Introduction to the structural characteristics of the human body and the interrelationships among its systems. Clinical terminology and applications are stressed. Laboratory. Closed to first-semester freshmen.
Course focuses on cellular mechanisms and body systems and the relationship between them that dictates the physiological functions of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the homeostatic control of the human body. The required laboratory component examines the specific details of each physiological system, and prepares students for independent research. Writing skills and familiarization with digital data acquisition techniques are also emphasized.
Introduction to the principles underlying human function across the lifespan. The course also investigates the scientific, sociological and philosophical scope of Exercise and Health Science through exemplars including nutrition, and discrimination and the use of ergogenic aids in sport. Building competence in the fundamentals of scientific and technical writing is an integral part of the course.
A semester-long study of topics in Exercise and Health Science. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.
The study of the causes and distribution of health-related events, including disease and injury, with a focus on techniques to identify and control threats to health and well-being. The class will examine historical cases, analytical methodologies and current controversies.
This course will provide students with foundational knowledge about the scientific principles of human nutrition. The following topics will be discussed: classification of nutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins), metabolism and energy balance, dietary supplements, diet planning, the role of nutrition in health. The course will also examine how cultural values influence choices people make about the foods they consume, the consequences that arise as a result of such choices, and the attitudes towards these consequences. Topics include the impact of global warming on food production in different parts of the world, inequalities in distribution of resources across geographical and economic barriers, the potential for global conflict as a result of scarcity of food resources, food safety and food security, the politics and economics of health care in the United States, and the tremendous social and economic costs associated with the current obesity epidemic. Students will use critical analysis of available data and will then be guided towards formulating appropriate solutions to address problems relating to the choices people make about food, and the consequences of these choices.
The study of effective teaching and coaching in physical education and sports with an emphasis on analysis of teaching; methodology; maximizing the learning environment; classroom management; and lesson, unit and program planning and implementation. Not open to first-year students.
Introduction to the etiology and scope of human functional anomalies (including anatomical, physiological, & neurological manifestations), assessment and (re)habilitation approaches, and legal and pedagogical principles associated with utilizing physical activity to enhance the quality of life of the exceptional individual.
The class explores the nature of administration and management in fitness, sport, allied health and physical education settings at school and community level. Leadership styles, public relations skills, organizational and administrative skills along with topics of conflict resolution, legal aspects of negligence and liability, fiscal management/budgeting practices, and risk management are developed.
An examination of the concepts and principles for conducting research and for evaluating the research literature in Exercise and Health Science. The course will cover the nature and purpose of research, research ethics, types of research and experimental designs, and technical writing in science, including library search methods and adherence to APA style. The laboratory component covers the relationship between design and statistical analyses, and includes descriptive statistics and exploratory data analysis, including graphical and computer-based statistical analysis, inferential statistics, including coverage of correlation/regression analysis, ANOVA, effect size and power analysis.
This course will be a study of age-related physical, psychological, and social changes that occur during the older adult years, their interrelationship with health and physical activity, and their application to assessment of physical function. Additionally, this course will examine and conduct functional tests commonly used with older adults, including those that are novel or in development. The research foundations and effectiveness of such assessments will be examined, and their appropriate use and interpretation will be practiced with older adult volunteers from the surrounding community.
This elective course covers all the material necessary for students to sit for the Certified Exercise Physiologists examination offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). According to the ACSM, “ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologists (ACSM-EP) are fitness professionals with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. ACSM-EPs take training to the next level by individualizing exercise programs based on a client’s needs and ability. The ACSM-EP has mastery with pre-exercise health risk assessments and conduct physical fitness assessments, among other health tasks. Whether it is taking the first steps toward adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors or competing for a first marathon, an ACSM-EP can support clients at every stage of their journey to become their best selves.” The course is taught in a seminar-style setting and students will learn to lead discussions and contribute to a collective learning effort.
In this course students will participate in group discussions and work collaboratively to understand the components of macronutrient metabolism (carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids) and the regulatory mechanisms that control metabolic pathways. The study of the relationship between metabolism and fuel availability for different types of exercise will lead to learning about training adaptations and the role of nutrition in athletic performance. Finally, students will examine the role supplements and drugs can play in exercise performance by examining the biochemical mechanisms of action.
In this course students will participate in group discussions and contribute to a collective learning effort to understand the role of nutrition in sports performance and the physiological and biochemical pathways involved in the actions of each nutrient. They will also learn to differentiate between fact and fiction regarding best practices in sports nutrition. Students will use the scientific investigation method to gain both a macro- and microscopic view of each topic and will develop recommendations for athletes and coaches rooted in evidence not option.
Introduction to the field of clinical assessment of injury and illness. This course will cover evaluation protocols, initial and progressive management, and principles of rehabilitation. The course includes a laboratory for skill acquisition in hands-on musculoskeletal function evaluation focusing on anatomical kinesiology and the use of special tests to augment evaluation.
In this course students will explore the complete process of embryonic development of the human fetus. Looking at the developing fetus, students will better understand congenital diseases and dysfunctions observed in the adult body. Students will perform specialized dissections of brains, hearts, eyes, and other organs in order to identify congenital anomalies and variants identified throughout the semester. Students will also develop a project to explore a medical anomaly of their choosing. Drawing connections between variants found in cadavers, students will identify the cause of the variation in terms of congenital inheritance or acquisition through adaptations. Students will be asked to communicate these arguments orally and in writing appropriate for the scientific community.
The analysis of structural principles and mechanical application pertaining to human movement. Course will discuss concepts of human movement with investigation of biomechanics and structural kinesiology. Efficiency of movement, neuromuscular integration, proprioception, mechanical concepts related to muscular function, and analysis of human motion/motor skills will be extensive. Laboratory.
Study of the neural, physical and behavioral aspects of human movement, and the processes involved in acquiring and refining motor skills. The class will examine research that explains why certain behaviors manifest themselves, and provides the basis for assessing performance and designing optimal practice, rehabilitation and training experiences. Not open to first-year students.
An opportunity for semester-long study of specific advanced topics within the field of Exercise and Health Science. Topics and themes will vary by instructor. This class may be repeated for credit with different topics.
This class examines the physiological systems of the human body as they are affected by different mode, intensity, and duration of exercise. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationship between the skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and digestive systems. The required laboratory will focus on measuring and analyzing various anthropometric, physiological and metabolic functions and performance parameters, using the data to predict and describe work capacity and training protocols.
This course will investigate the prevalence, etiology, and social impact of several common diseases and disabilities as they relate to aging and physical inactivity. The class will specifically focus on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, diabetes, cancer, and other related disorders. Students will gain a greater understanding of current medical practice and treatment guidelines through the investigation of both classic and current research publications. Students will additionally gain practical experience with common clinical tests used in the assessment and diagnosis of these disorders.
Refer to the internships section for an explanation of internship requirements.
A semester-long study of topics in Exercise and Health Science. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.
A semester-long study of topics in Exercise and Health Science. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.
Building on the knowledge and skills gained in EXHS 340 Clinical Healthcare: Theory and Application, this course introduces students to advanced techniques of evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation. Students will consider the psychosocial aspects of clinical healthcare and gain an understanding of the professional expectations of clinical healthcare providers as well as healthcare as a social service.
This course is the first in a two-part seminar course and capstone experience required of all Exercise and Health Science majors. Students may meet this requirement by completing one of the following four options: a) an original research study, b) a literature review, c) an internship with an associated service project, or d) a community outreach project. Topics are selected in consultation with Exercise and Health Science faculty. Regardless of the option chosen, students must present their work orally in an open meeting format and provide a final paper detailing the work to the department.
A seminar course and capstone experience required of all Exercise and Health Science majors. Students may meet this requirement by completing one of the following four options: a) an original research study, b) a literature review, c) an internship with an associated service project, or d) a community outreach project. Topics are selected in consultation with Exercise and Health Science faculty. Regardless of the option chosen, students must present their work orally in an open meeting format and provide a final paper detailing the work to the department.
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Willamette University