Skip top navigation Skip to main content

2021 - 2022 Academic Catalog

Exercise Science

The mission of the Exercise Science Program is to immerse students in a CoAES accredited curriculum that provides a comprehensive understanding of Exercise Science (exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, clinical and laboratory exercise testing, performance assessment and fitness and wellness principles) to address the multi-disciplinary nature of the field of exercise science.  The program offers multiple unique internship experiences in the greater Boston area, a research-based Capstone course, seminar learning opportunities, and courses that exemplify Lasell's unique Connected Learning environment, facilitated by faculty with noted industry experience.  Graduates of the program will be well positioned to pursue graduate studies (exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training and other health professions) or professional employment.  The goal of the program is to produce well-educated, highly skilled, nationally certified professionals for the dynamic and diverse field of 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 University'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) Certified Exercise Physiologist Exam. Additional cost is associated with each certification exam. Moreover, Exercise Science majors have the option to participate in domestic and international service-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. 

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.

The Double Laser Program offers students the opportunity to earn an accelerated Master's degree in as little as one year after graduation, while also saving up to 30% on graduate school tuition.

Transfer applicants may be accepted into the Exercise Science program at Lasell University 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 transfers 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 freshman year. A change of major form should be filed with the Program Chair at the end of the spring semester of their freshman year. The applicants' grades for their freshman 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 honoraria, educational opportunities outside of the classroom and miscellaneous materials/supplies needed to maximize student learning.

In addition to this fee and other college fees, students enrolled in the Exercise Science Program may incur additional expenses. These expenses include, but are not limited to:  

Certification Exam cost - Students enrolled in the Exercise Science Program are required to sit for one of the following National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) certification exams during their tenure at Lasell as part of their degree requirements. Costs vary depending on the exam selected. Proof of the attempt must be provided to the Program Director along with the outcome of the exam.

NOTE: All of the above exams require candidates to hold a current CPR and AED certification. 

*The program receives a special discounted rate on the ACSM EP-C and NSCA CSCS exams. Please see the Program Director for the voucher code.

+ The ACSM EP-C, NSCA CSCS, and NASM CES require completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology or a closely related field from a regionally accredited college or university. Students are eligible to sit for the exam in the last term of their degree program.

  • CPR Certification - Students obtain their Adult CPR/AED Certification before they begin their internships.  Students are expected to renew their certification after the 2-year expiration in order to participate in internships as well as to remain eligible for certification exams.  Several local options are available.  Please see the Program Chair for options.          
  • American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) student membership (highly recommended, not required) -$10/year
  • Transportation costs associated with off-campus internships.
  • Medical examination, TB (PPD) skin test, background check costs, and other like tests if required by the internship site. 

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
Upon completion of the major program of study in Exercise Science, students will be able to

  1. Interpret, develop, produce and disseminate disciplinary research
  2. Understand and create discipline specific written work
  3. Deliver 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
Upon completion of the major program of study in Exercise Science, students will be able to

  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-centered services and care
  4. Model professional conduct and behavior
  5. Advance knowledge through the use of evidence-based practice
  6. Practice cultural competence

Goal 3: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA)
Upon completion of the major program of study in Exercise Science, students will be prepared as competent entry-level Exercise Science professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (abilities) learning domains.

  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
Upon completion of the major program of study in Exercise Science, students will be able to

  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

BIO104 - Foundations in the Health Professions

This course provides a description of the various health care professions including educational and licensing requirements. The concepts of professionalism, health care teams, and current health care policies will be covered. Students will increase their knowledge of the various health care professions through job shadowing.

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: BIO205 with a C or better. Corequisite: BIO206L.

BIO301 - 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 introduces students to medical terminology, and 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: BIO205, BIO206 or by permission

EXSC103 - Skills & Techniques for the Exercise Sci

The purpose of this course is to provide foundational skills in measurement techniques of health and physical activity that are necessary and relevant for a professional in the field of exercise science, fitness management and related disciplines. Students will learn how to screen exercise participants for health risks, to assess basic anthropometrics, body composition, cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, and flexibility in apparently healthy individuals, across the lifespan, using a variety of techniques and technologies. In addition, principles and techniques for recognition and management of non-life-threatening and life-threatening emergencies will be covered. Students will be exposed to evidence-based foundations within the discipline, as well as career options and the role of the exercise, health, and fitness professional in the health, wellness and sport disciplines.

EXSC106 - Functional Anatomy & Resistance Trainig

This course applies principles of anatomy to the study of human motion and resistance training. The course will explore human movement through applied anatomy and biomechanics, as well as through the analysis of exercises and sport movements. Students will be able to identify, describe, execute, and progress common resistance training exercises for the upper extremity, lower extremity, and trunk that target specific musculature. Students will utilize their anatomical knowledge base to evaluate exercise technique and form.

EXSC107 - Healthy Lifestyles and Human Behavior

This course focuses on evaluating and implementing healthy lifestyles and human behavior for longevity of lifespan from adolescence through adult development. Focus will be placed upon cultivating a holistic approach to health and wellness that is rooted within strategies for implementing healthy lifestyle changes, as well as "living through prevention": a description relating to methods of preventing long term disease and disability.

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 - Principles of Personal Training

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 analysis of human motion. The laboratory component includes analysis of human motion. Prerequisites: BIO205, BIO206, PHYS111. Corequisite EXSC222L

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 metabolic cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neuromuscular systems. Also discussed are the effects of environmental factors and ergogenic aids on exercise performance. The objective of this course is for the student to gain an understanding and working knowledge of how the body responds to exercise so that they may apply this knowledge to their chosen field. The practical applications of the major principles are demonstrated in a laboratory setting (EXSC 302L). Students are advised that the capability to exercise moderately and maximally may be required and documentation if a medical examination indicating cardiopulmonary status and exercise capacity may be requested by the instructor. Prerequisite BIO 205/BIO 206. Corequisite EXSC 302L

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 EXSC302. Co-requisite EXSC304

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. Pre-requisite: BIO206. Co-requisite EXSC305L.

EXSC340 - Research Concepts

This course covers research concepts in the healthcare and fitness industry 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: MATH208.

EXSC401 - Professional Development Seminar

This course will prepare students to sit for the certification in the field of exercise science, with emphasis on the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and the ACSM, Certified Exercise Physiologist certifications. Students will assess their current level of knowledge, and identify and actively improve upon areas of weakness. Students will develop a personal study plan, which will involve review sessions and practice tests both in and out of the classroom, Students will develop a post-graduation plan and prepare the necessary materials to carry out their individual plan, including GRE preparations, resume, cover letter, personal statement writing, as well as mock interview sessions. Prerequisite: Senior level standing

EXSC403 - Exercise for Special Populations

Exercise for Special Populations explores the role of exercise in health and disease and how the normal physiological response to exercise changes in the presence of disease. This course will specifically focus on pathophysiology, treatments and medications, acute and chronic effects of exercise, and exercise testing and prescription guidelines for individuals with cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neurological and immunological diseases and disorders. This course will allow students to understand the effect of exercise, chronic diseases and conditions, and allow them to apply this knowledge in the field. Prerequisite: EXSC302.

EXSC405 - Org & Admin of Health & Sports Programs

This course presents the principles of managing physical education, intramural and athletic programs, commercial fitness and strength and conditioning/sports performance businesses, issues, scheduling, staff, financial planning and related duties of faculty mangers. Likewise, it is important to note that this is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: Junior Standing

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: EXSC302, EXSC305, current CPR/AED certification

EXSC425 - Exercise Science Field Experience III

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: EXSC302, EXSC305, current CPR/AED certification

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

IDS399 - Internship Seminar

A critical component of a successful Internship experience is finding an appropriate placement. In this seminar students will identify their personal work style and strengths, will identify a good career match, will create an effective cover letter & resume, will explore effective networking, interviewing, and negotiation skills. This course will help students identify search tools for finding internships. A goal of this course is to secure an internship for the following semester. Must have at least Sophomore standing.

MATH203 - Precalculus

This course prepares students for the study of calculus, physics and other courses requiring precalculus skills. Included is solving systems of equations, the analysis and graphing of linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, rational functions, the unit circle, and triangle (right and non-right) trigonometry. 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. 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 (KP)

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: PHYS111L, PHYS111R.

PSYC101 - Psychological Perspectives (KP)

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.

PSYC220 - Social Psychology

This is an introduction to the study of social interactions from a psychological perspective. Research reviewed focuses on topics such as: social perception, group interaction, attitude formation, attitudinal change, aggression, conflict, and pro-social behavior. 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 will provide you with an introduction to central concepts/issues related to the developmental phase of adolescence from historical, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. The course will also focus on major problems and challenges facing adolescents in modern society. Prerequisite PSYC101

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.

EXSC307 - Func Assessment & Corrective Exc Pres

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: EXSC305.

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 understanding of current scientific literature, research methods, and clinical implementation of advanced exercise science topics. Students will take an interactive approach to critique and review research literature in a variety of topics in the field of exercise science. Students will also develop literature reviews and present their findings in areas of their interests as well as in assigned topics. Prerequisite: EXSC302