Exercise Science (EXSC)
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.
200L Introduction to Nutrition (4, Sp) Basic knowledge of nutrition as it relates to optimal health. Theoretical and practical information to help the student make optimal nutrition selections. Lecture and laboratory.
202L Principles of Nutrition and Exercise (2, FaSpSm) Fundamental knowledge of proper nutrition for optimal health performance. Concepts of weight loss, gain; understanding of cardiorespiratory functioning. Laboratory experiments; body composition evaluation, energy metabolism. Laboratory, 2 hours.
203 Individualized Exercise Prescription (2, FaSp) Principles and theories related to exercise prescription; programs of weight-training, circuit-training, aerobics, flexibility, high and low-intensity training guidelines; safeguards and effectiveness.
205Lg The Science of Human Performance (4, SpSm) This course will deal with the physiological and nutritional basis of human performance. Factors that facilitate and limit athletic achievement. Lectures and laboratory.
300L Physiology of Exercise (4, FaSpSm) Analysis of muscular and biochemical, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, morphological, nutritional, and metabolic adaptations to acute exercise and training. Various experiments in these areas are conducted. Laboratory, 2 hours.
301L Kinesiology (4, Fa) Neuromuscular mechanisms involved in performance of skilled movements; analysis of body levers, movement patterns; prevention of injury; training programs; individual experiments. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
310 Sociopsychological Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity (4, FaSp) Examination of the individual in a social environment related to sport and physical activity; personality, motivation, attitude, and group behavior viewed in physical activity contexts.
390 Special Problems (1-4) Supervised, individual studies. No more than one registration permitted. Enrollment by petition only.
400L Principles of Perceptual-Motor Learning (4) Theories and principles of learning applied to gross motor performance; analysis and evaluation of variables affecting learning and performance in exercise, games, sports, and dance. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
407abL Advanced Exercise Physiology (a: 4, Fa; b: 4, Sp) a: The response and regulation of metabolic pathways, skeletal muscle, cardiovascular system, and ventilation during exercise. b: Applied aspects: physical training, exercise and disease, environment and ergogenic aids. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite: EXSC 300L.
408L Introduction to Biomechanics (4, Sp) Kinematic and kinetic analysis of human motion; emphasis on performance enhancement and injury prevention. Prerequisite: PHYS 135aL.
441L Prevention of Athletic Injuries (4, FaSp) Application of scientific principles to conditioning, protecting, and rehabilitating the athlete. Laboratory, 2 hours. Prerequisite: EXSC 301L.
442L Advanced Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries (4, Fa) Athletic injury assessment; principles, techniques and effects of therapeutic modalities and rehabilitative exercises. Prerequisite: EXSC 441L.
489 Stress Management in the Workplace (2) Awareness and consciousness of coping skills, stressors, and stress management techniques in relation to one's work environment.
490x Directed Research (2-8, max 8, FaSp) Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit. Prerequisite: departmental approval.
492abL Practicum in Exercise Science (2-2, FaSp) a: Body composition, cardiac and skeletal muscle function (EKG, EMG), fitness testing. b: Strength and flexibility assessment, injury mechanisms. Prerequisite: EXSC 200, EXSC 203, EXSC 300, EXSC 301.
493 Internship in Health and Fitness (4) Students will be placed in a corporate fitness/wellness facility at least nine hours a week and gain practical experience in the area of health and fitness. Open to majors only. Prerequisite: departmental approval.
498 Health Management in Business (4) Identification and analysis of preventive health services; delivery of contemporary programs; program development; employee motivation; facilities and program accountability combined with practicum work.
508 Seminar: Psychological Aspects of Sport (4) Introduction and critical survey of the current issues, concepts, and research relevant to selected psychological aspects of sports participation.
511 Human Behavior and Sport (4) Ethical problems in sport generated by present and proposed advances in behavior control, including genetic engineering and chemical manipulation, hypnosis, electric stimulation, and surgical manipulation.
515 Motor Control and Psychology of Sport (4) Investigation of learning, memory of motor skills, information processing, and variables in skill acquisition; analysis of psychological dimensions of behavior and performance, including sociological issues.
580abcd Experimental Studies of Human Performance II (4-4-4-4, 2 years, FaSp) a: Force and kinematics; b: neuromuscular control of multijoint movements; c: kinetics; d: advanced kinetics.
585 Seminar in Nutrition and Body Composition (4) Discussion of research topics dealing with nutrition and its relationship to performance and body composition.
586 Theories and Principles of Physical Conditioning (4) Theoretical concepts underlying physical conditioning in areas of strength and endurance development; analysis of techniques, research, and specific application to activity. Prerequisite: EXSC 300L.
587L Seminar: Advanced Exercise Physiology (4) Body at work, energy liberation and transfer, muscular contraction, neuromuscular function, cardiovascular and pulmonary response, energy cost, nutrition and environmental adaptation. Primarily for master's students. Laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite: EXSC 300L.
588L Seminar on Lipid Metabolism and Exercise (4) Metabolism and utilization of lipids and fatty acids in skeletal muscles with applications to exercise. Prerequisite: EXSC 407abL, recommended preparation: EXSC 300L.
590 Directed Research (1-12) Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
591 Research Seminar (4) Study of research design; critical analysis of specific techniques applied to student interests, including problem rationale, selection, development, organization, and data analysis.
594abz Master's Thesis (2-2-0) Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC.
595 Seminar: Analysis of Human Motor Performance (4) Application of mechanical principles of motion to the study of sport, exercise, and dance, utilizing cinematographic and related techniques.
603L Advanced Sociopsychological Aspects of Sport (4, Sp) Critical review of sociopsychological research literature related to physical activity; identification of theories and constructs.
627 Quantitative Electromyography in Physiology of Exercise (4) Electromyographic techniques for measurement of relaxation and muscle spasm; estimation of strength, fatigue, and muscular endurance from submaximal efforts.
640L Neuromuscular System in Physiology of Exercise (4) Gross structure and ultrastructure of muscle tissue, nervous system control of muscle function as related to exercise physiology. Laboratory, 3 hours. Prerequisite: EXSC 300L, EXSC 301L; BISC 306Lx and BISC 312Lx.
642L Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function during Exercise (4) Acute and chronic effect of exercise on cardiovascular and respiratory function with emphasis on cardiac evaluation during exercise and the role of respiration on limiting performance.
690 Directed Readings (1-8, max 8) Graded CR/NC.
790 Research (1-12) Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
794abcdz Doctoral Dissertation (2-2-2-2-0) Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.
Physical Education (PHED)
102ab Weight Training (1-1, FaSpSm) a: Improve muscular strength; gain knowledge and understanding of weight training theory and practices to initiate and develop weight training programs. b: Advanced weight training practices including body building, Olympic and power lifting, plyometrics, and sport-specific weight training as well as advanced nutritional practices and supplementation.
104ab Self-Defense (1-1, FaSp) a: Analysis of basic techniques in self-defense. b: Intermediate technique based on basic defense methods with greater emphasis on spontaneous defense.
106ab Physical Conditioning (1-1, FaSpSm) a: Neuromuscular training and development; resistance exercises; weight training and weight lifting; individual adaptations of exercise. b: Circuit training, emphasis on neuromuscular and cardiovascular endurance; survey of exercises and physical activities for physical fitness testing. Prerequisite: PHED 106a.
108 High Stress Physical Conditioning (1) Rigorous physical conditioning with emphasis on distance running and development of cardiovascular and upper body strength. A challenging regimen to enhance stamina and endurance. Prerequisite: PHED 106b or permission of instructor.
110ab Swimming (1-1, FaSpSm) a: Basic strokes; essentials of water safety. b: Refinement of basic strokes; advanced strokes; development of endurance; standing and running dives. Prerequisite: PHED 110a.
114 Lifesaving (1) American Red Cross Senior Lifesaving. Prerequisite: PHED 110ab or ability to pass Skills Test II.
129ab Aerobics (1-1, FaSp) Aerobic exercise to music. a: Flexibility, strength, and short cardiovascular workout to start, progressing rapidly to a forty-minute training. No emphasis on dance technique. b: Flexibility, strength, and intermediate cardiovascular workout at the start, progressing rapidly to a forty-minute advanced training session.
130ab Golf (1-1) a: Elements of stance, grip, swing; use of irons and wood clubs; history, rules, etiquette; tee, fairway, and green play. Additional fee charged at off-campus facility. b: Techniques for improving individual play; gold competitions and tournament play. Prerequisite: PHED 130a. Additional fee charged at off-campus facility.
131 Step Aerobics (1, FaSp) Step aerobic exercise to music: flexibility, strength, and a short cardiovascular workout to start, progressing rapidly to a forty-five minute training session.
137 Gymnastics (1, FaSp) Basic techniques of tumbling and apparatus work; rope climbing, stunts, pyramids; history, rules, scoring, and etiquette of gymnastic competition.
139ab Volleyball (1-1) a: Analysis and development of techniques and game tactics for volleyball. b: Advanced techniques for individual and team play and strategy; receiving, defense, serving, blocking, and attacking. Prerequisite: PHED 139a.
140abc Tennis (1-1-1, FaSpSm) a: Basic strokes; techniques of forehand, backhand, volley, and service; rules, scoring, etiquette, history. Singles and doubles court play. Students provide own equipment. b: Lob, smash, chop, slice, half volley, drop shot, and volleyed strokes; strategy in singles and doubles play; tournament play. Prerequisite: 140a. Students provide own equipment. c: Advanced techniques in tennis for students with superior skills. Prerequisite: PHED 140b. Students provide own equipment.
142ab Badminton (1-1, FaSp) a: Basic strokes and service; rules, scoring, etiquette, history; singles and doubles court play. b: Advanced types of strokes and services; offensive and defensive strategy; tournament and club play. Prerequisite: PHED 142a.
143ab Racquetball (1-1, FaSp) a: Analysis of techniques and development of personal skills combined with tactical game appreciation for mixed classes in racquetball. b: Builds upon basic skills; more advanced strategy introduced; singles and doubles competition emphasized; for experienced players only. Prerequisite: PHED 143a.
146ab Handball (1-1) a: Strokes, service, and ball placement; rules, scoring, etiquette, history; individual and team strategy in court play. b: Advanced types of strokes and service; offensive and defensive strategy; tournament and club play. Prerequisite: PHED 146a.
154ab Soccer (1-1, FaSp) a: Individual conditioning; fundamental skill training; basic and advanced team tactics; rules and officiating. b: Advanced individual conditioning; fundamental skill training; basic team play and strategy. Prerequisite: PHED 154a.
156ab Basketball (1-1, FaSp) a: Basic skill development in dribbling, passing, shooting, defenses; rules, history, and etiquette. b: Team strategy, full court press, zone offensive, and defensive competition. Prerequisite: PHED 156a before b.
165 Varsity Athletics (1, max 4) Participation in the university's inter-collegiate programs as sanctioned and governed by the PAC-10 Conference and/or the NCAA. Prerequisite: departmental approval.
169 Low-Impact Aerobics (1) Development of cardiovascular conditioning, muscular endurance, and flexibility; fundamental aspects of conditioning with minimal exposure to impact.
171 First Aid (1, Fa) American Red Cross Standard and Advanced First Aid.
195 Healthful Living and First Aid (2) Basic principles of personal and community health; techniques and concepts of first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. (Duplicates credit in PHED 171.)
207 Coaching Individual and Team Sports (2, Fa) Use of basic principles, analyses, theories, and methods of physical education to coach individual and team sports.
401 Organization and Administration of Athletics (4, Sp) Principles and policies of athletics; intramural, interscholastic, varsity, national, international, and professional competition; coaching as applied to football, basketball, baseball, and track and field events. Lecture, 3 hours; performance laboratory, 3 hours.
Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs,
Office of University Publications
univpub@usc.edu