, cartilage, and other human tissues, with an emphasis on current injury research. Prerequisite: Department approval.

ESS 5317. Exercise Physiology.

This leveling course provides an overview of the acute and chronic physiological responses to exercise. Emphasis is on muscle bioenergetics, muscle contractile properties, optimizing human performance through training and supplementation, as well as cardiopulmonary and endocrine responses to exercise. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Prerequisite: BIO 2430 or equivalent. Corequisite: ESS 5117.

ESS 5320. Biomechanics.

This leveling course provides an introduction to the mechanical foundations of anatomical function and human movement. Qualitative and quantitative biomechanical analyses of human movement are introducted to inform the prescription of technique, equipment, and training interventions. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Prerequisite: BIO 2430 or equivalent with a grade of "D" or better.

ESS 5322. Inclusion and Diversity in Physical Activity and Sport.

This course is designed to prepare physical activity and sport educators with knowledge, skills, and strategies to create inclusive learning environments. Culturally responsive teaching strategies that best accommodate the individual needs of children, adolescents, and adults, with diverse ethnic, racial, cultural, socio-economic, physical, and cognitive needs will be emphasized. (MULT).

ESS 5327. Application of Strength and Conditioning Principles.

Strength and conditioning programming techniques will be the focus, including appropriate assessment and exercise prescription for improved sport performance and injury prevention. This course will include both classroom instruction and hands-on experience utilizing advanced technologies and traditional and non-traditional equipment in the field of strength and conditioning. This course will also cover methods of evaluating athletic abilities to monitor progress of training that will guide exercise prescription. Prerequisite: ESS 5307 with a grade of "C" or better.

ESS 5328. Principles of Endurance Training.

This course explores and critiques both established and novel exercise testing and training practices for athletes competing in endurance sports. Emphasis is on demonstrating an ability to develop testing and training procedures using evidence-based methods for endurance athletes.

ESS 5329. Motor Learning.

This leveling course provides students with an understanding of the physiological, neurological, and psychological factors affecting performance and acquisition of motor skills. Students will examine the structural components underlying the learning of motor skills and draw upon examples from sport, physical activities, and rehabilitation. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.

ESS 5344. The Science of Teaching in Health and Human Performance.

This course is designed to enhance instructional skills for professionals working in educational, sport, clinical, and community settings. Students incorporate evidence-based instructional practices and assess teaching using systematic, reliable, and valid measures. Students will be able to apply course concepts to implement effective instruction in diverse venues.

ESS 5346. Research Methods in Health and Human Performance.

A study of research methods related to techniques for searching the professional research literature, understanding, planning, and conducting professional research projects, as well as development of skills for writing research proposals related to human performance.

ESS 5347. Independent Study in Exercise Science.

The course allows students to receive individualized instruction while working on a professional project with a supervising faculty member. This course will require students to enhance their writing, research, teaching, and/or presentation skills. Repeatable once for credit.

ESS 5353. Curriculum Design, Implementation and Evaluation in Diverse Physical Activity Settings.

This course is designed to explore evidence-based curricula across Exercise and Sport Science settings including, but not limited to clinical, strength and conditioning, community physical activity, and sports. Students will gain knowledge and understanding about the curriculum design process and program evaluation using current theory to practice models.

ESS 5354. Developmental Sports Education: Youth Participants.

This course is designed to provide sport educators with theory, research, and application strategies to implement developmentally appropriate sports programs for youth participants. Social, psychological, pedagogical, philosophical, and physical variables impacting youth in sport are examined. Emphasis is placed on promoting positive youth development by applying evidence-based practices.

ESS 5355. Developmental Sports Education: High-Level Athletes and Coaching Effectiveness.

This course is designed to provide sport educators with theory, research, and practical strategies to implement developmentally appropriate sports programs for high-level athletes. Psychological, social, and physical aspects related to athletes’ success and well-being are examined. Research on coaching effectiveness is also explored with emphasis on applying evidence-based practices.

ESS 5356. Applied Statistics in Health and Human Performance.

A study of quantitative statistical methods for planning and conducting experimental and correlational research, as well as techniques for statistical data analysis and interpretation applicable to health and human performance.

ESS 5398. Internship in Exercise and Sports Science.

This 240-hour internship provides students with work-related experience with children, adults, older individuals, or athletes in exercise settings. Students are provided an opportunity to prescribe and supervise age- and fitness-appropriate exercise programs and perform exercise tests. Prerequisite: ESS 5306 with a grade of "C" or better.

ESS 5399A. Thesis.

This course represents a student's initial thesis enrollment. No thesis course credit is awarded until the student has completed the entire thesis required in ESS 5399B. Prerequisites: ESS 5346 and ESS 5356 all with a grade of "C" or better.

ESS 5399B. Thesis.

This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the completed thesis is submitted for binding. Prerequisite: ESS 5399A.

ESS 5599B. Thesis.

This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the completed thesis is submitted for binding. Prerequisite: ESS 5399A.

ESS 5624. Principles and Practices for Teaching Physical Education.

This is a leveling class for graduate students pursuing teaching certification in physical education. Particular emphasis is placed on methods of teaching physical education. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Departmental Approval required.

ESS 5698. Internship in Exercise and Sports Science.

This full-time internship provides students with a minimum of 480 hours of field experience. Students will work with children, adults, older individuals, or athletes in exercise or health care settings, and prescribe and supervise age and fitness appropriate exercise programs and perform comprehensive health-related assessments.

ESS 5999B. Thesis.

This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the completed thesis is submitted for binding. Prerequisite: ESS 5399A.