This course will provide first-year exercise science students with a strong foundation for a successful transition to university life. The course will introduce them to key personnel and resources essential for academic and personal achievement at RIT. Students will also develop a peer-based learning community with group projects centered on exercise science.

Human movement is complex and learning to move is an essential component of a lifetime of healthy activity. Exploring the nexus of learning and movement is the primary aim of this course. Using application-based activities students will develop the skills to recognize movement patterns, perform assessments, and correct inefficient movement. After successful completion students will be able to provide appropriate instruction leading to better movement mechanics, reduced risk of injury, and higher levels of athletic performance.

Stronger athletes make better athletes no matter what the sport and this course teaches techniques of optimal training to enhance the muscular fitness of all manner of athletes. Physiological principles of strength development and basic musculoskeletal anatomy are reviewed and general program design is discussed. Utilizing case studies, students develop sport specific programs which will be presented to the class. Students will also produce strength training manuals outlining appropriate guidelines for improved performance.

“Keeping your head in the game” is one of the hallmarks of success for high performance athletes and this course explores the psychological aspects of achieving that capability. Through examining research based evidence of successful practices and techniques to produce, that winning edge, students will become versed in the process of coaching athletes to possess and function with athletic “mental toughness.”

As a study of human movement this course will cover topics that begin with a review of the functional anatomy of the musculoskeletal system including both the upper and lower extremity as well as the spinal column and thorax. Factors of linear and rotary motion are reviewed along with postural analysis and movement elements associated with pushing, pulling and throwing objects. There is no separate Lab for this class and laboratory experiences will be incorporated into specifically designated lecture times. At the conclusion of this course students will have a functional capability to assess the intricacies of human movement.

The study of mechanics as it pertains to living organisms is the basis of biomechanics. Principles of physics are applied to human motion with movements being analyzed for their relationship to statics and dynamics. Kinematics and kinetics are explored within the context of sports performance and functional human locomotion.

Aerobic capacity, strength, flexibility, speed, power, agility, nutrition, and rest are all crucial to the success of athletes and for trainers the need to appropriately coordinate all these factors is a significant challenge. This course explores the interrelationship of the multifactorial principles of athletic performance. Using case studies, modeling, flow sheets and scheduling plans students develop techniques that will lead athletes to success in their training routines.

Topics in Exercise Science engages learners to explore topics in exercise science that are either novel findings, of current concern, hold media interest, or require a unique presentation platform. Course content and delivery methods will vary for each course offering, but will include development of professional presentation skills, interpretation of evidence-based resources, and translation to future health and fitness practice.

This course provides the opportunity for independent investigation, under faculty supervision, on a subject matter either not included in existing courses or further investigation of a topic of interest presented in another course. A student-driven, faculty-mentored proposal is drafted that describes the plan of work, deliverables expected, evaluation criteria, and possible credit load.

Topics in Exercise Science engages graduate students to explore topics in exercise science that are either novel findings, of current concern, hold media interest, or require a unique presentation platform. Course content and delivery methods will vary for each course offering, but will include development of professional presentation skills, interpretation of evidence-based resources, and translation to future health and fitness practice.

Application of writing and research skills and principles in an independent investigation of a focused problem under direction of thesis adviser. Components include review of literature, definition of research aims, data collection and analysis, interpretation and discussion of findings, preparation of written paper following specified guidelines and standards, and oral defense of thesis. Enrollment for 6 credits in one semester or as necessary over multiple semesters for a total of 6 credits.

This course provides students additional semester to complete their thesis research, document and defense.

Application of writing and research skills and principles in an independent investigation of a focused problem under direction of a project adviser. Preparation of a Project Report following specified guidelines and standards, and oral presentation of the key report components.