Exercise Science Program Handbook

Exercise Science
Program Handbook
2014-2015
1
Table of Contents
Welcome to Exercise Science ................................................................... 3
Meet the Exercise Science Faculty ........................................................... 4
Applying to the Program ......................................................................... 10
Course Sequencing .................................................................................. 14
Internship ................................................................................................. 17
Health Fitness Specialist Certification .................................................... 17
Student Resources ................................................................................... 18
2
Welcome to Exercise Science
The undergraduate Exercise Science program is designed to provide students with a foundation
in the sciences and emphasis in exercise, health, and sport.
The Exercise Science program develops advanced knowledge and competencies in the area of
exercise training, exercise metabolism, fitness and health maintenance, nutrition, cardiovascular
risk identification, and rehabilitation.
Our Mission
The mission of the Exercise Science program is to train students who will provide professional
leadership and educational services in the public and private enterprise. This will be
accomplished by preparing students to enhance individual and societal well-being through
innovative programs designed to increase our physical, mental and social wellness in an
environment conducive to supporting a higher quality of life.
Preparing Students for Success
Academic preparation focuses on the scientific aspects of exercise related to asymptomatic and
symptomatic populations, therefore students acquiring this degree are prepared for entrance into
health-related fitness and sport science professions.
Graduates are also eligible to sit for certification examinations offered by the American College
of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and to apply for
advanced study in a variety of applied science and allied health programs.
Career Opportunities & Graduate Study
The undergraduate exercise science curriculum includes prerequisites for further education in
many allied health fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiovascular
technology and medicine. The best of our majors gain entry into these highly competitive
programs.
Program graduates are typically employed in preventive exercise programs in settings such as
wellness programs, private and/or public health and fitness centers as personal trainers,
government agencies, corporate industry, health education, park systems, and adult or
community fitness programs, while others work as strength and conditioning specialists for
collegiate and professional athletic teams. Some majors work in clinical settings such as inhospital cardiopulmonary disease rehabilitation programs.
3
Meet the Exercise Science Faculty
Cathy J. Roy, Ph.D.
[email protected]
Dr. Cathy Roy is an exercise physiologist who joined Longwood University as the Exercise
Science Program Coordinator in 1999. Born and raised in Wisconsin, she grew up surrounded by
sports, but chose to focus on running as she entered high school. Dr. Roy was a collegiate cross
country and track athlete at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, where she earned a B.S. in
Physical Ed Teacher Education (1994). Her graduate school endeavors were driven by her
personal experiences with the love for physical conditioning and disease risk management. She
attended the University of Virginia where she earned her M.S. in Exercise Physiology, and her
Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology with an emphasis in Endocrinology (1999). She has published
several research articles pertaining to the metabolic syndrome, lactate threshold and caloric
expenditure, and the effects of exercise on hormone release. Dr. Roy’s passion for teaching
[Advanced] Exercise Physiology, Sports Nutrition, and Applied Kinesiology, and her
commitment to academic excellence and achievement, brought her to Longwood University. Dr.
Roy resides in Charlottesville with her husband (Brian), two young sons (Cooper and Maddox),
and very energetic dog/running partner (Murphy).
4
Jo Morrison, Ph.D.
[email protected]
Dr. Jo Morrison earned a Bachelor and Master's of Physical Education, specializing in Exercise
Physiology, from the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. She earned a Ph.D in Exercise
Physiology from the University of Iowa (2004) then completed two postdoctoral research fellowships at
the University of Alabama at Birmingham working in the areas of heart failure and mitochondrial
metabolism. She has published articles in the areas of environmental physiology, and mitochondrial
metabolism of hydrogen sulfide. Dr. Morrison joined the Exercise Science program at Longwood in 2008
and teaches Exercise Science Seminar, Exercise Testing and Prescription, Advanced Exercise Testing, and
Career Preparation for Exercise. She also serves as the director of certification workshops held at
Longwood for the American College of Sports Medicine.
5
Blain Harrison, Ph.D.
[email protected]
Dr. Blain Harrison received his bachelor's degree in Biology and master's degree in Exercise
Physiology from the University of Virginia. Following 5 years of work as a personal trainer and
strength coach where he earned numerous certifications, Blain returned to school to earn a
master's degree in Athletic Training from Virginia Commonwealth University. He served as the
head athletic trainer at a private school in Charlottesville, VA while earning his Ph.D in Sports
Medicine in 2011. He has been a professor Exercise Science at Longwood since August, 2011
and teaches Essentials of Strength and Conditioning, Advanced Strength and Conditioning, and
Biomechanics each semester. His research interests include testing the acute response to core
stability exercise on strength training performance and biomechanics.
6
Nathan W. Saunders, Ph.D.
[email protected]
As a teenager and young adult, Dr. Nathan Saunders was a competitive figure skater. His
fascination with human athletic and artistic performance drove his educational goals. After
spending 4 years at Santa Monica College, a community college in Los Angeles, he earned a
B.S. in Human Physiology from UCLA. In pursuit of his interest in human performance he
earned a M.S. in Exercise Physiology from The Ohio State University where his research
focused on postural control (i.e., balance) in figure skaters. As a doctoral student at OSU his
research transitioned to successful aging and fall prevention in older adults. Dr. Saunders is
beginning his second year as an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Longwood University
and presently teaches Exercise is Medicine, Exercise Intervention in Disease, and Research in
Exercise Science. His goal in every course he teaches is to provide you with the knowledge,
skills, and abilities you will need to succeed in higher education and your career.
7
Rosella Sheehan, M.S.
[email protected]
While growing up, Rosella Sheehan spent many years and most days of the week on a soccer
field. When it came time to pick a major at Longwood University, she knew that she wanted to
study a major that would give her the opportunity to help others and allow her to remain active
for the rest of her life. From day one on campus, she knew that Exercise Science was the perfect
major for her. As an Exercise Science major, she was given the tools and instruction she needed
to help others understand what it meant to lead a healthy and active life. Also, during her time at
Longwood, she was a member of Phi Epsilon Kappa and the Women’s Club Soccer team.
Rosella then attended James Madison University where she received a Master’s in Sport and
Recreation Leadership. After a brief time in a parks and recreation environment and personal
training, she returned to Longwood to teach PHED 101, Intro to Exercise Science and coordinate
summer internships.
8
Matthew C. McGregor
Associate Dean of Wellness
[email protected]
Matt McGregor is the Associate Dean of Wellness at Longwood University and adjunct faculty
in the Exercise Science program. His teaching emphasis is on sport and recreation management,
program planning and facility management. Matt came to Longwood University in 2005 as the
Director of Campus Recreation and lead the creation of the Campus Recreation department and
the opening and operation of the Health& Fitness Center in 2007. In his role as Associate Dean,
Matt oversees Campus Recreation, Counseling Center, Student Health & Wellness Center and
the Longwood University Golf Course. Matt is an active member of the National IntramuralRecreational Sports Association (NIRSA) and in 2013, completed a four-year term as a faculty
member of the NIRSA School of Collegiate Recreation. Matt was a collegiate baseball player at
Lock Haven University (PA) where he received his B.S. in Recreation Management. He went
on to receive his M.A. in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sport Administration from
Kent State University (OH). He currently lives in Prospect VA with his wife Trisha, daughter
Amanda and son Connor.
9
Applying to the Program
Admission to the Kinesiology Exercise Science program requires successful completion of the
criteria for, and formal admission to the Kinesiology Exercise Science concentration. Admission
to Kinesiology Exercise Science is competitive. Admissions decisions will be made by the
Kinesiology Exercise Science faculty based on the collective results across all pre-admission
categories. A final rank ordering is based on the total of all components of the application
process. Students who have completed the required Kinesiology Exercise Science classes
cannot be assured admission to the Kinesiology Exercise Science program. Students will be
informed of their admission to the program prior to Spring advising and registration. Students
who are not formally admitted to the Kinesiology Exercise Science program may not enroll in
any Kinesiology course at the 300 or 400 level.
This section of the handbook will explain in detail 1) the minimum requirements to apply, 2)
what items must be included in your application, 3) when to apply, 4) how to apply, and 5) how
your application will be scored.
1) Minimum requirements
a. All applicants must have
i. Good standing with the University (not subject to probation, suspension,
or in financial arrears);
ii. An overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0
iii. Successful completion of the following courses
1. KINS 205 – Introduction to Exercise Science with at least a B2. BIOL 206 and BIOL 207 – Anatomy and Physiology I & II with at
least a C in both courses
2) Items to be included in your application
a. Official or unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary schools (a hard copy
transcript should be scanned and saved as a PDF)
b. Personal statement (see page 11 for instructions)
c. Professional resume (see page 12 for instructions)
3) Application Deadline
a. Applications are only accepted once per year and are due by 5pm the 2nd Friday
in February
b. Applications submitted early will not be score differently. However, we
recommend that you complete the application process well before the due date to
give yourself time to correct any mistakes we may find.
10
4) How to apply
a. All students on the 2014-2015 catalog must apply to be admitted to the Exercise
Science program
b. Once you enroll in KINS 205 (Introduction to Exercise Science) you will
automatically be given access to a Canvas course (Exercise Science Application)
where you will submit all of your application materials electronically
c. On the Exercise Science Canvas course, under “Modules”, there will be links for
you to upload your Transcripts, Personal Statement, and Professional Resume.
Click on each link and attach the respective document (ALL documents must be
saved and uploaded as PDFs)
d. On the Exercise Science Canvas course, under “Modules”, there will also be a
link titled “Prerequisite Course Grades” where you will be asked to select the
letter grade you earned in KINS 205, BIOL 206, and BIOL 207.
5) Your application will be scored objectively based on the following items:
a. Overall GPA
40%
b. Average GPA for KINS 205, BIOL 206, and BIOL 207
20%
c. Average personal statement score*
30%
d. Average professional resume score*
10%
The maximum possible overall application score is 100%. For the number of spots we
have available in a given year, the highest scoring applicants will receive acceptance
letters/emails. For example, if there are 40 openings the top 40 scoring applicants will be
accepted.
* Your personal statement and professional resume will be scored by all Exercise
Science faculty and the average score for each item will be used to compute your
overall application score. The faculty do not know your identity when scoring
these items.
The following is an example of how two students with different strengths would be
scored:

Student A with a 3.0 overall GPA; an average 2.6 GPA for 205, 206, and 207; an average
personal statement score of 8; and an average resume score of 7; would have an overall
application score of (3.0 X 10%) + (2.6 X 5%) + (8 X 3%) + (7 X 1%) = 74%

Student B with a 2.3 overall GPA; an average 2.7 GPA for 205, 206, and 207; an average
personal statement score of 10; and an average resume score of 9; would have an overall
application score of (2.3 X 10%) + (2.7 X 5%) + (10 X 3%) + (9 X 1%) = 75.5%
Note that Student B would be ranked higher than student A, despite having a
substantially lower overall GPA!
11
Personal Statement Instructions





Explain why you would like to be an Exercise Science major
Use the scoring rubric below to guide your answer
Your answer should be no more than one page (1 inch margins on all sides), single
spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman
Your name should not appear anywhere in this document
Save the document as a PDF and upload to Canvas using the “Submit Personal Statement
Here” link
Personal Statement Scoring Rubric
2
Followed Instructions
All instructions were
followed
Grammar, Spelling,
Language, Punctuation
Few if any errors.
Language is mature and
appropriate
Organization
Clear, logical, and
mature presentation of
content
Relevance
Knowledge of Exercise
Science
A clear connection is
made between the
content and the writing
prompt (Why I want to
be an Exercise Science
Major)
Student exhibits a clear
understanding of the
profession including
knowledge of course
requirements, career
opportunities, and scope
of practice
1
One minor error was
made (e.g., font, spacing,
length)
Several errors and/or
instances of immature
language, but it does not
distract from the flow of
the paper
Content within each
paragraph is presented in
a fairly clear, logical, and
mature fashion, but
transitions between
paragraphs are weak
It is mostly clear how the
content relates to the
writing prompt, but it
requires effort from the
reviewer to make that
connection
0
Two or more errors of
any kind
Several errors and/or
instances of immature
language that make the
paper difficult to read
and comprehend
Lacks any discernable
organization within or
between paragraphs
It is unclear how the
content relates to the
writing prompt
Demonstrates a fair
understanding of the
profession, but seems to Does not appear to be
emphasize the use of the well informed
degree as a stepping
stone to graduate school
12
Professional Resume Instructions





Use the instructions found here as well as the scoring rubric below to guide the
preparation of your resume (replace the “Career Goal” heading with “Educational
Goal”)
Treat the Exercise Science program as your prospective employer. You are applying for a
position in the Exercise Science program, so that should serve as your immediate
educational goal and all of the content in your resume should be relevant to that goal (see
rubric)
Your name and email should not appear anywhere in this document
Your resume should be no more than two pages (1 inch margins on all sides)
Save the document as a PDF and upload to Canvas using the “Submit Professional
Resume Here” link
Professional Resume Scoring Rubric
2
Followed Instructions
All instructions were
followed
Grammar, Spelling,
Language, Punctuation
Few if any errors.
Language is mature and
appropriate
Organization
Clear, logical, and
mature presentation of
content
Relevance
A clear connection is
made between the
content the stated goal
Presentation
Clean and attractive
1
One minor error was
made (e.g., font, spacing,
length)
Several errors and/or
instances of immature
language, but it does not
distract from the flow of
the resume
Mostly clear, logical, and
mature presentation of
content, but needs minor
revision
It is mostly clear how the
content relates to the
stated goal, but it
requires effort from the
reviewer to make that
connection
Fairly well presented, but
reviosions are
recommended
13
0
One or more major
errors (e.g., omission of
required content)
Several errors and/or
instances of immature
language that make the
resume difficult to read
and comprehend
Lacks clear, logical, and
mature presentation of
content; needs major
revision
It is unclear how the
content relates to the
stated goal
Lacks appeal
Course Sequencing
Course Number
BIOL 207
Goal 1
Goal 2
Goal 3
Goal 4
Goal 11
KINS 205
KINS 275
KINS 280
PHED 116
Course Number
BIOL 206
Goal 5
Goal 7
Goal 9
Goal 10
HLTH 335
MATH 171
KINS 215
PHYS 101 or 103
Course Options
Anatomy and Physiology II
Longwood Seminar
ENGL 150-Writing and Research
Literature
Art/Music/Theater
PHED 101-Fitness Concepts
Introduction to Exercise Science
Foundations of Sport and PE
Motor Development
Beginning Weight Training
Course Options
Anatomy and Physiology I
MATH 121 or FINA 250
History
Diversity
Foreign Language
Nutrition
Statistics
Exercise is Medicine
Physics
Freshman (25 Credits)
Semester
Credits
Taught
4
Spring
1
Fall
3
Both
3
Both
3
Both
2
Both
2
Both
3
Both
3
Both
1
Both
Sophomore (29 Credits)
Semester
Credits
Taught
4
Fall
3
Both
3
Both
3
Both
3
Both
3
Both
3
Both
3
Both
4
Fall/Both
14
Prerequisites
Grade Requirement
None
None
None
None
None
None
PHED 101
None
None
None
C
None
CNone
None
None
BNone
None
None
Prerequisites
Grade Requirement
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
PHED 101
None
C
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
Course Number
Course Options
CHEM 101 or 111 Chemistry
Junior (29 Credits)
Semester
Credits
Taught
4
Both/Fall
Goal 8
KINS 316
Social Science
Essential of Strength and Conditioning
3
3
Both
Both
KINS 370
Health Fitness Management
2
Fall
KINS 375
Exercise Science Seminar
3
Fall
KINS 376
KINS 387
KINS 486
KINS 488
Sports Nutrition
Exercise Physiology
Exercise Testing and Prescription
Exercise Intervention in Disease
2
4
5
3
Fall
Both
Spring
Both
Course Number
KINS 392
Prerequisites
Grade Requirement
C- for CHEM 111 if
None
planning to take CHEM
112
None
None
PHED 116 and BIOL 207
None
KINS 205 Prereq. and
None
KINS 387 Pre or Co-Req
BIOL 207 Prereq. and
None
KINS 387 Pre or Co-Req
BIOL 206 AND 207
None
BIOL 206 AND 207
CKINS 387 Pre or Co-Req
CKINS 387 Pre or Co-Req
None
Summer between Junior and Senior Years (8 Credits)
Semester
Course Options
Credits
Prerequisites
Grade Requirement
Taught
Overall GPA ≥ 2.0 AND at
Fitness Internship
8
Summer
lease a C- in KINS 387
None
and KINS 486
15
Course Number
Course Options
Senior (29 Credits)
Semester
Credits
Taught
3
Both
Goal 12
Ethics
Goal 13
ENGL 400
3
Both
KINS 385
KINS 386
Sport Psychology
Biomechanics
3
4
Fall
Both
KINS 399
Advanced Exercise Physiology
3
Both
KINS 400
KINS 480
Career Preparation in Exercise Science
Advanced Exercise Testing
1
2
KINS 484
ACSM HFS Workshop and Certification
1
Fall
Both
Final
Semester
KNS 470
Research in Exercise Science
3
Both
Prerequisites
Grade Requirement
None
Goals 2 AND 3 AND
completion of 75 credits
None
BIOL 207
KINS 387 Prereq AND
KINS 480 Co-Req
KINS 392
KINS 399 Co-Req
KINS 392 AND Final
Semester of Degree
KINS 387 AND C- in
ENGL 150
Choose TWO of the following electives:
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
KINS 416
Advanced Strength and Conditioning
3
Both
KINS 430
KINS 412
Applied Exercise Physiology
Advanced Health and Fitness Management
3
3
Spring
Spring
16
KINS 316 AND 392
Prereq AND KINS 386
Pre or Co-Req
KINS 387
KINS 370 and 392
None
None
None
Internship
The exercise science internship / field experience is designed to provide the student an
opportunity to perform under supervision, duties relative to the conduct of exercise and
sport physiology programs as assigned by a practicing administrator. These experiences may
take a variety of forms. The internship affords the student an opportunity to profit from the
experience and expertise of a professional mentor and from participation in the workings of a
fitness facility. The internship is viewed as a very important segment of the curriculum and
is individually designed to meet the personal and professional needs of the students as well as
the internship agency.
Completion of the required 400-hour internship leads to employment for an estimated 25-40
percent of exercise science majors. Other majors pursue graduate degrees in such fields as
exercise science, physiology and biomedical sciences in preparation for careers in academe and
research.
With few exceptions, the internship is to be completed during the summer between your Junior
and Senior years. To be eligible to go out on internship you must maintain an overall GPA ≥ 2.0
and earn at least a C- in KINS 387 and KINS 486. You will be provided with much greater
detail in your Junior year.
Health Fitness Specialist Certification
At the end of your senior year you will sit for the Health Fitness Specialist (HFS) Certification
exam. This certification, offered through The American College of Sports Medicine, will provide
you with a highly respected credential in the health and fitness industry and will improve your
marketability.
While your Exercise Science education is intended to be the main form of preparation for this
exam, we offer two HFS workshops each year to reinforce what you have already learned and
direct your attention to the competencies you will be tested on.
17
Student Resources
Things you can begin doing as early as your Freshman year to improve your marketability to
future employers and/or increase the likelihood of acceptance into a graduate program.
1) Join one or more professional organizations such as:
a. American College of Sports Medicine ($10/year)
b. National Strength and Conditioning Association ($65/year)
c. American Society of Exercise Physiology ($50/year)
The cost is minimal for students and it can go a long way toward demonstrating your
ongoing commitment to the field. Your membership should be documented in your
professional resume and we advise you to join as early as possible.
2) Read at least one peer-reviewed journal article (such as the complimentary journal that
accompanies your professional organization membership) each week to remain informed
about what is happening in your field
3) Join one or more student organizations on campus (e.g., the Exercise Science
Association)
4) Dress and act professionally. Be respectful and courteous to your peers and professors
5) Be engaged in class and develop a relationship with your professors. You will one day
ask them to serve as a reference for a job or graduate school application; you will want
their memories of you to be positive and detailed.
6) Work or volunteer your time in a setting in which you would eventually like to be
employed
7) Begin searching for a job or graduate program now and take note of the minimum
qualifications/requirements. Some of the qualifications/requirements may take
considerable time to achieve, so don’t wait until your Senior year to begin looking
8) Live the major (i.e., exercise daily, eat healthily, and be smart about your lifestyle
choices)
18