Integrative Physiology and Health Science (IPH)

Professors Anderson, Ball, Davis and Luetkemeier; Visiting Instructor Wenta; Instructors Andre, Cole, Griffin, Johnson, Knight, McGuire and Munderloh.

The Integrative Physiology 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 IPH 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 IPH Program can be combined with the Secondary Teacher Education Program. Many IPH graduates pursue graduate study in exercise physiology, medicine, nutrition, occupational therapy, physical therapy, public health and health promotion.

IPH Major Requirements

  1. Core: 20 credits consisting of IPH 220, 225, 226, 327, and 344.
  2. Concentration: 16 credits from one of the following:
    1. Clinical Exercise Physiology: IPH 310, 328, 329, 340 and 428.
    2. Pre-therapy: IPH 310, 345, 346, 401 and 6 credits from IPH 323, 324, 328, 329, or 428.
    3. Pre-medicine: IPH 310; 270 or 331 or 430; 328 or 340; and 6 credits from the previous options or IPH 270, 328, 329, 340, 345, 346, 401, 428, or 430.
    4. Public Health: IPH 270, 331, and 430 and 4 credits from IPH 223, 310, 328, or 340.
  3. Either completion of the Senior Oral Comprehensive Examination administered by the Department, completion of Senior Seminar (IPH 480) or completion of a Senior Thesis (IPH 500).
  4. At least one practicum experience is strongly recommended for all IPH Majors. Note: For some concentrations, First Aid and CPR certification are required by external internship/practicum programs.

IPH Minor Requirements

Twenty-four credits which must include IPH 225, 226, 327 and 344.

NOTE: No activity courses (EHS 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 (ATH)

The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is an accredited program by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. 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, family practice medicine clinic, high school, corporate wellness program and orthopedic medicine practice.

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, AT, 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. Applications for Provisional Admission to the ATEP will be reviewed beginning March 1 and continue until the class is filled.

The applicant will be notified of their status by April 1 for fall admission.

Preference will be given to those applicants who have:

  1. Completed the Athletic Training Application
  2. High college grade point average
  3. High grade point average in high school
  4. Three letters of recommendation
  5. 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:

  1. Pass IPH 221, First Aid and CPR and IPH 222, Principles of Athletic Training with a minimum GPA of 2.50.
  2. 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).
  3. Hold the following valid certifications (or their equivalents):
    1. Standard First Aid and Safety — American Red Cross.
    2. CPR for the Professional Rescuer — American Red Cross.
  4. Complete a minimum of 75 voluntary observational hours under the direct supervision of an Approved Clinical Instructor within the ATEP at Alma College. These hours need to be recorded on the appropriate form, which is provided and does not count toward the 1,000-hour clinical requirement. 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 Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
  5. Receive a positive observation evaluation from the Program Director and Approved Clinical Instructors of the ATEP. This evaluation reflects the student's performance in the clinical setting, potential as a student athletic trainer, and the student's potential to become a professional in the athletic training field.
  6. Pass a pre-admittance physical examination.
  7. Submit a health insurance/history form.
  8. Acceptance of the Technical Standards.
  9. Demonstrate a recent Hepatitis B vaccination or a signed waiver form.
  10. Receive a 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 IPH 220, 225, 226, 327 and 344.

Concentration: 38 credits consisting of IPH 221, 222, 323, 324, 325, 326, 328, 340, 345, 427, 480 and eight credits of Clinical Experiences IPH 105, 106, 205, 206, 305, 306, 405 and 406.

Secondary Physical Education Teaching Major Requirements

Forty-two credits which must include IPH 220, 221, 225, 226, 271, 327, 331, 334, 344, 345, and 428; one from EHS 150, 154, 156M and 157; two from EHS 110, 112, 118, and 165A, B, S, V; and one from THD 140 and 141. Recommended, but not required, is IPH 201.

IPH 105. Clinical Experience in Athletic Training I
1 credit
Combines the required proficiencies of a level one student with a clinical field experience.
IPH 106. Clinical Experience in Athletic Training II
1 credit
IPH 105 or Permission
Combines the required proficiencies of a level one student with a clinical field experience.
IPH 205. Clinical Experience in Athletic Training III
1 credit
IPH 106 or Permission
Combines the required proficiencies of a level two student with a clinical field experience.
IPH 206. Clinical Experience in Athletic Training IV
1 credit
IPH 205 or Permission
Combines the required proficiencies of a level two student with a clinical field experience.
IPH 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.
IPH 212. Physiology of Aging (NS-1)
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.
IPH 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.
IPH 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 IPH Major or Minor. Students who have taken IPH 226 or BIO 207 should not take this course. Laboratory.
IPH 220. Nutrition (NS-1)
4 credits
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.)
IPH 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.
IPH 222. Principles of Athletic Training
4 credits $15
IPH 221
Introduction to the general principles of athletic injuries.
IPH 223. Issues in Global Women's Health
2 credits
Develop an understanding of the full spectrum of factors which define illness or well-being in women's health from a global perspective. This includes investigating and understanding the social conditions of populations and how these conditions affect the health of women.
IPH 224. Substance Use and Abuse (NS-1)
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.
IPH *225-*226. Human Physiology (NS-1)
4 credits each
BIO 121; IPH 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.
IPH 270. Community Health
Quill Course 4 credits $30
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.
IPH 271a.-b. School Health and Physical Education
2 credits
EDC 100, 120, 160, 200 or Permission
Designed to cover topical health and physical education content required for state teaching certification and methodology for teaching at either the elementary (a) or secondary (b) level.
IPH 280. IPH Seminar
1 credit
Junior Standing
Topics in physiology selected by the instructor. Students expected to give a presentation.
IPH *303. Stress Management
2 credits
Sophomore 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.
IPH *305. Clinical Experience in Athletic Training V
1 credit
IPH 206 or Permission
Combines the required proficiencies of a level three student with a clinical field experience.
IPH *306. Clinical Experience in Athletic Training VI
1 credit
IPH 305 or Permission
Combines the required proficiencies of a level three student with a clinical field experience.
IPH *310. Introduction to Exercise Science Research
Quill Course 2 credits
Permission or Junior Standing
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.
IPH *323. Therapeutic Modalities
2 credits for IPH majors; 3 credits for ATH majors
Permission
Physiological principles and application of various therapeutic modalities utilized in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Laboratory.
IPH *324. Therapeutic Exercise
2 credits for IPH majors; 3 credits for ATH majors
Permission
Methods and principles utilized in the rehabilitation of injuries of the physically active. Laboratory.
IPH *325. Orthopedic Assessment I
2 credits for IPH majors; 3 credits for ATH majors
Permission
Knowledge and practical application of theory and assessment methods necessary for the recognition of signs and symptoms of upper extremity injuries. Laboratory.
IPH *326. Orthopedic Assessment II
2 credits for IPH majors; 3 credits for ATH majors
Permission
Knowledge and practical application of theory and assessment methods necessary for the recognition of signs and symptoms of lower extremity injuries. Laboratory.
IPH *327. Physiology of Exercise (NS-1)
4 credits $15
IPH 226 or BIO 207
Exploration of the physiological process in relation to exercise in everyday life, and to sports and recreational activities. Laboratory.
IPH *328. Human Diseases (NS-1)
4 credits
IPH 226, BIO 207 or Permission
Introduction to the pathophysiologic study of disease in humans.
IPH *329. EKG Interpretation
2 credits
IPH 225, 226 or BIO 207
Assessment and interpretation of the normal and abnormal electrocardiogram. Includes analysis of EKG changes associated with exercise, disease states and pharmacological treatments. Laboratory.
IPH *331. Health Promotion (NS-1)
Quill Course 4 credits
Junior Standing
Provides critical information for planning, implementing, and evaluating health promotion programs in the workplace, schools, community or health care setting.
IPH *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.
IPH *340. Pharmacology (NS-1)
4 credits
IPH 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.
IPH *344. Human Anatomy (NS-1)
4 credits $20
IPH 226
In-depth study of human anatomy with laboratory experience.
IPH *345. Biomechanics I
2 credits
IPH 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.
IPH *346. Biomechanics II
2 credits
IPH 345 or Permission
Continuation of IPH 345. Emphasis on experimental procedures in biomechanics and kinesiology. Laboratory.
IPH *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.
IPH *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.
IPH *401. Molecular Aspects of Muscle Physiology (NS-1)
Quill Course 4 credits
IPH 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.
IPH *405. Clinical Experience in Athletic Training VII
1 credit
IPH 306 or Permission
Combines the required proficiencies of a level four student with a clinical field experience.
IPH *406. Clinical Experience in Athletic Training VIII
1 credit
IPH 405 or Permission
Combines the required proficiencies of a level four student with a clinical field experience.
IPH *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.
IPH *428. Exercise Testing and Prescription (NS-1)
4 credits $20
IPH 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.
IPH *430. Epidemiology (NS-1)
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.
IPH *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.
IPH *500. Senior Thesis
Quill Course 4 credits
Permission