COURSE CURRICULUM

The Exercise Science program requires students to complete a structured set of lower division, upper division, and concentration courses that provide a strong scientific understanding of human movement, exercise, and physical performance. The program begins with 17 units of required lower division core courses that establish a foundation in the biological and chemical sciences. Students study basic biological concepts and introductory human anatomy to understand the structure and basic functions of the human body. In addition, they complete two general chemistry courses that introduce essential chemical principles related to biological and physiological processes. These foundational courses prepare students for the more advanced scientific topics covered in the upper division curriculum.Students must also complete 43 units of upper division core courses that focus on exercise science and human performance. These courses explore systemic physiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics, which explain how body systems produce and control movement. Students also study exercise physiology and the fundamentals of exercise programs, which help them understand how physical activity affects the body and how exercise plans can be designed to improve health and performance. Additional courses examine energy production during sports performance, weight training and muscular fitness, cardiovascular testing and exercise prescription, care of athletic injuries, and motor learning and control. Together, these courses provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to fitness training, injury prevention, and physical conditioning.In addition to the core coursework, students complete the Health Fitness and Strength Conditioning Specialist concentration, which requires at least 13 units of specialized elective courses chosen in consultation with an exercise science advisor. These courses allow students to deepen their knowledge in areas related to fitness, conditioning, and human performance. Options include nutrition, nutrition and metabolism, strength and conditioning, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, fitness center management, sport and exercise psychology, biomechanics, and specialized exercise physiology topics such as prolonged exercise and blood lactate analysis.Overall, the program requires a total of 60 units and is designed to prepare students for careers in health fitness, strength and conditioning, corporate wellness, and sports performance training. The program also provides a strong academic background for students who wish to pursue graduate study in exercise science or related health and performance fields.