Curriculum
The MS in Exercise & Sport Science was designed to prepare graduate students in the following ways:
- Application of advanced knowledge (e.g. exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics) in sport specific settings
- Participation in research activities investigating adaptations to training, testing methodologies, sports nutrition, injury reduction strategies, and biomechanics
- Leadership and management in the strength and conditioning community/workplace
- Data management and analysis for athlete monitoring programs
- For successfully meeting established criteria, the National Strength and Conditioning Association officially recognize Sacred Heart University’s Graduate Studies Program in Strength and Conditioning.
Required Course Work
Students choose either the thesis sequence (EX 560 and EX 561) or the graduate project sequence (EX 564 and EX 565). Starting with incoming students for the fall 2021 semester, students will also take courses in Instrumentation as well as Data Analytics for Sport Scientists.
This course provides an in-depth overview of work physiology, including cellular respiration, ventilation, cardiovascular dynamics, muscle physiology, the endocrine system, environmental aspects of exercise, and the anthropometric, histologic, and biochemical adaptive response to physical training. The processes of the gastrointestinal tract will be explored as well.
This course provides students with the requisite knowledge for proper selection and operation of laboratory equipment and methodologies used within Exercise and Sport Science. Proper methodological decisions will be based on current real-world applications to measure performance, physiology, and biomechanical outcomes related to sport and exercise. Students will learn and demonstrate how to collect, analyze, interpret, and report data from standard equipment and various testing methodologies.
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of research design, measurement, statistical analysis, and scientific inquiry as these concepts apply to understanding and evaluating published research. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to make informed decisions about the relevance of published research to their own practice and research.
This course provides a review of human anatomy and movements. Both computer based simulations and the cadaver lab will be utilized.
This course covers advanced concepts in exercise prescription for endurance athletes. Consideration for special-case athletes, such as the diabetic or overweight athlete, will also be explored.
This course will expose students to various movement screens that are used in the movement sciences for injury prediction and return to play decisions. This course will explore the validity and reliability of these screens along with proper procedures for testing and evaluation of results. This course will also expose the student to basic corrective approaches to dysfunction identified through the movement screening process.
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of working with data in sport and exercise science. This includes how to evaluate, organize, analyze, interpret, and discuss data. Data is an important and growing part of exercise and sport science. We will consider "traditional" lab data (such as from motion capture and metabolic carts) as well as larger data sets (such as from wearables and athlete tracking systems). Conceptual understanding of data analysis will combine with practical applications and projects to give the student a comprehensive foundation for performing data analysis in various settings within the fields of exercise science, sport science, and athletic performance. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to properly use data to inform decisions about both research experiments and athlete performance/training. Offered: Fall Semester All Years
This course studies the effects of acute and chronic exercise on nutrient requirements and fluid needs. Macronutrient metabolism, the influence of nutrient timing, and the ergogenic efficacy of dietary supplements receive substantial attention.
This course investigates effective coaching methods from a physiologic, psychological, and administrative framework. Students will be guided through an analysis of contemporary research and critical evaluation of current practices resulting in the development of an applied personal coaching methodology. In the process, this course addresses the promotion of interpersonal skills and the understanding of individual differences as they relate to human performance.
This course examines advanced concepts, theory, controversies, and techniques utilized in strength and conditioning program design. Validity and reliability of common performance tests and training techniques will be explored. The laboratory portion of the course will include performance test administration as well as program design and technique instruction.
This course provides a thorough evaluation of the mechanical basis of human movement. Fundamental mechanical principles affecting human movement during locomotion and a variety of daily activities are considered. Techniques and methods of mechanics, quantitative video analysis, isometric and isokinetic muscle force, electromyography, and research evaluation are incorporated into laboratory projects.
Issues in research design and statistical analysis within the context of a proposed thesis are explored. A prospectus including a full review of literature and study design will be the end product of the course. Receiving a grade in the course will be contingent upon submitting an IRB application.
Data collection and analysis will be performed, culminating in the results and discussion sections of the thesis.
The graduate project includes initiation or continuation of 500 hours in a performance oriented setting(s) and preparation for track-specific certification exams. The supporting course focuses on organization and administration issues within the context of an exercise facility. Facility and personnel management, safety issues, and finance will be discussed.
The continuation of the graduate project includes completion of internship hours and continued preparation for track-specific certification exams. The supporting online course will provide continued exploration of periodization and strength/power/speed training program design. Students will explore current trends in strength and conditioning and gain experience through internships.