2019-2020 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Human Physiology and Nutrition, Undergraduate Programs


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The Human Physiology and Nutrition (HPNU) program offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science with an option in Strength and Conditioning. The degree is designed to build a solid foundation in basic life sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, and math) and progresses towards more applied science and practice classes at the upper division level. The degree is suited for those who are seeking to become exercise scientists, health and fitness specialists, or strength coaches, as well as those who plan to pursue further professional studies in related areas, such as athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sports medicine physicians.

The HPNU program also administers a Nutrition degree option as part of the Bachelor’s of Science in Health Care Science. This option is designed for those students seeking to become registered dieticians.

Exercise Science, BS


The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science provides an undergraduate education for individuals seeking careers in a wide variety of health fields. Some of the most common career and job opportunities under the umbrella of exercise science include: athletic trainer, exercise physiologist, medical physician, occupational therapist, physical therapist, physician assistant, cardiac rehabilitation specialist, and strength and conditioning specialist. This degree will prepare students for advanced professional degree programs by offering students the opportunity to enroll in a broad exercise major.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will understand the physiological, anatomical, biomechanical, and nutritional principles that govern and influence exercise and sport performance.
  • Students will understand the application of physiological, anatomical, biomechanical, and nutritional factors that contribute to exercise, physical activity, and sport performance.
  • Students will be able to measure a variety of fitness and sports performance-related values in a variety of individuals.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate and apply the knowledge and skills of research design, measurement, and evaluation used in the field of exercise science.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate reasoning, problem solving, and critical thinking in the context of exercise science.

Strength and Conditioning Option - BS in Exercise Science


Nutrition Option - BS in Health Care Science


This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Students may earn the credentials of a Registered Dietitian by completing an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship Program (DI) after completion of the Nutrition program, and pass the National Registration Exam for Dietitians.

General Requirements


Individuals with International Degrees


Individuals with international degrees are encouraged to view the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Fact Sheet for additional information about becoming a Registered Dietitian credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Credits: 22


Credits: 25


Health Science Core Requirements


Credits: 9


Credits: 64


Total Program Credits: 120


Athletic Training Prep Track - BS in Exercise Science


This track prepares students for application to the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)* at UCCS. (Admission into the MSAT is not guaranteed.) This concurrent degree route provides Exercise Science students the opportunity to enter a 5-year concurrent degree program, ultimately leading to both the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and the Master of Science in Athletic Training. Students wishing to pursue the concurrent degree should complete the Exercise Science degree coursework. Within the HPNU upper division electives and general electives requirements, students should complete pre-requisites for admission to the MSAT program and dual credit courses as indicated below.

*Note: The MSAT program is a professional preparation program, leading to eligibility for national certification as an Athletic Trainer through the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) upon successful award of accreditation status. (The program began seeking CAATE accreditation status in 2018, anticipating a decision in Spring 2020.)  Admission to the MSAT program is not guaranteed. Students not admitted into the MSAT can continue to completion of the BS degree.

MSAT Prerequisites


MSAT Dual Credit Courses


Students who are accepted into the MSAT program must take the following courses as part of the MSAT program after admission and will count these credits toward the general elective credit requirement for the BS degree.

Credits: 10


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