Provides students with practical, scientific, entry-level information relative to physical conditioning, health, and wellness from childhood through adulthood. Students are given theoretical information that will be followed by practical, hands-on experiences offered through laboratories experiences.

Biological mechanisms of the aging process, with special emphasis on human aging; changes due to chronic disease.

Acute and chronic effects of exercise. Muscle physiology, respiration, cardiac function, circulation, energy metabolism, and application to training.

Individualized experiential training in an external (off-campus) exercise science setting (hospital, health & fitness club, business, physical therapy, or medical (physician assistant) offices, research laboratory) offering programs of prevention, intervention, and/or rehabilitation. The internship requires 400 contact hours and is a full-time commitment (10 weeks at 40 hours per week) usually taken the summer following the senior academic year. Activities may include graded exercise testing, exercise prescription, and exercise leadership. Must have completed all requirements for the option or have permission from the instructor prior to starting the internship. The course may be repeated once with 4 credits taken each time for a total of 8 credits. (IA continuous grading).