Exercise Science
The mission of the Exercise Science Program is to prepare competent life-long learners and advance our discipline by providing experiential learning, conducting innovative discovery, and facilitating assessment of a community in health, wellness, and human performance.
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Engaged Student Learning
The Exercise Science curriculum prepares undergraduate students with the skills necessary to enter professional occupations in the multi-faceted human movement industry. Additionally, it provides students with the knowledge base, experiences, and preparation for admission to graduate and health profession educational programs. The Exercise Science curriculum strives to mentor and prepare students who plan to engage in careers in the fitness and wellness industry, health sciences and research. The climate of the Exercise Science program promotes inclusivity, intellectual inquiry, and service to 小蓝视频, the Jacksonville, Florida community, the region, and the profession. The Exercise Science curriculum is engaging and challenging. The faculty provide an environment that promotes incorporation of a theoretical knowledge base and applications of that knowledge to meaningful real-life situations, including acquisition of skills needed for assessment of health status, movement efficiency, injury prevention and optimal performance outcomes.
鈥婽he Exercise Science Program is dedicated to developing and mentoring lifelong learners committed to personal an鈥媎 professional growth, ethics, and excellence. The professional climate of the program promotes the following:
- 鈥嬧�嬧�嬧�媠cholarship, professional competence, and leadership within the sub-disciplines of exercise science,
- a challenging and reflective learning environment focused on academic distinction and integrity
- problem solving, critical thinking, integrity, and intellectual creativity
- excellence in teaching and learning, career advising and mentoring, service, and scholarship,
- safe and healthy physically active lifestyles and sound nutritional practices,
- responsibility, anticipatory, change-oriented, and proactive behaviors
- diversity and inclusivity and equality.
Exercise Science Program
鈥婽he Department of Exercise Science is a new and important component of the School of Applied Health Sciences in the Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences at 小蓝视频. We are committed to accomplishing the School鈥檚 mission 鈥渢o prepare healthcare professionals for careers defined by excellence in practice, community service, and lifelong professional development. Teaching, research, and community engagement serve as our core values.鈥�
Exercise Science is an exciting interdisciplinary academic discipline that focuses on optimizing health, wellness, performance and movement mechanics for improved movement outcomes and decreased incidence and severity of movement injuries.
There are two primary agendas for the discipline:
- Study Human Movement: Exercise scientists use state-of-the-art technology to study and assess human movement. The tools used to prepare knowledgeable and skilled graduates include anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, applied neuroscience, nutrition, sport and exercise psychology, strength and conditioning, nutrition, etc. This study of movement prepares students for careers immediately after graduation and for post-baccalaureate education in exercise science sub-disciplines and health professions including medicine, osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physician鈥檚 assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, veterinary medicine, podiatric medicine dental medicine, biomedical engineering, etc.
- Study Physical Activity: Exercise scientists examine and assess physical activity to understand its impact on health, society, and quality of life. The exercise scientist examines the impact of physical activity on chronic disease, immune response, sleep, attitude, and mood. They also study barriers to engagement in physical activity.
Exercise Science is typically the undergraduate degree of choice for students seeking:
- Traditional areas of 鈥渉ealth and wellness鈥�. This degree prepares students well for careers in fitness, health promotion, physical activity, coaching, sport, etc.
- Scientific analysis of movement (Movement Sciences). This degree will introduce and hone skills in students with technology used to predict injury and improves movement mechanics and performance in sport, exercise, and clinical settings.
- Physiological and nutritional analysis of the body鈥檚 response to aerobic, anaerobic a combination of aerobic and anaerobic activity, nutrition, various forms of strength training and conditioning
- Performance optimization techniques and coaching techniques to better prepare student athletes for competition
- A graduate degree in Exercise Science and related fields. This degree prepares students well for graduate work in exercise science and related fields such as biomechanics, physiology, neuroscience, motor behavior, sport and exercise psychology, pedagogy, etc.
- A graduate degree in allied health/medical fields. This prepares students well for medical schools, physical rehabilitation schools, dentistry, veterinary medical schools, physician assistant programs, public health, biomedical engineering programs, athletic training graduate programs, strength and conditioning and coaching, etc.
鈥婽he motto for the Exercise Science Program is the Latin phrase 鈥渕ens sana in corpore sano.鈥� The phrase translates as 鈥渁 healthy mind in a healthy body.鈥� We believe in the need for both an active mind and a healthy body. Our mission is to promote lifelong learning and physically active lifestyles that will greatly enhance health, wellness, performance, and quality of life.
Vision
By 2025, the Department of Exercise Science aspires to be nationally recognized for expert faculty who create a transformative environment of community outreach, service learning, and internship experiences that empowers students and impacts our understanding and application of health and human performance. More information is available in our Department of Exercise Science 2020-2025 Strategic Plan.