Kinesiology (KIN)

This foundational course develops students' health literacy and personal wellness skills through three integrated components: critical evaluation of health information, personal health assessment and planning, and lifespan health management principles. Students learn to analyze scholarly health literature, assess individual health status and risk factors, and apply evidence-based physical activity strategies across different life stages. Through practical application and analysis, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to make informed health decisions and promote wellness throughout life.

Physical Education Topics: Focuses on both the theoretical and practical application of a series of topics in the field of fitness, sport skills, and relaxation techniques. Students will be exposed to a variety of topics dealing with trends in each field.

Holistic overview of basic wellness concepts including health-related fitness, body maintenance, nutrition and weight management, substance use and misuse, stress management and chronic disease prevention.

This course provides foundational, hands-on experience in the performance and instruction of exercise techniques used in fitness and health settings. Students will develop practical skills in resistance training, aerobic conditioning, flexibility, and functional movement. Emphasis is placed on proper form, safety, cueing, communication, and professional etiquette during exercise instruction and participation. The course also introduces basic principles of exercise progression and session structure to prepare students for upper-level coursework in personal training and program design.

This course can only be taken once per year, four times maximum.

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the historical development, contemporary practices, and emerging trends within the field of sport management. Foundational theories and principles are explored across multiple sectors of the sport industry, including intercollegiate athletics, professional sports, Olympic and international sport, and non-traditional sport contexts. Emphasis is placed on the integration of core disciplinary areas such as the history and philosophy of sport management, organizational management, marketing, ethics, law, economics and finance, communication, event and facility management, and the sociology of sport. Through critical analysis and applied learning, students will develop a holistic understanding of the structures, functions, and evolving dynamics that define the modern sport industry.

This course provides sport management students with applied, experiential learning opportunities that bridge academic study and professional practice. Designed as a hybrid course, it integrates classroom instruction with field-based experiences to foster both industry engagement and professional skill development. In the classroom component, students cultivate essential professional competencies, including résumé and cover letter preparation, interview techniques, leadership and managerial skills, and an understanding of career pathways in sport management. The experiential component requires students to engage with sport industry professionals through volunteering, observation, assisting, or managing sport-related projects and events, thereby gaining practical insights and hands-on experience in the field.

Presenting an overview of the various techniques and strategies used in meeting the wants and needs of consumers in the sport industry as well as understanding how sport can be used to assist in the marketing of other companies and products. Areas to be addressed are the uniqueness of sport marketing in comparison with traditional marketing, an overview of the segments of the sport industry, the importance of market research and segmentation in identifying the right sport consumer, the use of data-based marketing in reaching the sport consumer, an overview of the marketing mix as individual units and the relationship between those units, and the development of sponsorship and endorsement packages.

Safety awareness as an individual and as a member of society. Responder level first aid, CPR for adults, children, and infants and AED skills. *An additional course fee will be charged.

This course introduces foundational principles and applied practices essential for students pursuing careers in sport and recreation management. Emphasis is placed on developing the knowledge, technical competencies, and practical skills necessary for effective facility design and event management within the context of sport activities.

Instruction in beginning modern dance technique. Students gain basic skills in modern dance techniques.

Provides instruction in beginning jazz dance techniques, and basic skills in jazz dance.

Instruction in beginning ballet technique. Students will gain basic skills in ballet technique.

Instruction in aerobic dance. Students will gain basic skills in aerobic dance techniques.

Focuses on the fundamental concepts of sport and exercise psychology. Emphasis will be placed on how these concepts impact physical performance and enhance wellbeing. Students will be exposed to discipline-related assessments and research within the field. The course will be geared towards practical application for movement practitioners.

Learn basic principles of preventing and treating common athletic injuries. Course will introduce common injuries seen in sports and examine their epidemiology and etiology to understand how to best prevent and care for them.

For physical education majors/minors only. Develops basic knowledge in strength training, flexibility, body composition, and aerobic fitness and development. Taken in first year or sophomore year. Class will focus on strength training and development and progression as well as health-related fitness, especially aerobic fitness and development. Prerequisites: Majors only or instructor's permission.

Provides an introduction to the philosophical and historical underpinnings of sport and physical culture. The course emphasizes the social and symbolic role of sport, recreation, and exercise in a variety of cultures.

This course critically examines sport as a microcosm of society, exploring how social structures, norms, and institutions within sport reflect and reinforce broader patterns of inequality in the United States. Students will analyze the lived experiences of historically marginalized and underrepresented populations to develop a deeper understanding of issues related to race, gender, class, sexuality, and ability in sport contexts. Through sociological and interdisciplinary perspectives, the course investigates the interaction between societal norms and deviant behaviors, emphasizing the role of sport as both a site of social reproduction and a potential agent of social change.

Study of the relationship between food and the human body and its impact on growth and development, performance, and general well-being.

This course addresses the following question: How is feeling good related to your neighborhood? This course is designed around social determinants of health with examples and historical perspectives relevant to SAU campuses (Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids). In this course, students will examine multiple forms of "difference" related to social determinants of health, a contemporary and enduring concern. Specifically, this course will engage in "local difference" focusing on income inequality, discrimination, neighborhood environments, social support, and the migrant experience, with contemporary and historical examples. Students will learn to identify the value of diverse identities and perspectives and articulate the role of race, ethnicity, age, sex and gender as social determinants of health.

Focuses on both the theoretical and practical applications of weight training techniques and skills, with a focus on the hands-on aspect. Students will be exposed to multiple techniques in weight training currently used among healthy populations commonly found in community, recreational, and health club settings. Study select methods suitable to meet weight training objectives for these populations. Geared toward those who want to build a foundation of knowledge for certification as a personal trainer.

Explores issues related to gender, sport and the body within a contemporary and historical context utilizing related biological, political, social, religious and economic perspectives.

Emphasizes the methods of group exercise instruction, with special focus placed on the safe, effective design of aerobic exercise programs for populations commonly found in community, corporate, and commercial fitness settings. Designed to provide students a strong foundation for certification and employment in the aforementioned settings.

This course will introduce the physical, psychological, and social changes that occur with aging. Course covers several themes, including understanding social determinants and consequences of health and development, measuring population health, assessing the implications of health disparities, and the contributions of biological and environmental factors (including physical activity) to health, human development, and chronic disease.

This course covers assessment of cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and evidence-based exercise prescription based on individual health and fitness profiles. Students learn to evaluate disease risk, interpret fitness test results, and design personalized exercise programs through integrated lecture and laboratory experiences.

The purpose of this class is learning the fundamental concepts of officiating philosophy, officiating duties and responsibilities, and officiating skills.

Participation in activities related to health education and physical education for elementary-aged children. Focus on curriculum and instruction strategies for elementary school classroom teachers. Comprehensive school health program model and concepts emphasized.

This course is designed to expose the undergraduate student to the special topics related to the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of overweight/obesity and related chronic diseases. The course introduces students to the basics of human body composition with special emphasis on obesity and its comorbidities. Also, the course provides current state of preventive and therapeutic interventions for obesity in adults and children with reference to the effects of exercise training and nutrition.

This course is designed to offer enrichment to exercise science and human performance and fitness majors in a variety of topics related to their field of study.

Supervised coaching in local middle school or high schools. In addition, students will attend class each week to discuss topics in coaching, including motivation, communication, fitness and training, ethics and nutrition. Open only to students majoring in physical education or seeking coaching endorsement or authorization.

This course provides a critical examination of leadership as a central function within the sport management industry. Through the integration of industrial and organizational psychology, organizational behavior, and leadership theory, students will explore the theoretical and empirical foundations that inform effective leadership practices in sport organizations. Emphasis is placed on analyzing diverse leadership models, ethical decision-making, and the influence of organizational dynamics on performance and culture. Rather than focusing on the production of new leaders, the course fosters critical reflection, scholarly dialogue, and philosophical inquiry into the meaning, challenges, and responsibilities of leadership in contemporary sport contexts.

This course is designed to build on scientific principles within the context of strength and conditioning for athletic populations. Special emphasis will be placed on muscle physiology, athletic training adaptations, and strength and conditioning program design for athletes and the general public. This course will include hands-on strength and conditioning technique training. This course is ideal for students who wish to become NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists, which is a well-respected professional certification for those working in health and fitness, strength and conditioning, and physical therapy settings. Additionally, this course will include current research and exercise methods used in strength and conditioning.

This course includes the study of financial theories and practical application as they impact sport revenues and expenditures; sources of revenue for financing sport, including public and private sectors, governments, memberships, fees, taxes, bonds and trademark licensing; and the familiarization with current issues and trends in financing various sport organizations.

This upper-level course provides an integrated examination of human musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanical function. Students will develop advanced skills in movement analysis by studying the structural characteristics of bones, joints, and muscles in relation to their functional roles during human motion as well as neurological contributions to enhance performance and learn motor skills. Emphasis is placed on describing movement patterns through identification of joint actions, muscle functions, contraction types, and spatial relationships using anatomical terminology including planes of motion, axes of rotation, and angular measurements.

An introduction to general legal principles and how those principles apply to various sport, exercise, and leisure settings. Legal concepts covered in the course include tort law, constitutional law, disability law, and contract law, which represent areas of the law most likely to impact students as they pursue various career paths related to sport settings, including fitness, exercise science, recreation, and sport. Gain an understanding of risk management concepts, enabling them to identify and remedy risks to sport-related organizations.

Designed to provide the student with conceptual knowledge of exercise physiology. Covers physiological adaptations to activity, neurological control of movement, benefits of various types of training, and environmental and physiological factors that affect physiological function during sport, exercise, and physical activity. This course includes a lab. *An additional course fee will be charged.

The course is offered to introduce students to the concepts of special populations in exercise and human performance. Special populations include but are not limited to lifespan, disease, and musculoskeletal conditions. Basic principles of exercise programming for optimal health will be reviewed. Evidence-based, advanced programming for population-specific considerations will be discussed and applied.

This course offers an in-depth examination of selected contemporary issues and emerging trends in sport and recreation management. Topics vary by semester and may include areas such as Name Image and Likeness (NIL), Data Analytics, Sport Tourism, Sport Sales, or Innovations in Sport Marketing. Designed to address current developments in the field, the course emphasizes critical analysis and applied learning. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

This course develops professional competencies in evidence-based personal training practice. Students conduct comprehensive client assessments, design periodized training programs using professional guidelines and the FITT-VP framework, and apply behavior change strategies to support client adherence. Through hands-on training with a client, students demonstrate proficiency in assessment, program design, coaching, and professional communication. The course also addresses ethical decision-making, client relationship management, and business considerations essential for success in the fitness industry.

This capstone course serves as the culminating experience for undergraduate students majoring in Sport Management. It emphasizes the integration and application of knowledge, theories, and skills acquired throughout the degree program. Students collaborate in teams to design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive sport or recreation event, demonstrating competencies in management, leadership, marketing, finance, and operations. The course also focuses on career planning and professional development, preparing students for successful transition into the sport industry or graduate study.

Provides students with skills to understand basic pharmacology principles, with emphasis on drugs and supplements frequently used by the physically active population and those seeking to be physically fit. Students will also learn how commonly used drugs and supplements can affect exercise performance in their patients and athletes. Practical guidelines are offered to enable the student to monitor and circumvent adverse reactions to drug therapies.

Qualitatively and quantitatively investigate the biomechanical aspects of human movement, performance, and injury including kinematics, kinetics, and tissue loading. Use computational methods of kinematics and kinetics for 2D motion and 3D motion research methods.

Teaches nutrition and its role on physical activity and how eating properly can help you, an athlete, perform to maximum ability. Learn about the macro- and micro-nutrients, digestion, energy sources, hydration, weight management, eating disorders, and how the information applies to athletic performance. Students will design a nutrition plan for various athletic types. Learn the ability to give advice on nutrition and ergogenic aids.

Independent project with permission of department chairperson to broaden the foundation of knowledge within the field of health, exercise science, and sport management. Independent study is assigned to faculty member with expertise in area of requested study.

Internship designed to provide practical experience for Exercise Science and Sport Management majors. The student will complete a total of 150 hours of professional experience in one semester under the supervision of an industry professional. Separate fees may be required based on internship site requests (example: Background Check).

This practicum enables students to apply practical skills in community settings while integrating knowledge from previous coursework. Students collaborate with diverse populations, demonstrating cultural competence and effective communication. The course cultivates essential professional skills-including time management, ethical practice, and interprofessional teamwork-preparing graduates for health-related careers.

Designed to provide students a broad introduction to research in the field of Exercise Science and Human Performance. Students will participate in the research process and gain an understanding of the skills necessary to conduct original research. An emphasis on developing an original research proposal will be the primary goal.

This course examines pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases at molecular, cellular, and systemic levels. Students analyze disease development, progression, and compensatory responses. Topics include atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease with emphasis on evidence-based therapeutic interventions including exercise prescription and pharmacological management for diverse clinical populations.

This upper-level kinesiology course examines the pathophysiology of common musculoskeletal injuries through the lens of tissue mechanics and cellular biology. Students will investigate bone health, cartilage, ligament, tendon, and muscle tissue properties while analyzing injury mechanisms in conditions such as ankle sprains, ACL tears, and shoulder instability. The course emphasizes evidence-based practice through critical analysis of peer-reviewed literature, culminating in an independent literature review. Laboratory sessions involve biomechanical and physiological data collection, with students comparing their findings to published research.

This course will investigate chosen aspects of human movement and physiology as it pertains to general health, performance, and injury/disease. Previously published research articles will be examined to understand how theories in the topic area have developed and to introduce students to research methods used within the topic area. This course can be taken multiple times as long as the topic is different.

This foundational course will introduce MPH and other students to the characteristics and dynamics of the human population related to health and wellness. Students will be introduced to a variety of concepts and topics within the field of public health. Students will use lessons learned through instruction and applied work to develop a hypothetical public health program to be implemented to address a public health issue of their choosing.

This course will provide students with the skills to understand basic pharmacology principles, with emphasis on drugs and supplements that are frequently used by the physically active population and those seeking to be physically fit. Students will also learn how commonly used drugs, supplements, and micro and macronutrients, can affect exercise performance in their patients and athletes. Practical guidelines are offered to enable the student to monitor and circumvent adverse reactions to drug therapies.

This course will qualitatively and quantitatively investigate the biomechanical aspects of human movement, performance, and injury including kinematics, kinetics, and tissue loading. Computational methods of kinematics and kinetics will be used for 2D motion and 3D motion research methods will be introduced. Previously published research articles will be examined to understand biomechanic methods and measurements.

This course is designed to help students learn about nutrition and its role on physical activity and athletic performance. Students will learn about the macro- and micronutrients, digestion, energy sources, hydration, weight management, eating disorders, and what to do with all this information in regards to athletic performance. By the completion of this course, students should be able to design a nutrition plan for an athlete, whether that person is a triathlete, a power lifter, a body builder, or a recreational athlete.

This course will investigate chosen aspects of human movement and physiology as it pertains to general health, performance, and injury/disease. Previously published research articles will be examined to understand how theories in the topic area have developed and to introduce students to research methods used within the topic area.

This course is designed to provide students with a broad introduction to research in the field of Exercise Science and Human Performance. Students will participate in the research process and gain an understanding of the skills necessary to conduct original research. An emphasis on developing an original research project will be the primary goal of this class.

This course will focus on basic methods of data analysis and interpretation of common data sets found in exercise science. Emphasis will be put on the formulation of questions, hypothesis testing, choosing appropriate statistical techniques, drawing appropriate conclusions from analyses, and communicating program commonly used for statistical analyses.

This course will provide students with the skills to understand basic biochemistry and how it relates to metabolism and exercise. Students will learn how biochemistry is involved in neural and muscular processes of movement. Additionally, assessment of biochemical measurement in exercise will be discussed.

This seminar is a series of lectures about how research and innovation contribute to the field of exercise science and health. Focus will be placed on evidence-based practice and both researchers and clinicians will present on given topics to understand how each role works together to incorporate scientific and technological advances to improve lifespan, quality of life, performance, and health.

This course is designed to provide the student with an in-depth understanding of physiological changes and adaptation corresponding to exercise, the benefits of various types of training and the factors which affect physiological function during exercise, such as nutrition, age, disease, gender, and the environment.

Students will participate in the data collection, data analysis, and dissemination of data. Depending upon the scope and depth of the project, students can elect to take 1-4 credit hours of research. This course can be taken multiple times as long as the topic is different.

Covers at an advanced level the fundamental principles of physiology: cell physiology, neurophysiology, musculoskeletal system physiology, renal physiology, respiratory physiology, gastrointestinal physiology, endocrinology, and reproductive physiology.

Students will prepare themselves in reviewing content discussed in previously taken courses and will organize research literature to be able to establish scientific theory and discussion within kinesiology. Students will be given a written and oral examination to establish ability to draw conclusions from research and ability to organize appropriate methods for future research. This includes ability to establish familiarity with common research techniques and statistics used.

Students will propose a research project and then participate in the data collection, data analysis, and completion of a manuscript and professional poster presentation of the pre-planned research project.