Exercise and Sport Science

About the Major

This major is designed for students who are interested in pursuing employment in the field of Exercise and Sport Science. Students completing the required core courses in the major will be able to implement preventative health programs in private, corporate, commercial, and community settings. The major also prepares interested students for graduate work in exercise physiology, exercise science, sport medicine, kinesiology, physical therapy, or athletic training.

The Exercise and Sport Science major can be completed with the designated core courses or students may also choose to complete the optional track in psychology. The major has been designed to address the knowledge, skills, and abilities recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for certification by ACSM as Personal Trainer, Health/Fitness Instructor or Exercise Specialist. The ACSM certifications require that students hold a related undergraduate degree in a health and fitness curriculum as well as successful completion of an examination that includes both written and practical components.

What is Unique About Our Program...

There are two components to the major, the Summit Health Articulation Agreement and the Eden Hall Fitness Center, that add unique additional opportunities for students in the major.

Summit Health Articulation Agreement

In December of 1999, Wilson sealed an agreement with Summit Health (Chambersburg Hospital, Waynesboro Hospital, Results Fitness and Physical Therapy) to work together to implement the Exercise and Sport Science Major. This agreement makes available to Wilson students, all of the human, professional, and technical resources of Summit Health. It also provides opportunities for students to volunteer or intern with any of the many departments. We have utilized this articulation agreement to provide speakers and to observe physical, respiratory, cardiac and occupational therapists. Specialists in diabetes education, women’s health issues, nutrition, resistance training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac and respiratory rehabilitation, regularly make presentations to our majors. As part of the laboratory component of the ESS 220 and 222, students also visit many of the departments.

As part of ESS 320 “Administrative Aspects of Exercise and Sport Science”. ESS majors designed a survey which they conduct every other year. The survey was developed at the request of Summit Health, to poll local (within 30 miles) fitness centers regarding their staff, programs and facilities. This information is collated and sent to Summit Health where the information is formatted and made available to all physicians in the area to use as a reference for referral of their patients.

Eden Hall Fitness Center

The Eden Hall Fitness Center opened its doors in the Fall of 2002. One of the objectives for the center was to provide a laboratory opportunity for students in the major where they would have first-hand experience in running a fitness center. All majors work or volunteer in the fitness center. Senior majors supervise and run the center with the assistance of the ESS faculty. Majors gain experience in scheduling and in-service training staff, running promotional or thematic programs, designing bulletin boards, researching topics for bulletin board displays, inventorying, screening, testing and designing exercise programs. This is a very large experiential component of the major.

Course Requirements

BIO 101: General Biology I

Introduction to cell anatomy and organismal biology. The five kingdoms of life are surveyed, emphasizing distinguishing features and lifestyles. In-depth study of major organ systems of multicellular animals. Emphasis on principles underlying living organisms, problems they face and solutions that have evolved. Designed as first of two semesters of a general survey. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

BIO 102: General Biology II

Introduction to biochemistry, molecular cell biology and cell energetics. Genetics covered in relation to molecular mechanisms, population biology and evolutionary theory. Survey of botany, including anatomy and physiology of plants. Introduction to ecological principles, including ecosystem organization; interaction of biotic and abiotic factors; and the biosphere. Prerequisite: 101. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

BIO 207: Vertebrate Physiology

Analysis of the physiological mechanisms of the vertebrate organism, from the cellular to the organismic level. All major organ systems are studied with emphasis on normal functions and their controls. Laboratory study and demonstrations of basic physiological parameters. Prerequisite: 102. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

BIO 209: Nutrition

A detailed study of nutrition and health, with emphasis on metabolic pathways and relationships between nutritional intake and normal and pathological changes in the human organism. Recommended for students interested in the health professions. Prerequisite: 102. NS

CHM 101, 102: General Chemistry I, II

The first semester of a two-semester sequence intended for students majoring in the sciences. The course focuses on the study of atomic structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry, energy, bonding and coordination chemistry. The laboratory work reinforces lecture topics. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in MAT 103 or placement above MAT 103. High school chemistry or an introductory chemistry course is strongly recommended. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

The continuation of General Chemistry I with emphasis on solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. The laboratory work reinforces lecture topics and includes qualitative analysis. Prerequisites: CHM 101 and MAT 103. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

CHM 201, 202: Organic Chemistry I, II

The first course of a two-semester sequence that introduces structure, bonding and reactivity of organic (carbon-based) compounds. The lecture focuses on properties and reactivity of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, with an emphasis on reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry. The laboratory introduces basic purification and synthetic techniques, and analytical methods including polarimetry, IR and NMR spectroscopy. Prerequisite: 102. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

A continuation of CHM 201 with an added emphasis on molecules with biological importance. The lectures include a discussion of carboxylic acids and their derivatives, enolates, aromatics, amines, lipids, carbohydrates and amino acids. The laboratory work includes more advanced synthetic methods and an independent research project. Prerequisite: 201. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. NSL

ESS 215: Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries

Basic instruction in the concepts and techniques in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Students will receive certification in CPR, first aid and AED. Three hours lecture, three hours lab.

ESS 220: Exercise Testing and Prescription

Assessment and development of the basic components of physical fitness. Discussion of the principles of exercise prescription based on current practices in the field of exercise science, physiology, medicine and physical education. Three hours lecture, three hours lab.

ESS 222: Exercise Management for Special Cases

Principles of exercise prescription for individuals with acute or chronic health problems. Discussion of exercise testing and prescription for individuals with cardiac abnormalities or problems will be included. Two hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: 220.

ESS 240: Kinesiology and Applied Anatomy

Study of anatomy, mechanics and human motion specific to motor performance. Emphasis on the skeletal and muscular systems and the biomechanical principles related to sports skills. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 102 or 110. NSL

ESS 245: Physiology of Exercise

Study of the function of the different body systems relative to exercise. Emphasis on scientific theories and principles underlying the development of strength, endurance, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. Practical application of course content in terms of conditioning and training. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 101, 102, 207; CHM 101, 102, 201, 202; or permission. NSL

ESS 320: Administrative Aspects of Exercise and Sport

This course closely examines standards and guidelines underlying operation of a fitness or sport facility. Topics may include risk management; policy development; planning, organizing and evaluating facilities; and marketing, budgeting and public relations in facilities. The course will have a lab component that requires students to visit several fitness or sport facilities.

ESS 330: Psycho-Social Aspects of Sport

Understanding human behavior in sports situations. Psychological and sociological principles as they relate to athletics, coaching and sport. Prerequisite: SOC 120 or permission. CC, WI

ESS 355: Intership

ESS majors can select an internship experience that meets their individual career and educational goals. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

PE 128: Strength and Weight Training

This course is designed to improve students’ present levels of physical fitness relative to muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition through a carefully designed and monitored personal weight training program. .5 credits

PE 140: Personal Fitness

This course is designed to help students develop a fitness program based upon personal goals, such as improving diet, losing weight, gaining strength and improving muscular and/or cardiovascular endurance. Present levels of fitness will be assessed and a program will be prescribed based upon individual goals and personal assessments. .5 course credits

PHY 101: Physics

The first course of a two-semester, algebra- based sequence designed primarily for students pursuing a premedical or science program. The topics include mechanics, fluids, sound and thermodynamics. An emphasis is placed on problem-solving and medical applications of physics. The laboratory experiments serve to supplement and reinforce the lecture topics. Prerequisite: MAT 110 or equivalent. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL.

PSY 110: Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to the science of behavior. Topics include the biological foundations of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, development, personality and adjustment, and social behavior. CC

SOC 234: Conflict Resolution

Practical strategies for identifying and resolving sources of conflict are presented. Students receive practical training in mediation and the process consultation model. Skills training is placed in the wider context of academic research on mediation, conflict resolution and group processes. Major debates over neutrality, intervention and the use of mediation vs. adjudication are explored. Includes mandatory weekend workshop. Prerequisite: 120 or PSY 110 or permission. FT

or

MCM 120: Interpersonal Communications

Survey of psychological, environmental, cultural and socioeconomic variables that influence communication. Definition of competent communicators in a variety of situations. Exploration of appropriate tools to alter communication behavior.

Student Learning Goals

Students in the Exercise and Sport Science major will demonstrate an understanding and application of the following:

1. Cognitive knowledge - Knowledge in the subject content areas in exercise and sport science. 
2. Communication - Students will write and speak well in different contexts. 
3. Critical thinking and problem solving - Students will gain the knowledge to be able to design and implement health/fitness interventions. 
4.  Integration and application of learning - Students will integrate learning in the Exercise Sport Science major. 
5. To prepare students for careers in health/fitness industry and graduate programs in the allied health programs.

Certifications

ACSM Personal Trainer (cPT)
Students may sit for the ACSM Personal Trainer Exam and can be certified as an ACSM Personal Trainer. ACSM certified Personal Trainers work with healthy individuals or persons with medical clearance to exercise, to help them formulate and implement individual exercise programs. They assist clients with goal setting, fitness evaluation, effective methods of exercise and motivate them to begin and continue healthy behaviors.

ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor (HFI)
Students who complete this track and certification are considered “professionals qualified to assess, design, and implement individual and group exercise and fitness programs for low risk individuals and individuals with controlled disease. They would be skilled in evaluating health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments, writing appropriate exercise prescriptions, and motivating individuals to modify negative health habits and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors for health promotion.”

ACSM Exercise Specialist (ES)
This ACSM certification requires a minimum of 600 hours of practical experience in clinical exercise programs in addition to practical and written exams. ACSM Exercise Specialists are trained to identify risk factors, assess client physical capacities, design rehabilitation programs and provide lifestyle management strategies for indidviduals with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases.