Exercise Science Major

Assistant Professor: Allyn Byars

The Exercise Science Program offers an academic major with two tracks, each with a challenging curriculum. Both, the Health and Wellness Track and the Health Professions track lead to a Bachelor of Science degree. The Exercise Science Program also coordinates the Activity/Wellness courses that are a part of the general education requirements for all undergraduates. The Exercise Science curriculum promotes critical thinking, encourages the development of leadership skills, and prepares students for careers in and continued study of the application of the principles of human movement, exercise, and healthy living.

The mission of the Exercise Science Program at Lyon College is to discover and promote knowledge of human movement and performance to improve the health and quality of life of individuals at all stages of life and society as a whole.

The Exercise Science major is open to all qualified Lyon College students following the prescribed admission pathway:

  1. Students who are in their first year at Lyon (either freshmen or transfers) who express an interest in majoring in Exercise Science must meet with the Exercise Science faculty to evaluate their preparedness for the program, and to plan a course of study that will support their entry. At a minimum, EXS 201 should be completed with a C or better the freshman year.
     
  2. Students in their second pre-baccalaureate year may declare the Exercise Science major provided that they have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and that they have completed EXS 201, EXS 205, and BIO 110 with a C or better.  If the GPA threshold is not met, the student can work with the Exercise Science faculty to develop a remediation plan that provides an opportunity for the student to meet all of the admissions requirements.

 

Degrees

Classes

EXS 205 : Nutrition Concepts for Exercise Science

An introductory course in contemporary nutrition issues that focuses on the fundamentals of nutrition that affect human function and well-being, covering basic physiology, nutrients and dietary standards and analysis.

Credits

3

EXS 302 : Kinesiology

Study of the muscular-skeletal system of the human body and the mechanics of human motion and its application to physical activities.

Credits

3

EXS 309 : Motor Learning

Provides knowledge of various factors that may affect learning and performance of human movement activities.

Credits

3

EXS 375 : Exercise Physiology

This course addresses the study of how the body (on the cellular, tissue, organ system levels) responds in function and structure to 1) acute exercise stress, and 2) chronic physical activity. Aspects of chemistry, biology, and physics are integrated to explain biological events and their sites of occurrence in the human body as they affect exercise and training. Includes energy systems, neuromuscular concepts as applied to sports, and functions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. (Same as BIO 375)

Credits

4

Prerequisites

EXS 450 : Senior Seminar in Exercise Science

Capstone course for Exercise Science that integrates theory, research, and practical experience in the field with career exploration and preparation.  Preparation for external certification exams (ACSM and/or NSCA) is included.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Or senior status as a declared Exercise Science major or minor.