The diverse curriculum of Northwestern’s kinesiology department not only teaches you principles for healthy living, it also gives you opportunities to apply what you’re learning to help others improve their health and lifestyle. And a healthy lifestyle is a strong foundation for building healthy relationships with others—both professionally and personally.
Exercise Science Major
The exercise science major consists of a science-based curriculum with specific emphasis on applications to exercise and health. This major is intended primarily for those students interested in non-teaching careers in exercise science, health, wellness, fitness, and for those who wish to pursue graduate studies in an exercise science related field.
| Requirements |
| KIN 180 - Introduction to Kinesiology |
| KIN 233 - Anatomical Kinesiology |
| KIN 234 - Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries |
| KIN 241 - Directed Field Experience in Kinesiology I |
| KIN 325 - Physiology of Exercise |
| KIN 330 - Exercise Testing and Prescription |
| KIN 333 - Mechanical Analysis of Human Movement |
| KIN 341 - Directed Field Experience in Kinesiology II |
| KIN 370 - Nutrition for Health Care Professions |
| KIN 403 - Motor Learning |
| KIN 417 - Internship |
| Competency requirements: |
| Pass physical fitness competency examination |
| Pass first aid competency with current CPR and first aid certification |
| OR complete: |
| KIN 104 - First Aid |
| Cognate requirements: |
| CHE 101 - College Chemistry |
| CHE 102 - College Chemistry |
| Choose one option: |
| Option 1: 8 |
| BIO 121 - Introduction to Human Anatomy |
| BIO 122 - Introduction to Human Physiology |
| Option 2: 12 |
| BIO 221 - Human Anatomy |
| BIO 222 - Human Physiology |
| Choose one course: |
| BIO 102 - Human Anatomy and Physiology |
| BIO 115 - General Biology: Molecular and Cellular Biology |
| Total credits required: 47-52 |
An introduction to the physiology of the human body. The focus of the course will be on homeostasis and the function of: biomolecules, cells and tissues, organs and organ systems. The contribution of each of the following organ systems to physiologic homeostasis will be examined: nervous, muscle, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, renal, reproductive and gastrointestinal. Prerequisite: CHE101 or 111; Concurrent requisite: CHE102 or 112. (4 credits)
An introductory course in organic and biological chemistry. The content is especially suited to meet the needs of students whose programs require only one year of chemistry.Prerequisite: CHE101.(4 credits)
An intensive course in first aid, including lectures, demonstrations and practice in accident prevention and treatment of injuries. First aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification will be secured upon successful completion of the course.(1 credit)
Introduction to the field of kinesiology including aims, objectives, history, philosophy, programs, principles, basic concepts of organization and administration, professional organizations, and the relationship of Christian commitment to the field.(3 credits)
The study of human movement based on anatomical and mechanical principles. Emphasis is placed on the application of these principles in the analysis of human sports performance. Prerequisite: BIO102, 115, 121 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)
An introduction to athletic injury prevention, recognition, evaluation, care and rehabilitation: including basic wrapping and taping techniques.Prerequisite: BIO102, 115, 121 or permission of instructor.(3 credits)
Provides exposure to a variety of careers related to fitness, therapy, or sport management. Prerequisite: KIN180 or 182. (1 credit)
The study of the physiological effect of exercise on the human body. Emphasis will be given to metabolism, neuromuscular physiology, cardiopulmonary physiology, and the integration of all physiology systems.Prerequisites: BIO121 and 122 or BIO221 and 222, CHE101 and 102 or CHE111and 112, or permission of instructor.(4 credits)
Provides knowledge and practical experience in physical fitness assessments, interpretation of assessment results, and exercise prescription. Emphasis is placed on assessments within a clinical or research setting.Prerequisite: KIN325 or permission of instructor.(3 credits, alternate years, consult department)
Mechanical principles and concepts governing human movement are examined, with an emphasis on analyzing sport skills. Prerequisite: KIN233. (3 credits; alternate years, consult department)
Provides practical work experience in fitness, therapy, or sport management settings. Prerequisite: KIN241. (1 credit)
The study of the fundamental principles of normal nutrition and the importance of nutrition in promoting growth and health. Emphasis will be given to the basic food constituents and their physiological relationships within the body. Consideration will also be given to family and community needs across the lifespan.Prerequisites: CHE101/102 or CHE111/112, BIO121/122 or BIO221/222.(3 credits)
Understanding of theoretical constructs of learning and knowledge of motor learning principles relating to response mechanisms, feedback, motivation, stress anxiety factors, and the influence of psycho-social elements in the acquisition of complex movements. (3 credits)
(4 credits may apply toward the major)
An introductory course in inorganic chemistry. The treatment of topics is predominantly descriptive and the content is especially suited to meet the needs of students whose programs require only one year of chemistry.(4 credits)
An introduction to the structure and function of the human body.(4 credits)
General Biology I emphasizes the unity of life, examining the processes common to living organisms, and introduce the diversity of life, examining unicellular organisms. This introduction will provide students with a basic understanding of macromolecules, cell structure and function, respiration and photosynthesis, the cell cycle, meiosis, the relationship between gene structure and function, mechanisms of evolutionary change and Christian perspectives on evolutionary biology. (4 credits)
An introduction to the anatomical structures of the human body. The focus of the course will be on structures of: cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. The systems studied will include (but not necessarily limited to) integument, bone, skeletal system (including joints), muscle, cardiovascular, nervous, lymphatic, endocrine, respiratory, renal, reproductive and gastrointestinal.Concurrent requisite: CHE101 or 111.(4 credits)
A study of the gross structure of the systems of the human body.Prerequisite: BIO102, 115 or permission of instructor.(4 credits)
A study of the mechanisms by which the human body functions. Emphasis will be given to nerve and muscle function, and thereafter to hormonal control and the integrated systems that allow for respiratory, digestive, excretory and reproductive activities.Prerequisites: BIO102 or 115 and CHE101, 102 or CHE111, 112 or permission of instructor.(4 credits)
