Exercise Science Minor
The Minor in Exercise Science consists of six courses from an approved course list for a total of 20-21 credits. Of the six courses, three are required and three are electives to be selected from the approved courses applicable to exercise science (two of the three at the 300+ level). Students taking this minor will gain a solid foundation in applied exercise sciences, including an exercise based nutrition, exercise physiology, and the application of exercise physiology in a variety of environmental conditions, and the ability to evaluate fitness parameters and prescribe safe and effective exercise regimens for multiple populations. Students who wish to complete the Minor must meet with an advisor from the Nutrition Science & Wellness Department to develop a plan comprised of courses from the approved course list.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop exercise-based knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform effectively in graduate studies and fitness career fields.
- Students will apply fundamental human movement principles (anatomical and physiological) from the biological and social science perspectives on human movement and performance.
- Students will become proficient with effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills for use in fitness and exercise science settings.
- Students will identify various health and exercise parameters for relevant human performance evaluation and improvement.
- Students will prepare to attain fitness professional certifications.
About Academic Minors
51³Ô¹Ï students are invited to enhance their studies with an "Academic
Minor." A minor is a cluster of thematically related courses drawn from one or more
departments. In addition to department based minors (e.g. computer programming & info
systems), interdisciplinary minors are also available (e.g. legal studies).
Academic minors are approved by the College-Wide Curriculum Committee and the Provost. Students must make application for an academic minor through the department offering the minor in conjunction with the Registrar's Office Specific course work must be determined in consultation with a faculty member in the department offering the minor. A statement of successful completion of the academic minor will appear on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.
- A minor is considered to be an optional supplement to a student's major program of study.
- Completion of a minor is not a graduation requirement and is subject to the availability of the courses selected. However, if the requirements for a minor are not completed prior to certification of graduation in the major, it will be assumed that the minor has been dropped. Consequently, the student will only be certified for graduation in their primary major.
- Only students in 4 year baccalaureate programs can apply for a minor.
- A minor should consist of 15 to 21 credits.
- At least 12 credits must be in courses at the 200 level or higher.
- At least 9 credits must be residency credits.
- Specific requirements for each minor are determined by the department granting the minor.
- Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in their minor. Some minors may require a higher GPA.
- Students are prohibited from declaring a minor in the same discipline as their major (e.g. one cannot combine an applied math minor with an applied math major). Academic minors may not apply to all curricula.
- Students are permitted to double-count courses.
- Students are only permitted to take more than one minor with appropriate written approval of their department chair or curriculum Dean.
Admission to 51³Ô¹Ï - State University of New York is based on the qualifications of the applicant without regard to age, sex, marital or military status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.
Contact Information
Nutrition Science & Wellness
Dr. Jack Thomas
Lupton Hall, 144
934-420-5651
humanecology@farmingdale.edu
Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Fall 2025
Subject to revision
Electives* |
9-11 credits |
---|---|
BIO 170 Human Anatomy & Physiology with Lab OR | |
BIO 166 Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology | 4 |
HPW 415 Exercise Testing & Programming | 4 |
HPW 425 Sport & Exercise Physiology | 3 |
Electives* |
9-11 credits |
---|---|
BIO 171 Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab | 4 |
GRO 300 Biology of Aging | 3 |
HPW 225 Fitness Health and Coaching | 3 |
HPW 310 Sport & Exercise Psychology | 3 |
HPW 320 Strength & Conditioning | 3 |
HPW 405 Exercise & Movement Science | 4 |
NTR 350 Energy & Exercise | 3 |
NTR 365 Sports Nutrition | 3 |
* Select 3 course. Two of which must be at the 300 or 400 level
Curriculum Summary
Total Required Credits: 20-22
Please refer to the General Education, Applied Learning, and Writing Intensive requirement sections of the College Catalog and consult with your advisor to ensure that graduation requirements are satisfied.
As a part of the SUNY General Education Framework, all first-time full time Freshman at 51³Ô¹Ï (FSC) beginning Fall 2023, are required to develop knowledge and skills in Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEISJ). Students will be able to fulfill this requirement at FSC by taking a specially designated DEISJ course that has been developed by faculty and approved by the DEISJ Review Board. DEISJ-approved courses will be developed in accordance with the guiding principles and criteria outlined below. DEISJ-approved courses may meet other General Education Knowledge and Skills areas and/or core competencies and thus be dually designated. DEISJ-approved courses may also earn other special designations such as those for Applied Learning or Writing Intensive.
BIO 170 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This is the first semester of a two-semester sequence in which human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach, with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. This sequence is appropriate preparation for nursing and other allied health professions. Topics included in Anatomy and Physiology I are: basic anatomical and directional terminology, fundamental concepts and principles of cell biology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 170 and BIO 270. Note: the laboratory course, BIO 170L is a part of your grade for this course. Prerequisite(s): High School biology with a lab or BIO 120 or 123 or 130; High School or College chemistry recommended Corequisite(s): BIO 170L
BIO 166 Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology
This is a one semester integrated survey of human anatomy and physiology, covering the major physiological and morphological relationships of the human organ systems. The design of this course is appropriate preparation for Dental Hygiene, Medical Laboratory Technology, and certain other allied health professions, but it does not satisfy the requirements of the Nursing Curriculum. The major theme of the course is the integrative pathways and regulatory processes that maintain the homeostasis of the body. Note: BIO 166 does not satisfy the requirements of the Nursing Curriculum and cannot be used as a substitute for either BIO 170 or BIO 171. It is approved in the Natural Sciences General Education Competency Area and can serve as lower-level laboratory science elective within Liberal Arts. Note: the laboratory course, BIO 166L is a part of your grade for this course. Prerequisite(s): High School biology with a lab or BIO 120 or 123 or 130; High School or College chemistry recommended. Corequisite(s): BIO 166L
HPW 415 Exercise Testing and Programming
This course will teach students how to design and modify exercise programs for the apparently healthy adults and special populations living with various forms of acute and chronic diseases and health conditions. Laboratory and field tests will be utilized for assessing physical fitness components and applying principles of exercise programming for health, fitness, and sport. The course includes fundamental guidelines for lifestyle modifications and adaptations of exercise programming for special populations as well. Fundamental principles of physical fitness assessment are adapted for a focus on health-related components of physical fitness, to include body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance and flexibility, balance, and functional movement screening. Prerequisite(s): HPW 325 Corequisite(s): HPW 415L
HPW 425 Sport & Exercise Physiology
This course provides a theoretical basis for understanding the body’s physiological responses to exercise. Exercise and athletic physiology is an evaluation of the acute responses and chronic adaptations of the body to the stresses of exercise. Students will investigate how the support systems of the body function and how energy metabolism ensures that sufficient energy is provided to exercise. Students will apply exercise physiology principles to coaching, teaching, and other physical training practices. Students will observe measurable physiological responses to exercise through required laboratory exercises. Prerequisite(s): NTR 365 and Junior level status
BIO 171 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
This is the second semester of a two-semester sequence in which human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach, with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. This sequence is appropriate preparation for nursing and other allied health professions. Topics include Anatomy and Physiology II are: the endocrine system, the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system and immunity, the respiratory system, the digestive system, metabolism, the urinary system, fluid/electrolyte and acid/base balance; and the reproductive systems. Note: students may not receive credit for both BIO 171 and BIO 271. Note: the laboratory course, BIO 171L is a part of your grade for this course. Prerequisite(s): BIO 170 Corequisite(s): BIO 171L
GRO 300 Biology of Aging
This course involves an examination of the physical changes associated with the aging process and aging body. Knowledge and understanding of these processes are important because these physical changes also affect social, psychological, economic, and other aspects of the aging process. The importance of the topic is based on the growing number of older adults in our communities as well as our increased longevity. Each organ system will be discussed with a focus on age related diseases, conditions, and dysfunction. Prerequisites: BIO 123 Human Body and Health
HPW 225 Fitness Health & Coaching
In this course, students will learn the details of health coaching and be able to apply instruction techniques and theories directly to contemporary issues. Students will examine immediate and long-term physiological responses and adaptations to exercise. Specific detail will be paid to the role of health coaching and conflict management. Study of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems will enhance the relationship between exercise and health. Core coaching values will address eating/physical activity habits to modify or control body weight. Students will explore specific aspects of training for sports performance and discuss various methodology for coaching and motivating individuals and athletes. Prerequisite(s): HPW 200
HPW 310 Sport & Exercise Psychology
This course examines psychological theories and research related to sport and exercise behavior, with an emphasis on the athlete and sport contexts. This course examines psychological constructs that influence athletic participation and performance. The course is designed to introduce students to the field of sport and exercise psychology by providing an overview and practical application of many of the major topics in this discipline. This course is equivalent to PSY 309 Sport Psychology. You cannot get credit for both HPW 310 and PSY 309. Prerequisite(s): Any 200-level or above Psychology course or Permission of the Department Chairperson
HPW 320 Strength and Conditioning
This course addresses the selection and implementation of strength, power, speed, agility, endurance, and hypertrophy training methods with an emphasis on periodization programs. Components of the course include discussion of physiological principles and strength assessment as they relate to resistance exercise training. The course introduces students to the principles of strength and conditioning and partially fulfills the strength and conditioning course requirement for students wishing to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist and other fitness professional certifications. Prerequisites: BIO 166 or BIO 170 with a grade of C- or higher
HPW 405 Exercise & Movement Science
This course provides a survey of scientific principles, methodologies, and research as applied to exercise and physical fitness. Emphasis is placed on physiological responses and adaptations to exercise. Topics include basic elements of kinesiology, biomechanics, motor learning, and the physical fitness industry. Laboratory sessions will identify major muscle groups and examine physiological response to exercise. Specific sport exercise requirements/demands will be examined for training and during the athletic event. The course HPW 405L is a part of the grade for this course. Prerequisite(s): HPW 225 with a grade of C- or higher and Junior level status Corequisite: HPW 405L
NTR 350 Energy and Exercise
This course uses a biochemical approach to the catabolic reactions involved in human metabolic energy production. Emphasis is placed on human fuel usage, storage, and its use for energy transduction. Specific topics include the pathways by which nutrients are stored, and oxidized to provide ATP; hormonal regulation of energy balance and substrate utilization, the potential impact of physical activity, diet and physiological determinants (e.g. sex/gender, ethnicity/race) on human health, pathophysiology of obesity, insulin resistance, and other disorders related to energy metabolism, etc. Through lectures, discussion, and the reading of literature, students will critique the terms, concepts and methods in energy metabolism/exercise science. Students will learn critical thinking and evaluation skills on nutritional elements of energy production and usage. Prerequisite(s): (NTR110 or BIO125) and BIO 170, BIO 171 and Junior-Level status
NTR 365 Sports Nutrition
Course content will span basic physiology as it applies to nutrition and sport, nutrient utilization, body composition, and specific application of nutrition as well as dietary coaching for different sports in training/competition. This course will discuss optimal performance and endurance in various sports. Lectures will cover proper hydration, increased calorie and nutrient needs in athletics. The course also identifies appropriateness of supplements and ergogenic aids by understanding their methodologies with examination of scientific research validity. Prerequisite(s): NTR 110 or BIO 125 and Junior-Level status