Course Descriptions - Exercise Science

This course offers a dynamic approach to boosting both cardiovascular health and muscular strength by engaging in various training approaches. Participants will make use of cutting-edge strength training and cardiorespiratory equipment, tailored to their unique heart rate zones for optimal monitoring and effectiveness. An initial fitness assessment will establish a baseline for setting personal goals, while a concluding evaluation will highlight progress and identify ongoing focus areas. Additionally, the course will provide insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle, aiming to integrate fitness and well-being into daily life for the long term.

This course offers a dynamic approach to boosting both cardiovascular health and muscular strength by engaging in various training approaches. Participants will make use of cutting-edge strength training and cardiorespiratory equipment, tailored to their unique heart rate zones for optimal monitoring and effectiveness. An initial fitness assessment will establish a baseline for setting personal goals, while a concluding evaluation will highlight progress and identify ongoing focus areas. Additionally, the course will provide insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with the ultimate aim of integrating fitness and well-being into daily life for the long term.

This course explores the five main components of fitness and guides students in setting and working toward achievable, personalized fitness goals. Emphasizing practical application, students will utilize fitness and wellness apps, online tools, and other technologies to track and document their workouts and fitness progress. The course provides a hands-on approach to developing sustainable fitness habits and promoting overall wellness.NOTE: Students are required to actively participate in weekly workouts throughout the semester as part of the course requirements to earn credit.

This course provides comprehensive instruction and practice in the fundamental skills of the sport of volleyball through dynamic drills, game play, and team-building activities. Students will explore the history, rules, terminology, strategies, and techniques essential for success in recreational and competitive volleyball settings.NOTE: As part of this course, students are expected to actively participate in playing volleyball during scheduled class sessions. Participation includes engaging in drills, practice activities, and game play designed to develop skills, understanding of the game, and teamwork. Appropriate athletic attire and a willingness to engage in physical activity are required to ensure a positive and safe learning experience for all.

This course will introduce students to strength training for the development of lifelong physical fitness. Students will develop the basic principles of designing and participating in a safe and effective resistance training program.

Advanced Weight Training is designed to enhance students knowledge, skills, and understanding of advanced weight training principles and techniques. Emphasizing proper form, program design, and progressive training methods, this course provides students with the tools to optimize physical fitness, performance, and long-term health and wellness.NOTE: Students are required to actively participate in weekly workouts during scheduled class times as part of the course requirements to earn credit.

The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop knowledge and skills in recreational activities and maintain or improve health-related fitness. Students will be introduced to various activities and games of a recreational nature.

This course provides instruction and practice in skills of basketball through drills and game play. Rules, terminology, and strategy are included.

Rock Climbing is a beginning-level class. It is designed to introduce the basics of indoor top-rope climbing to students. Students will learn knot tying, belaying, climbing commands, and gear management. Students will also learn the skills necessary in order to maximize their climbing performance by learning balance, footwork and body position. Emphasis will be placed on making climbing a safe and enjoyable activity. (Additional fee for this course)

This course is designed to investigate the implications of exercise, diet, nutrition, stress, and physical activity in the total health, wellness, and fitness of the individual.

This course is designed to examine jogging/running as a means of improving cardiovascular fitness and promoting it as a lifelong activity. The American College of Sports Medicines (ACSM) physical activity guidelines will provide a framework for class requirements as well as aid in developing fitness goals that emphasize cardiovascular health.NOTE: Students will be expected to participate in running/jogging every week, and should be able to physically handle the nature of the activity

This course is designed to examine walking as a means of improving fitness and promoting it as a lifelong activity. The American College of Sports Medicines (ACSM) physical activity guidelines will provide a framework for class requirements as well as aid in developing fitness goals that emphasize cardiovascular health. NOTE: Students will be expected to participate in fitness walking, and will be required to log daily walks through the Polar Beat smart phone app/website.

This course is designed to examine outdoor bicycling for both leisure and exercise. It will introduce students to basic bicycling skills, maintenance, and safety. An emphasis will be placed on increasing cardiovascular endurance as well as bicycling as a lifetime activity. NOTE: Students will be expected to participate in bicycling (outdoor) each week, and will be required to log daily rides through the Polar Beat smart phone app. Access to a bicycle, helmet, and heart rate monitor are required for this course.

This course is an introduction to the professional practice and disciplinary dimensions of exercise science. Students will examine concepts including professionalism, ethics, certification and licensure, employment opportunities and scientific foundations of the various sub-disciplines within the exercise science field.

This course is designed specifically for the tactical athlete (military, peace/public safety officers, fire and rescue, protective services, first responders, and other emergency services). The tactical strength and conditioning course is designed to increase the performance, readiness, and longevity of tactical athletes while decreasing the likelihood of fitness and job-related injuries by utilizing proven training methods and team training.NOTE: Students are required to actively participate in weekly workouts during scheduled class times as part of the course requirements to earn credit.

This course provides instruction, skill development, and hands-on experience in a variety of outdoor activities designed to promote lifelong engagement with the outdoors. Activities may include, but arent limited to canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, orienteering, archery, fishing, rock climbing, adventure ropes courses, hiking, camping, foraging for edible plants, and outdoor cooking. Students will explore foundational skills for outdoor recreation, emphasizing safety, environmental stewardship, and the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor activities. This course encourages students to discover new interests and develop confidence in pursuing outdoor adventures beyond the classroom.NOTE: Students are expected to meet both on campus and at various off-campus outdoor recreation locations to participate in the hands-on experiences required for this course.

This course introduces the outdoor activity of hiking and emphasizes connecting with nature through local parks and trails within the Twin Cities area. This course places an emphasis on hiking planning, navigation, and physical fitness, along with key topics such as environmental stewardship, Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, and personal health and safety. Students will learn to select appropriate footwear and clothing for various terrains, prepare for daylong hikes, and develop skills to confidently and responsibly enjoy the outdoors.NOTE: Students are expected to actively participate in weekly hiking activities on non-paved trails at various local parks as a part of this course. Hikes are designed to provide hands-on experience, improve physical fitness, and deepen understanding of course concepts. Please be prepared to engage in outdoor hiking under a range of conditions to fully immerse yourself in this dynamic learning experience.

Yoga offers a comprehensive approach to enhancing physical and mental well-being. Through a variety of exercises, movements, and poses, students will improve mobility, flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. Emphasis is placed on engaging underused and opposing muscle groups to promote overall physical wellness and improve quality of life. The course also explores the connection between mind and body, introducing mindfulness practices and techniques to enhance mental focus, stress management, and self-awareness.Note: Students are required to actively participate in weekly yoga practices as part of the course requirements to earn credit.

This course is designed for the beginner in both kayaking and canoeing. Students will be guided through the fundamental aspects of entering and exiting kayaks and canoes with ease and safety. Essential paddling strokes necessary for navigating lakes and slow-moving rivers will also be practiced. A key focus of the course is on safety, thus the 5 Ws of paddling (weather, wind, water, waves, and wellbeing) will also be discussed. The primary objective of this course is to equip participants with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for paddling both canoes and kayaks, ensuring they can engage in these activities safely, not only during the course but also in their future adventures. Through comprehensive instruction in essential techniques and safety protocols, this course aims to foster a confident and informed paddling community, prepared to explore waterways with respect for safety and a passion for the sport.

This course focuses on boxing skill and techniques. Students will be introduced to punching, boxers stance, footwork, balance and stance in movement, training, safety practices, and the health and physical benefits associated with boxing. The class will utilize heavy bags, speed bags, as well as other sport-specific equipment. Methodology, strategy, and self-defense applications will also be included. Excessive force, violence, or aggression are not required or expected and will not be tolerated. All skill levels welcome.

This course is designed to explore the constantly evolving field of Exercise Science. In the rise and fall of fitness trends, students must be equipped with basic scientific understanding in exercise theories to discern between trends, fads, safe, and harmful methods for physical training. This course seeks to empower students with the knowledge in exercise science and wellness to improve their lives and of those around them.

This course will provide flexibility in offering an in-depth review of topics of immediate importance and topical interest. These topics will go beyond the introductory courses in examining specific aspects of the subject matter.

This course provides an in-depth look into topics such as the acute and chronic physiological and psychological responses to exercise, exercise anatomy, exercise metabolism, and how the nervous, skeletal, muscular and endocrine systems respond during exercise. (3 hours lecture)Prerequisite: Placement into Engl 1201It is strongly recommended that students in the Personal Training Certificate program take EXSC 2010 and EXSC 2100 at the same time in order to sit for the NASM-CPT exam.

This course will allow students to research, explore, discuss, and compare different training strategies based on empirical research that are designed to improve health, wellness, and performance, and to modify lifestyle behaviors. Students will comprehend how and when to apply each training method upon distinguishing individual needs and wants of different persons while adhering to current training guidelines, principles of training, and current accepted Exercise Science training theories.In order to sit for the NASM-CPT exam, it is strongly recommended that students register for both 2010 and 2100 at the same time.

This course is designed to expose students to practical application scenarios in which they will conduct risk factor screenings, fitness assessments, and exercise programming (including appropriate progressions, instructions and spotting techniques). The purpose of this course is to facilitate the application of theoretical concepts previously learned; therefore, offering a bridge between theory and practice.Students will also have the opportunity to design, implement, and modify exercise programs for real and/or theoretical clients under direct supervision.

This course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with athletes in the strength and conditioning profession. The course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application ensuring students not only comprehend the science behind athletic performance, but also gain hands-on coaching skills necessary to be effective in the field. Students will gain proficiency in advanced movements, design sport and position specific training programs, utilize cutting-edge sport science tools, and coach various speed, agility, and quickness techniques. *Note: This course is intended for students pursuing the Personal Training certificate.

This course explores the scientific foundation of sports and exercise nutrition, building upon foundational nutritional concepts. Students will examine and interpret macronutrient needs and recommendations to optimize athletic performance, including pre-, during, and post-exercise fueling strategies. Key topics include energy expenditure during resistance and cardiovascular exercise, dietary considerations during training, timing and composition of competition related fueling, the role of nutritional supplements, and the unique nutritional needs of various athletic groups. The course provides practical and scientifically based information for those entering the exercise science field, competitive athletes, and individuals of all ages wishing to integrate nutrition into active lifestyles and enhancing physical performance.

Course Content includes study of human movement and the muscular system. Skeletal and major muscular systems will be studied in detail in order to better understand how human movement is produced. Students will anatomically analyze movements and be introduced to the concepts of biomechanics. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Prerequisites: EXSC 2010 - Essentials of Exercise Science (Minimum grade: 1.67 GPA Equivalent)