Course Descriptions | Exercise and Sport Science

First Year: Fall Semester

EXSS 730 – Care and Management of Athletic Injuries (Fall, 3 hrs).

An overview of advanced techniques for all phases of athletic training, including evaluation, rehabilitation, and management.

EXSS 732 – Anatomy (Fall, 4 hrs).

Dissection of human cadavers with emphasis placed on the functional and clinical aspects of the neck, back and extremities as related to athletic injuries.

EXSS 736 – Clinical Methods in Athletic Training (Fall, 3 hrs).

A lecture/laboratory course stressing clinical techniques involved in the use of therapeutic modalities, back evaluation, and various techniques of manual therapy (PNF, joint mobilization, positional release, active release technique).

EXSS 705–1 – Research Design and Methods (1) (Fall, 1 hr).

Reviews basic theory and understanding of research methodology. Discusses selected techniques and designs used in evidence-based research, with special emphasis given to planning, conducting, and reporting research in Exercise and Sport Science. Focuses on developing and writing research questions, conducting a literature review, and research ethics.

First Year: Spring Semester

EXSS 735 – Sports Medicine Analysis-Special Problems (Spring, 3 hrs).

Selected topics of interest and importance ancillary to the practice of athletic training and sports medicine are discussed in this seminar course. Speakers include a dentist, dermatologist, ENT, podiatrist, ophthalmologist, chiropractor, lawyer, nutritionist, etc.

EXSS 739 – Practicum in Athletic Training (Spring, 3 hrs).

The clinical experience, team coverage, instructor’s CPR certification and in-service projects are stressed. The implementation of theories and practices in a professional setting under the direction of a competent practitioner.

EXSS 479– Performance Enhancement of the Health Care Professional (Spring, 1 hr.)

This course is designed for entry-level certified athletic trainers in the EXSS AT master’s program. By the end of the semester, students will become more aware of how strength coaches apply sports performance training, as well as be able to design a NASM-based program, considering individualized injury history, goals, and sport demands. The course fits into the broader educational program by combining previous knowledge of injury rehabilitation with sports performance training. This allows students to appreciate the knowledge and skills of other strength and conditioning professionals while developing tools for functional rehabilitation

EXSS 705–2 Research Design and Methods (2) (Spring, 1 hr).

Focuses on understanding common research designs in EXSS research, writing the methods section, determining appropriate sample sizes for a study (power analysis), and the importance of establishing reliable and valid measures for one’s project.

EXSS 705–3 Research Design and Methods (3) (Spring, 1 hr).

Focuses on teaching students how to collect and report data on common measures used in Athletic Training research. Specifically, conduct labs and develop lab reports for the following data: motion analysis (3d and 2d), balance / postural control, strength, training load, survey / patient outcomes, functional tests.

Second Year: Fall Semester

EXSS 700 – Applied Statistics and Research Methods in Exercise and Sport Science (Fall, 3 hrs).

Prerequisite, undergraduate statistics course required. Problem-solving and practical experience in applied statistical analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data from the field of exercise and sport science.

EXSS 737 – Advanced Muscular Assessment and Treatment (Fall, 3 hrs).

Discussion of mechanical properties and healing of musculoskeletal tissues throughout the life cycle, and laboratory/seminar units concerned with assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal pathology.

EXSS 993 – Masters Thesis (Spring, 3 hrs.)

Second Year: Spring Semester

EXSS 993 – Masters Thesis (Spring, 3 hrs).