Exercise Science
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 students who are interested in non-teaching careers in exercise science, health, wellness and fitness, and for those who wish to pursue graduate studies in an exercise science-related field. You will study under highly credentialed faculty who will mentor you, and have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment in our human performance lab.
Kinesiology department homepage
Major requirements
KIN 180 - Introduction to Kinesiology
(3 credits) 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.
KIN 233 - Anatomical Kinesiology
(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.
KIN 234 - Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries
(3 credits) An introduction to athletic injury prevention, recognition, evaluation, care and rehabilitation: including basic wrapping and taping techniques. Adult first aid certification will be secured upon successful completion of the course.Prerequisite: BIO102SN, 115, 121 or permission of instructor. Note: Includes one lab period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
KIN 241 - Directed Field Experience in Kinesiology I
(1 credit) Provides exposure to a variety of careers related to fitness, therapy, or sport management. Prerequisite: KIN180 or 182. Note: Requires 25-clock hours of work experience. Graded on a pass/no pass basis.
KIN 325WI - Physiology of Exercise
(4 credits) (Writing intensive) 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 CHE111 and 112, or permission of instructor.Note: Course includes one 90-minute laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
KIN 330 - Exercise Testing and Prescription
(3 credits, alternate years, consult department) 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: KIN325WI or permission of instructor.Note: Three lectures and one 90-minute laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
KIN 333 - Mechanical Analysis of Human Movement
(3 credits) Mechanical principles and concepts governing human movement are examined, with an emphasis on analyzing sport skills. Prerequisite: KIN233. Note: Three lectures and one 90-minute laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
KIN 403 - Motor Learning
(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.
KIN 417 - Internship
(4 credits may apply toward the major) Prerequisite: KIN241 and either KIN341 or KIN381.
KIN 450SR - Moving Forward: Seminar in Kinesiology
(2 credits) A capstone course to the entirety of your Northwestern education and the Northwestern Kinesiology programs. In this course you will integrate the various components of your college experience by evaluating your success in meeting the Northwestern Core goals and synthesizing your curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular learning experiences. You will connect the whole of your undergraduate education to life after college by identifying your personal commitments and articulating your sense of vocation. This reflection and projection will be accomplished by reflecting on assigned readings, class discussion, formal and informal writing assignments, and oral presentations.
Choose one course
KIN 341 - Directed Field Experience in Kinesiology II
(1 credit) Provides practical work experience in fitness, therapy, or sport management settings. Prerequisite: KIN241. Note: Requires 25-clock hours of work experience. Graded on a pass/no pass basis.
KIN 381 - Practicum in Strength and Conditioning II
(2 credits) Students will add to previously gained knowledge and experience in the area of Strength and Conditioning by gaining hands-on experience, specifically in the areas of movement and analysis and exercise prescription. Graded on a pass/no pass basis. Prerequisite: KIN281. Note: There is a 50-hour Strength and Conditioning observation requirement in conjunction with this class.
Choose one course
KIN 370 - Nutrition for Health Care Professions
(3 credits) 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: CHE101SN/102, CHE108SN or CHE111/112, BIO121/122 or BIO221/222.
KIN 371 - Sports Nutrition
(3 credits; alternate years, consult department) An introduction to the concepts of sports nutrition and the study of applications to health, exercise and sports performance. Focus is on the analysis of functions, deficiencies, sources and utilization of nutrients. Prerequisites: CHE101/102 or CHE111/112, BIO121/122 or BIO221/222.
Competency requirements:
Pass physical fitness competency examination
First aid and CPR certification:
Option 1:
First aid and CPR certifications through American Heart Association or American Red Cross
Option 2:
CPR certification and KIN234-Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries
(3 credits) An introduction to athletic injury prevention, recognition, evaluation, care and rehabilitation: including basic wrapping and taping techniques. Adult first aid certification will be secured upon successful completion of the course.Prerequisite: BIO102SN, 115, 121 or permission of instructor. Note: Includes one lab period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Option 3:
Complete one of the following courses:
KIN104 - First Aid
(1 credit) An intensive course in first aid, including lectures, demonstrations and practice in accident prevention and treatment of injuries. American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid and Adult/Child/Infant CPR/AED certification will be secured upon successful completion of this course. Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis. A fee is associated with this course.
KIN152 - Emergency Care
No course description available.
KIN260 - Coaching Endorsement
(4 credits) This course meets the Iowa Department of Education requirements for three of the four coaching authorization areas: Child Development (15 instructional hours), Anatomy and Physiology for Coaches (15 instructional hours) and the Care and Prevention of Injuries (30 instructional hours). Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of educationally sound strategies for caring for the needs of youth involved in sport. American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid and Adult CPR certification will be secured upon successful completion of this course. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of instructor.Note: Course includes one 45-minute lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Cognate requirements:
CHE 101SN - College Chemistry
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) This course is an introduction to inorganic chemistry, with an emphasis on the health sciences. It is well suited for students whose programs require one year of chemistry.Note: Three lectures and one 1.5 hour laboratory period per week. Open to all students. A fee is associated with this course.
CHE 102 - College Chemistry
(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: CHE101SN.Note: Three lectures and one 1.5 hour laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Choose one option:
Option 1: 8
BIO 121 - Introduction to Human Anatomy
(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.Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week as well as lab practical examinations using either dissected organs from an animal source or A.D.A.M. interactive anatomy. Does not count toward a biology major or minor. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 122 - Introduction to Human Physiology
(4 credits) 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 or Concurrent requisite: CHE101SN or CHE108SN or CHE111.Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week which will emphasize the measurement of organ system function. Does not count toward a biology major or minor. A fee is associated with this course.
Option 2: 12
BIO 221 - Human Anatomy
(4 credits) A study of the gross structure of the systems of the human body. Prerequisite: BIO102SN, 115 or permission of instructor.Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 222 - Human Physiology
(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: BIO102SN or 115 and CHE101SN, 102 or CHE111, 112 or permission of instructor.Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Choose one course:
BIO 102SN - Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) An introduction to the structure and function of the human body.Note: Includes 1 1/2 hours of lab per week. Does not count toward a biology major or minor. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 115SN - General Biology: Molecular and Cellular Biology
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) An introduction to molecular and cellular biology, with an examination of the processes common to living organisms and an introduction to the diversity of life, emphasizing unicellular organisms. This introduction will provide students with a basic understanding of macromolecules, cell structure and function, respiration and photosynthesis, the cell cycle, meiosis, genetics, mechanisms of evolutionary change, and Christian perspectives on evolutionary biology. Prerequisite: Combined Math + Science ACT of at least 44, sophomore standing, or permission of instructor.Note: Three lectures and 3 hours of laboratory work per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Total credits required: 49-58
Note: Internships range from 2-12 credits. The maximum credits applied to the major is noted under the 417 course designation.