BS in Exercise Science*

You are interested in a career in one of the four principle fitness sectors of sport, industry, health and education, but also want to build a Biblical foundation.

*Through a dual enrollment agreement with Lincoln College (LC), LCU offers the opportunity for students to acquire a foundation in Bible/theology and Christian worldview formation by completing an AS in Science at LCU and a BS in Exercise Science at LC. Students will live in the LCU residence halls (with board) for the duration of their dual enrollment.

Students will participate in chapel services, spiritual formation groups, service learning (when enrolled in 12 or more hours at LCU), and be expected to abide by LCU’s student handbook. Each of these programs help LCU fulfill its mission of nurturing and equipping students with a Biblical worldview to serve and lead in the world.

BS in Exercise Science Learning Outcomes:

1. Effectively communicate content related to the field of exercise science in oral and written formats to appropriate clientele. (GELO I)
2. Apply scientific principles/theories of healthy behavior to prescribe exercise as a therapeutic and preventative modality. (GELO II and V)
3. Produce solutions to problems related to responses and adaptations to physical activity and exercise through the use of scientific assessment methods. (GELO II)
4. Evaluate the behavioral and cultural factors that influence the adoption and maintenance of a physically active lifestyle. (GELO III)
5. Articulate the ethical standards of exercise science by applying professional behavior consistent with an understanding of the societal and individual importance of a healthy, active lifestyle. (GELO IV)
6. Synthesize information to design solutions for wellness concerns among individuals and communities in real world settings. (GELO V.)

Potential Careers

Personal Trainer

Physical Therapist

Athletic Trainer

Exercise Physiologist

Athletic Director

Physical Education Teacher

Course List

Some of the classes you'll take while pursuing your...

BI 270

Interpreting the Christian Scriptures

A study of the resources, principles, and methods of interpreting Scripture.

ID 101

An Introduction to Worldviews

This course introduces the concept of worldview as a tool to understand, compare, and evaluate a variety of philosophical and religious perspectives (e.g., Deism, Secular Humanism, Marxism, Nihilism, Existentialism, Postmodernism, etc.). Attention is given to the nature and implications of a Christian worldview in the context of our contemporary pluralistic culture.

BI 111

Introduction to the Bible

An historical and literary survey of the Protestant Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments.

TH 160

Basic Christian Beliefs

An introduction to the key Biblical beliefs that define the historic Christian faith (e.g. God, Christ, Holy Spirit, humanity, sin, salvation, etc.) with attention given to the credibility of such beliefs.

ID 201

Ancient Civilizations

This course surveys and integrates key ideas and developments in history, philosophy, literature, theology, politics, visual art, and architecture in the Ancient Near East, Hellenic Greece, Hellenistic Greece, and Rome. A significant focus of the class is critical thinking and critical writing. Prerequisite: ID 101. IAI Code HF 900.

LA 101

Writing Studies 1

This is the first course in a two-semester sequence of composition. Students will be introduced to a rhetorical approach to academic writing as a collaborative process of drafting, revising, and editing thesis-driven essays. Emphasis will be placed on critical reading and analysis, and course topics will include elements of style and standard composition. Successful completion of this course requires a grade of C or better.

LA 102

Writing Studies 2

This is the second course in a two-semester sequence designed to enhance the critical skills of argumentation and academic writing introduced in LA 101 Writing Skills 1, developing greater depth and sophistication in both style and subject matter. The course will reinforce student experience with the conventions of standard English, documentation and research. Prerequisite: successful completion of LA 101 with a grade of C or better.

LA 113

Introduction to Speech

A study and practice of basic principles involved in discovering, arranging, delivering, and evaluating ideas in speech situations. IAI Code C2 900.

SS 164

Introduction to Sociology

A study of basic sociological concepts and social processes. IAI Code S7 900.

SS 171

Principles of Psychology

An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the most important principles of behavior and mental life. IAI Code S6 900.

MA 197

Math for Life

A course focusing on mathematical reasoning and the solving of real-life problems, rather than on routine skills and appreciation. Topics to be studied will be chosen from management science, statistics, coding, social choice and decision- making, geometrical ideas, modeling, graph theory, loci/set theory, finance, and problem-solving strategies.

MA 295

Statistics

An examination of descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, t-tests, nonparametric procedures, ANOVA, correlation, regression, and sampling, with an emphasis on reasoning, problem solving, and utilizing statistics within a team-based research project.

SC 112

Nutrition and Wellness

This course is an introduction to nutrition. Topics will include the biological basis for nutrition, lifespan development, and both diet and food safety. Different cultures’ approach to basic nutrition will be discussed.

SC 157

Chemistry and Society (Lecture Only)

A survey of major concepts in inorganic and organic chemistry with emphasis on how these concepts apply to daily life. Topics include electrochemistry, thermodynamics, nuclear chemistry, and other subjects of interest. The development of scientific ideas and current issues in chemistry will also be discussed.

SC 158

Chemistry and Society Lab

A laboratory course in which students will perform hands-on experiments demonstrating basic chemical principles. Co-requisite: SC 157 or permission of instructor.

SC 251

Microbiology (Lecture Only)

A course focusing on the classification, structure, cultivation, and ecology of microorganisms. Attention will also be given to the relationship between microbial growth and human disease.

SC 252

Microbiology Lab

A hands-on course in which students will learn basic microbiology skills including preparing stained smears, culturing microorganisms, and performing tests to identify bacteria. Co-requisite: SC 251 or permission of instructor. IAI Code L1 903L.

SC 255

Anatomy and Physiology I

The first of a two-semester course emphasizing anatomic and physiological terminology, the relationship between form and function, and the basic principles of chemistry, cells, and tissue. Four of the body’s eleven systems are presented with laboratory investigations focusing on bones, muscle structure, and the microscopic structure of tissues.

SC 256

Anatomy and Physiology II

In this continuation of SC 255, the remaining seven of the body’s eleven systems are examined, as well as cellular metabolism and fluid and electrolytes. The computer program A.D.A.M. (Animated Dissection of Anatomic Material) will be used extensively, as will other visual aids, preserved materials, and electronic media. Prerequisite: SC 255.

PS 349

Lifespan Developmental Psychology

An investigation of the growth and development of persons, examining the developmental theories of Erickson, Piaget, Kohlberg, Maslow, and others from a Christian perspective. Same as SS 349. Prerequisite: SS 171. IAI Code S6 902.

SS 261

Principles of Economics

An examination of supply and demand, the market structure, inflation, unemployment, economic growth and GDP, and international trade, as well as current economic issues.

SS 263

Citizens and Government

An introduction to public policy and individual citizen’s roles and responsibilities, with a particular focus on the U.S. government within the context of a pluralistic society. The course actively stimulates students to ponder the socially responsible choices that educated citizens who participate in shared governance make. (Fulfills state requirements for teacher education students regarding the study of Government, the Constitution of the United States, and the state of Illinois.) IAI Code S5900.