Kinesiology: Concentration in Exercise and Movement Sciences

The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with concentrations in Exercise and Movement Sciences, and Physical Education. Both concentrations require a set of pre-major prerequisites and core requirements, some of which may be utilized to fulfill general education requirements, and which establish the framework for the study of movement, skills, and physical activity from a variety of perspectives. In addition, a set of concentration-specific courses serves the purpose of preparing the student for specific careers and graduate study within the field or related disciplines. Students must select one of the two concentrations.

• All courses, including physical activity courses used to satisfy completion of major requirements, must be taken for a letter grade. No CR/NC grades may be used on the major petition for graduation.
• Students majoring in Physical Education and taking courses in Exercise Science Emphasis areas (i.e., Physiology of Fitness and Health; Fitness Programming in Youth and Elderly Populations) are required to show proof of current First Aid/CPR certification upon application for graduation. This can be obtained via receiving off-campus certification by an agency such as the American Red Cross.
• Students majoring in Physical Education must earn a grade of C or higher in all required Kinesiology theory courses and a grade of B or higher in all movement-based courses.
• It is recommended that students graduate with some form of certification to enhance employment opportunities, such as those provided by the American Red Cross, the American College of Sports Medicine, ACE, Senior Fitness Certificate, AFAA, or the National Coaching Association. See an advisor for suggestions and additional possibilities.

Bachelor of Science

Each concentration within the B.S. commences with a foundation in science, mathematics, and kinesiology, and a sequence of required core courses designed to progressively develop the students' knowledge of movement, skill, and physical activity.

The graduating student will have the skills and knowledge to engage in the observation, analysis, and measurement of movement, fitness, learning, skill, and physical activity; will have the tools and knowledge to engage in synthesis and systematic inquiry; and will be capable of using necessary computerized programs and supporting technologies for systematic inquiry and professional practice.

The Concentration in Exercise and Movement Sciences serves students interested in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control, motor learning and development, sport and exercise psychology, sport history, sport sociology, socio-cultural studies of physical activity, urban youth development, and physical or occupational therapy. Qualified students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for advanced study in any of the above-mentioned domains or employment in fitness settings, physical activity programming, the sports media, sports industries, and as consultants for agencies developing sports policy.

The program examines those factors that influence the form, function, and effectiveness of movement and physical activity across the lifespan and for special populations, such as the disabled and individuals with chronic diseases. The framework for the degree program encompasses three major subject areas:

1. Social Science: the socio-cultural and psychological factors that serve to constrain and define human movement, fitness, and physical activity;
2. Movement Science: the factors that influence the neuromotor control, learning, relearning, and development of motor skills and analysis; and
3. Exercise Science: the variables involved in the physiology of fitness and health, exercise prescription, and fitness programming in youth and elderly populations.

Toward the end of the program, students will select an emphasis area of study that will introduce them to specialized work within the concentration. In the movement science subject area, students become adept in observation and analysis of movement and in use of video and computer technology to study movement-related questions. Throughout their studies, students apply the knowledge and skills they gain to the analysis of movement problems, which are of personal interest and significance.

In the social science subject area, students will gain an understanding of the psychological, social, and cultural contexts in which physical activity occurs. Students will undertake the study of the origins of modern sport and physical activity, as well as explore such factors as the social, psychological, cultural, economic, and political influences on physical activity participation at all levels.

In the exercise science subject area, students will study the effects of exercise and physical activity on factors influencing work performance, training programs, and adaptations that include the reduction of risk factors for medical conditions such as coronary heart disease, cerebral vascular disease, adult-onset diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis, as well as special conditions such as pregnancy, and other hypokinetic illnesses, or adaptations that are effective for the aged and disabled populations. The student will also study factors and frameworks for effective programming for fitness and physical activity behaviors in youth and elderly populations.

Students who complete the Exercise and Movement Sciences concentration should be able to:

1. Define kinesiology and its sub-disciplines.

2. Explain the value of, and advocate for, physical activity in terms of health, wellness, and quality of life.

3. Analyze a variety of physical activities and their components from multiple perspectives.

4. Discuss how and why human performance changes.

5. Design interventions to maintain and improve human performance.

6. Critically evaluate information sources in kinesiology.

7. Effectively communicate information about kinesiology.

8. Apply their knowledge and skills to problems that confront contemporary society.

Shehaadat al-thaanawiya al-'aama | General Certificate of Secondary Education