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Lasell University
Lasell University

2014 - 2015 Academic Catalog

Exercise Science

Exercise Science specialists are knowledgeable in the areas of exercise physiology, kinesiology, human performance assessment, fitness, wellness, and strength and conditioning. As members of the health care community, they are dedicated to health enhancement and are responsible for the development and coordination of exercise programs. An exercise specialist is responsible for the training and education of patients and clients through exercise prescriptions and programs. Using exercise as a preventative measure or a rehabilitative tool, exercise science specialists work in a variety of settings including professional athletics, public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, fitness centers, universities and research institutions.

Lasell College's Exercise Science program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in accordance with guidelines set forth by the Commission on Accreditation for Exercise Science (CoAES). In addition to being CoAES and CAHHEP accredited, the program is endorsed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The Exercise Science program provides knowledge, skills and abilities, to prepare students for entry into the exercise science industry in a variety of specialty areas. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the National Strength and Conditioning Associates (NSCA), Certified Strength and Conditioning Exam; National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Certified Personal Trainer Exam; and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Health Fitness Specialist (HFS) Exam. Additional cost is associated with each certification exam. While enrolled in the program, students have the opportunity to acquire certifications in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, first aid and coaching. Moreover, Exercise Science majors have the option to participate in domestic and international services learning as well as study abroad programs.

The program curriculum focuses on the study of the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, human metabolism, human movement and behavioral sciences. Utilizing our connected learning philosophy, concepts, theories and skills learned in the classroom are reinforced in our various exercise science laboratories and field experiences.

Students are immediately introduced to discipline specific concepts and skills during the first year in the program. During the final year of the program students are actively engaged in undergraduate research through the research concepts and capstone courses, and two exercise science field experiences that offer students the opportunity to specialize in areas of interest. The connected-learning experiences allow students to apply their knowledge of exercise science to work settings in universities, sports performance centers, fitness facilities, hospitals, clinics, and research centers. Lasell's affiliation with nationally known organizations in the Boston area provides students the opportunity to gain invaluable experience while working with leaders in the field of medical and exercise science.

Academic standards for the Exercise Science program include grades of "C" or better in all EXSC, BIO and AT courses.
In order to be admitted initially into the Exercise Science Major, students need to have completed the following coursework with grades of C or better: two years of high school math (preferably algebra and geometry) and one year of lab science (preferably biology). Students may substitute a year of college algebra and biology with grades of C or better in place of the high school coursework.

The Exercise Science curriculum fulfills most of the prerequisites for graduate study in the health professions, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports performance and kinesiology. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science.

Students with associate degrees in allied health and related fields can enter the Exercise Science program and complete their degree in two years (assuming all graduation requirements have been fulfilled).

Transfer applicants may be accepted into the Exercise Science at Lasell College based upon their previous record of academic performance. Transfer students will only be considered on a space-available basis, as admission is competitive in nature, and need to be aware of the possibility of additional time beyond eight academic semesters of college work in order to complete all of the program requirements due to the sequencing of courses and their prerequisites.

Undeclared-Allied Health students wishing to transfer in to the Exercise Science Program will be considered on a space-available basis following their freshmen year. A change of major form should be filed with the Program Director at the end of the spring semester of their freshmen year. The applicants' grades for their freshmen year will then be reviewed. Specifically, a "C" or better is needed for all AT, EXSC and BIO courses. A GPA of 2.0 or better will be required for admission into the Exercise Science Program.

Program Fee
Each Exercise Science student is charged a program fee for each semester. The program fee is used to provide instructional supplies, discipline specific technology, guest speaker honorariums, educational opportunities outside of the classroom and miscellaneous materials/supplies needed to maximize student learning.

The following goals and associated learning outcomes delineate what we strive for students to achieve when they complete the major program of study in Exercise Science:

Goal 1: Communication
Outcomes-

  1. Interpret, Develop, Produce and Disseminate disciplinary research
  2. Understand and create discipline specific written work
  3. Professional Oral Presentations
  4. Interact professionally and educate clients, patients, peers, colleagues and medical/athletic personnel
  5. Apply a team approach to client and patient care

Goal 2: Foundational Behaviors
Goal-

  1. Adhere to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Strength and Conditioning Association and National Academy of Sports Medicine code of ethics
  2. Identify ethical issues
  3. Deliver Client/Patient Center Services and Care
  4. Model professional conduct and behavior
  5. Advancing knowledge through the use of evidence based practice
  6. Practice Cultural Competence

Goal 3: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA)
Outcomes-

  1. Demonstrate knowledge in core exercise science content areas as defined by the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (COAES)
  2. Demonstrate skills in core exercise science content areas as defined by the COAES
  3. Demonstrate abilities in core exercise science content areas as defined by the COAES

Goal 4: Professional Decision Making/Critical Thinking
Outcomes-

  1. Incorporate evidence based practice into clinical decision making
  2. Create, implement and modify discipline specific programs to address special patient population and individual needs


Course Code Course Title Credits
Core Courses
AT103 Techniques of Emergency Care 3
AT202 Foundations in Sport Medicine 4
AT301 Pathophysiology 3
BIO205 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIO206 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
EXSC101 Essentials of Musculoskeletal Anatomy 2
EXSC107 Lifestyles & Human Behavior 3
EXSC209 Performance Nutrition 3
EXSC211 Personal Fitness 3
EXSC222 Kinesiology 4
EXSC302 Exercise Physiology 4
EXSC304 Exercise Testing & Prescription 4
EXSC305 Strength Training & Conditioning 4
EXSC307 Advanced Sports Performance 3
EXSC340 Research Concepts 3
EXSC403 Exercise for Special Populations 3
EXSC405 Organization & Healthcare Administration 3
EXSC406 Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology 3
EXSC410 Exercise Science Field Experience I 3
EXSC420 Exercise Science Field Experience II 6
EXSC430 Exercise Science Capstone 3
MATH203 Precalculus 3
MATH208 Statistics 3
PHYS111 General Physics I 4
PSYC101 Psychological Perspectives 3
PSYC240 Sport Psychology 3
Choose 1 from the following:
PSYC221 Child Development 3
PSYC223 Adolescent Psychology 3

Core Curriculum and remaining Unrestricted Electives: 27 credits

Minimum credits required for graduation: 120

***Courses listed below fulfill Knowledge Perspective requirements:
Individuals & Society
PSYC 101 Psychological Perspectives

Scientific Inquiry & Problem Solving
PHYS 111 General Physics I

* In order to qualify for Field Experience I and II, students must obtain and maintain certificates in First Aid/ CPR. Some clinical sites may require a CORI check of students.  

** The following courses may require additional coursework depending upon Math placement:
Math 203: Pre-calculus
Math 208: Statistics

Program Course Retake Policy
Students in the program are limited to only one retake of two required AT, BIO or EXSC course during their enrollment in the program. Students will progress through the program on a case by case basis after meeting with the Department Chair to review their transcript if more than one retake of a required course is needed.

Retention Policy
The exercise science program coursework, with associated prerequisites, need to be completed in sequence to successfully fulfill the guidelines for progression through the academic program. In order to advance into each semester of the Exercise Science program, you must receive a grade of "C" or better in all AT, BIO and EXSC courses. Failure to do so will necessitate the repetition of this course and consultation with the department chair to determine a student's academic eligibility within the program.



EXSC101 - Essentials of Musculoskeletal Anatomy

This course provides students with foundational concepts associated with the healthcare and fitness industry. Through connected learning projects, emphasis is placed on understanding musculoskeletal anatomy and medical nomenclature Formerly - AHLT101

EXSC104 - Principles & Problems of Coaching

This course provides students with an introduction to the profession of coaching. Students develop a base of knowledge through the study of principles and concepts from the areas of coaching philosophy, sport psychology, sport pedagogy, sport physiology, and sports management. Upon successful completion of the course, students have a thorough understanding and appreciation of possible solutions for those problems that are most frequently encountered in coaching, as well as the ability to apply principles of coaching to individual athletes and/or a team.

EXSC107 - Lifestyles & Human Behavior

This course focuses on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the interactive principles of human behavior across the lifespan from adolescence through adult development. Topics include exercise adherence and maintenance, weight management, smoking cessation, and stress management. Formerly - AHLT107

EXSC209 - Performance Nutrition

This course studies the effects, benefits, and sources of major nutrients. It includes an overview of nutritional issues involved in disease processes and nutritional needs for an active population. Special focus on patient assessment and development of dietary plans based on energy expenditure. Prerequisites: BIO 205, BIO 206.

EXSC211 - Personal Fitness

This course prepares students for national certification exams as personal trainers. Each class addresses pertinent topics of the health fitness professional. These topics include health screening and assessment and comprehensive program design for multiple populations. The course empowers students with the skills necessary to become qualified fitness professionals.

EXSC213 - Coaching Practicum

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the principles and practices of coaching in a junior high, high school, or collegiate environment. Students participate actively in practical coaching experiences under the guidance and supervision of a qualified coach. Prerequisite: EXSC 104.

EXSC222 - Kinesiology

This course examines the anatomical and mechanical concepts required for critical assessment, description, and qualitative analysis of human motion. The laboratory component includes analysis of human motion. Prerequisites: BIO 205, BIO 206, PHYS 111.

EXSC302 - Exercise Physiology

This course explores the acute and chronic effects of exercise on the structure and function of the body with an emphasis on the acute responses of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neuromuscular systems. Various concepts related to physical fitness such as body composition, skill related fitness, and cardiovascular fitness are introduced. The practical applications of major principles are demonstrated in a laboratory setting. Students are advised that the capability to exercise moderately and maximally may be required and that documentation of a medical examination indicating cardiopulmonary status and exercise capacity may be requested by the instructor. Writing intensive course. Prerequisites: BIO 205, BIO 206.

EXSC304 - Exercise Testing & Prescription

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to engage in the application of physiological principles and development of practical skills for fitness evaluation and exercise prescription. Course content will emphasis: pre-test screening and assessment and prescription fundamentals for cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, body composition, and flexibility. Prerequisite EXSC 302.

EXSC305 - Strength Training & Conditioning

Lecture and practical sessions include principles of weight training and conditioning, orientation to different modalities, including free weights, weight machines (i.e., Nautilus), and circuit training and development of individual and group exercise programs. Students may be required to obtain medical clearance prior to participation. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

EXSC307 - Advanced Sports Performance

This course is designed to provide students advanced concepts in strength and conditioning. Emphasis is placed on the application of principles and theories covered in the Strength and Conditioning class. Students focus on the development of sports specific programs for the purpose of improving athletic performance. Prerequisite: EXSC 305.

EXSC340 - Research Concepts

This course covers research concepts in the healthcare and fitness industy including the logic of experimental and correlational designs, issues of control, sampling, measurement of variables, ethical issues in research, use of online professional search procedures, and writing in APA style. Students engage in various aspects of the research process culminating in a research paper on a discipline specific topic. Prerequisite: MATH 208.

EXSC401 - Exercise Science Seminar II

This course provides students with the skills needed to prepare for entrance into the workforce or graduate school. Emphasis is placed on cover letters and resume writing, interview skills, the graduate school application process, professionalism, and ethical decision making. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Co-requisite - EXSC 340

EXSC403 - Exercise for Special Populations

This course provides the exercise physiologist with an in-depth knowledge of application of exercise principles for patients participating in adult fitness programs. It includes client characteristics, screening, and program supervision. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: EXSC 304

EXSC405 - Organization & Healthcare Administration

This course presents the principles of managing physical education, intramural and athletic programs, and sport and fitness businesses. Course topics include facility management, human relations, legal issues, scheduling, drug testing, staffing, and related duties of facility managers. Writing intensive course. Prerequisites: Senior standing.

EXSC406 - Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology

This course explores and evaluates current concepts in the understanding of physiological function and effects of exercise. Particular emphasis is placed on the physiological function and effects of exercise across the lifespan and in-depth examination of current literature in advanced exercise science topics. Pre-requisite: EXSC 302.

EXSC410 - Exercise Science Field Experience I

This is an off-campus experience in a hospital, clinic, corporate, university or commercial setting, as appropriate. Concepts, theories, and practices learned in the classroom are applied in a supervised setting. Students must successfully complete at least 150 hours of field experience in addition to written assignments. Prerequisites: EXSC 302, EXSC 305 and Permission of Department Chair.

EXSC420 - Exercise Science Field Experience II

This is an off-campus experience in a hospital, clinic,corporate, university or commercial setting, as appropriate. Concepts, theories, and practices learned in the classroom are applied in a supervised setting. Students must successfully complete at least 300 hours of field experience in addition to written assignments. Prerequisites: EXSC 302, EXSC 305 and Permission of Department Chair.

EXSC430 - Exercise Science Capstone

The capstone course synthesizes theories and practices of exercise physiology into one culminating and progressive exercise program for a client. Students serve as subjects, technicians, and administrators. The primary goal is to better prepare students to engage in research at the graduate level and to create an opportunity for students to apply various concepts and theories attained throughout the curriculum. The content of this course focuses on opportunities for exercise program design and undergraduate research, with three course design option; development of original case study research, with focus on adhering to written and oral presentation standards within the field; development of an original research question, with focus on methodology, data collection and statistical analysis; or development of an understanding of the research process, with focus on review of the literature, defining the research question, and study methodology. Prerequisite: EXSC 340

AT103 - Techniques of Emergency Care

This course emphasizes principles and techniques for recognition and management of life-threatening and non-life-threatening medical emergency situations. Additionally, the course content includes a variety of injury and illness prevention techniques including, taping, bracing and proper hydration. The lab component of the course includes techniques for immobilization, airway management, athletic equipment management, and removal in emergency situations. At the completion of the course students will be eligible for certification in CPR Professional Rescuer/AED and First Aid by the American Red Cross.

AT202 - Foundations in Sport Medicine

This course is a basic athletic training course providing an overview of prevention, recognition, and initial management of common athletic injuries. Additional topics covered in the course include: issues in health care administration, nutritional considerations, environmental issues, protective equipment, tissue healing, bloodborne pathogens and rehabilitation concepts. Formerly - AT201

AT301 - Pathophysiology

In this course, major pathophysiologic concepts are explored using a body systems approach relating them to the practice of the health care professional. Theories relating etiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations are used to study common disease processes. The course also describes the impact of cellular dysfunction, interpretation of medical laboratory tests and drug interaction and pharmacology for the health care provider. The course encourages critical analysis of clinical data to identify logical connections and integration. Prerequisites: BIO 205, BIO 206.

BIO205 - Anatomy & Physiology I

This is a comprehensive course focusing on the structure and function of the human body. The course introduces students to aspects of human biology ranging from the chemical basis of life and cell biology to the anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems. Topics covered include: cell biology, major body tissues, and the structure and function of the following systems: skin, skeletal, muscular, and nervous. The laboratory component includes dissection. Students should have successfully completed one year of at least secondary (high school) level Biology before electing this course. Corequisite: BIO 205L.

BIO206 - Anatomy & Physiology II

This course is a continuation of BIO 205. The following systems are covered during the semester: endocrine, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, urinary, and reproductive. The laboratory component includes dissection. Prerequisite: BIO 205. Corequisite: BIO 206L.

EXSC101 - Essentials of Musculoskeletal Anatomy

This course provides students with foundational concepts associated with the healthcare and fitness industry. Through connected learning projects, emphasis is placed on understanding musculoskeletal anatomy and medical nomenclature Formerly - AHLT101

EXSC107 - Lifestyles & Human Behavior

This course focuses on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the interactive principles of human behavior across the lifespan from adolescence through adult development. Topics include exercise adherence and maintenance, weight management, smoking cessation, and stress management. Formerly - AHLT107

EXSC209 - Performance Nutrition

This course studies the effects, benefits, and sources of major nutrients. It includes an overview of nutritional issues involved in disease processes and nutritional needs for an active population. Special focus on patient assessment and development of dietary plans based on energy expenditure. Prerequisites: BIO 205, BIO 206.

EXSC211 - Personal Fitness

This course prepares students for national certification exams as personal trainers. Each class addresses pertinent topics of the health fitness professional. These topics include health screening and assessment and comprehensive program design for multiple populations. The course empowers students with the skills necessary to become qualified fitness professionals.

EXSC222 - Kinesiology

This course examines the anatomical and mechanical concepts required for critical assessment, description, and qualitative analysis of human motion. The laboratory component includes analysis of human motion. Prerequisites: BIO 205, BIO 206, PHYS 111.

EXSC302 - Exercise Physiology

This course explores the acute and chronic effects of exercise on the structure and function of the body with an emphasis on the acute responses of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neuromuscular systems. Various concepts related to physical fitness such as body composition, skill related fitness, and cardiovascular fitness are introduced. The practical applications of major principles are demonstrated in a laboratory setting. Students are advised that the capability to exercise moderately and maximally may be required and that documentation of a medical examination indicating cardiopulmonary status and exercise capacity may be requested by the instructor. Writing intensive course. Prerequisites: BIO 205, BIO 206.

EXSC304 - Exercise Testing & Prescription

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to engage in the application of physiological principles and development of practical skills for fitness evaluation and exercise prescription. Course content will emphasis: pre-test screening and assessment and prescription fundamentals for cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, body composition, and flexibility. Prerequisite EXSC 302.

EXSC305 - Strength Training & Conditioning

Lecture and practical sessions include principles of weight training and conditioning, orientation to different modalities, including free weights, weight machines (i.e., Nautilus), and circuit training and development of individual and group exercise programs. Students may be required to obtain medical clearance prior to participation. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

EXSC307 - Advanced Sports Performance

This course is designed to provide students advanced concepts in strength and conditioning. Emphasis is placed on the application of principles and theories covered in the Strength and Conditioning class. Students focus on the development of sports specific programs for the purpose of improving athletic performance. Prerequisite: EXSC 305.

EXSC340 - Research Concepts

This course covers research concepts in the healthcare and fitness industy including the logic of experimental and correlational designs, issues of control, sampling, measurement of variables, ethical issues in research, use of online professional search procedures, and writing in APA style. Students engage in various aspects of the research process culminating in a research paper on a discipline specific topic. Prerequisite: MATH 208.

EXSC403 - Exercise for Special Populations

This course provides the exercise physiologist with an in-depth knowledge of application of exercise principles for patients participating in adult fitness programs. It includes client characteristics, screening, and program supervision. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: EXSC 304

EXSC405 - Organization & Healthcare Administration

This course presents the principles of managing physical education, intramural and athletic programs, and sport and fitness businesses. Course topics include facility management, human relations, legal issues, scheduling, drug testing, staffing, and related duties of facility managers. Writing intensive course. Prerequisites: Senior standing.

EXSC406 - Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology

This course explores and evaluates current concepts in the understanding of physiological function and effects of exercise. Particular emphasis is placed on the physiological function and effects of exercise across the lifespan and in-depth examination of current literature in advanced exercise science topics. Pre-requisite: EXSC 302.

EXSC410 - Exercise Science Field Experience I

This is an off-campus experience in a hospital, clinic, corporate, university or commercial setting, as appropriate. Concepts, theories, and practices learned in the classroom are applied in a supervised setting. Students must successfully complete at least 150 hours of field experience in addition to written assignments. Prerequisites: EXSC 302, EXSC 305 and Permission of Department Chair.

EXSC420 - Exercise Science Field Experience II

This is an off-campus experience in a hospital, clinic,corporate, university or commercial setting, as appropriate. Concepts, theories, and practices learned in the classroom are applied in a supervised setting. Students must successfully complete at least 300 hours of field experience in addition to written assignments. Prerequisites: EXSC 302, EXSC 305 and Permission of Department Chair.

EXSC430 - Exercise Science Capstone

The capstone course synthesizes theories and practices of exercise physiology into one culminating and progressive exercise program for a client. Students serve as subjects, technicians, and administrators. The primary goal is to better prepare students to engage in research at the graduate level and to create an opportunity for students to apply various concepts and theories attained throughout the curriculum. The content of this course focuses on opportunities for exercise program design and undergraduate research, with three course design option; development of original case study research, with focus on adhering to written and oral presentation standards within the field; development of an original research question, with focus on methodology, data collection and statistical analysis; or development of an understanding of the research process, with focus on review of the literature, defining the research question, and study methodology. Prerequisite: EXSC 340

MATH203 - Precalculus

This course prepares students for the study of calculus, physics and other courses requiring precalculus skills. Included is a review of algebra, coordinate geometry, the solution of systems of equations, and the analysis and graphing of lin­ear, quadratic, inverse, polynomial, and rational functions. There is a thorough treatment of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. An important goal is for students to develop a geometric understanding of functions and their properties. Prerequisite: MATH 106 with a grade of C or better or demonstrated competency through placement testing. Restrictions: not open to students who have completed 205, 206, or any 300 level mathe­matics course successfully.

MATH208 - Statistics

This is an introductory course in descriptive and inferential statistics with an emphasis on applications in business and the social and biological sciences. Topics include: data analysis, and graphical methods of describing data, measures of central tendency and variability, probability, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression analysis. Prerequisites: MATH 106 with a grade of C or better or demonstrated competency through placement testing and ENG 102.

PHYS111 - General Physics I

This is the first semester of a one-year course that surveys the field of physics at a non-calcu­lus level. Topics include motion in one and two dimensions, force, uniform circular motion, work and energy, and statics of rigid bodies. The laws of thermodynamics are introduced. Laboratory experiments are conducted to com­plement the material covered in lecture. Prerequisite: MATH 203 or equivalent with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: PHYS 111L.

PSYC101 - Psychological Perspectives

In this course, students learn to think like psychologists as they study classic and contemporary topics in human behavior, feeling, and thought. Students learn to apply psychological perspectives of thought, including biological, cognitive, sociocultural, humanistic, psychodynamic, and behaviorist, to better understand the human experience. Students will learn to use these perspectives to explore how individual behavior is influenced by and influences one’s biology, family, community and society. Topics may include human development, personality, psychopathology, human relationships, language, memory, perceptual processes, and intelligence, among others.

PSYC240 - Sport Psychology

This course examines settings such as school, recreational, and professional where sport activities occur. It covers topics such as motivation, anxiety, competition, cooperation, gender issues, and age and developmental level in relation to sport activities. Behavioral problems such as substance abuse and eating disorders, along with psychological factors in prevention and treatment of injuries are included. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

PSYC221 - Child Development

This course examines the physical, cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional development of the child from birth to adolescence. The contributions of social and cultural experiences as well as the role of biological factors in development are examined as are major theories of development. Students are introduced to the research approaches used to study human development and may be required to carry out observations in various settings. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

PSYC223 - Adolescent Psychology

This course provides a survey of contemporary knowledge of the human brain, examining normal developmental brain processes and common brain functions. The course also covers common disorders and emphasizes understanding the impact of atypical brain development and the consequences of brain trauma. Intervention strategies and treatment are included. Prerequisite: PSYC101