Exercise Science (BS) General Exercise Science

Summary

Exercise Science: General focuses on the study of the acute and chronic physiological responses to physical activity and exercise and prepares students to develop evidence and science-based physical activity and exercise training programs that promote active lifestyles, facilitate recovery, reduce injury risk, and improve human performance.

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Credits

63

Total Credits

120

Locations

Mankato

Career Cluster

Health Science

Update Your Major

Program Requirements

Required General Education

This course is an introduction to organic chemistry and biological chemistry. The laboratory will reinforce lecture.

Prerequisites: CHEM 106 or high school chemistry

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-03

Basic foundations in computer concepts. Topics include: hardware, software, uses of technology in industry, and ethical, and social issues. Lab work covers various systems and applications software including word processing, e-mail, the Internet, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software. Cannot be counted toward any major or minor offered by Computer Information Science.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-09

Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1A

An introductory nutrition class which emphasizes the scientific method and natural science principles from biochemistry, physiology, chemistry, and other sciences to explain the relationships between food and its use by the human body for energy, regulation, structure, and optimal health. GE-3 non-lab

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03

Concepts of algebra (real numbers, exponents, polynomials, rational expressions), equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants, conic sections, sequences and series, probability, and binomial theorem.

Prerequisites: Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.

Goal Areas: GE-04

Major Common Core

Systems approach to the structure of the human body. The course is designed for students majoring in biology or health related programs. Lab included.

Prerequisites: none

Principles of functions of human cells, organs, and systems with an emphasis on organ/system interactions. This course is designed for students majoring in biology, chemistry, or related sciences, and medically-related areas. Includes a laboratory with a research and medical emphasis.

Prerequisites: BIOL 220, CHEM 104 or CHEM 106 or CHEM 111 or CHEM 201

This course will introduce exercise science and practitioner-based professions (e.g., athletic trainer, biomechanist, chiropractor, exercise physiologist, medical doctor, occupational therapist, personal trainer, physical therapist, physician's assistant, podiatrist, registered dietician, sport psychologist, strength coach). It will acquaint students with opportunities within related majors, minors, and an overview of exercise science and practitioner-based career options. Academic planning for undergraduate programs, in addition to strategies for gaining admission to exercise science and practitioner-based graduate studies programs, will be included.

Prerequisites: none

Introductory study of the effects of both acute and chronic exercise on structure and function of the human body across the life span.

Prerequisites: BIOL 330

Explores research methods and descriptive statistics commonly used in human performance, exercise science, athletic training, occupational therapy, and physical therapy settings. Includes developing a refined research question, conducting a review of relevant literature, designing a data collection project, and writing a research proposal.

Prerequisites: none

A study of the skeletal muscles, attachment sites, and muscle actions as they relate to physical activity, sport, and exercise. In addition, strength training concepts and techniques will be explored.

Prerequisites: BIOL 220

This course will examine the biomechanical basis of human movement as well as the use of movement analysis technologies. Application to activities of daily living, sport, and exercise will be investigated.

Prerequisites: HP 363

Provides in-depth exploration of the dietary needs of physically active individuals across the lifespan. Its laboratory component will focus on performance and interpretation of assessments commonly used to determine dietary and physiological status.

Prerequisites: HP 314

To provide legal and safety aspects in physical activity. Legal liability, civil rights, and contract law are emphasized.

Prerequisites: none

This course will provide the student with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to complete pre-participation screening and assess health-related physical fitness and develop scientifically sound exercise prescriptions based on objective assessments.

Prerequisites: HP 414

Behavior Change Foundations and Strategies (3 semester credits) is a course that focuses upon the complexity of health behavior change and the skills necessary for a health promotion professional to assess, plan, and evaluate behavior change interventions for individuals and communities. Health behavior change theories and strategies will be discussed. Topics covered in class will include: behavior modification, goal setting, self-management, coping skills, and social support. Emphasis will also be given to the impact of policy and environmental influences on behavior.

Prerequisites: none

This course provides an experiential learning experience for students to further apply their foundational exercise science knowledge and skills through individualized exercise sessions.

Prerequisites: HP 363, HP 466

Major Restricted Electives

Choose 2 Credit(s). Courses can not be duplicated.

This course provides small group personal training sessions (e.g., 1 to 4) ideal for sedentary students looking to begin a physical activity program in a non-competitive supportive environment. With the assistance of exercise science students enrolled in HP 486, participants will enhance their physical fitness and overall wellness.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Concepts and development of lifelong healthy exercise and nutritional habits.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Introduction to basic swimming skills; basic rescue and water safety skills and techniques; stroke instruction in front crawl, back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, and sidestroke.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Develop basic knowledge and appreciation through participation in the sport of bowling.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Develop basic knowledge and appreciation for the sport of billiards.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Theory and practice of aerobic conditioning.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Includes street fighting techniques and personal safety tips.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

.

Prerequisites: Bowling experience/averages.

Goal Areas: GE-11

Open for credit to those on the intercollegiate team. Prereq: selection for team

Prerequisites: Selection for team

Goal Areas: GE-11

Open for credit only for those students who make the Minnesota State University, Mankato, team and who complete the requirements. Prereq: selection for team

Prerequisites: Selection for team

Goal Areas: GE-11

Open for credit only for those students who make the Minnesota State University, Mankato, team and who complete the requirements. Prereq: selection for team

Prerequisites: Selection for team

Goal Areas: GE-11

Open for credit to those who make the wrestling team and complete the requirements. Prereq: selection for team

Prerequisites: Selection for team

Goal Areas: GE-11

Open for credit to those who make the team and complete the requirements. Prereq: selection for team

Prerequisites: Selection for team

Goal Areas: GE-11

Open for credit only for those students who make the Minnesota State University, Mankato, team and who complete the requirements. Prereq: selection for team

Prerequisites: Selection for team

Goal Areas: GE-11

Open for credit only for those students who make the Minnesota State University, Mankato, team and who complete the requirements. Prereq: selection for team

Prerequisites: Selection for team

Goal Areas: GE-11

Must be on intercollegiate roster. Prereq: selection for team

Prerequisites: Selection for team

Goal Areas: GE-11

Class for only students on the intercollegiate baseball team. Need permission to register. Prereq: selection for team

Prerequisites: Selection for team

Goal Areas: GE-11

Open for credit to those who make the team and complete the requirements. Prereq: selection for team

Prerequisites: Selection for team

Goal Areas: GE-11

Open for credit to those who make the team and complete the requirements. Prereq: selection for team

Prerequisites: Selection for team

Goal Areas: GE-11

This course is admission by permission only. The course is limited to male students who are members of the Minnesota State University, Mankato, intercollegiate hockey team. Prereq: selection for team

Prerequisites: Selection for team

Goal Areas: GE-11

Participation in NCAA II soccer. Prereq: selection for team

Prerequisites: Selection for team

Goal Areas: GE-11

Flag/Touch Football, Softball (fast and slow pitch), Soccer, Speedball, Ultimate, Volleyball, Basketball, Team handball.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Develop basic knowledge and appreciation through participation in the sport of racquetball.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Develop basic knowledge and appreciation through participation in the sport of tennis.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Develop basic knowledge and appreciation through participation in the sport of badminton.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Participation and increase skill knowledge through activity in body building, physical conditioning, and aerobics.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Develop basic knowledge and appreciation through participation in the sport of pickleball.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Develop basic knowledge and appreciation through participation in the sport of golf.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Develop basic knowledge and appreciation through participation for the sport of downhill skiing.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Acquaint students with the basic skills and rules of handball.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Acquaint students with advanced skills, strategies, and rules of handball.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Overview of aquatic skills and activities. Basic techniques and practical experience in teaching aquatic skills and activities.

Prerequisites: Human Performance major or Aquatic emphasis. Ability to swim front crawl, back crawl, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke. Developing teaching skills and curriculum.

Goal Areas: GE-11

Develop basic knowledge and appreciation through participation in the sport of curling.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Develop basic knowledge and appreciation through participation in yoga.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Major Unrestricted Electives

Choose 12 credits. Use the unrestricted electives to expand your knowledge related to your desired career and meet pre-requisite requirements for the pre-professional schools you are applying to. Consult with your academic advisor.

An introduction to the general principles and methods used in the study of microorganisms. Lab included. Prereq: One BIOL course and one semester of chemistry from among CHEM 104, CHEM 106, CHEM 111, or CHEM 201. Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisites: One BIOL course and one semester of chemistry from among CHEM 104, CHEM 106, CHEM 111, or CHEM 201

Goal Areas: GE-03

An examination of eukaryotic cellular structure, organization and physiology. Lab included.

Prerequisites: BIOL 105 and BIOL 106, BIOL 211

Basic anatomy and physiology of the nervous system. The course is designed for students majoring in biology, psychology or health related programs.

Prerequisites: BIOL 220

Basic understanding of the principles of immunohematology applied to the area of blood blanking including major blood group systems, principles for antigen/antibody detection and identification, donor blood collection, transfusion evaluation, theory of renal function in health and disease, specimen collection, handling, and processing, and components of routine urinalysis.

Prerequisites: none

Emphasis is placed on the biomedical aspects of aging and chronic disease. The course is designed for students majoring in biology, gerontology programs, or other health related programs.

Prerequisites: BIOL 100 or BIOL 105

Understanding the process of cell differentiation and development. Special emphasis will be placed on the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that direct the development of multicellular organisms. Course to include current areas of research and other timely topics.

Prerequisites: BIOL 100 or BIOL 105

This course is a functional study of the heart and circulatory system.

Prerequisites: none

A lecture course that examines mechanisms of drug action, physiological responses and adverse reactions from sensitivities or allergies through overdose.

Prerequisites: CHEM 201, BIOL 211. Select 1 course: BIOL 320 BIOL 330, BIOL 431, BIOL 441, BIOL 476

Fundamental principles of humoral and cell mediated immunity and the application of these principles. Current experimental work in the different areas of immunology will be discussed. Lab included.

Prerequisites: BIOL 105, BIOL 106, and BIOL 270

Analysis of the structure and metabolism of biologically important compounds. This intermediate-level course is designed for students in the medical technology, food science, chemistry education, chemistry and pre-professional health majors. The laboratory teaches basic biochemical techniques.

Prerequisites: CHEM 322. CHEM 324 is strongly recommended.

This class is an advanced course in human metabolism, emphasizing the function and interaction of nutrients in metabolic and physiological processes.

Prerequisites: CHEM 111, FCS 242

This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to respond and perform in an emergency to help sustain life, reduce pain, and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness. This course includes an advanced level of First Aid certification, including bloodborne pathogens, and all aspects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillation (CPR/AED) for the Emergency Medical Responder.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

For health care personnel, emphasis on spelling, pronunciation and meaning.

Prerequisites: none

Emphasis is on recognition of, and enhancing awareness about, how stress affects human health and performance. Stress management techniques such as relaxation, effective communication, cognitive-behavioral approaches, eating behaviors, regular exercise, and time management are explored.

Prerequisites: none

This course investigates the physical and mental health concerns of the aging process. Explores specific health problems confronting older persons, and examines preventive health behaviors and health maintenance practices.

Prerequisites: none

Study of lifespan motor development from prenatal through adulthood, including information on delayed development and the normal pattern of skill acquisition.

Prerequisites: none

Basic recognition, prevention, and care of injuries/illnesses suffered by athletes and other physically active individuals. Designed for coaching, physical education, and sports medicine minor students.

Prerequisites: HLTH 210

This course is designed for individuals interested in advanced study in the field of sports medicine. The course will provide advanced study or orthopaedic assessment techniques, application of therapeutic exercise and modalities, and rehabilitation techniques.Spring, Summer

Prerequisites: BIOL 220, HLTH 210, HP 340

Studying abroad is a transformative experience that has the power to challenge our thinking and our perspective on the world. This experiential course will help you become a global citizen, develop intercultural competence, and enhance your abilities to work in health-related fields with diverse clients and patients. Specifically, we will be participating in intercultural activities before the study abroad and several cultural immersion activities while abroad (e.g., participating in a traditional cultural ceremony).

Prerequisites: none

Basic understanding of the theoretical and practical applications of the sport science areas of physical education related to coaching. Current issues and topics addressing the principles and problems of the prospective interscholastic coach.

Prerequisites: none

To introduce interested students, professionals, and coaching licensure candidates to the psychological literature and latest techniques associated with coaching in an athletic setting. Prereq: PSYC 101 or equivalent

Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or equivalent

This course examines changes in human behavior over the entire lifespan from conception to death. Topics cover developmental changes in physical, cognitive, and social domains. Traditional theories are integrated with current findings of developmental researchers.

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

Physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and personality development from conception to preadolescence. Focus on interplay between maturation and experience.

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

This class covers the development of the individual from the age of 11 to 19 years of age. Discussion will include aspects of both normal and abnormal development.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to increase the student's awareness and understanding of abnormal psychology. Students will become familiar with clinical descriptions, course of onset, and treatment regimens specific to various disorders.

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

A critical examination of current psychological approaches to the study of women's behavior and experience. The course will emphasize empirical ways of knowing and address psychological questions of central concern to women. Development of gender differences also will be explored.

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Aging process and development during the adult years; psychology and psychological concerns of the aging individual; dealing with death.

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

Emphasis Common Core

Examines sport from a social-psychological perspective. To identify and discuss ways in which societal values affect the character of sport and the people involved.

Prerequisites: SOC 101

Adult fitness, from theory to practice.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

The student will gain knowledge and skills that will allow them to take and pass a reputable group exercise instruction certification, develop/instruct a wide variety of group exercise formats and monitor and modify the exercise of participants in a group exercise.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to provide an applied, comprehensive experience for exercise science students to develop skills and dispositions to succeed in careers in health/fitness and sport performance.

Prerequisites: HP 414

Minor

Required Minor: None.

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Basic foundations in computer concepts. Topics include: hardware, software, uses of technology in industry, and ethical, and social issues. Lab work covers various systems and applications software including word processing, e-mail, the Internet, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software. Cannot be counted toward any major or minor offered by Computer Information Science.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-09

Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1A

Concepts of algebra (real numbers, exponents, polynomials, rational expressions), equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants, conic sections, sequences and series, probability, and binomial theorem.

Prerequisites: Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.

Goal Areas: GE-04

An introductory nutrition class which emphasizes the scientific method and natural science principles from biochemistry, physiology, chemistry, and other sciences to explain the relationships between food and its use by the human body for energy, regulation, structure, and optimal health. GE-3 non-lab

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-03

Spring - 16 Credits

Systems approach to the structure of the human body. The course is designed for students majoring in biology or health related programs. Lab included.

Prerequisites: none

This course will introduce exercise science and practitioner-based professions (e.g., athletic trainer, biomechanist, chiropractor, exercise physiologist, medical doctor, occupational therapist, personal trainer, physical therapist, physician's assistant, podiatrist, registered dietician, sport psychologist, strength coach). It will acquaint students with opportunities within related majors, minors, and an overview of exercise science and practitioner-based career options. Academic planning for undergraduate programs, in addition to strategies for gaining admission to exercise science and practitioner-based graduate studies programs, will be included.

Prerequisites: none

Adult fitness, from theory to practice.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Second Year

Fall - 15 Credits

This course is an introduction to organic chemistry and biological chemistry. The laboratory will reinforce lecture.

Prerequisites: CHEM 106 or high school chemistry

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-03

Examines sport from a social-psychological perspective. To identify and discuss ways in which societal values affect the character of sport and the people involved.

Prerequisites: SOC 101

Spring - 16 Credits

Principles of functions of human cells, organs, and systems with an emphasis on organ/system interactions. This course is designed for students majoring in biology, chemistry, or related sciences, and medically-related areas. Includes a laboratory with a research and medical emphasis.

Prerequisites: BIOL 220, CHEM 104 or CHEM 106 or CHEM 111 or CHEM 201

Third Year

Fall - 14 Credits

Introductory study of the effects of both acute and chronic exercise on structure and function of the human body across the life span.

Prerequisites: BIOL 330

The student will gain knowledge and skills that will allow them to take and pass a reputable group exercise instruction certification, develop/instruct a wide variety of group exercise formats and monitor and modify the exercise of participants in a group exercise.

Prerequisites: none

To provide legal and safety aspects in physical activity. Legal liability, civil rights, and contract law are emphasized.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 15 Credits

Explores research methods and descriptive statistics commonly used in human performance, exercise science, athletic training, occupational therapy, and physical therapy settings. Includes developing a refined research question, conducting a review of relevant literature, designing a data collection project, and writing a research proposal.

Prerequisites: none

A study of the skeletal muscles, attachment sites, and muscle actions as they relate to physical activity, sport, and exercise. In addition, strength training concepts and techniques will be explored.

Prerequisites: BIOL 220

This course will provide the student with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to complete pre-participation screening and assess health-related physical fitness and develop scientifically sound exercise prescriptions based on objective assessments.

Prerequisites: HP 414

Fourth Year

Fall - 15 Credits

This course will examine the biomechanical basis of human movement as well as the use of movement analysis technologies. Application to activities of daily living, sport, and exercise will be investigated.

Prerequisites: HP 363

Behavior Change Foundations and Strategies (3 semester credits) is a course that focuses upon the complexity of health behavior change and the skills necessary for a health promotion professional to assess, plan, and evaluate behavior change interventions for individuals and communities. Health behavior change theories and strategies will be discussed. Topics covered in class will include: behavior modification, goal setting, self-management, coping skills, and social support. Emphasis will also be given to the impact of policy and environmental influences on behavior.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 14 Credits

Provides in-depth exploration of the dietary needs of physically active individuals across the lifespan. Its laboratory component will focus on performance and interpretation of assessments commonly used to determine dietary and physiological status.

Prerequisites: HP 314

This course provides an experiential learning experience for students to further apply their foundational exercise science knowledge and skills through individualized exercise sessions.

Prerequisites: HP 363, HP 466

This course is designed to provide an applied, comprehensive experience for exercise science students to develop skills and dispositions to succeed in careers in health/fitness and sport performance.

Prerequisites: HP 414

Policies

Admission Standards:

Students are required to obtain upper-level permission to enroll in upper-level courses. Upper-level permission is obtained through a major application process. The application can be accessed at http://link.mnsu.edu/exsciapp and applications will be reviewed twice a year with the deadline of October 1 and March 1. Major admission requirements include:

  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
  • A minimum grade of C- in BIOL 201: Anatomy and Physiology I
  • A minimum grade of C- in CHEM 111 (General Emphasis) or CHEM 201 (Practitioner Emphasis)
  • A minimum grade of C in MATH 112 (General Emphasis) or MATH 115 (Practitioner Emphasis)
  • Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association
  • Completed or currently enrolled in:
  • General Emphasis: HP 260 and HP 291
  • Practitioner Emphasis: HP 260

Progression Standards:

Students must meet and follow the University's Admission, Continuance and Completion in a Major policy and Academic Standing for Undergraduate Students policy.

First Aid and CPR/AED Requirement:

Each student within the Exercise Science program is always required to have current CPR/AED and First Aid training while in the program. All certifications must be from the American Red Cross or from the American Heart Association. Verification of your CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required as a part of the major application process and whenever certification expires. Copies of your certification card (front and back) must be uploaded to the Exercise Science Advising D2L page. Therefore, if you are already certified, but your certification will lapse while you are enrolled in the Exercise Science program, you will be required to participate and become re-certified (through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association).

The Exercise Science Faculty can help notify you of class and testing options. Alternatively, you can enroll in HLTH 210: First Aid and CPR and complete the certification process at the end of the course. After certification you must provide a copy of your certification card to the Exercise Science Program Coordinator through the Exercise Science Advising D2L page.

Completion Standards:

Students must earn a C- or better in all required general education courses, required major courses, and elective courses in the major, except for General Education Goal Area 4 must be completed at a C or better.

All courses leading to an Exercise Science degree (General Emphasis and Practitioner Emphasis) must be completed for a letter grade except where P/N grading is mandatory.