USC: Academic Bulletins

Professors
J. Mark Davis, Ph.D., Purdue University, 1981
J. Larry Durstine, Ph.D., University of Toledo, 1981
Bruce A. McClenaghan, P.E.D., M.P.T., Indiana University, 1976
Russell R Pate, Ph.D., University of Oregon, 1974
Harriet G. Williams, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1968

Associate Professor
Gregory A. Hand, Ph.D., University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, 1995

Assistant Professors
James A. Carson, Ph.D., Ohio State University, 1993
Victoria Haehl, Ph.D., University of Michigan, 2002
Sara J. Wilcox, Ph.D., Washington University, 1996
Shawn D. Youngstedt, Ph.D., University of Georgia, 1995

Overview

The mission of the Department of Exercise Science is to expand and disseminate the body of knowledge concerning the relationship between physical activity and human health. A key objective of the Department of Exercise Science is to expand the body of knowledge in the exercise sciences by conducting and publishing research that contributes to an understanding of the following:

effects of acute and chronic exercise on human function and health
physiologic and biochemical mechanisms that underlie responses and adaptations to exercise
physiologic responses to acute and chronic exercise in special populations including children, females, the elderly, chronic disease patients, and those with neurological and/or orthopedic impairments
neuromuscular and neurophysiological processes associated with motor skill development
developmental and aging aspects of motor function
appropriate methods of designing and delivering physical activity programs for purposes of health enhancement, neuromuscular rehabilitation, and perceptual-motor functioning
behavioral and psychosocial aspects of physical activity.

The Department of Exercise Science offers the following degrees: Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Department Admission Requirements

General

Application forms for admission to graduate programs in exercise science may be obtained by contacting the graduate director of the Department of Exercise Science or The Graduate School of the University. Applicants who wish to be considered for appointments as graduate assistants should complete the required Supplementary Applicant Information form and return it to the graduate director of the Department of Exercise Science. Graduate assistantship decisions begin on February 1 of each year. It is therefore advisable that all required materials be submitted prior to that date.

Applications are also available online via The Graduate School's Web page, www.gradschool.sc.edu.

Graduate assistantships are not ordinarily available to students enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. In some instances students may be offered a graduate assistantship during their final two years of study. All graduate assistantships must be related to the student's research and approved by the program director.

Master of Science (M.S.)

Applicants for the M.S. program must have an earned baccalaureate degree in exercise science or related discipline from an accredited institution. The following materials and standards are required for application, but do not guarantee admission:

Graduate School application stating specialization (exercise physiology or motor control and development) with the required, non-refundable application fee
Graduate Record Examination scores of 450 or better on both the verbal and quantitative sections
three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic ability
official transcripts of all previous college/university work
completed Applicant Information Form (available from the department), including resume, and a writing sample addressing future professional goals.

Admission is offered at two levels. Full admission status may be granted to applicants with satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination or equivalent, satisfactory references, and an undergraduate record indicating good academic performance. Conditional admission may be granted to applicants who intend ultimately to seek a graduate degree but lack one or more of the requirements for full admission status, or who are seeking graduate credit for the purpose of professional development. Non-degree status is not available to students for the D.P.T. program.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Applicants for the Ph.D. program in exercise science must have an earned baccalaureate degree in exercise science or related discipline from an accredited institution and should participate in a personal interview with the departmental admissions committee. A comprehensive academic profile is used in arriving at admission decisions. The following materials and standards are required:

Graduate School application with stated desired area of research emphasis with the required, non-refundable application fee
Graduate Record Examination scores of 1000 or better on combined verbal and quantitative sections
transcripts of all previous college/university work
letters of recommendation from at least three professors with knowledge of the applicant's academic performance
completed Applicant Information Form (available from the department) including a writing sample addressing future professional goals and specific research interests
current curriculum vitae.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

Applicants for the D.P.T. degree in the Department of Exercise Science must have an earned baccalaureate degree in a related discipline from an accredited institution. Applicants are reviewed for admission by a faculty committee and are formally approved by the graduate director of the Department of Exercise Science. The following materials and standards are required:

Graduate School application indicating D.P.T. as the program of study with the required, nonrefundable application fee of $40
Graduate Record Examination scores of 1000 or better required on combined verbal and quantitative sections
three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or clinical skills
official transcripts from all previous college/university work
completed supplemental application for the D.P.T. program, including a writing sample.

The applicant's transcripts, regardless of major, must demonstrate successful completion or enrollment in the following prerequisites:

Calculus--3 credit hours

General Physics--8* credit hours

Elementary Statistics--3 credit hours

Chemistry--8* credit hours

Anatomy and Physiology--8* credit hours

Biology--8* credit hours

*Courses must include a laboratory.

In addition to meeting the academic requirements for admission into the D.P.T. degree, students enrolled in the program must provide evidence of an annual tuberculosis screening, vaccination against diphtheria and tetanus within the last 10 years, and Hepatitis B virus immunization. Students must complete and maintain CPR certification by either the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Program Overview

Master's Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

The Master of Science degree in exercise science is designed to provide for in-depth, scientific, and research-based study in exercise science. Concentrations are available in exercise physiology and motor control and development. Areas of specific research emphasis correspond to those of departmental faculty. The specific program of study is designated by the advisor and must conform to requirements described in the Handbook for Graduate Students in Exercise Science.

Doctoral Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. program in exercise science is designed to prepare students for research careers in the exercise sciences; graduates are trained for entry into positions in universities, colleges, research institutes and research-oriented clinical settings. Areas of research emphasis correspond to those of the departmental faculty. The Ph.D. degree requires an approved program of up to 60 hours beyond the master's degree; this includes core requirements in exercise science, 15-27 hours in a specific area of emphasis, 6 to 12 hours in statistics and research design, and 12 hours of dissertation preparation. Programs of study are developed by the student's advisory committee and must conform to requirements described in the Handbook for Graduate Students in Exercise Science.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

The D.P.T. program is designed to prepare students to practice clinically and to conduct research in physical therapy. It is an entry-level program and is designed specifically for individuals who are not (or have not been) licensed as physical therapists. Graduates of the program will possess the skills and knowledge necessary to function as reflective practitioners and to conduct scholarly, clinically based research that will advance the scientific base of physical therapy practice. Graduates are eligible to complete the license examination in physical therapy and to assume positions as clinical physical therapists, clinical faculty in departments of physical therapy, coordinators of clinical research, and research scientists in a variety of settings. The D.P.T. degree requires 128 hours of study and involves a four-year program of study that includes 18 semester hours of clinical experience and 12 hours of dissertation research.

Program Requirements for Exercise Science Degree Programs

A listing of specific courses needed to meet these requirements is available in the department’s Handbook for Graduate Students in Exercise Science. Areas of research emphasis in all degree programs correspond to those of the departmental faculty.

Master of Science (M.S.) (39-42 hours)

Exercise Science (15-21 hours)

Research/Statistical Methods (3-9 hours)

Electives (6-18 hours)

Project (3 hours) or Thesis (6 hours)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) (60 hours)

Exercise Science (12-18 hours)

Research/Statistical Methods (6-12 hours)

Electives (18-30 hours)

Dissertation (12 hours)

Students will ordinarily complete 6-12 hours of independent research (EXSC 790) in addition to 12 dissertation hours.

Students are also required to select one of the following areas of specialization and complete 15 or more hours of course work in that area:

1. applied psychology;

2. health aspects of physical activity;

3. motor behavior/rehabilitation.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) (127 hours)

Foundational Core (32 hours)

Clinical Science (45 hours)

Clinical Experience (17 hours)

Research Core (24 hours*)

Electives (9 hours)

*Includes 12 hours of dissertation

Course Descriptions

Exercise Science (EXSC)

507 -- Exercise, Sport, and Nutrition. (3) (Prereq: EXSC 224) The relationship between exercise, sport performance, and nutrient metabolism.
530 -- The Physiology of Muscular Activity. (3) (Prereq: EXSC 223 and 224) The individual and combined roles of the major organ systems of the body in maintaining homeostasis during muscular exercise.
530L -- Physiology of Muscular Activity Lab. (1) Laboratory procedures in exercise physiology; measurement of physical fitness components.
531 -- Adult Fitness Program. (3) (Prereq: EXSC 530 or consent of instructor) Scientific bases of clinical exercise programming. The fitness instructor's role in encouraging changes in exercise behavior.
535 -- Biomechanics of Human Movement. (3) (Prereq: EXSC 223, 224, PHYS 201) Kinetic and kinematic principles governing efficient human movement. Selected methods of analyzing human movement will be reviewed.
555 -- Current Topics in Exercise Science. (1-3)
562 -- Impairments of the Human Motor System. (3) (Prereq: biology, anatomy, physiology, or the equivalent) Role of motor development in the growth and development of individuals exhibiting impaired motor control.
563 -- Physical Activity and the Physical Dimensions of Aging. (3) (Prereqs: EXSC 351 and 530 or consent of instructor) The effects of age and physical activity on physical and motor functions of elderly individuals.
700 -- Exercise and Public Health. (3) An introduction to exercise science with emphasis on the relationships between exercise and health for promotion of physical activity in clinical and public health settings.
706 -- Assessment of Motor Behavior. (3) Assessment of infant, child, adolescent, and adult motor behavior.
710 -- Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity. {=HPEB 713} (3) Psychosocial and behavioral factors in physical activity. Topics include mental health effects of exercise, behavior change theories applied to mental health effects of exercise, behavior change theories applied to physical activity, and physical activity determinants and interventions.
731 -- Mechanisms of Motor Skill Performance. (3) A study of theories and mechanisms involved in human movement. Focus is on analysis of principles and systems of gross motor control and learning.
742 -- Exercise Testing. (1) (Prereq: EXSC 531) Study of the procedures involved in screening and testing persons with varying levels of physical fitness.
743 -- Exercise Leadership. (1) (Prereq: EXSC 531) Study of procedures necessary for developing exercise prescriptions with varying levels of physical fitness.
744 -- Administration of Exercise Programs. (1) (Prereq: EXSC 531) Study of the procedures necessary for proper administration of exercise testing, fitness, and rehabilitation programs.
754 -- Community-Based Physical Activity Interventions. {=HPEB 754} (3) (Prereq: EXSC 700 or HPEB 700 or consent of instructor) Role of the physical activity specialist within the community health department. Development, initiation, and evaluation of campaigns, resources, community capacity building, and coalitions to promote physical activity.
755 -- Selected Topics in Exercise Science. (3) A study of selected issues in exercise science.
771 -- Data Acquisition in Exercise Science. (3) Fundamental concepts of computerized data acquisition in the exercise science laboratory.
778 -- Exercise and Childhood Obesity. (3) Causes and treatment of childhood obesity with special reference to the role of exercise in prevention and early intervention.
779 -- Exercise Physiology of Children and Youth. (3) Principles of exercise physiology applied specifically to children and youth. Particular emphasis on physiological foundations of physical fitness and methods for teaching physical fitness concepts.
780 -- Physiology of Exercise I. (4) Physiological responses to exercise: skeletal muscle structure and function, cardiorespiratory function, physiological determinants of exercise performance, and training adaptations. Didactic and laboratory included.
781 -- Physiology of Exercise II. (4) (Prereq: EXSC 780) Physiological responses to exercise: Neuroendocrine function, immunology, thermoregulation, cardiorespiratory control, hematology, gene expression, age/gender differences, selected other topics, and associated laboratory procedures.
782 -- Mechanical Analysis of Motor Skills. (3) Biomechanical principles underlying motor control and selected techniques used to quantify human movement.
783 -- Research Seminar in Exercise Physiology. (1-3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Presentation and discussion of current research topics in exercise physiology.
784 -- Exercise Testing and Programming. (3) Techniques used in exercise testing (including principles of electrocardiology) and in design and delivery of exercise programs for enhancing the health of normal and special adult populations.
785 -- Advanced Exercise Physiology Laboratory. (3) (Prereq: EXSC 780) Laboratory procedures for measurement of physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses to exercise.
790 -- Independent Study. (1, 2, or 3 hours to be designated at registration) Topics to be assigned and approved by advisor, graduate director, and department head.
795 -- Internship in Exercise Science. (3) (Prereq: Consent of instructor) Clinical practice in an applied area of exercise science. Requirements include at least 20 hours fieldwork per week with intensive supervision.
798 -- Project in Exercise Science. (3) Independently executed project designed to expand the student's knowledge of exercise science.
799 -- Thesis Preparation. (1-9)
831 -- Mechanisms of Motor Skill Performance II. (3) Advanced study of the theories and mechanisms of human movement and motor performance. Focus is on analysis of principles and systems regulating gross motor control and learning.
832 -- Research Practicum in Motor Leaning/Motor Performance. (3) Scientific investigation of specific research problems in motor learning/motor performance.
862 -- Analysis of Motor Impairments. (3) The study of neuromuscular bases of movement and associated impairments of motor function. Current assessment and programming techniques designed to assist in remediating motor impairment will be emphasized.
863 -- Physical Activity and the Aging Process. (3) The study of the aging process and its effects upon the physical activity patterns of the adult. Emphasis is on the mechanisms of aging as they directly influence movement.
871 -- Data Acquisition in Exercise Science II. (3) Advanced techniques of interfacing data acquisition equipment to the laboratory computer.
880 -- Myology and Exercise. (3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Study of muscle contraction mechanics, energetics, and metabolism and the relationship of these processes to physical training, athletics, and rehabilitation.
881 -- Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology. (3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Study of the cardiovascular and respiratory responses to acute exercise and examination of the adaptations observed in these systems with exercise training.
882 -- Physical Activity and Health. {=HPRE 751} (3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) An examination of physical activity/exercise habit patterns as they relate to health status. Emphasis on the chronic effects of exercise.
883 -- Chronic Disease Rehabilitation Through Exercise. (3) (Prereq: EXSC 531 and EXSC 780 or the equivalent) The study of the treatment of chronic diseases with special reference to exercise as a mode of therapy.
899 -- Dissertation Preparation. (1-12)

Physical Therapy (PHYT)

720 -- Fundamentals of Physical Therapy. (4) An overview of the profession and basic skills needed by the physical therapist related to patient evaluation and management. Restricted to D.P.T. students.
740 -- Professional Issues in Physical Therapy. (3) Professional communications and issues related to the practice of physical therapy. Restricted to D.P.T. students.
750 -- Orthopedic Physical Therapy I. (4) Principles of physical therapy evaluation and treatment of people with orthopedic disorders involving the cervical spine and/or upper extremity. Restricted to D.P.T. students.
751 -- Orthopedic Physical Therapy II. (4) Principles of physical therapy evaluation and treatment of people with orthopedic disorders involving the lumbar spine and/or lower extremity. Restricted to D.P.T. students.
756 -- Patient Management in Physical Therapy. (1) Review of current topics in physical therapy related to patient management. Restricted to D.P.T. students.
762 -- Neuromuscular Conditions. (3) Selected neuromuscular and physical conditions that result in an impaired motor function. Rehabilitation strategies.
763 -- Modalities: Therapy and Application. (4) Study of the physiological effects of selected treatment modalities commonly used in clinical physical therapy practice. Restricted to physical therapy students.
786 -- Research Seminar in Physical Therapy. (1) Presentation and discussion of current research topics in physical therapy. Restricted to D.P.T. students.
790 -- Independent Study. (1-3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Topics to be approved by advisor and graduate director. Pass/fail grading. Restricted to D.P.T. students.
806 -- Clinical Pathology and Differential Diagnosis. (3) Etiologies, pathologies, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and medical-surgical intervention of disease processes common in physical therapy. Restricted to D.P.T. students.
810 -- Neuromuscular Assessment and Treatment. (4) Neurological conditions and interventions commonly used in physical therapy practice. Restricted to D.P.T. students.
811 -- Pediatrics and Orthotics. (3) Assessment and evaluation of selected pediatric conditions. Orthotic prescription and evaluation. Restricted to doctor of physical therapy students.*
815 -- Management of Physical Therapy Practice. (4) Theory and application of management supervision and leadership skills necessary for the practice of physical therapy. Restricted to D.P.T. students.
850 -- Clinical Experience in Physical Therapy I. (1) Pass/fail grading.
851 -- Clinical Experience in Physical Therapy II. (4) Supervised clinical experience in a physical therapy setting.
852 -- Clinical Experience in Physical Therapy III. (6) Supervised clinical experience in a physical therapy setting.
853 -- Clinical Experience in Physical Therapy IV. (6) Supervised clinical experience in a physical therapy setting.
899 -- Dissertation Preparation. (1-12) (Prereq: consent of instructor)