Graduate Course Descriptions

The following directory lists the graduate courses which the University expects to offer, although the University in no way guarantees that all such courses will be offered in any given academic year, and reserves the right to alter the list if conditions warrant. Click on the links below for a list of courses in that subject area. You may then click “View Classes” to see scheduled classes for individual courses.

5000. Clinical Anatomy for Athletic Trainers

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open only to Athletic Training students.

Grading Basis: Graded

A cadaver anatomy course focusing on the extremities. Emphasis will be placed on the link between anatomical structure, orthopedic injuries, and clinical practice.

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5099. Independent Study

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 36 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

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5100. Musculoskeletal Examination and Acute Treatment I

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: KINS 5200.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduces the common types of orthopedic injuries and/or dysfunctions that occur to the upper extremity during physical activity and/or athletics. Injuries will be discussed from the following viewpoints: etiology and mechanism of injury; pathology; recognition and evaluation techniques; protocols; and prevention. Students will also learn to apply the techniques of orthopedic injury assessment and evaluation as well as the immediate care of those injuries.

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5101. Musculoskeletal Examination and Acute Treatment II

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: Must complete KINS 5100 with a C or better.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduces students to the common types of orthopedic injuries and/or dysfunctions that occur to the lower extremity during physical activity and/or athletics. Injuries will be discussed from the following viewpoints: etiology and mechanism of injury; pathology; recognition and evaluation techniques; protocols; and prevention. Students will also learn to apply the techniques of orthopedic injury assessment and evaluation as well as the immediate care of those injuries.

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5102. Therapeutic Interventions in Athletic Training I

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: KINS 5100; PT 5410 and 5412.

Grading Basis: Graded

An integrated approach to the treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and conditions. Discusses the physiology and phases of healing with regards to specific types of tissue, various tissue responses to different types of training modalities, the theory behind common treatment modalities, and rehabilitation paradigms. Students will take an active role in learning to plan, implement, document, and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in the treatment of physically active people with musculoskeletal injuries.

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5103. Therapeutic Interventions in Athletic Training II

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: KINS 5102; PT 5410 and 5412.

Grading Basis: Graded

Prepares students to apply an integrated approach to the treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and conditions. Students will take an active role in learning to plan, implement, document, and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in the treatment of injured physically active people.

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5106. Emergency Procedures in Athletic Training

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: Must possess CPR, AED, and first aid certification.

Grading Basis: Graded

Evaluation and treatment skills for athletic injuries to the head, face, neck, trunk, thorax, abdomen, and those caused by the environment. Acute first-aid considerations in life-threatening situations will also be covered in-depth.

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5107. Orthopedic Assessment and Treatment of the Head and Spine

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: Instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Covers anatomy, evaluation, pathology of spinal injuries and conditions, diagnosis, and management of injuries related to the head, spine, thorax, and core.

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5109. Medical Aspects and Pharmacology in Athletic Training

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to Athletic Training students.

Grading Basis: Graded

This course will prepare the athletic training student to recognize, evaluate, and manage common general medical conditions that may affect physically active individuals. Conditions that affect all of the major body systems will be discussed. Management of these conditions, which may include prescription or over the counter drugs will be discussed as well. Additionally, this course will provide athletic training students with information regarding the relationship between nutrition and physical fitness for the purpose of developing individualized nutrition plans for physical fitness and general well being.

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5110. Leadership, Administration, and Professional Development in Athletic Training

2.00 credits

Prerequisites: Instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

The course will cover concepts for student's majoring in athletic training regarding professional development and healthcare administration and organization. The lecture and discussion format of the course will include topics related to personnel management, leadership, daily operations, finance, facility design, information management, workshop development, interviewing skills, ethics and ethical decision-making, organizational structure, work-place culture, among other topics that pertain to the profession of athletic training.

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5111. Practical Applications of Injury Assessment and Care

3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

Prerequisites: Open only to M.S. Athletic Training students.

Grading Basis: Graded

Provides students an opportunity to solidify, improve upon and refine assessment skills, treatment plans and rehabilitation prescription. Students' ability to provide proper documentation utilizing a written SOAP note, including differential diagnoses as well as immediate treatment and short and long-term rehabilitation plans will be assessed throughout the semester. A comprehensive review of content in preparation for the Board Examination will also be done throughout the course.

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5112. Behavioral Health Considerations for Athletic Trainers

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Prepares students to recognize clients/patients exhibiting abnormal social, emotional, and mental behaviors. Coupled with recognition is the ability to intervene and refer these individuals as necessary. Students learn to appreciate the role of mental health in injury and recovery and use interventions to optimize the connection between mental health and restoration of participation.

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5115. Therapeutic Interventions III

2.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 2 credits.

Prerequisites: KINS 5103; open to M.S. in Athletic Training students.

Grading Basis: Graded

This course is designed to prepare the entry-level athletic trainer to be versed in strength and conditioning principles and exercise as a means to help prevent and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries. Students will learn the physiology behind muscle and bone development related to exercise and strength training and will learn to design targeted strength training programs to treat abnormalities after injury and to optimize performance.

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5200. Foundations of Athletic Training

2.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open only to Athletic Training students.

Grading Basis: Graded

To provide students with an overview of the general concepts and principles related to the profession of athletic training.

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5201. Athletic Training Experience I

2.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

In this practicum experience the student works directly with a certified athletic trainer and is assigned to a specific athletic training practice setting. It involves providing day-to-day care for the participants, as well as administering treatments and rehabilitation under supervision of the preceptor.

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5202. Athletic Training Clinical Experience II

3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

Prerequisites: KINS 5201.

Grading Basis: Graded

Students work directly with a certified athletic trainer and are assigned to a specific athletic training practice setting. Involves providing day-to-day care for the participants, as well as administering treatments and rehabilitation under supervision of the preceptor. Students will be expected to be immersed daily into the role of the athletic trainer.

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5204. Clinical Immersion II

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: KINS 5202; Open only to M.S. Athletic Training students.

Grading Basis: Graded

In this practicum course, students work directly with a certified athletic trainer and is assigned to a specific athletic training practice setting. Involves providing day-to-day care for the participants, as well as administering treatments and rehabilitation under supervision of the preceptor. Students will be expected to be immersed daily into the role of the athletic trainer.

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5205. Athletic Training Clinical Immersion II

5.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 5 credits.

Prerequisites: KINS 5204; Open only to M.S. Athletic Training students..

Grading Basis: Graded

Students work directly with a certified athletic trainer and is assigned to a specific athletic training practice setting. Involves providing day-to-day care for the participants, as well as administering treatments and rehabilitation under supervision of the preceptor. Students will be expected to be immersed daily into the role of the athletic trainer.

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5208. Research Design and Implementation in Athletic Training

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Acquaints students of athletic training with recent research in the field, components of conducting and publishing research in athletic training, and preparation for research endeavors at the graduate level. Covers relevant issues/policies/laws related to athletic training that are currently being debated, discussed, and/or implemented and the local and national level.

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5220. Exercise and Sport Psychology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Instructor consent. Recommended preparation: KINS 5507.

Grading Basis: Graded

The course will examine psychological factors associated with participation and performance in sport and physical activity. The purpose of the course is to provide an overview of psychological principles, motivators, barriers to, and theories that influence physical activity and sport.

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5222. Mental Health Considerations in Exercise and Sport

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

The course will examine mental health considerations in sport and exercise. The course will closely examine the impact that exercise and sport performance can have on the individual and athlete’s mind and body as they devote time, energy, and effort into their sport. Engaging in sport individuals and athletes navigate unique stressors and can be at greater risk compared to the general population to experience a negative impact on their mental health and well-being. Topics to be covered may include athlete identity, mental health stigmas, personality disorders, disordered eating, substance abuse, sports specialization, and other psychiatric disorders.

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5223. Lifestyle Medicine

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

This course provides an in-depth exploration of lifestyle medicine, emphasizing the role of lifestyle choices in health and the prevention and management of chronic diseases and health conditions. KINS 5223 covers topics related to physical activity, nutrition, stress management, chronic disease, and health promotion, and the role of social determinants of health on these health behaviors.

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5488. Theory of Clinical Analysis

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Provides an introduction to the principles and procedures of various tests performed in clinical chemistry. Presents the physiological basis, principle and procedures and the clinical significance of test results, including quality control and reference values. Emphasizes basic chemical laboratory technique, electrolytes, acid-base balance, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes, endocrine function, TDM, toxicology, hematology, and coagulation.

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5500. Research Techniques and Experimental Designs in Exercise Science

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Gives an understanding of research designs and methods in exercise science when examining different research topics related to human, animal and cell culture models.

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5507. Fundamentals of Exercise Prescription

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: An undergraduate course in exercise prescription and/or exercise science/kinesiology.

Grading Basis: Graded

An examination and application of the principles of exercise prescription in primary disease prevention. Students will advance their knowledge in the exercise pre-participation health screening and pre-exercise evaluation processes. Students will develop exercise prescriptions for healthy adults and adults with multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors and/or special considerations. Student will learn how to adjust an exercise prescription for clients taking common medications that affect the exercise response and learn behavioral strategies to improve exercise adherence.

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5508. Exercise Prescription for Individuals with Chronic Diseases and Health Conditions

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: KINS 5507, 5594 and instructor consent required.

Grading Basis: Graded

Taught online. An in-depth examination and application of the principles of exercise prescription for individuals living with chronic diseases and health conditions. Students will advance their knowledge in prescribing exercise for special populations that include groups with cancer, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neuromuscular, and musculoskeletal diseases and conditions across the lifespan, among others.

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5509. Clinical Exercise Physiology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: KINS 5507 and instructor consent. Recommended preparation: Human anatomy and physiology.

Grading Basis: Graded

Designed to provide students with a strong foundation in clinical exercise physiology. An understanding of how the body responds to acute and chronic exercise is crucial for clinical exercise physiologists. Emphasis is placed on pathophysiology, clinical exercise testing, disease management and the acute and chronic effects of exercise on cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic disease among other diseases and chronic conditions. Students will: 1) participate in HuskyCT discussions on topics presented in class; 2) participate in case studies in HuskyCT discussion format involving exercise testing and performance; and 3) complete examinations to demonstrate their competency of course objectives.

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5511. Sitting is the New Smoking

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: KINS 5507 and instructor consent. Recommended preparation: Human anatomy and physiology.

Grading Basis: Graded

Addresses concepts related to how appropriate movement and posture can promote a lifetime of physical activity and optimal joint health. The course will integrate foundational concepts with current literature related to joint injury. Strongly recommended for all clinicians in athletic training, physical therapy, and sport performance fields.

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5512. Preventing Sudden Death in Sport

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Provides an in-depth examination of the causes of sudden death in the athletic/exercise environment. The most current evidence-based guidelines pertaining to the prevention, recognition, and treatment of these conditions will be explored and discussed.

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5514. Legal Considerations of Sudden Death in Sport--Issues for Medical Staff and Athletic Administrators

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

A seminar for Kinesiology graduate students using formal instruction regarding legal aspects of sudden death in sport. Covers sport law concepts drawing upon the case law of recent incidents of sudden death in sport to explore the various criminal and civil legal ramifications that arise when preventable deaths occur in domain of organized sport and physical activity.

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5515. Scientific Presentations

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Skills required for writing scientific articles and abstracts, reviewing manuscripts, and presenting results at scientific meetings.

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5522. Scientific Instrumentation in Human Movement

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to graduate students in Kinesiology; others by departmental consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

A course for graduate exercise science students focusing on the assessment of human movement using advanced instrumentation for data collection within both clinical and research contexts. Students will acquire skills in motion capture technology, transcranial magnetic stimulation, isokinetic testing, electromyography, quantitative sensory testing, and diagnostic ultrasound. Applications will consider diverse patient/client populations.

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5530. Physiology of Stressful Environments

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Exercising and resting responses/adaptations/illnesses to high altitude, cold, hyperbaric, polluted, and zero gravity environments. The acute and chronic effects of electromagnetic radiation fields and sleep deprivation will also be studied.

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5533. Current Research and Issues in Athletic Training

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Acquaints students of athletic training with the recent research in the field, the components of conducting and publishing research in this field, and preparation for research endeavors at the graduate level. Covers relevant issues, policies, and laws related to athletic training that are currently being regionally or nationally debated, discussed, and/or implemented.

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5534. Advanced Clinical Care in Sports Medicine

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

A discussion/lecture-based class designed to explore advanced topics for graduate students in athletic training. Furthers students' knowledge and skills regarding "hot" topics within the athletic training profession.

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5594. Fundamentals of Conducting Systematic Reviews

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: KINS 5507 and instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

An application of the best practices for conducting scientific systematic review on a topic related to the use of exercise/physical activity as medicine. Students will advance their knowledge in systematically searching the literature with a medical librarian, triaging potentially qualifying studies, data extraction and coding, synthesizing data and critiquing the literature, and writing scientifically. KINS 5594 is a prerequisite for KINS 5508 Exercise Prescription for Chronic Diseases and Health Conditions.

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5595. Special Topics in Exercise Prescription

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: KINS 5507.

Grading Basis: Graded

Taught online. An in-depth examination and application of the principles of exercise prescription for healthy populations with special considerations, and unique circumstances under which people exercise related to both athletic and clinical populations. Students will advance their knowledge in prescribing exercise for healthy populations with special populations such as children and older adults, populations with unique considerations such as the spinal cord injured and amputee athletes, and unique exercise circumstances such as environmental considerations and wearable technologies, among others.

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5596. Capstone in Exercise Prescription

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: KINS 5507, 5508, 5509, 5510, 5594, 5595 and instructor consent required.

Grading Basis: Graded

Capstone course for the M.S. in Exercise Prescription Professional Degree Program. The application of best practices for conducting and writing scientific systematic reviews and preparing and delivering an online educational presentation of a scientific systematic review on a topic related to the use of exercise/physical activity as medicine. Students will advance their knowledge in the use of exercise/physical activity as medicine for healthy adults, healthy populations with special considerations, populations with chronic diseases and health conditions, and unique special considerations in exercise prescription.

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6094. Seminar

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Cooperative study of developments and problems in the student's area of specialization.

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6100. Data Analysis and Reporting in Kinesiology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Analyzes data and critically appraises research literature using a broad variety of methods applicable to laboratory and clinical research. Students will gain experience using software to analyze data germane to exercise kinesiology and report results in a manner consistent with leading journals in the field. Knowledge of basic statistical principles is assumed.

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6102. Concepts and Principles of Clinical and Classroom Teaching in Athletic Training

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Lecture and discussion-based course provides the athletic trainer with formal instruction regarding clinical supervision and teaching. Covers both effective strategies and techniques for success in the classroom as well as in the clinical education setting.

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6103. Employment Concepts and Issues in Athletic Training

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Lectures and discussions to cover topics related to workplace structure, organizational culture, professional socialization and professional development.

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6106. Qualitative Research Methods

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

The role of qualitative research in healthcare and exercise science. Examines major approaches used in conducting qualitative research and the application of these methods to problems and phenomena in healthcare and athletic training. Emphasizes the developmental process prior to collection, collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of qualitative data. Exploration and application of topics such as sampling, interviewing and observation techniques, data analysis methods, and reporting of qualitative research. Examines evaluation and critique of research studies utilizing qualitative methods.

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6425. Special Topics in Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

An in-depth examination of health issues across the lifespan. Perspectives from social and behavioral health science, occupational and environmental health science, and/or public health policy.

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6450. Exercise Endocrinology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Overview of cellular endocrinology with a focus on the impact of acute and chronic exercise on these systems.

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6500. Exertional Heat Stroke

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

An in-depth examination of pathophysiology, prevention, recognition, treatment, and return to play considerations for exertional heat stroke, with a secondary emphasis on all exertional heat illnesses.

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6512. Advanced Resistance Training Physiology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Provides students with an in-depth overview of the physiological mechanisms mediating the different exercise prescriptions in resistance training.

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6520. Thermal Physiology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Detrimental effects which exercise in the heat and dehydration have on: cardiovascular function, strength, endurance, fluid-electrolyte balance, disposition, and heat tolerance.

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6525. Muscle Physiology in Exercise and Sport

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Structural, morphological and biochemical changes in muscle with exercise and training.

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6530. Repair of Musculoskeletal Tissue

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Fundamental processes necessary for the understanding of our physiologic response to injury stress, healing and recovery. Intended for graduate students in the Department of Kinesiology. The scope of physiologic discussion will span from cell to organism. Discussion will center on systemic and tissue specific responses to injury. Some prior exposure to organ level physiology, endocrinology, and cell biology is recommended.

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6535. Neuromuscular Function and Effects of Injury

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

The structural and neural properties of skeletal muscle and the response to injury will be examined.

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