College: Graduate Programs Institute

This specialization offers a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of physical exercise, health, and sports sciences. Students explore the physiological, psychological, and biomechanical aspects of human performance, health enhancement, and disease prevention. The program focuses on evidence-based practice, innovation, and the application of scientific principles to enhance physical fitness, improve sports performance, and enhance general health. Graduates are prepared for careers in sports science, health and wellness, coaching, rehabilitation, and research.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basics of physical exercise, health, and sports sciences.
• Develop skills in designing and implementing exercise and training programs.
• Learn techniques for assessing physical fitness and health indicators.
• Explore the role of exercise in chronic disease prevention and management.
• Understand the physiological and psychological factors affecting performance and health.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in health promotion and sports performance.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to improve health and performance.

Main Outline:

1. Introduction to Exercise, Health, and Sports Sciences
   • Overview of the field and its applications in health, fitness, and sports.
2. Exercise Physiology
   • Study how the body responds and adapts to physical activity.
   • Techniques for assessing cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular fitness.
3. Biomechanics of Human Movement
   • Principles of mechanical analysis of human movement.
   • Techniques to improve movement efficiency and performance.
4. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
   • The role of physical activity in chronic disease prevention and management.
   • Techniques for designing health promotion programs.
5. Sports Nutrition
   • Basics of nutrition for sports performance and recovery.
   • Techniques for developing personalized nutrition plans.
6. Motor Control and Learning
   • Study how the brain and nervous system control movement.
   • Techniques to improve motor skills and coordination.
7. Strength and Fitness
   • Principles of designing strength, endurance, and fitness programs.
   • Techniques to enhance sports performance.
8. Sport and Exercise Psychology
   • Explore psychological factors affecting performance and motivation.
   • Techniques for training mental skills and enhancing athlete welfare.
9. Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
   • Basics of identifying risk factors and preventing sports injuries.
   • Techniques for designing rehabilitation programs.
10. Capstone Project
    • A practical project applying skills in exercise programming, health promotion, or sports performance.
    • Techniques for delivering a comprehensive solution to a health or performance challenge.

Assessment Methods:

• Lab experiments and fitness assessments.
• Written assignments on exercise physiology, biomechanics, and health promotion.
• Group projects in program design and performance enhancement.
• Internships with sports teams, fitness centers, or health organizations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and Human Performance" by McArdle, Katch, and Katch.
• "Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise" by Peter M. McGinnis.
• "Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning" by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
• "Sport and Exercise Psychology" by Weinberg and Gould.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of biology, anatomy, and physiology. Suitable for students in sports sciences, kinesiology, and health sciences.

Duration of Specialization:

Typically 4 years, including coursework, labs, and internships.

Degree:

Graduates may obtain a degree in Physical Exercise, Health, and Sports Sciences, or a related field.

Target Audience:

Aspiring sports scientists, health and wellness professionals, coaches, rehabilitation specialists, and researchers. This specialization equips students with the technical, analytical, and practical skills to excel in physical exercise, health, and sports sciences, advancing fitness, performance, and overall well-being.