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The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Upper-Division Writing Requirement:

Writing Across the Curriculum (Executive Memorandum 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog for more details on the four courses.  The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: KINE 320W or faculty permission.
This course is a study of the inter-relationships of behavioral, mental, and personal factors of exercise. Topics include exercise motivation, interventions and adherence; the impact of exercise on mood states; and the relationships between exercise, mental health and immune function. New skills such as interviewing are introduced. Focus is both theoretical and practical. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Writing Course. (020852)
Prerequisites: KINE 322 and basic computer literacy.
Introduction to research in biomechanics. Emphasis is on quantitative videographic techniques of sport and exercise activities. Other technological and bibliographic research methods are covered. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved Writing Course. (007003)

*Or choose from any upper-division Writing (W) course

The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (Executive Order 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Course Requirements for the Major: 70-74 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree.

Lower-Division Requirements: 26 units

5 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Study of the structure of the human body, to include muscles, bones, heart, brain, ear, eye, and other systems, as well as a short look at development of the fetus. Lab work entails dissection of the cat and study of the human skeleton. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (001110)
Basic functioning of the organ systems of the human body, including the brain and nervous system; vision and hearing; heart and circulation; blood and immunity; respiration, digestion and metabolism; muscles; excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (001114)
Introduction to the academic landscape and career options for Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology majors, with an emphasis on advising and skill development for academic and professional success. 2 hours field studies. Credit/no credit grading. (021730)
Prerequisite: GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Ready.
Summary of numerical data, elementary probability, distributions, and introduction to statistical inference. 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (005501)
Prerequisites: High school physics or faculty permission. High school trigonometry and second-year high school algebra or equivalent (MATH 051 and MATH 118 at CSU, Chico).
Mechanics, properties of matter, wave motion, sound, heat. Science majors are encouraged to take PHYS 204A instead of this course. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (007394)

2 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: Completion of ELM requirement, Intermediate Algebra.
A survey of the principles of chemistry, primarily for students in agriculture, industry and technology, and pre-nursing. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001826)
Prerequisites: CHEM 107 or CHEM 111 or equivalent.
A survey of organic chemistry emphasizing the structure, properties, and reactions of all major functional groups of organic molecules. Not applicable towards a degree in chemistry or biochemistry. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001828)

Or the following group of courses may be selected:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: Completion of ELM requirement; second-year high school algebra; one year high school chemistry. (One year of high school physics and one year of high school mathematics past Algebra II are recommended.)
Principles of chemistry for students in science and engineering programs. Topics include atoms, molecules and ions, reactions, stoichiometry, the periodic table, bonding, chemical energy, gases, and solution chemistry. The laboratory sequence supports the above topics including both qualitative and quantitative experiments, analysis of data, and error propagation. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001816)
Prerequisites: CHEM 111 with a grade of C- or better.
A continuation of CHEM 111. Topics include kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical thermodynamics, coordination chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The laboratory sequence supports the above topics including both qualitative and quantitative experiments, analysis of data, and error propagation. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (001817)

2 units selected from:

Students are required to take 2 units of KINE 100 level activity courses (KINE 113-195).

Upper-Division Requirements: 35-36 units

9 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement; KINE majors and minors only.
This course examines the foundations of psycho-social principles, theories, and research related to sport and exercise behavior. Select topics include motivation, goal-setting, stress, anxiety, group dynamics, leadership, injury, and exercise adherence. Students learn how to integrate this knowledge into their given discipline. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (006898)
Prerequisites: BIOL 103 with a grade of C- or higher or faculty permission for non-majors.
Anatomical and mechanical bases of human movement with application to more skillful and safe performance. Qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis are introduced. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (006973)
Prerequisites: BIOL 104 with a grade of C- or higher or faculty permission for non-majors, basic computer literacy skills.
This course is an in-depth study of the physiology of exercise. Emphasis will be placed on energy metabolism during exercise and its relationship to the circulatory, pulmonary, and neuro-endocrine systems. Practical application will be stressed through discussions of clinical exercise physiology, exercise prescription, environmental exercise physiology, exercise and disease, special populations, biological adaptation, and the biology of peak performance. Concepts will be reinforced through laboratory exercises. 3 hours clinical, 2 hours activity. (006968)
Prerequisites: Basic computer skills or faculty permission.
Methods of epidemiology are now being applied to sports performance, injury prevention and recovery, and exercise-related disease prevention. This course will cover observational study design and analysis, including elementary probability theory using Bayes rule, sampling, relative risk, odds ratio, data adjustment via elementary analysis covariance, and data extrapolation and prediction. 3 hours lecture. (006974)
Prerequisite: KINE 323.
Course is designed to offer sound, systematic training programs for individuals who wish to apply strength and conditioning techniques to specific sports and/or physical activities. Various new and traditional weight training techniques and programs will be reviewed in light of desired outcomes for the individual participant in sports and physical activities. 3 hours lecture. (006959)
Prerequisites: KINE 323.
Introduction to the essential principles and skills of exercise testing and prescription. Students acquire knowledge of and skill in risk factor and health status identification, fitness appraisal, and exercise prescription for low to moderate risk individuals and individuals with controlled diseases. Students demonstrate the ability to incorporate suitable and innovative activities that will improve an individual's functional capacity. In addition, advanced concepts of strength, flexibility and body composition are discussed. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (007023)
Prerequisite: Bachelor's Degree in any discipline or KINE 323 or faculty permission.
Exercise Pathophysiology, formerly known as Medical Topics in Exercise Physiology, focuses on how exercise ameliorates various chronic disorders. The course addresses obesity, metabolic, cardiovascular, muscular, skeletal, and auto-immune disorders. 3 hours seminar. (007027)
Prerequisites: BIOL 103, KINE 323 (may be taken concurrently); or faculty permission.
This course is designed to explore the diseases and injuries typically encountered in sports and exercise. Topics include physiology of adaptations, prevention of athletic injuries, physiology of trauma and inflammation, musculoskeletal arthritic, and environmental distress. 3 hours seminar. (007028)
Prerequisites: One lower-division course in biological sciences.
Analyzes and evaluates current practices and theories regarding nutrition and its relationship to athletics, weight control, and physical exercise. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (004288)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: CHEM 108 or CHEM 270.
A survey of biochemistry, principally for nutrition and exercise phsiology majors. 3 hours discussion. (001849)
Prerequisite: KINE 323.
This course introduces students to the cellular aspects of exercise. Students become familiar with the mechanisms of exercise-induced adaptations and how exercise ameliorates metabolic disorders. Students gain insight into the hormonal and neural regulation of cellular processes, the various processes at the cellular level, the mechanisms responsible for increased enzyme content in trained skeletal muscle, and how exercise affects gene transcription. 3 hours lecture. (006969)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: KINE 320W or faculty permission.
This course is a study of the inter-relationships of behavioral, mental, and personal factors of exercise. Topics include exercise motivation, interventions and adherence; the impact of exercise on mood states; and the relationships between exercise, mental health and immune function. New skills such as interviewing are introduced. Focus is both theoretical and practical. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Writing Course. (020852)
Prerequisites: KINE 322 and basic computer literacy.
Introduction to research in biomechanics. Emphasis is on quantitative videographic techniques of sport and exercise activities. Other technological and bibliographic research methods are covered. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved Writing Course. (007003)
Prerequisites: KINE 322 (may be taken concurrently), KINE 323, KINE 390.
This class provides the fundamental theories, applications, and hands on experiences necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the applied principles of strength and conditioning for athletic populations. Requirement for certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association are addressed. Students learn to develop optimal training programs, using periodization training principles for a variety of sports, positions, and events. Students are assigned to CSUC athletic teams for hands on practical experience. 3 hours lecture. (021468)

Electives: 9-12 units

3 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: Recommend CHEM 111 or concurrent enrollment.
Introduction to biological molecules, bioenergetics, cellular structure and function, elements of molecular biology and genetics, and mechanisms of macroevolution and systematics. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001122)
Prerequisites: BIOL 103, BIOL 104, BIOL 151, or SCED 102; CHEM 107, CHEM 108, or CHEM 111.
Introduction to structure/function, metabolism, genetics, ecological interactions and pathogenic mechanisms of microorganisms. In addition, the roles of microorganisms in sanitation and in the food and biotechnology industries will be discussed. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (001132)
Prerequisites: One biological sciences course.
Analysis of the evidence for evolution and the nature of the process. Darwinism, neo-Darwinism, sociobiology, conflicts and misconceptions regarding evolution, creationism, and evolution of the human body and mind are considered. 2 hours lecture, 1 hour discussion. This is an approved Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. (021355)
Prerequisite: One biological sciences course.
The inheritance, expression, and evolution of the genetic material in humans. Topics include genetic engineering, gene therapy, prenatal diagnosis, cancer, the human genome project, genetic influences on human behavior, such as homosexuality and mental illness, and the social and ethical consequences of the new technologies. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (001140)
Prerequisites: One biological sciences course.
Critically examines scientific and humanistic world views and sensibilities, directly applying these approaches to contemporary social and personal problems. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. (021254)
Prerequisites: One lower-division course in Biological Sciences.
An evaluation of the most common major diseases that affect our society and the lifestyle choices that contributes to them. A major theme is that the risk of acquiring many diseases can be reduced through lifestyle changes. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (001165)
Prerequisites: BIOL 152, BIOL 153; CHEM 108 or CHEM 270.
This course provides students with background and fundamental information necessary to pursue neuroscience at the graduate or professional level. Cellular and molecular mechanisms within mammalian central nervous system are emphasized. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (001219)
A study of common disabilities found across the lifespan. Discussions are held about the historical and philosophical basis for adapted physical activity, and the impact of state and federal legislation. Analysis of the roles and responsibilities of the adapted physical education specialist and the inclusive educational environment also are examined. This course is applicable to all disciplines dealing with the disabled. 3 hours seminar. (015911)
Prerequisite: BIOL 103.
Theory and practice in the prevention, care, and rehabilitation of injuries commonly encountered in sport and competitive athletics. Concepts of injury recognition and management will be covered. 3 hours clinical, 2 hours activity. (006902)
This course is designed for pre-service physical educators as well as students who wish to learn about the physiology of children's movement and methods of enhancing and measuring youth fitness. Topics include the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems as they relate to aerobic and anaerobic exercise in children, adolescents, and young adults. This course also addresses the physiological basis of the five components of fitness as well as how to assess them in a physical education setting. Students learn youth fitness concepts and understand how to apply them to teaching K-12 physical education. Students work directly with children to apply concepts and practice assessment techniques. 3 hours lecture. (021467)
Prerequisite: KINE 323.
This class provides the basic principles, applications, and experiences necessary to design, instruct, and supervise individuals in safe and appropriate exercise activities. The course incorporates theories of communication, program design, equipment selection, legal/liability considerations, assessment and follow up, business and marketing concepts related to the fitness industry. In addition, various theories of individual and group motivation, such as goal setting and problem solving as well as social support and reward systems, are discussed. The course provides relevant knowledge, skills, and practical applications to individuals who will someday or are currently responsible for developing and administering individual and group exercise programs, including personal trainers, physical education teachers, physical therapists, and coaches. 3 hours lecture. (020200)
Prerequisites: At least junior standing and faculty permission.
Preparation and supervised practical work or leadership experience in various private and public agencies, organizations and services which may include: hospitals, recreation programs, community and professional organizations, health clubs, corporations, clinics, schools and athletic programs. Specific internship placements are required for given emphases and certifications. See your advisor. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (006980)
Prerequisites: PHYS 202A with a grade of C- or higher.
Light, electricity, magnetism, selected topics in modern physics. Science majors are encouraged to take PHYS 204B instead of this course. Algebra and trigonometry are used. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (007395)
Introduction to the study of psychopathology (or psychology disorders) with an emphasis on diagnostic criteria, assessment and testing, and treatment models. 3 hours lecture. (007939)

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

Catalog Cycle:19