updated 8/15/2008

Exercise Science

J. Larry Durstine, Chair

Professors
Steven N. Blair, P.E.D., Indiana University, 1968
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
Patricia A. Sharpe, Ph.D., University of Michigan, 1991
Harriet G. Williams, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1968

Associate Professors
James A. Carson, Ph.D., Ohio State University, 1993
Gregory A. Hand, Ph.D., University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, 1995
Sara J. Wilcox, Ph.D., Washington University, 1996

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, motor control and development, or health aspects of physical activity) with the required, nonrefundable 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. Nondegree 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, nonrefundable 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:

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, health aspects of physical activity, 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 and clinical faculty in departments of physical therapy.

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.) (121 hours)

Foundational Core (31 hours)

Clinical Core (56 hours)

Clinical Experiences (17 hours)

Research Core (17 hours*)

*Includes 6 hours of research project

Sequence of Study

The DPT program is a lock-step program in which required courses must be taken in sequence, as listed below, unless prior permission to vary the order is received from the program director.

First Year
Fall: ANAT 701, EXSC 731, EXSC 782, PHYT 785 (15 credit hours total)
Spring: BIOS 700, EXSC 563, PHYT 720, PHYT 750, PHYT 785 (15 credit hours total)
Summer I: PHYT 763, PHYT 751 (8 credit hours total)
Summer II: PHYT 740, PHYT 850 (4 credit hours total)

Second Year
Fall: EXSC 780, EXSC 742, PHPH 750, PHYT 753, PHYT 754, PHYT 756, PHYT 785 (14 credit hours total)
Spring: EXSC 710, EXSC 781, PHYT 757, PHYT 770, PHYT 788, PHYT 785 (16 credit hours total)
Summer I: EXSC 784, PHYT 762 (6 credit hours total)
Summer II: PHYT 851 (4 credit hours total)

Third Year
Fall: PHYT 758, PHYT 790, PHYT 806, PHYT 810, PHYT 815, PHYT 785 (14 credit hours total)
Spring: PHYT 852, PHYT 888 (9 credit hours total)
Summer I: PHYT 764, PHYT 811 (6 credit hours total)
Summer II: PHYT 888 (if needed; variable credit hours)

Fourth Year
Fall: PHYT 853, PHYT 888 (9 hours total)

Course Descriptions

Exercise Science (EXSC)

• 507 -- Exercise, Sport, and Nutrition. (3) (Prereq: EXSC 223, 224, 530, 530L or consent of instructor) The relationship between exercise, sport performance, and nutrient metabolism.
  
• 530 -- The Physiology of Muscular Activity. (3) (Prereq: EXSC 223 and 224; coreq: EXSC 530L) 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) (Prereq: EXSC 223, 224; coreq: EXSC 530) Laboratory procedures in exercise physiology; measurement of physical fitness components.
  
• 531 -- Clinical Exercise Physiology. (3) (Prereq: EXSC 223, 224, 530, 530L or consent of instructor; coreq: EXSC 531L) 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) (EXSC 223, 224, 351, 530, 530L 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 -- Clinical Exercise Testing. (1) Study of the procedures involved in screening and testing persons with varying levels of functional work capacity.
  
• 743 -- Laboratory Measurements for Exercise Testing. (1) (Prereq: EXSC 742) Biological and physiological assessment of exercise responses and adaptation.
  
• 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. (3) 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, Exercise, and Disease. (3) (Prereq: EXSC 780) The input and response to exercise in diseased populations. Diseases to be examined include cardiovascular disease, age-related diseases, pulmonary, renal, and other conditions.
  
• 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 -- Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Testing and Programming. (3) (Prereq: EXSC 781 or consent of instructor) Techniques used in exercise testing (including principles of electrocardiology) and in design and delivery of exercise programs for enhancing the health of normal and cardiopulmonary-diseased 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 -- Advanced Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology. (3) Study of mechanisms for cardiovascular and respiratory responses to acute exercise and adaptations to these systems with chronic physical activity.
  
• 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.
  
• 753 -- Research Proposal Development. (1) Fundamentals of developing a research proposal.
  
• 754 -- Therapeutic Interventions. (2) Joint and soft tissue mobilization and manipulation techniques.
  
• 756 -- Topics in Physical Therapy: ICU, Integumentary, and Women’s Health Issues. (2) Physical therapy management of patients with integumentary disorders, sequelae of breast cancer treatment, pelvic floor dysfunction, and intensive medical problems.
  
• 757 -- Topics in Physical Therapy: Pharmacology and Prosthetics. (2) Management of the physical therapy patient on selected medications and rehabilitation of the amputee.
  
• 758 -- Patient Education in Physical Therapy. (1) Role of the physical therapist in professional and patient education.
  
• 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.
  
• 764 -- Cultural Competence in Health Care. (3) Cultural competencies necessary for the delivery of health care to patients of diverse ethno-cultural heritages.
  
• 770 -- Acute Care Physical Therapy. (4) Cognitive and motor skills required in the management of the acute care physical therapy patient. Restricted to D.P.T. students.
  
• 785 -- Seminar in Physical Therapy. (1) Critical review of professional literature pertaining to clinical practice in physical therapy. Repeatable for credit.
  
• 786 -- Research Seminar in Physical Therapy. (1) Presentation and discussion of current research topics in physical therapy. Restricted to D.P.T. students.
  
• 788 -- Evidence-Based Practice in Physical Therapy. (3) Research design and analysis techniques necessary for applying evidence-based practice to the clinical physical therapy setting.
  
• 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.
  
• 809 -- Neuromuscular Assessment and Treatment I. (3) Neurological conditions and interventions commonly used in physical therapy practice. Restricted to D.P.T. students.
  
• 810 -- Neuromuscular Assessment and Treatment II. (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.
  
• 888 -- Research Project in Physical Therapy. (1-6) Clinically based research project in physical therapy.
  
• 899 -- Dissertation Preparation. (1-12) (Prereq: consent of instructor)
  

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