The Exercise and Health Science program aims at developing those cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills that equip students to perform competently in the program's science based core and selected electives. The interdisciplinary academic structure of the program arises from the belief that critical thinking, effective writing, clear articulation, and strong analytical skills are crucial elements in the mastery of all subject matter. In this, and in its emphasis on developing the well-rounded person, the Exercise and Health Science program pursues goals and objectives that are congruent with those of the College of Arts & Sciences curriculum.
The Exercise and Health Science program at Willamette University is designed to meet the needs of our student population, focusing on the development of the total person as it is expressed in the classical Greek emphasis on the interaction of mind, body, and spirit. The department achieves these ends by offering an Exercise and Health Science major and service classes.
The major provides students with the essential knowledge and training to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities. In the past decade, the majority of graduates from the program have continued on to graduate studies in fields such as allied health and medicine, teaching, research in Exercise and Health Science, and activity related business. Individual internship programs and field experiences are available to expand students' practical knowledge in their particular areas of interest.
The focus of the service activity offerings is the development of leisure and lifetime skills to accommodate the changing lifestyles of our society and increase the potential for personal fulfillment through physical activity.
The department is housed on the 4th floor of the Collins Science Center. Departmental teaching and research facilities include two wired classrooms in Sparks Center, a separate Integrated Exercise Science laboratory in Gatke Hall and a cadaver laboratory in Collins Science Center.
Requirements for the Exercise and Health Science Major (50 semester hours)
34 semester hours in Exercise and Health Science, 16 other semester hours
Core Courses
- BIOL 246 Human Anatomy (4)
- BIOL 260 Human Physiology (4)
- EXHS 135 Concepts and Contemporary Issues in Exercise and Health Science and Sport (2)
- EXHS 340 Clinical Healthcare: Theory and Application (4)
- EXHS 256W Research Design and Analysis (4) OR PSYC 252W (4) and PSYC 253 (4)
- EXHS 347 Biomechanics (4)
- EXHS 360 Physiology of Exercise (4)
- EXHS 496W Senior Seminar in Exercise and Health Science (4)
Required Electives: Twelve semester hours from the following (12)
- EXHS 221 Epidemiology (4)
- EXHS 230 Community Health: Principles of Applied Nutrition (4)
- EXHS 241 Methods of Teaching Activities and Sports (4)
- EXHS 248 Yes I Can: Exercise and Health Science and Special Populations (4)
- EXHS 251 Sport Leadership and Management (4)
- EXHS 279 Aging, Health, and Functional Assessment (4)
- EXHS 310 Preparation for the ACSM Exercise Physiologist Certification (4)
- EXHS 330 Biochemistry of Exercise and Nutrition (4)
- EXHS 335 Sports Nutrition (4)
- EXHS 346 Advanced Human Anatomy (4)
- EXHS 357 Motor Learning & Control (4)
- EXHS 358 Special Topics in Exercise and Health Science (4)
- EXHS 366 Physical Activity and Disease Prevention (4)
- EXHS 394 Internship (2-4)
- EXHS 445 Advanced Clinical Healthcare: Rehabilitation and Professional Development (4)
- IDS 224 Disease Prevention (4)
Required Integrated Courses
Eight semester hours from the following (8)
- ANTH 344 Medical Anthropology (4)
- CHEM 351 Biochemistry (4)**
- CS 151 Introduction to Programming with Python (4)
- PHYS 221 Introductory Physics I (4)
- PHYS 222 Introductory Physics II (4)
- PSYC 210 Introduction to Psychology (4)
- Any 300 level PSYC course (4)**
- SOC 355 Health and Society (4)**
- BUS 2101 Introduction to Management in Business, Government, and Not-for-Profit Organizations (4)
* Prerequisite needed
** Prerequisite may be required
Indicators of Achievement
Student Learning Objectives: In line with the Department’s mission, by the end of the program, students will:
- Demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills
- Be competent in numeracy
- Understand the structure and function of the human body and be able to apply the techniques used to study the human body in health and disease
- Have engaged in opportunities to expand their knowledge in specific areas of interest including "real world" applications of the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom
- Be able to communicate effectively and professionally (both through writing and orally)
- Appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of human function and movement
Faculty
- Lucas Ettinger, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Exercise and Health Science; Department Chair
- Michael Lockard, Ph.D., Professor of Exercise and Health Science
- Brandi Row Lazzarini, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Exercise and Health Science,
- Stasinos Stavrianeas, Ph.D., Professor of Exercise and Health Science
Instructors
- , Instructor of Exercise and Health Science
- Name, ,
Course Listings
EXHS 135 Concepts and Contemporary Issues in Exercise and Health Science and Sport (2)
Introduction to the principles underlying human function across the lifespan. The course also investigates the scientific, sociological and philosophical scope of Exercise and Health Science through exemplars including nutrition, and discrimination and the use of ergogenic aids in sport. Building competence in the fundamentals of scientific and technical writing is an integral part of the course.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Harmer
EXHS 199 Topics in Exercise and Health Science (1-4)
A semester-long study of topics in Exercise and Health Science. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Topic dependent
- Prerequisite: Topic dependent
- Offering: Occasionally
- Professor: Staff
EXHS 221 Epidemiology (4)
The study of the causes and distribution of health-related events, including disease and injury, with a focus on techniques to identify and control threats to health and well-being. The class will examine historical cases, analytical methodologies and current controversies.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences
- Offering: Annually
- Instructor: Harmer
EXHS 230 Community Health: Principles of Applied Nutrition (4)
This course will provide students with foundational knowledge about the scientific principles of human nutrition. The following topics will be discussed: classification of nutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins), metabolism and energy balance, dietary supplements, diet planning, the role of nutrition in health. The course will also examine how cultural values influence choices people make about the foods they consume, the consequences that arise as a result of such choices, and the attitudes towards these consequences. Topics include the impact of global warming on food production in different parts of the world, inequalities in distribution of resources across geographical and economic barriers, the potential for global conflict as a result of scarcity of food resources, food safety and food security, the politics and economics of health care in the United States, and the tremendous social and economic costs associated with the current obesity epidemic. Students will use critical analysis of available data and will then be guided towards formulating appropriate solutions to address problems relating to the choices people make about food, and the consequences of these choices.
- General Education Distribution Fulfillment: Natural Science, Social Science
- Offering: Annually
- Instructor: Stavrianeas
EXHS 241 Methods of Teaching Activities and Sports (4)
The study of effective teaching and coaching in physical education and sports with an emphasis on analysis of teaching; methodology; maximizing the learning environment; classroom management; and lesson, unit and program planning and implementation. Not open to first-year students.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Social Sciences
- Offering: Spring, Odd Years
- Instructor: Williams
EXHS 248 Yes I Can: Exercise and Health Science & Special Populations (4)
Introduction to the etiology and scope of human functional anomalies (including anatomical, physiological, & neurological manifestations), assessment and (re)habilitation approaches, and legal and pedagogical principles associated with utilizing physical activity to enhance the quality of life of the exceptional individual.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences
- Offering: Alternate falls
- Instructor: Harmer
EXHS 251 Sport Leadership and Management (4)
The class explores the nature of administration and management in fitness, sport, allied health and physical education settings at school and community level. Leadership styles, public relations skills, organizational and administrative skills along with topics of conflict resolution, legal aspects of negligence and liability, fiscal management/budgeting practices, and risk management are developed.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Social Sciences
- Offering: Spring, Even Years
- Instructor: Williams
EXHS 256W Research Design and Analysis (4)
An examination of the concepts and principles for conducting research and for evaluating the research literature in Exercise and Health Science. The course will cover the nature and purpose of research, research ethics, types of research and experimental designs, and technical writing in science, including library search methods and adherence to APA style. The laboratory component covers the relationship between design and statistical analyses, and includes descriptive statistics and exploratory data analysis, including graphical and computer-based statistical analysis, inferential statistics, including coverage of correlation/regression analysis, ANOVA, effect size and power analysis.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Writing-centered; Mathematical Sciences, Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: EXHS 135
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Staff
EXHS 279 Aging, Health, and Functional Assessment (4)
This course will be a study of age-related physical, psychological, and social changes that occur during the older adult years, their interrelationship with health and physical activity, and their application to assessment of physical function. Additionally, this course will examine and conduct functional tests commonly used with older adults, including those that are novel or in development. The research foundations and effectiveness of such assessments will be examined, and their appropriate use and interpretation will be practiced with older adult volunteers from the surrounding community.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Offering: Alternate Years
- Instructor: Row Lazzarini
EXHS 310 Preparation for the ACSM Exercise Physiologist Certification (4)
This elective course covers all the material necessary for students to sit for the Certified Exercise Physiologists examination offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). According to the ACSM, “ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologists (ACSM-EP) are fitness professionals with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. ACSM-EPs take training to the next level by individualizing exercise programs based on a client’s needs and ability. The ACSM-EP has mastery with pre-exercise health risk assessments and conduct physical fitness assessments, among other health tasks. Whether it is taking the first steps toward adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors or competing for a first marathon, an ACSM-EP can support clients at every stage of their journey to become their best selves.” The course is taught in a seminar-style setting and students will learn to lead discussions and contribute to a collective learning effort.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: BIOL 360 preferred
- Offering: Spring, Alternate years
- Instructor: Stavrianeas
EXHS 330 Biochemistry of Exercise and Nutrition (4)
In this course students will participate in group discussions and work collaboratively to understand the components of macronutrient metabolism (carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids) and the regulatory mechanisms that control metabolic pathways. The study of the relationship between metabolism and fuel availability for different types of exercise will lead to learning about training adaptations and the role of nutrition in athletic performance. Finally, students will examine the role supplements and drugs can play in exercise performance by examining the biochemical mechanisms of action.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: BIOL 260 required, BIOL 360 preferred
- Offering: Fall, Alternate years
- Instructor: Stavrianeas
EXHS 335 Sports Nutrition (4)
In this course students will participate in group discussions and contribute to a collective learning effort to understand the role of nutrition in sports performance and the physiological and biochemical pathways involved in the actions of each nutrient. They will also learn to differentiate between fact and fiction regarding best practices in sports nutrition. Students will use the scientific investigation method to gain both a macro- and microscopic view of each topic and will develop recommendations for athletes and coaches rooted in evidence not option.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: BIOL 260 required, BIOL 360 preferred
- Offering: Spring, Alternate years
- Instructor: Stavrianeas
EXHS 340 Clinical Healthcare: Theory and Application (4)
Introduction to the field of clinical assessment of injury and illness. This course will cover evaluation protocols, initial and progressive management, and principles of rehabilitation. The course includes a laboratory for skill acquisition in hands-on musculoskeletal function evaluation focusing on anatomical kinesiology and the use of special tests to augment evaluation.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: BIOL 246
- Offering: Annually
- Instructor: Harmer, Row Lazzarini
EXHS 346 Advanced Human Anatomy (4)
In this course students will explore the complete process of embryonic development of the human fetus. Looking at the developing fetus, students will better understand congenital diseases and dysfunctions observed in the adult body. Students will perform specialized dissections of brains, hearts, eyes, and other organs in order to identify congenital anomalies and variants identified throughout the semester. Students will also develop a project to explore a medical anomaly of their choosing. Drawing connections between variants found in cadavers, students will identify the cause of the variation in terms of congenital inheritance or acquisition through adaptations. Students will be asked to communicate these arguments orally and in writing appropriate for the scientific community.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: BIOL 246
- Offering: Alternate years, Spring
- Instructor: Ettinger
EXHS 347 Biomechanics (4)
The analysis of structural principles and mechanical application pertaining to human movement. Course will discuss concepts of human movement with investigation of biomechanics and structural kinesiology. Efficiency of movement, neuromuscular integration, proprioception, mechanical concepts related to muscular function, and analysis of human motion/motor skills will be extensive. Laboratory.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Mathematical Science, Natural Science
- Prerequisite: BIOL 246
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Row
EXHS 357 Motor Learning and Control (4)
Study of the neural, physical and behavioral aspects of human movement, and the processes involved in acquiring and refining motor skills. The class will examine research that explains why certain behaviors manifest themselves, and provides the basis for assessing performance and designing optimal practice, rehabilitation and training experiences. Not open to first-year students.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: BIOL 246 required; BIOL 260 recommended; or consent of instructor
- Offering: Spring
- Instructor: Row Lazzarini, Ettinger
EXHS 358 Special Topics in Exercise and Health Science (4)
An opportunity for semester-long study of specific advanced topics within the field of Exercise and Health Science. Topics and themes will vary by instructor. This class may be repeated for credit with different topics.
- Prerequisite: Depending on topics offered or consent of instructor.
- Offering: Annually
- Instructor: Staff
EXHS 360 Physiology of Exercise (4)
This class examines the physiological systems of the human body as they are affected by different mode, intensity, and duration of exercise. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationship between the skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and digestive systems. The required laboratory will focus on measuring and analyzing various anthropometric, physiological and metabolic functions and performance parameters, using the data to predict and describe work capacity and training protocols.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: BIOL 260
- Offering: Fall
- Instructor: Lockard, Stavrianeas
EXHS 366 Physical Activity and Disease Prevention (4)
This course will investigate the prevalence, etiology, and social impact of several common diseases and disabilities as they relate to aging and physical inactivity. The class will specifically focus on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, diabetes, cancer, and other related disorders. Students will gain a greater understanding of current medical practice and treatment guidelines through the investigation of both classic and current research publications. Students will additionally gain practical experience with common clinical tests used in the assessment and diagnosis of these disorders.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: BIOL 260 recommended
- Offering: Alternate years, Fall
- Instructor: Lockard
EXHS 394 Internship (2-4)
Refer to the internships section for an explanation of internship requirements.
- Offering: Every semester
- Instructor: Staff
EXHS 399 Topics in Exercise and Health Science (1-4)
A semester-long study of topics in Exercise and Health Science. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Topic dependent
- Prerequisite: Topic dependent
- Offering: Occasionally
- Professor: Staff
EXHS 429 Topics in Exercise and Health Science (1-4)
A semester-long study of topics in Exercise and Health Science. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Topic dependent
- Prerequisite: Topic dependent
- Offering: Occasionally
- Professor: Staff
EXHS 445 Advanced Clinical Healthcare: Rehabilitation and Professional Development (4)
Building on the knowledge and skills gained in EXHS 340 Clinical Healthcare: Theory and Application, this course introduces students to advanced techniques of evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation. Students will consider the psychosocial aspects of clinical healthcare and gain an understanding of the professional expectations of clinical healthcare providers as well as healthcare as a social service.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Natural Sciences
- Prerequisite: EXHS 340
- Offering: Fall
- Instructor: Staff
EXHS 495W Senior Seminar in Exercise and Health Science, Part 1 (2)
This course is the first in a two-part seminar course and capstone experience required of all Exercise and Health Science majors. Students may meet this requirement by completing one of the following four options: a) an original research study, b) a literature review, c) an internship with an associated service project, or d) a community outreach project. Topics are selected in consultation with Exercise and Health Science faculty. Regardless of the option chosen, students must present their work orally in an open meeting format and provide a final paper detailing the work to the department.
- General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Writing-centered
- Prerequisite: EXHS 256W
- Offering: Fall
- Instructor: Staff
EXHS 496W Senior Seminar in Exercise and Health Science, Part 2 (2)
A seminar course and capstone experience required of all Exercise and Health Science majors. Students may meet this requirement by completing one of the following four options: a) an original research study, b) a literature review, c) an internship with an associated service project, or d) a community outreach project. Topics are selected in consultation with Exercise and Health Science faculty. Regardless of the option chosen, students must present their work orally in an open meeting format and provide a final paper detailing the work to the department.