Exercise and Health Science (EHS)
Professors Davis and Luetkemeier; Associate Professors Anderson and Ball; Instructors Bray, Cole, Daniels, Griffin and Munderloh.
The Exercise and Health Science Department emphasizes a combination of strong science education with generous laboratory experiences in human physiology, exercise testing and prescription, gross anatomy, athletic training, senior fitness, and exercise biochemistry.
Graduates of Alma's Exercise and Health Science Program are prepared for employment in corporate or hospital settings, health and wellness intervention programs, athletic training and other health-related careers. For physical education teaching, the Exercise and Health Science Program can be combined with the Secondary Teacher Education Program. Many Exercise and Health Science graduates pursue graduate study in exercise physiology, medicine, nutrition, occupational therapy, physical therapy, public health and health promotion.
EHS Major Requirements
- Core: 20 credits consisting of EHS 225, 226, 301, 327, and 344.
- Concentration: 16 credits from one of the following:
- Pre-professional: EHS 310 and 14 credits from the following: EHS 270, 328, 340, 345, 346, 428, and 430.
- Pre-therapy: EHS 310, 323, 345, 346, 401, and 428.
- Health and Fitness: EHS 331, 390A or C, and 428; and six credits from the following: EHS 270, 303, 328, 340, and 345.
- Either completion of the Senior Oral Comprehensive Examination administered by the Department or Senior Seminar (EHS 480).
- Certification in First Aid and CPR is required for the Major.
- At least one practicum experience is strongly recommended for all EHS Majors.
EHS Minor Requirements
Twenty-four credits which must include EHS 225, 226, 344 and 327.
NOTE: No activity courses (110-165) may count toward the non-teaching major or minor and no more than six activity course credits may be applied toward the 136 required for the bachelor's degree.
Athletic Training Major
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is evaluating the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) for accreditation. The major is under candidacy and will be evaluated in the spring of 2005 to become an accredited program. Each Athletic Training Student (ATS) is required to complete a minimum of four semester-long clinical assignments and accumulate a minimum of 1,000 clinical experience hours during their clinical experiences with 250 hours completed in an intensive equipment sport. Athletic Training Students will gain valuable practical experience in the practice and game coverage of the varsity and junior varsity intercollegiate sports at Alma College. Other clinical rotations include a physical therapy clinic, high school and corporate wellness program.
Admission Requirements:
Students must apply to the ATEP. The program is competitive and acceptance is based on the number of available clinical positions. Students must complete the following to be reviewed for admittance: apply and be accepted into Alma College; and a separate application to the ATEP is required. Contact Dennis Griffin MA, ATC for an application packet. The admission process takes place once a year and admission occurs by April 1 of each year.
Selection Criteria for the Athletic Training Education Program:
Each entering class is admitted to the ATEP in the fall semester. Admission to Alma College is required for, but does not guarantee, acceptance into the ATEP. The program is selective and can accommodate a limited number of students each year. This number may vary depending on the number of approved clinical instructors, available clinical assignments, and Alma College's Athletic Training facilities. Prospective students must have all application materials completed to be considered for admission. Submit an application for Provisional Admission to the ATEP by March 1 for fall admission.
The applicant will be notified of their status by April 1.
Preference will be given to those applicants who have:
- Completed the Athletic Training Application
- High college grade point average
- High grade point average in high school
- Three letters of recommendation
- Interviewed by the Athletic Training staff. These interviews will take place following submission of application material.
After being provisionally accepted into the ATEP, students must complete the following to achieve full admittance:
- Pass EHS 221, First Aid and CPR and EHS 222, Principles of Athletic Training with a minimum GPA of 2.50.
- Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 for all completed course work (based on all college-level work computed both at Alma College and at other institutions).
- Hold the following valid certifications (or their equivalents):
- Standard First Aid and Safety — American Red Cross.
- CPR for the Professional Rescuer — American Red Cross.
- Complete a minimum of 50 voluntary observational hours under the direct supervision of an Approved Clinical Instructor within the ATEP at Alma College. Transfer students may complete documented observational clinical hours under the direct supervision of a Certified Athletic Trainer at the institution from which they are transferring. These supervised clinical hours must comply with the guidelines as outlined by the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification (NATABOC).
- Receive a positive observation evaluation from the Program Director and Approved Clinical Instructors of the ATEP.
- Pass a pre-admittance physical examination.
- Submit a health insurance/history form.
- Acceptance of the Technical Standards.
- Updated Hepatitis B vaccination or a signed waiver form.
- Updated TB Screening.
Once admitted to the program the ATS is required to meet certain standards for retention including a minimum GPA and successful completion of required clinical skills. In addition, there are some financial costs involved with the ATEP. The specific policies are located in the ATS handbook or contact the ATEP Director.
Transfer Students: Transfer students must fulfill all the program requirements as indicated. The ATEP Director and the Registrar will evaluate the coursework from the previous institution to determine the courses that meet the requirements of Alma College and the ATEP. In addition the ATEP Director will determine which Athletic Training courses meet the program's proficiencies and competencies. Transfer students need to show proof of the clinical proficiencies and clinical experiences that were taught by an ACI. The ATEP reserves the right to give the transfer student a comprehensive exam to test the educational level of the student.
Athletic Training Major Requirements
Core: 20 credits consisting of EHS 225, 226, 301, 327 and 344.
Concentration: 38 credits consisting of EHS 221, 222, 323, 324, 325, 326, 328, 340, 345, 427 and eight credits of Clinical Experiences EHS 105, 106, 205, 206, 305, 306, 405 and 406.
Secondary Physical Education Teaching Major Requirements: This program has been submitted to the Michigan Department of Education and is currently under review for approval. See Dr.'s Anderson or Seals with questions.
Forty-two credits which must include EHS 221, 225, 226, 271, 301, 327, 331, 334, 344, 345, and 428; one from 150, 154, 156M and 157; two from 110, 112, 118, and 165A,B,S,V; and one from THD 140 and 141. K-12 certification may be obtained by completion of EHS 339. Recommended, but not required, is EHS 201.
| EHS 105. | Clinical Experience in Athletic Training I | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 credit | ||
| Combines the required proficiencies of a level one student with a clinicial field experience. | ||
| EHS 106. | Clinical Experience in Athletic Training II | |
| 1 credit | ||
| EHS 105 or Permission | ||
| Combines the required proficiencies of a level one student with a clinicial field experience. | ||
| EHS 110. | Beginning Tennis | |
| 1 credit | $3 | |
| EHS 112. | Beginning Golf | |
| 1 credit | $4 | |
| EHS 116. | Badminton | |
| 1 credit | $10 | |
| EHS 118. | Racquetball | |
| 1 credit | $4 | |
| EHS 130. | Beginning and Advanced Beginning Swimming | |
| 1 credit | ||
| EHS 131. | Advanced Beginning/ Intermediate Swimming | |
| 1 credit | ||
| EHS 150. | Fitness for Life | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Introduction to lifetime activities for physical fitness and cardiovascular health; includes fitness testing and personalized exercise prescription. | ||
| EHS 152. | Basic Tumbling | |
| 1 credit | ||
| EHS 154. | Conditioning | |
| 1 credit | ||
| EHS 155. | Cross-Country Skiing | |
| 1 credit | Fee: Ski Rental | |
| EHS 156. | Strength Training | |
| 1 credit | ||
| EHS 157. | Aerobic Exercise | |
| 1 credit | $35 | |
| EHS 160. | Independent Individual Activity | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Permission | ||
| EHS 165. | Independent Group Activity | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Designed for a group of students to contract for a specific goal-centered learning experience. Goals, activities and means of evaluation must be detailed with the instructor. | ||
| EHS 200. | Lifeguarding | |
| 2 credits | ||
| Fundamentals of lifeguarding. Satisfactory completion of this course qualifies student for American Red Cross lifeguarding certification. | ||
| EHS 201. | Water Safety Instruction | |
| 2 credits | ||
| Advanced Life Saving Certificate | ||
| EHS 202. | Aerobic Exercise Instructor | |
| 2 credits | $35 | |
| EHS 157 and Permission | ||
| Methods of design and instruction for safe and effective aerobic dance exercise programs. | ||
| EHS 205. | Clinical Experience in Athletic Training III | |
| 1 credit | ||
| EHS 106 or Permission | ||
| Combines the required proficiencies of a level two student with a clinicial field experience. | ||
| EHS 206. | Clinical Experience in Athletic Training IV | |
| 1 credit | ||
| EHS 205 or Permission | ||
| Combines the required proficiencies of a level two student with a clinicial field experience. | ||
| EHS 210. | Health Careers Seminar | |
| 2 credits | ||
| Examination of current information and practices relating to human health. Includes discussions, independent research, on-campus presentations by invited professionals, and off-campus visits to observe health practices, services, agencies and businesses. Pass/fail only. | ||
| EHS 212. | Physiology of Aging | |
| 4 credits | ||
| BIO 121 | ||
| Study of the physiological changes accompanying the aging process. Focuses on both the natural aging process and diseases that are a consequence of aging. Emphasis on lifestyle modification and aging. | ||
| EHS 214. | Faith and Physiology (NS-1) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Critically evaluate the evidence suggesting a link between spirituality and health outcomes. Students are introduced to the scientific method, the current debate on science and religion, as well as basic understandings of the putative physiological basis for the observed connection. Larger questions of mind-body connections are addressed through extensive laboratory experiences. Intended for non-science majors. Laboratory. | ||
| EHS 215. | Human Structure and Function (NS-1) | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Provides basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on applications to health and medicine. Intended for non-science majors and may not count toward an EHS Major or Minor. Students who have taken EHS 226 or BIO 207 should not take this course. Laboratory. | ||
| EHS 221. | First Aid and CPR | |
| 2 credits | ||
| Introduction to basic first aid and CPR. Satisfactory completion of this course qualifies student for American Red Cross Certificate. | ||
| EHS 222. | Principles of Athletic Training | |
| 4 credits | $15 | |
| EHS 221 | ||
| Introduction to the general principles of athletic injuries. | ||
| EHS 223. | Women's Health Seminar | |
| 2 credits | ||
| Develops an understanding of the factors that define illness or well-being in women's health. Emphasis on students as pursuers of contemporary issues in women's health. | ||
| EHS 224. | Substance Use and Abuse | |
| 4 credits | ||
| BIO 121 | ||
| An introductory analysis of the physiological, pharmacological, psychological and sociological aspects of substance use and abuse. Emphasis on the biological basis for drug action, tolerance development, physical and psychological dependence, as well as addictive behaviors will provide students with an understanding of key physiological and biochemical concepts. | ||
| EHS 225-226. | Human Physiology | |
| 4 credits each | ||
| BIO 121; EHS 225 before 226 | ||
| Study of physiological functions of the human body and the relationship of systems to the maintenance of homeostatic balance. Includes applications of physiological principles to practical issues in medicine and physical performance. Laboratory. | ||
| EHS 270. | Community Health | |
| 4 credits | $20 | |
| Permission | ||
| A direct application class which provides hands-on experience gathering, entering, analyzing and interpreting actual health data. Students spend two weeks conducting Heart Fairs in eight local school districts with sixth-grade children. During the Heart Fairs, the children are educated and assessed on various heart disease risk factors. | ||
| EHS 271. | Personal and School Health | |
| 2 credits | ||
| EDC 201 and 220 concurrently, or Permission | ||
| Designed to cover topical health content required for state teaching certification and methodology for teaching school health. | ||
| EHS 280. | EHS Seminar | |
| 1 credit | ||
| Junior Standing | ||
| Topics in physiology selected by the instructor. Students expected to give a presentation. | ||
| EHS *301. | Nutrition | |
| 4 credits | ||
| EHS 226 or BIO 207 | ||
| Introduction to human nutrition including identification, function and food sources of required nutrients. Application of principles of normal nutrition to special issues (e.g., physical performance, obesity, pathology.) | ||
| EHS *303. | Stress Management | |
| 2 credits | ||
| Junior Standing | ||
| Investigation of stressors in the work, social and self environments. The physiology of stress and deep relaxation techniques studied as an introduction to life style redesign. | ||
| EHS *305. | Clinical Experience in Athletic Training V | |
| 1 credit | ||
| EHS 206 or Permission | ||
| Combines the required proficiencies of a level three student with a clinicial field experience. | ||
| EHS *306. | Clinical Experience in Athletic Training VI | |
| 1 credit | ||
| EHS 305 or Permission | ||
| Combines the required proficiencies of a level three student with a clinicial field experience. | ||
| EHS *310. | Introduction to Exercise Science Research | |
 |
2 credits | |
| Permission or Junior status | ||
| Introduction to the research process. Typically students make a formal research proposal. Students are encouraged to pursue an individual study of a particular subject in Exercise Science. | ||
| EHS *323. | Therapeutic Modalities | |
| 3 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
| Physiological principles and application of various therapeutic modalities utilized in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Laboratory. | ||
| EHS *324. | Therapeutic Exercise | |
| 3 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
| Methods and principles utilized in the rehabilitation of injuries of the physically active. Laboratory. | ||
| EHS *325. | Orthopedic Assessment I | |
| 3 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
| Knowledge and practical application of theory and assessment methods necessary for the recognition of signs and symptoms of upper extremity injuries. Laboratory. | ||
| EHS *326. | Orthopedic Assessment II | |
| 3 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
| Knowledge and practical application of theory and assessment methods necessary for the recognition of signs and symptoms of lower extremity injuries. Laboratory. | ||
| EHS *327. | Physiology of Exercise | |
| 4 credits | $15 | |
| EHS 226 or BIO 207 | ||
| Exploration of the physiological process in relation to exercise in everyday life, and to sports and recreational activities. Laboratory. | ||
| EHS *328. | Human Diseases | |
| 4 credits | ||
| EHS 226, BIO 207 or Permission | ||
| Introduction to the pathophysiologic study of disease in humans. | ||
| EHS *331. | Health Promotion | |
|
4 credits | |
| Junior Standing | ||
| Provides critical information for planning, implementing, and evaluating health promotion programs in the workplace, schools, community or health care setting. | ||
| EHS *334. | Theory and Practice of Individual Sports | |
| 4 credits | $30 | |
| Permission | ||
| Analysis of the skills of badminton, tennis and golf, and methods of instruction unique to each sport. Assumes basic proficiency in each sport. | ||
| EHS *339. | Exercise and Health Science in the Elementary School | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
| Methods of teaching exercise and health science activities and practice in planning a physical education curriculum. Designed for elementary classroom teachers and Exercise and Health Science Majors. | ||
| EHS *340. | Pharmacology | |
| 4 credits | ||
| EHS 226 or BIO 207 | ||
| Overview of the major concepts of pharmaceutical sciences. Includes the study of basic pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic principles as related to the major classes of drugs used in the clinical setting today. | ||
| EHS *344. | Human Anatomy (NS-1) | |
| 4 credits | $20 | |
| EHS 226 | ||
| In-depth study of human anatomy with laboratory experience. | ||
| EHS *345. | Biomechanics I | |
| 2 credits | ||
| EHS 344 | ||
| Introduction to the mechanical foundations of human movement with emphasis on applications to sports techniques and activities. Quantitative analysis of static equilibrium, linear and angular motion and relevant external forces. | ||
| EHS *346. | Biomechanics II | |
| 2 credits | ||
| EHS 345 or Permission | ||
| Continuation of EHS 345. Emphasis on experimental procedures in biomechanics and kinesiology. Laboratory. | ||
| EHS *350. | Principles of Coaching for Teachers | |
| 2 credits | ||
| Designed as a variable content course with the subject to be determined on a demand basis. Topics may include basketball, football, soccer, track, volleyball or baseball/softball. | ||
| EHS *380. | Topics in Exercise and Health Science | |
| 1-4 credits | ||
| Designed as a variable topic and credit course which may include adaptive and corrective physical education, injury rehabilitation, environmental physiology and sports medicine. | ||
| EHS *385-*386-*387. | Practicum | |
| 1-4 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
| Designed for off- or on-campus placement combining academic orientation with practical preprofessional experience. Maximum of eight credits. | ||
| EHS *390. | Field Work in EHS/Recreation | |
| 2 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
| EHS *401. | Molecular Aspects of Muscle Physiology | |
| 4 credits | ||
| EHS 226 and CHM 115 | ||
| Detailed analysis of recent advances in our understanding of muscle function. Includes basic mechanisms of contraction, neuromuscular control and plasticity/adaption of muscle tissue. Important comparisons between the major muscle types are made. Emphasis placed on understanding these concepts at the molecular level and how these mechanisms translate to overall tissue function. Laboratory. | ||
| EHS *405. | Clinical Experience in Athletic Training VII | |
| 1 credit | ||
| EHS 306 or Permission | ||
| Combines the required proficiencies of a level four student with a clinical field experience. | ||
| EHS *406. | Clinical Experience in Athletic Training VIII | |
| 1 credit | ||
| EHS 405 or Permission | ||
| Combines the required proficiencies of a level four student with a clinical field experience. | ||
| EHS *427. | Administration of Athletic Training | |
|
2 credits | |
| Permission | ||
| Prepares the athletic training student with the organizational and administrative theories utilized in the management of an athletic training facility. | ||
| EHS *428. | Exercise Testing and Prescription | |
| 4 credits | $20 | |
| EHS 327 | ||
| In-depth study of theoretical bases and applied knowledge required for graded exercise testing and individualized exercise prescription for normal and high risk populations, with emphasis on cardiac patients. Electrocardiograph techniques and interpretation, pharmacological considerations, test data interpretations and emergency procedures are included. Laboratory. | ||
| EHS *430. | Epidemiology | |
| 4 credits | ||
| BIO 121 and Junior Standing, or Permission | ||
| Presents concepts, principles and methods generally used in the surveillance and investigation of heath-related events. | ||
| EHS *499. | Independent Study | |
| 2-4 credits | ||
| Permission | ||
| Research in Exercise and Health Science under the supervision of the Department culminating in a thesis or research project. Open to Majors only. | ||
| EHS *500. | Senior Thesis | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Permission | ||