Course Descriptions

KIN 101. Introduction to Kinesiology (2) Introduction to this interdisciplinary discipline and various sub-disciplines, including functional anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning and control, sport psychology, nutrition, and exercise assessment and prescription. Basic research principles and methods appropriate to the discipline are introduced. Opportunities are provided to identify the characteristics of Kinesiology - related professions and current trends in the field. Emphasis is placed on career planning and employment opportunities. 

 

KIN 187. Seminar in Kinesiology (var. 1-6; max. 6)  An 8-week seminars that are designed to provide an introductory learning experience with a Kinesiology faculty member in their area of expertise. Seminars are discuss-based to promote intellectual growth and are grounded in active reading, writing, and verbal and experiential interactions.  

 

KIN 201. Motor Learning (3) Psychological basis in acquiring, planning, initiating, and modifying human movement. Topics include cognitive processes -- namely attention, memory, and decision making -- by which expert performance is acquired. A systems approach framework is applied to motor learning strategies in the acquisition of expertise. 

 

KIN 202. Motor Development (3) Examination of changes in motor control and learning across the human lifespan. Topics include the developmental stages by which movement behavior strategies arise, develop, and decline in association with motor performance. A dynamical systems model of constraints is adopted in discussing reasons for changes in movement throughout the life span. 

 

KIN 203. Exercise is Medicine (3) Topics focus on global presentations of Exercise is Medicine initiatives, including missions, visions, goals, and progression. Additionally, Healthy People and Healthy Campus initiatives are discussed, as well as general health promotion initiatives. 

 

KIN 221. Human Nutrition (3) Prerequisites: CHEM 204 and CHEM 204L, or CHEM 101. Presentation and discussion are focused on 3 primary areas: Nutrition biology, nutrition physiology, and practical application. Topics of emphasis include the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of macronutrients, micronutrients, and fluids. 

 

KIN 260. Functional Anatomy (3) Prerequisites: BIOL 215 and BIOL 216. Co-requisite: KIN 260L. Examination of anatomical basis of human movement, specifically related to the human body’s structures and functional outcomes. Topics include musculoskeletal and neuromuscular identification, function, and movement outcomes. 

 

KIN 260L. Functional Anatomy Lab (1) Co-requisite: KIN 260. A practical laboratory experience for application of theory learned in KIN 260. Emphasis is placed on identification of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular structures and relationships between structure and functional outcomes. Identification of causes of movement and movement outcomes and neuromuscular synergy are discussed. 

 

KIN 270. Exercise Physiology (3) Prerequisites: BIOL 215 and Biol 216. Co-requisite: KIN 270L. This course focuses on the physiological bases of exercise with emphasis on the responses and adaptations of the human body to a variety of exercise stimuli. 

 

KIN 270L. Exercise Physiology I Lab (1 cr.) Co-requisite: KIN 270. Lab experiences provide the students with an opportunity to learn and develop skills in fundamental measurement of physiological aspects of the human at rest, pre-, post- and during exercise. 

 

KIN 305. Principles of Group Exercise Instruction (3) Three hours per week. This course examines the foundations on how to manage an exercise class of any kind.  Course topics will include proper form, safety, and cueing during an exercise class.  The student will develop and lead group exercise classes. 

 

KIN 317: Athletic Performance Conditioning (3) Prerequisites KIN 270 or KIN 470. Students are prepared to appropriately evaluate athletes for performance conditioning. Course topics include, but are not limited to athlete needs analysis, testing and program evaluation, and program development. Upon completion of the course students will have designed a comprehensive individualized 16-week program for a specific athlete of the student’s choosing the program must include topics covered throughout the course. 

 

KIN 321 Psychology of Physical Activity (3) This course examines the psychological basis of physical activity.  Course topics will emphasize human behavior and cognition in the context of physical activity and students will develop an understanding of the topics relevant for leading a physically active lifestyle.321. Psychology of Physical Activity (3).  

 

KIN 322. Psychology of Health Behaviors (3) Course will focus on the psychological and behavioral processes in health, illness, and healthcare. Psychological factors can affect health directly (e.g., stress causing the release of hormones such as cortisol which damage the body over time) and indirectly via a person's own behavior choices which can either harm or protect health (e.g., smoking or exercise). Using a biopsychosocial approach this course examines how health is the product not only of biological processes (e.g., virus, tumor.) but also of psychological processes (e.g., stress, attitudes, and behaviors) and social processes (e.g. socioeconomic status, culture, and ethnicity). 

 

KIN 323. Epidemiology (3) Cross listed with CSD 323. Examination of the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions. Methodological issues related to the design, conduct, analysis, and interpretation of studies investigating the relationship among a variety of health behaviors (e.g., smoking, physical activity, diet) and diseases (e.g., cancers, heart disease) in a variety of populations (e.g., elderly, ethnic minorities) will be examined. Course will focus on the principles of the quantitative approach to public health and clinical problems. Credit cannot be awarded for both KIN 323 and CSD 323. 

 

KIN 333. Theory & Practice of Coaching (3) This course examines the principles and methods used to coach individual and team sports. Course topics will include the philosophy, objectives, style, and character of coaching. Additional topics include managing the behavior of athletes, teaching technical and tactical game skills and the basics of physical training for athletes. 

 

KIN 336. Health and Wellness Life Coaching (3 cr.) Pre-requisites: KIN 220, KIN 270, and KIN 270L. Examination of popular lifestyle choices and how these relate to health and wellness. This course draws upon current trends in exercise and fitness research and practice. 

 

KIN 340. Undergraduate Research (3 cr.) Permission of the instructor. Provides students with an official record of participation in authentic undergraduate research activities under the direction of a faculty member which: a) makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline, b) tracks participation in authentic research. A minimum of a 3- credit course co-enrollment is required for two semesters. 

 

KIN 365. Foundations of Sport and Performance Psychology (3) Presentation of selected topics in sport psychology, which will provide a general overview and understanding of theoretical foundations of sport psychology, research associated with sport psychology, and implications of this research for practitioners. 

 

KIN 391. Care and Prevention of Movement Injuries (3) Prerequisites: BIOL 215, BIOL 216, KIN 260. Examination and presentation of appropriate prevention, identification and care of sport, gymnastics, and dance injuries. The course is organized into the study of injuries specific to sport movement, injury etiology and anatomical regions. 

 

KIN 397/398 Departmental Honors (var1-6) Prerequisites: Minimum of two (2) hours from any of KIN 387/388/487/488, cumulative GPA equal to or greater than 3.5 and permission of instructor. This course may be taken for credit more than once, but only four hours will count toward satisfying departmental degree requirements. Graded outcomes must include both a formal scientific paper and presentation. Departmental and College paperwork must be completed prior to registration and awarding of credit. 

 

KIN 400. Special Topics in Kinesiology (var. 1-6) Non-majors interested in Kinesiology are also welcome.  A study of selected topics of major interest in Kinesiology not covered in other course offerings.  The topic for the semester will be indicated in advance. The course may be repeated with different topics. 

 

KIN 405/KIN 505. Advanced Human Anatomy (3) Pre-requisites: BIOL 215 and BIOL 216. Co- requisite: KIN 405L. Provides students with an in-depth integrative understanding of human anatomy. A regional approach will be used to learn typical and atypical anatomical structures of the human body. Clinical correlations will made throughout each topical area. 

 

KIN 405L/KIN 505L. Advanced Human Anatomy Lab (1) Prerequisite BIOL 215 and BIOL 216. Co- requisite: KIN 405. Virtual lab dissection activities associated with co- requisite lectures will be used to learn typical and atypical anatomical structures of the human body. 

 

KIN 425/KIN 525. Motor Control (3) Prerequisite: KIN 260 & 260L. Co-requisite: KIN 425L. Cross- listed with KIN 525. Neurophysiological and neuromuscular basis of human movement. Topics include principles of neuromuscular motor physiology and sensory feedback that influence movement outcomes. The course culminates in didactic and applied approaches to understanding the integration of the underlying two systems which result in movement behavior. 

 

KIN 425L/KIN 525L. Motor Control Lab (1). Prerequisites: KIN 260 & 260L. Co- requisite: KIN 425. Cross-listed with KIN 525L. Application of theories and practices of motor control assessment. Selected activities that demonstrate neurophysiological and neuromechanical principles will be used to explore and demonstrate application of didactic principles. A two hours laboratory will be held every two weeks. 

 

KIN 427/KIN 527. Nutrition for Physical Activity (3) Prerequisites: BIOL 215, BIOL 216, BIOL 221 or KIN 221, KIN 270 or KIN 470. Introduction to the study of nutrition for physical activity and health. Topics include but not are limited to exercise-focused macronutrient metabolism, the effects of vitamins and minerals on health and physical activity, and how diet affects and can be used to optimize health and physical activity. Emphasis will be on nutritional concepts related to the energy utilization in exercise and recovery and special topics related to how habitual diet affects general health, body composition, performance, and recovery. 

 

KIN 428 Nutrition for Optimal Athletic Performance (3) Prerequisite BIOL 215, BIOL 216, 

KIN 221, KIN 270. This course will examine the integration of nutrition and sports and its impact on optimal sport performance and training responsiveness. Course topics include digestion, absorption, and nutrient assimilation, how the body extracts energy from ingested nutrients, and how nutrition is optimized for sport performance and training responsiveness. 

 

KIN 429/KIN 529. Ergogenic Aids for Human Health and Performance. Prerequisites: BIOL 215, BIOL 216 , BIOL 221 or KIN 221, KIN 270/470. The study of metabolism, scientific evidence, and practical application of ergogenic aids for human health and performance. 

 

KIN 440WS. Reading, Writing & Presenting Research in Health Sciences (3) A writing and speech intensive course that provides an opportunity to establish understanding of research through critical exploration of research language, ethics, and approaches. The course introduces the language of research, ethical principles and challenges, and the elements of the research process within quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Formal scientific papers of research and/or laboratory results will be required with a minimum of 6,000 words. 

 

KIN 442/KIN 542. Statistics in Kinesiology (3) Undergraduate level-introduction to statistical concepts and techniques and their applications to kinesiology-related fields. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistical tools to analyze parametric and non- parametric data. Statistical analyses and interpretations are related to applications in kinesiology. Uses EXCEL and SPSS software (which are available for free on University computers). 

 

KIN 445. Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription (3) Prerequisites: KIN 221, KIN 260, and KIN 270. Co-requisite: KIN 455L. Basic assessments of the five health-related components of fitness are presented. Course topics include review and practice of assessments for muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, body composition and cardiovascular fitness. Analysis of relationships between physical fitness and degenerative diseases are presented and discussed. The role of exercise in a wellness lifestyle and methods of evaluating and prescribing physical fitness activities will also be covered. 

 

KIN 445L. Fitness Assessment and Prescription Lab (1) Pre-requisites; KIN 270 or KIN 470. At the conclusion of this lab experience the student will have learned how to analyze and develop measurement of personal fitness; prepared and conducted pre- and post- fitness exercise interventions and assess and implement appropriate exercise prescription for a selected client. 

 

KIN 450/KIN 550. Resistance Training Principles & Practices (3) Prerequisite: senior status. This course examines the theories and principles associated with resistance training and how to apply these theories and principles to the training of clients.  Course topics examine the range of skills and knowledge required to successfully assess, design, and instruct individuals in aspects specific to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). After completing this course students will be prepared to sit for the NSCA certification exams as either personal trainers (NSCA-PT) or strength and conditioning specialists (CSCS). 

   

KIN 460. Exercise Modifications and Progressions for Special Populations (3) Prerequisite: KIN 330 and KIN 330L. A special population refers to groups of people with special fitness and exercise needs and typically requires a greater level of supervision. This course focuses on modifications necessary for those with special needs due to a variety of disorders. 

 

KIN 468. (3) Applied Sport & Performance Psychology (3). Prerequisite: KIN 365. Connects the theory of sport psychology with the dynamic challenges of the practice of applied sport psychology. Topics include personality, assessment, motivation, emotion, attention, self- confidence, mental imagery, ethics, the injured and over-trained athlete, youth sport, group dynamics, along with the psychological characteristics of elite athletes. The role of the Sports Psychologist as part of a performance enhancement team will also be addressed along with appropriate referral strategies. 

 

KIN 471. Advanced Exercise Physiology (3) Prerequisite: KIN 270 or KIN 470. A progression from exercise physiology, including not only fundamental scientific principles, but also practical application of this knowledge. This course includes the incorporation of evaluating research articles to further develop learning in preparation for future graduate study as well as to build a framework for continuing education during the student’s career. 

 

KIN 475. Adaptive Human Movement Strategies (3) Examination of the nature and basis of motor disorders associated with chronic and acute injury. Course topics will emphasize rehabilitative and rehabilitative strategies used to improve or recover from impaired motor abilities. 

 

KIN 482. Certification Preparation Class (1) May be taken a total of three times. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) offer certification exams in areas not currently taught. This course may be taken in preparation for different certification exams that are not included in courses currently offered) 

 

KIN 483/KIN583. Tissue Biomechanics (3) Prerequisites BIOL 215 and BIOL 216 and KIN 260 or KIN 405 and KIN 405L. The application of mechanical principles to biological systems to better understand the physical properties of bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, cartilage, and vascular tissues. The physical properties of stress and strain, sheer, torsion and bending on various biological tissues are examined. 

 

KIN 485/KIN585. Biomechanics of Human Movement (3) Prerequisites: KIN 260 and KIN 260L. Co-requisite: KIN 485L. This course examines the mechanical basis of human movement. Human movement will be studied in detail from a biomechanical perspective. Course topics will emphasize the fundamental concepts of kinematics (movement), kinetics (forces), passive and active muscle and joint biomechanics, sports biomechanics, and biomechanical technologies. Qualitative and quantitative analyses used to study the human body and human movement will be studied. Attention is continually focused on performance, injury, and musculoskeletal health. 

 

KIN 485L/KIN585. Biomechanics of Human Movement Lab (1) Co-requisite: KIN 485. This laboratory class is focused on techniques used to analyze passive and active muscle activity and joint biomechanics in sports and physical activity. High speed video, EMG, and force plate (kinetic) analyses techniques will be used. Qualitative and quantitative approaches of observation will be used to study human movement. 

 

KIN 486. Neuromechanics of Human Movement (3) An examination of the neurophysiological, biomechanical, and skeletal basis of human movement. Topics include the combined interactions of the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems in the production of movement. A contemporary approach to the integration of neuroscience and physics is utilized in understanding human motion. 

 

KIN 490. Internship in Kinesiology (var. 3-6) The University’s experiential learning requirement is fulfilled in the Major by completion of a three to six (3-6) credit hour internship. The internship is intended for students to observe experts in the field and gain practical experience in a professional environment. Students must be a senior, have a minimum 2.50 GPA, and are required to complete 135 contact hours (equivalent to 3 credit hours) of internship. When completing the internship, students must have successfully completed the Handshake Agreement be enrolled in KIN 490 Internship in Health Sciences. The internship is coordinated by the Kinesiology Internship Coordinator and participating organization supervisor. 

 

KIN 497/498. Independent Study in Kinesiology (var. 1 - 6)  

Prerequisites: Minimum of two hours from any of KIN 387WR/388WR/487WR/488WR, cumulative GPA equal to or greater than 3.5 and permission of instructor. Students are expected to work 45 hours per credit hour per semester. This course may be taken for credit more than once. 

 

KIN 499WS. Senior Seminar (3) Kinesiology majors must complete a one-semester, speaking and writing intensive, senior seminar. They will review and present research associated with their area of interest. The Senior Seminar is intended to be a capstone experience with opportunities for students to reflect upon what they have learned in their coursework and compile all these materials in a student portfolio.