Kinesiology
Professors G. Afman, R. Smelley, G. Town (chair)
Associate Professors C. Milner, J. Moore, E. Whiteman, D. Wolf
Assistant Professors R. Jorden, K. LeSage
Instructor R. Mouw
Description of the Major. The discipline of kinesiology is the study of the art and science of human movement. This organized body of knowledge emphasizes scientific and educational research. General areas of study include the biophysical, sociocultural and behavioral spheres of kinesiology. Within these spheres are numerous subdisciplines, including biomechanics, physiology of exercise, motor learning, sport psychology, sport sociology, and pedagogy. The clinical arm of kinesiology includes the subdisciplines such as clinical nutrition, clinical exercise physiology and gerontology.
The major curriculum provides a sound liberal arts background and an area of academic specialization. The department offers a B.S. (Movement and Exercise Science), with particular emphasis in exercise science, pre- physical and occupational therapies, pre-medical training, physician assistant, cardiac rehabilitation and other allied health fields.
Distinctive Features of the Major. The kinesiology major gives the student the opportunity to study the many disciplines associated with the allied health professions and approach this discipline with a liberal arts and science focus. There are early practicums where students have the chance to elect options in the work place (e.g. occupational therapy, physical therapy aid; assisting in the training room; assisting in a medical clinic). This helps students with self selection of professional choices early in their academic experience. Seminar and small group discussion, multi-media use, and active learning characterize theory courses.
The Kinesiology Department recognizes the tremendous value of an off-campus experience. In addition to campus-wide programs available to all students, two programs are available which offer unique application to the discipline of kinesiology. Courses in each of these programs meet requirements for the kinesiology major.
The San Francisco-based Urban Program offers unique opportunities to select internship experiences in physical and occupational therapy, corporate fitness, and physician assistant programs. In addition, an optional research tutorial is available for students.
On the Europe Mayterm Program, students visit some of the top sport science facilities in Europe and dialog with prominent professionals in many fields related to kinesiology. Sport science institutes in England, Scotland, Italy, Poland, Austria, Germany and Switzerland welcome our students in thiscutting edge program in the sport sciences. This popular program is offered every other Mayterm.
Career Choices. The purpose of this liberal arts major is to provide a foundation of understanding and competencies in the discipline with an integrated Christian world view. Career options include: adapted physical education, cardiac rehabilitation, coaching, corporate fitness, fitness management, gerontology services for older adults, graduate studies in the sport or health sciences, health science, medicine, medical technician, nurse practitioner, occupational therapy, personal trainer, physical therapy, physician assistant, sports medicine, and teaching.
Distinctive Features of PEA. Physical education activity classes at Westmont encourage successful psychomotor development and provide a rationale for making exercise a priority in the stewardship of our bodies. Courses give students skills and principles for continuing a physically active life, including an exercise program to maintain physical well-being. The instruction-based program is diverse and developmental, and it encourages healthful, active, lifetime, leisure-time activities.
Requirements for the B.S. Major,
Movement & Exercise Science Emphasis: 60 units
Required Lower-Division Courses: 19 units
BIO 12 Human Physiology (4)
KNS/BIO 11 Human Anatomy (4)
KNS/BIO 40 Human Nutrition (4)
KNS 72 Foundations of Kinesiology (3)
PSY 1 General Psychology (4)
Required Upper-Division Courses: 29 units
KNS 101 Basic Biomechanics (4)
KNS 105 Physiology of Exercise (4)
KNS 119 Research Methods & Statistics (4)
KNS 157 Psychology of Sport and Movement (2)
KNS 166 Movement: Pedagogy and Leadership (4)
KNS 181 Special Populations (3)
KNS 185 Motor Behavior (2)
KNS 195 Senior Seminar (2)
Choose one of the following:
KNS 110 Cardiovascular Dynamics (3)
KNS 151 Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries (3)
KNS 160 Strength and Conditioning (3)
Electives: 12 units
BIO 5, 6 General Biology I, II (4, 4) Fall, Spring
CHM 5, 6 General Chemistry I, II (4, 4) Fall, Spring
KNS 054 First Aid/CPR (2)
KNS 110 Cardiovascular Dynamics (3)
KNS 120 Nutrition for Athletes (2)
KNS 122 Nutrition for the Health Professional (2)
KNS 151 Prevention/Treatment of Athletic Injuries (3)
KNS 152 Therapeutic Exercise and Modalities (2)
KNS 155 Fundamentals of Movement (2)
KNS 156 Health Education for the Classroom Teacher (2)
KNS 160 Strength and Conditioning (2)
KNS 161 Fitness for Older Adults (2)
KNS 162 Physical/Psychological/Social Aspects of Aging (2)
KNS 167 International Issues in the Sport Sciences (3)*
KNS 190 Practicum (1-4)
KNS 198 Research (1-4)
MA 9, 10 Elementary Calculus (4)
PHY 11/12 Physics for Life Science Majors I, II (4, 5) Fall, Spring
PHY 21/23 General Physics I, II (4, 4) Fall, Spring
PSY 115 Child Development (4)
PSY 131 Abnormal Psychology (4)
*Offered in Europe Mayterm Program
Requirements for a Minor: 22-24 units
Minor tracks are offered in coaching, fitness/wellness, and movement science.
Movement Science Minor: 24 units
KNS/BIO 11 Human Anatomy (4)
BIO 12 Human Physiology (4)
KNS 101 Basic Biomechanics (4)
KNS 105 Exercise Physiology (4)
and
8 units from upper-division kinesiology electives
Fitness/Wellness Minor: 23 units
BIO 12 Human Physiology (4)
KNS/BIO 40 Human Nutrition (4)
KNS 101 Basic Biomechanics (4)
KNS 105 Exercise Physiology (4)
KNS 160 Strength and Conditioning (3)
KNS 161 Fitness for Older Adults (2)
KNS 190 Practicum (2)
Coaching Minor: 23 units
BIO 12 Human Physiology (4)
KNS 101 Basic Biomechanics (4)
KNS 105 Exercise Physiology (4)
KNS 151 Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries (3)
KNS 157 Psychology of Movement (2)
KNS 166 Movement: Pedagogy and Leadership (4)
KNS 190 Practicum (2)
Major Courses
Lower-Division Course Descriptions
KNS/BIO 11 Human Anatomy (4) Systemic approach to the structures of the tissues and organ systems which make up the human body. Course is designed with careers such as Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Sports Medicine in mind. Lab required.
KNS/BIO 40 Human Nutrition (4) Not for credit toward the B.S. in biology. Role of nutrients in human growth, development, and maintenance, including the chemistry and metabolism of carbohydrate, fat, and protein and the role of vitamins and minerals. The principles of energy balance, essentials of an adequate diet throughout the life cycle, and nutritive values of foods. Nutrition concepts applied to current nutrition issues and controversies. (taught without laboratory)
KNS 54 First Aid and CPR (2) American Red Cross certification course designed to develop competence in the emergency treatment of victims of injury or sudden illness and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
KNS 72 Foundations (3) Recommended for students considering a kinesiology major or minor. Includes an exploration of facts and principles in the discipline, an historical survey, and an investigation of vocational and professional opportunities.
Upper-Division Course Descriptions
KNS 101 Basic Biomechanics (4) Prerequisites: Junior standing, BIO 11 and BIO 12. Functional anatomy of the human skeletal and muscular systems. Muscle and joint action with emphasis on the mechanical concepts and physical laws involved. PEAK Performance (computer motion analysis) technology is emphasized. Lab required.
KNS 105 Physiology of Exercise (4) Introduces the specialized knowledge associated with the metabolic, cardiorespiratory, and muscular responsesand adaptations to exercise. Topics of endurance, strength, fatigue, and environmental factors will be applied to both health and fitness as well as performance objectives. Concurrent lab required.
KNS 110 Cardiovascular Dynamics (3) Prerequisites: BIO 12 and KNS 105. Physiology of the cardiorespiratory system. Includes ECG interpretation, stress test, administration, exercise prescription, pharmacology, and pathophysiology.
KNS 119 Statistics and Research Methods (4) Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Collection and construction of tests for evaluating motor ability, strength, speed, and endurance in physical activity. Theory and use of scientific instruments and statistical data in kinesiological research.
KNS 120 Nutrition for Athletes (2) This course addresses the unique nutritional needs of various athletic populations. The athletic issues addressed are: weight gain, weight loss, ergogenic aids, endurance nutrition, and the female athlete triad. Also included in the course is an overview of the principles of normal nutrition and a healthy diet. A student project is an important part of the class.
KNS 122 Nutrition for the Health Professional (2) This course addresses the special nutritional needs of various clinical populations that the allied health professional will encounter. The clinical populations addressed are: the senior citizen, the diabetic, the cardiovascular disease patient, cancer, renal and liver disease, stress and gastro-intestinal diseases. Also included in the course is an overview of the principles of normal nutrition and a healthy diet.
KNS 150 Topics Courses (2-4) These courses are taught periodically and may be used as elective hours for a particular emphasis in the major or minor. Offerings in the KNS 150 series include:
KNS 151 Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries (3) Prerequisite: Junior standing. Students learn to organize and administrate a training room, acquire theoretical understanding and practical skills in first-aid protocol, injury evaluation, rehabilitation techniques, and recognize common injury pathologies.
KNS 152 Therapeutic Exercise and Modalities (2) Prerequisite: KNS 151. Students will develop competencies in injury evaluation, rehabilitation techniques and program prescription and design. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the theory, application and physiological effects of the electromagnetic spectra and how this relates to therapeutic modalities. Course includes considerable laboratory experiences.
KNS 153 Dance Theory and Technique (2) Prerequisite: Junior standing. The process of learning the philosophical, theoretical, and technical aspects of dance in education covering Movement Fundamentals, Folk Forms, Ballet, Creative Modern, Jazz, and Social Dance.
KNS 155 Fundamentals of Movement (2) Examines the psychomotor performance of children, including: basic movement patterns with complex applications, cognitive and affective dimensions, fitness, and choosing appropriate pedagogy.
KNS 156 Health Education for the Classroom Teacher (2) Overview of health-related issues based on the philosophical model of wellness education. Includes strategies and curriculum ideas for teaching health education. Meets the health education requirement for the California Teaching Credential.
KNS 157 Psychology of Movement (2) Application of psychological principles to the sporting and exercise environment. Topics include exercise adherence, personality research, motivation, anxiety, stress and aggression, as well as basic intervention strategies.
KNS 160 Strength and Conditioning (3) Prerequisite: KNS 105. Students will analyze strength and conditioning methodology in preparation for certification in either personal training or as a strength and conditioning specialist. The course will emphasize conditioning programs for varied populations. An integral aspect of the course is participation in all aspects of training within an individual or group setting.
KNS 161 Fitness for Older Adults (2) This course is designed to incorporate theoretical knowledge with opportunities for practical application involving exercise for older adults. Particular attention will be given to the impact of exercise on the aging process and the overall quality of life.
KNS 162 Physical/Psychological/Social Aspects of Aging (2) This seminar course is designed to expose students interested in the allied health fields to the growing body of knowledge in gerontology. Current research in areas such as cognitive functioning, the role of exercise on the aging process, the importance of social connections, personality changes in later life and other topics relevant to this stage in life are explored. This course has a practical component, providing opportunities for students to work closely with older adults in the Santa Barbara community.
KNS 166 Movement: Pedagogy and Leadership (4) Prerequisites: Junior standing. This course is designed to analyze and develop pedagogy theories and leadership skills. The strategies and tools for facilitating successful psychomotor outcomes for client, patient or learner are explored. Students are given opportunities to enhance their competencies in the role of facilitator through observations of a professional leader and by taking part in a cooperative learning and leadership role.
KNS 167 International Issues in Sports Science (3) This course is offered only in conjunction with the Kinesiology Europe Mayterm. It is designed to study contemporary issues in sport/exercise science by incorporating academic readings with visits to leading sports scientists and academic institutions in Europe.
KNS 181 Special Populations (4) (includes one unit practicum) The study of disabilities encountered in medical and educational settings. Exploration of theories, strategies and methods based on current legislative mandates.
KNS 185 Motor Behavior (2) Prerequisites: Junior standing and KNS 72. Understanding the neurophysiological bases of learning and performance, with applications to clinical and other instructional settings.
KNS 190 Practicum (1-4) Prerequisites: Junior standing and KNS 185. Laboratory for juniors and seniors only. The department chair and the practicum supervisor must approve laboratory teaching and other field practicums.
KNS 195 Senior Seminar (2) Prerequisite: Senior standing. Survey of relevant issues and trends in the discipline. Students begin networking interviews, construct a professional resume, and write a culminating senior paper.
KNS 198 Research (1-4) Laboratory and/or field research with a faculty member. Students will conduct experiments, analyze data and present written and/or oral findings based on their work.
Physical Education Activity Courses
(General Education Requirement: PEA 32, Fitness for Life, required of all entering students during the first or second semester of attendance. A total of four different PEA courses must be completed.)
Students may receive credit for a maximum of eight (8) units of PE Activity coursework toward their degree. This includes any transfer PE credit plus Westmont PEA credit.
Varsity athletes only are allowed to repeat their PEA varsity sport four times for credit and receive up to four (4) units of credit toward their degree. However, only one of their PEA varsity sport courses will be counted toward their PEA General Education requirement.
Students may be enrolled in only one PEA course per semester for credit. Exception: Declared KNS majors may be enrolled in two PEA courses for credit in a given semester.
All students must complete PEA 32 Fitness for Life and three different PE Activity courses to satisfy the PEA General Education requirement. Subsequent PEA courses in a given activity must be at a higher level. The varsity sport is considered the highest level.
Transfer students must complete one PE Activity course for each full year they are enrolled at Westmont, or complete all four (4) PE Activity course requirements, including PEA 32 Fitness for Life.
Please note: Reapplicants who originally entered Westmont as first-year students are not considered transfer students regardless of the length of time they were away from Westmont or the number of units they “transfer” back to Westmont on their return.
PEA (1-99) Physical Activity (1) Schedule of classes will indicate course numbers. General offerings for all students: Aerobics, Archery, Badminton, Ballet Basics, Ballroom/Swing, Ballroom/Latin Swing, Basketball, Creative Modern Dance, Dance Technique, Fencing, Fitness for Life, Fitness by the Sea, Folk Dance, Functional Training, Golf, Jazz Basics, Lifeguard Training, Mountain Biking, Outrigger Canoeing, New Games, Outdoor Education, Physical Conditioning, Pickle-Ball, Pilates, Self-Defense, Softball, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Triathlon Training, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Water Aerobics, Water Polo, Weight Training. Special courses are offered depending on the availability of instructors.
PEA 32 Fitness for Life (1) The study and practical application of the health-related components of fitness. Founded on the “wellness model,” the course emphasizes lifestyle changes and decisions leading to good health. Emphasis is on individualized programs based on pre-assessed fitness needs. The student will complete a 9-week program of aerobic activities selected by the student with instructor approval.