Kinesiology

Sven Arvidson, PhD, Interim Chair
Web: http://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/departments/kinesiology/

Objectives	Academic Progression
Freshman Admission	Technical Standards
Introduction	Program Requirements

Objectives

Kinesiology is the study of physical activity and its impact on health, society, and quality of life. Areas of study include exercise science, sport and exercise psychology, fitness leadership, and pre-professional training for physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and other health related fields.

The Kinesiology Department at Seattle University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport and Exercise Science. Students majoring in Sport and Exercise Science complete a combination of basic and applied science courses to explore how the human body functions during physical activity and exercise. As part of the curriculum students will apply the principles and concepts of biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, and physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition and exercise psychology to the study of the human body’s responses and adaptions to acute and chronic bouts of physical activity and exercise.

The faculty and staff of the Kinesiology Department are committed to:

Providing an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to become leaders in the field of kinesiology through a rigorous and practical academic experience.
Developing well-rounded professionals committed to applying their knowledge, skills, and critical thinking to the betterment of society.
Ensuring access to state-of-the-art teaching and laboratory facilities.
Bridging the gap between the classroom and the latest research findings and professional practices.

Students who complete this degree often continue their studies at the graduate level in fields related to exercise science or allied health. Students not intending to pursue a graduate education are prepared for employment with community, medical, corporate and athletic fitness programs or in the sales or marketing division of exercise and/or medical equipment manufacturers.

Freshman Admission

Freshmen applicants for admission to the Sport and Exercise Science program must have completed at least four years, or equivalent, of college preparatory mathematics, including the equivalent of pre-calculus. At least two years, or equivalent, of laboratory science, including laboratory chemistry and physics is also required. See the Freshman Admissions Requirements listed on the Undergraduate Admission page in this catalog for additional information.

Introduction

The demands placed on students during their academic preparation are designed to reflect those encountered in the field upon graduation. Courses will educate students in the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the required functions associated with entry level jobs that are typical for a kinesiology graduate. This document will identify the essential functions and technical standards required of students as stipulated by the faculty of the Kinesiology Department. The student is expected to be able to meet these standards in order to be admitted into the Sport and Exercise Science major and maintain the standards throughout their academic program.

If a student has a disability which may require special accommodation to perform the tasks listed, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the Director of the Sport and Exercise Science Program and the Student Disabilities Services Office so appropriate steps can be taken to determine whether reasonable accommodations may be made. In the event that a student is unable to fulfill these essential functions and technical standards they may be asked to leave the program because we want our students to be prepared to fulfill the expectations for typical entry level jobs with a Sport and Exercise Science major well before a career path is pursued.

Candidates for the Sport and Exercise Science Major must:

Possess effective verbal and written communication skills in English and appropriate nonverbal demeanor in order to interact and develop rapport with faculty, students, staff, administrators, program participants and others which may include individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds.
Be able to perform appropriate exercise testing and exercise leadership procedures in a safe, reliable, ethical, legal and efficient manner.
Demonstrate the mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, and integrate concepts in the classroom and laboratory and then be able to solve simple and complex problems likely to be encountered in exercise science settings.
Possess sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function and coordination to perform appropriate assessment procedures and demonstrate proper exercise methods utilizing standard techniques and instruments/equipment in working with participants.
Demonstrate emotional maturity, composure and patience and the ability to be flexible under stress in a variety of situations.
Demonstrate honesty, integrity, professionalism and maintain a high personal code of conduct both on and off campus.

Academic Progression

In order to progress into the Sport and Exercise Science sequence courses (SPEX) students must complete all of the following courses with a minimum grade of “C” and have a GPA for these courses of at least 2.50.

Technical Standards

In order to perform the essential functions consistent with entry level jobs in fields related to sport and exercise science and to be successful in this sport and exercise science academic program, an individual must demonstrate specific observational, psychomotor, cognitive, and behavioral skills and abilities. Specifically, students in the Sport and Exercise Science major must be able to:

OBSERVATIONAL SKILLS

Accurately observe the participant activity and behavior during physical activity assessments.
Conduct appropriate physical activity pre-screening and assessment of risk factors prior to physical activity.
Completion and evaluation of physical activity and nutrition logs for yourself and others.
Perform self-assessments of health, fitness and behavior.
Observe changes in participant status which may require modification of activity or intervention such as: skin color (pallor or flushing), breathing regularity and effort, heart rate, ECG, blood pressure, skin temperature, gait pattern, facial expressions.
Interpret information from laboratory tests.
Accurately monitor and operate dials, displays, and equipment used in evaluating participants including exercise equipment (treadmills, ergometers, cycles, etc.), ECG machines, stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers, resistance training machines and free weights, calipers and dynamometers, pulmonary function and body composition equipment.

PSYCHOMOTOR SKILLS

Mobility

Attend lecture and laboratory classes and access laboratories, classrooms and work stations. (This may include outdoor activities).
Attend internships in assigned locations.
Accomplish required physical tasks for assessment, demonstration, leadership, and assistance in academic, laboratory, and internship settings.
Perform emergency procedures such as first aid or CPR in laboratory and internship setting.

Strength tasks

Safely and effectively administer exercise and training techniques which require demonstration, facilitation, spotting, or resistance.
Manually adjust exercise and training equipment.
Safely assist and guard participants during exercise testing and training.