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) Certified Exercise Physiologist 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 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.

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 freshman year. A change of major form should be filed with the Program Director 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 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
Upon completion of the major program of study in Exercise Science, students will be able to

Interpret, Develop, Produce and Disseminate disciplinary research
Understand and create discipline specific written work
Deliver professional Oral Presentations
Interact professionally and educate clients, patients, peers, colleagues and medical/athletic personnel
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

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

Goal 3: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA)
Upon completion of the major program of study in Exercise Science, students will be able to

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

Incorporate evidence based practice into clinical decision making
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
EXSC401	Exercise Science Seminar II	1
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 (KP)	4
PSYC101	Psychological Perspectives (KP)	3
PSYC240	Sport Psychology	3
Choose 1 from the following:
PSYC221	Child Development	3
PSYC223	Adolescent Psychology	3

Major Requirements: 92 credits

Core Curriculum Requirements: 18-24 credits

Unrestricted Electives: 4-10 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

MATH 203 fulfills the Quantitative Literacy requirement of the Core Curriculum for Exercise Science.

* 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.

EXSC106 - Resistance Training

This course will explore the fundamentals of strength and conditioning instruction. Students will develop a practical/technical foundation for designing, instructing, and evaluating strength and conditioning routines for a variety of clientele. Major compound movements, Olympic lifts, and advanced conditioning techniques will be emphasized. Students will utilize their anatomical and kinesiological knowledgebase to evaluate exercise technique and form. Students will also develop foundational knowledge of exercise safety, cueing/correction techniques, exercise demonstration and modification, exercise progression and professionalism.

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

EXSC108 - Group Exercise

This course will introduce students to group exercise instruction methods. Students will gain knowledge of and skill in planning exercise sessions for groups of exercisers using a variety of formats and instructional techniques. Communication, instruction, safety, motivation, organization, music selection, and choreography with be discussed and practiced. In addition, the application of common anatomy, physiology, and behavior modification principles will be used in designing and progressing group exercise sessions. A variety of fitness activities will be explored including sports conditioning, circuit training, boot camp, step aerobics, kickboxing, strength training, yoga and indoor cycling. This course will also prepare students to sit for national certification exams.

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 and EXSC 202

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.

EXSC306 - Applied Ethics in Health Care

Develop a moral and ethical decision making framework as related to the healthcare field as individuals (clinician) and groups (healthcare team) through the application ethical principles and concepts.

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 302 or EXSC304

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