This course will inform the future sport or fitness coach about the scientific issues related to exercise physiology. Students will study the science of exercise and will collect, analyze, and interpret physiological data and apply this information to properly prescribe sport and exercise programs.
Natural Science Core course.
This course will provide experiential learning of Exercise Science in Costa Rica. Costa Rica offers diverse adventure opportunities where students will have the opportunity to apply concepts of human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition to physical activities such as surfing, hiking, kayaking, white-water rafting, ziplining, mountain biking and rock climbing. Soccer and rugby will be explored from the human movement and Sport Management perspectives. Organic farming will be explored.
One course from the Science of the Natural World area.
This course will examine the scientific evidence supporting the correlation between physical activity and health; we will also discuss the theoretical basis of behavior change as it applies to promotion of exercise behavior. Guidelines and recommendations for prescribing exercise for apparently healthy individuals (including children, older adults and pregnant women) will be covered. Students will learn about the relationship between exercise and chronic disease through review of the risk factors, pathophysiology, and exercise recommendations for individuals with various conditions and disease states including, but not limited to, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, and orthopedic problems. Strategies for promoting the “Exercise is Medicine” global health initiative will be discussed.
Natural Science Core course
This course has been approved by the curriculum council. It is currently being offered for the first time. It is a requirement for Exercise Science Majors but could also be interesting to other non-majors (nursing, pre-med or other pre-professional majors)