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The Exercise Science Program

Of the 30+ careers paths in the field of exercise science, approximately one-third require advanced education (graduate or professional). The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that most of the varied career paths will grow by 10% in the 2010-2020 decade.
Coursework prepares students to be able to apply for certifications with the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association in the areas of Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, Exercise Physiologist, and Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Biomechanics Research Laboratory
Location: FLDH 204/205
The Human Performance laboratory is a 1010 square foot facility that is a part of the Exercise Sciences laboratories in the Department of Health and Life Sciences here at William Penn University.

Human Motion Analysis Equipment

  • AMTI force platform that is positioned centrally on a 26-ft walkway (Advanced Mechanical Technology Inc., Watertown, MA)
  • Eight Vicon Vero infrared cameras, Compact, economical, super-wide mobile camera @ 1.3/2.2 megapixels (Vicon Motion System Ltd, United Kingdom)
  • Vicon Nexus, ProCalc, and Polygon software for 3D human motion analysis (Vicon Motion System Ltd, United Kingdom)

 

Exercise Physiology Equipment

  • Monarch 928E Testing ergometer for submaximal tests, training and rehabilitation (Monarch Medical. Staten Island, NY)
  • iWorks GA200 Gas analyzer for max VO2 evaluations (iWorks Corp. McClean, VA)
  • iWorks LabScribe Data Acquisition System (iWorks Corp. McClean, VA)
  • iWorks HK-TA Human Physiology Kit with IX-TA-220 with built-in Spirometer, Barometric Pressure Sensor, Heart Sounds Sensor, GripForce/Blood Pressure Sensor, Temperature Sensor, O2 Electrode Input, two iWire Digital Interfaces, High and Low Voltage Stimulators.

 

This equipment is used for both research purposes in athletic performance and injury prevention. The lab is used by the students in various classes to perform a variety of biomechanical and physiological evaluations during class. Our students get hands on experience with the equipment that is used in a variety of careers such as Physical Therapy, Occupational therapy, and Exercise Physiology careers.

Careers

While Exercise Science may sound like an easy major, the reality is: the field of study is rigorous and challenging. Courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, and nutrition lead to a comprehensive understanding of the human body. Graduates of the Exercise Science program will be prepared for careers in fields such as:

  • Athletic Trainer
  • Dietitian
  • Fitness Instructor
  • Personal Trainer
  • Pre-health Professional
  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy

Internships

Internships are designed to help students gain an understanding of professional experience. Professors encourage students to pursue internships so they can apply classroom and experimental knowledge to real world activity. WPU Exercise Science students have obtained internships with the following companies:

  • Titan Physical Therapy
  • Pella Recreation Center
  • Anytime Fitness (Oskaloosa and Pella)
  • New Hope Community Center
  • Kinetic Edge

Faculty

Jennifer Peterson, M.A.

Instructor of Kinesiology 641-674-1021 Email

Mauricio Nunez

Assistant Professor, Biomechanics and Exercise Science 641-673-1295 Email

Glenn Steimling, Ph.D.

Professor of Kinesiology 641-673-2171 Email

Organizations

The Kinesiology Club is for students who share a love of sport and physical activity. Field trips to sports facilities and events along with presentations by guest speakers from the sport and fitness industry are cornerstones of the club.

Courses

You’ll be taking the following courses as a student of the Exercise Science program:

Health and Life Sciences Foundation

  • KINS 160 First Aid & CPR
  • KINS 110 Wellness & Fitness

Exercise Science courses

  • BIOL 314 Human Anatomy
  • BIOL 315 Physiology
  • CHEM 101 General Chemistry I
  • CHEM 102 General Chemistry II
  • MATH 140 Algebra/Trigonometry
  • PHYS 201 General Physics I
  • PHYS 202 General Physics II
  • PYSC 102 General Psychology or
  • PYSC 108 Life Span Psychology
  • EXSC 205 Theory & Practice of Strength Conditioning
  • EXSC 325 Sport/Exercise Nutrition
  • EXSC 332 Analysis of Human Motion
  • EXSC 335 Exercise Physiology
  • EXSC 420 Biomechanics
  • EXSC 430 Advanced Exercise Physiology
  • EXSC 437 Exercise Prescription
  • EXSC 440 Sports Pharmacology
  • KINS 150 Fund Concepts of HPER
  • KINS 334 Test & Measurement in HPER
  • KINS 357 Internship
  • KINS 390 Practicum