Exercise Science Major
Assistant Professors: Allyn Byars and Mayron Faria de Oliveira
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:
- 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.
- 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.
Students may use the following courses to satisfy Core requirements: BIO 110, CHM 105, CHM 110, PSY 101, and RPH 205
NOTE: To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from Lyon College, students must successfully complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours comprised of our required Core curriculum, the requirements of at least one major (credit hours vary per major), and a selection of our Liberal Arts electives. They must also earn at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average for all work taken at Lyon College and a 2.00 cumulative grade point average in their major, minor, and concentration.
Degrees
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Exercise Science Major - Fitness & Wellness Track (BS) -
Exercise Science Major - Health Professions Track -
Exercise Science Minor
Courses
EXS 201: Health and Wellness
Class Program
Provides the necessary information, opportunities, and strategies needed to obtain lifetime wellness.
EXS 205: Nutrition Concepts for Exercise Science
Class Program
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.
EXS 207: First Aid and Care of Athletic Injuries
Class Program
Presents instruction and orientation in prevention and care of common athletic injuries.
EXS 280: Introduction to Exercise Research
This course, Introduction to Exercise Research, will introduce students to the fundamental concepts, methods, and techniques used in studying exercise science. Exercise research provides essential insights across multiple fields, including physical therapy, athletic training, coaching, kinesiology, and sports science. A foundational knowledge in exercise research will allow students to critically evaluate existing studies, understand the principles behind experimental design, and appreciate the role of scientific research in advancing knowledge on health, performance, and physical rehabilitation. This course aims to equip students with the tools to investigate and analyze the impact of exercise on health and performance, setting the groundwork for more advanced studies in the field. This course will allow students to work on independent and/or ongoing group research projects.
Prerequisite Courses
Corequisite Courses
Corequisites
Or instructor permission
EXS 302: Kinesiology
Class Program
Study of the muscular-skeletal system of the human body and the mechanics of human motion and its application to physical activities.
Prerequisite Courses
EXS 309: Motor Learning
Class Program
Provides knowledge of various factors that may affect learning and performance of human movement activities.
EXS 320: Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription
Class Program
Introduction to the appropriate selection and application of exercise testing, and the use of testing results to construct an activity or exercise plan designed to address health issues. The course includes lecture and lab components.
Prerequisites
BIO 110, BIO 260, BIO 262, EXS 201, or permission of instructor.
EXS 385: Exercise Physiology
Class Program
This course addresses the study of how the body (on the cellular, tissue, and 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 385)
EXS 450: Senior Seminar in Exercise Science
Class Program
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.
Prerequisites
Or senior status as a declared Exercise Science major or minor.
EXS 490: Directed Research
This advanced course, Directed Research in Exercise Science, offers students the opportunity to deepen their research skills by working on independent or faculty-led research projects within the field of exercise science. Building on foundational knowledge and methodologies, students will engage in hands-on research that explores complex topics related to exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports science, physical rehabilitation, and other related fields. Through this course, students will refine their abilities in experimental design, data collection, advanced statistical analysis, and interpretation of results. Emphasis is placed on conducting high-quality research with potential for contribution to peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and practical applications in health, performance, and clinical settings. This course is designed to cultivate advanced research competencies, critical thinking, and scientific communication, preparing students for graduate studies or professional research roles in exercise science.