Health and Physical Education Program

Dr. Jay Garrels, Chairperson

The Health and Physical Education Program offers a major in Fitness and Wellness, Exercise Science, and Teaching to prepare students for employment in a number of venues, including commercial fitness, corporate health and fitness, and community recreation and health promotion. The curriculum also prepares students for graduate level studies in the health sciences. Students desiring a teaching certificate in Health and Physical Education will include a series of courses offered through the School of Education to teach in the K-12 school environment with the additional opportunity to minor in Secondary Education. Students desiring a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) degree will fulfill the prerequisites for DPT school under the requirements for the exercise science major and collaborate with their department advisor to complete the electives required by their intended DPT school.

Requirements for the Fitness and Wellness Major

Degree of Bachelor of Science

BI-171Anatomy and Physiology I (Core Natural Science)4
BI-171LAnatomy and Physiology I Lab (Core Natural Science)0
HE-122Nutrition in Health and Disease3
HE-271Concepts of Public Health3
HE-486Current Issues in Health Education3
PE-103Prin & Found of Phys Education (Core Pluralism)3
PE-255Fitness and Wellness3
PE-310Kinesiology3
PE-311Biomechanics3
PE-352Exercise Physiology I3
PE-353Exercise Physiology II (Capstone, Core Writing Intensive)3
PE-410Legal & Ethical Issues in Sports (Core Values)3
Choose two of the following courses6
Fundamentals of Coaching
Technology in Health and Fitness
Sports Medicine
Internship
Choose two of the following courses6
Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging
Compl Thrpy Health Wellness Cognition
Technology in Health and Fitness
Human Sexuality in Health Education
Internship in HEPE
Total Credits46

Requirements for the Exercise Science Major

Degree of Bachelor of Science

BI-171Anatomy and Physiology I (Core Natural Science)4
BI-171LAnatomy and Physiology I Lab (Core Natural Science)0
BI-172Anatomy and Physiology II (Core Natural Science)4
BI-172LAnatomy and Physiology II Lab (Core Natural Science)0
HE-122Nutrition in Health and Disease3
HE-271Concepts of Public Health3
HE-486Current Issues in Health Education3
EX-498Internship in HEPE3
EX-103Prin & Found of Phys Education (Core Pluralism)3
EX-255Fitness and Wellness3
EX-310Kinesiology3
EX-311Biomechanics3
EX-352Exercise Physiology I3
EX-353Exercise Physiology II (Core Writing Intensive)3
EX-360Sports Medicine3
EX-410Legal & Ethical Issues in Sports (Core Values)3
PE-499Internship3
Choose one of the following courses3
Compl Thrpy Health Wellness Cognition
Human Sexuality in Health Education
Technology in Health and Fitness
Total Credits50

Requirements for the Teaching Major

Degree of Bachelor of Science

HE-122Nutrition in Health and Disease3
HE-271Concepts of Public Health3
HE-486Current Issues in Health Education3
PE-103Prin & Found of Phys Education (Core Pluralism)3
PE-240Teaching of Skills Activities I3
PE-241Teaching of Skills Activities II3
PE-255Fitness and Wellness3
PE-310Kinesiology3
PE-311Biomechanics3
PE-352Exercise Physiology I3
PE-353Exercise Physiology II (Capstone, Core Writing Intensive)3
PE-410Legal & Ethical Issues in Sports (Core Values)3
Choose one of the following courses3
Adapt Phys Ed for Special Needs Students
Fundamentals of Coaching
Choose two of the following courses6
Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging
Technology in Health and Fitness
Human Sexuality in Health Education
Total Credits45

Eligibility for Physical Education and Health Teaching Certification in the State of New Jersey

A student in this program can be certified to teach in one of three areas: Physical Education and Health, Physical Education, and Health.  Applicants must complete a minimum of 30 credits in an area-specific coherent sequence with at least 12 of these credits completed at the advanced level of study.     

EX Courses

EX-103. Prin & Found of Phys Education. 3.00 Credits.

An examination of the historical and philosophical development of physical education from ancient times to the present. To acquaint the student with physical education as a profession. Course Type(s): Pluralism.

EX-122. Nutrition in Health and Disease. 3.00 Credits.

This course will explore a wealth of current information surrounding optimal nutrition and its association with disease prevention. Students will learn how to develop and implement a personal diet plan utilizing relevant nutritional recommendations and research for the enhancement of health and well-being.

EX-220. Concepts of Human Health & Disease. 3.00 Credits.

A survey of the mechanisms of disease, their expression in major organ systems, the factors that cause disruption of healthy body functions, leading to disease, and disease prevention. The goal is to use scientific reasoning to make informed decisions about matters related to human biology and health. Prerequisites: BI-171 AND BI-172 MINIMUM GRADE C.

EX-255. Fitness and Wellness. 3.00 Credits.

This course helps students adopt and maintain behavior associated with an active and healthy lifestyle. Through lecture and exercise, students will learn behavioral patterns consistent with current knowledge in fitness and wellness.

EX-271. Concepts of Public Health. 3.00 Credits.

Introduction to Public Health Issues - public health laws, policy cycle, demographics, and epidemiological concepts and applications.

EX-295. Credited Internships. 3.00 Credits.

EX-310. Kinesiology. 3.00 Credits.

Application of facts and principles of anatomy and mechanics to the study of human motion, including the systematic approach to the analysis of motor skill activities.

EX-311. Biomechanics. 3.00 Credits.

The study of the laws of mechanics as they relate to physical movement, skill development, and athletic performance. Special attention is paid to the muscular, joint, and skeletal actions of the body and how they may impact performance.

EX-352. Exercise Physiology I. 3.00 Credits.

A study of the physiological effects of movement on the human body and the relationship existing among muscular, respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems.

EX-353. Exercise Physiology II. 3.00 Credits.

The continued study of the physiological effects of movement on the human body and the relationships existing among muscular, respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems. Prerequisites: BI-172 Course Type(s): Capstone, Writing Intensive.

EX-360. Sports Medicine. 3.00 Credits.

To teach students the basis of being a certified athletic trainer and includes injury recognition, prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation and administration of athletic injuries.

EX-410. Legal & Ethical Issues in Sports. 3.00 Credits.

A hybrid values course that includes topics in policy development, labor movement in sports, collective bargaining in sports organizations, ethical dilemmas and implications. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.

EX-498. Internship in HEPE. 3.00 Credits.

Field work experience in the areas of Sports Management and/or Health and Physical Education. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.

EX-499. Internship. 3.00 Credits.

Field work experience in the areas of Sports Management and/or Health & Physical Education. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.

HE Courses

HE-122. Nutrition in Health and Disease. 3.00 Credits.

This course will explore a wealth of current information surrounding optimal nutrition and its association with disease prevention. Students will learn how to develop and implement a personal diet plan utilizing relevant nutritional recommendations and research for the enhancement of health and well-being.

HE-150. Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging. 3.00 Credits.

The investigation of the physiological age-related changes that occur in the later stages of life with a special emphasis on the necessary adaptations to exercise and nutrition.

HE-200. Compl Thrpy Health Wellness Cognition. 3.00 Credits.

The course will cover the depth and breadth of research-supported information on optimizing health, well-being, cognition and quality of life through complementary therapies. We will cover the implementation of these complementary therapies in the business environment, education environment, mental health environment, and through the exercise science platform. Some of the modalities covered and practiced in this course include meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, mindfulness based stress reduction, stress management coping strategies, and age-related coping strategies for a lifetime.

HE-271. Concepts of Public Health. 3.00 Credits.

Introduction to Public Health Issues - public health laws, policy cycle, demographics, and epidemiological concepts and applications.

HE-295. Credited Internships. 3.00 Credits.

Co-operative education experience. Course Type(s): Independent Study.

HE-301. Technology in Health and Fitness. 3.00 Credits.

This class is a comprehensive introduction to technology in the physical education classroom, and health and fitness and sport-oriented facilities. It explores developmentally appropriate usage of educational technology in the home, school, and workplace as it relates to the development and maintenance of optimal health and fitness. Emphasis is on computer and Internet technologies. The course includes hands-on computer techniques, critical analysis of National Technology Standards, practical experience with curriculum design, and technology-driven exercise prescription.

HE-350. Human Sexuality in Health Education. 3.00 Credits.

An overview of human sexuality and behavior with special emphasis on health education.

HE-486. Current Issues in Health Education. 3.00 Credits.

To study relevant current health issues such as obesity, unhealthy dietary problems, apnea, tobacco use, alcohol, drugs, heart disease and cancer.

HE-498. Internship in HEPE. 3.00 Credits.

Field work experience in the areas of Sports Management and/or Health and Physical Education. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.

HE-499. Internship. 3.00 Credits.

Field work experience in the areas of Sports Management and/or Health & Physical Education. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.

PE Courses

PE-103. Prin & Found of Phys Education. 3.00 Credits.

An examination of the historical and philosophical development of physical education from ancient times to the present. To acquaint the student with physical education as a profession. Course Type(s): Pluralism.

PE-150. Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging. 3.00 Credits.

The investigation of the physiological age-related changes that occur in the later stages of life with a special emphasis on the necessary adaptations to exercise and nutrition.

PE-200. Adapt Phys Ed for Special Needs Students. 3.00 Credits.

This course will provide an overview of adaptive physical education including an expanded definition, historical background, classifications and IEP development, assessment practices and teaching and instructional strategies for the special needs students.

PE-202. Fundamentals of Coaching. 3.00 Credits.

An overview of current coaching theory and practice with a special emphasis on the scientific literature depicting best practices and professionalism. In addition, course content will include pedagogy, ethics, the physiological and psychological aspects of athlete development and approaches to teaching technical and tactical skills. This course includes field experience and active learning modules.

PE-240. Teaching of Skills Activities I. 3.00 Credits.

A study of the basic principles, content, organization and curriculum for individual, dual and team activities for elementary school students. Includes methods and teaching strategies, program evaluation and peer teaching. Variable sport activities.

PE-241. Teaching of Skills Activities II. 3.00 Credits.

A study of basic principles, content, organization & curriculum for individual, dual & team activities for middle school and high school students. Includes methods and teaching strategies, program evaluation and peer teaching. Variable sports activities.

PE-250. Sport Communication. 3.00 Credits.

Media and public relations strategies in the sports industry are reviewed. Exposure to the use of web publications/multimedia and development. Prerequisites: SM-228.

PE-255. Fitness and Wellness. 3.00 Credits.

This course helps students adopt and maintain behavior associated with an active and healthy lifestyle. Through lecture and exercise, students will learn behavioral patterns consistent with current knowledge in fitness and wellness. Course Type(s): Interdisciplinary.

PE-295. Credited Internships. 3.00 Credits.

Co-operative education experience. Course Type(s): Independent Study.

PE-301. Technology in Health and Fitness. 3.00 Credits.

This class is a comprehensive introduction to technology in the physical education classroom, and health and fitness and sport-oriented facilities. It explores developmentally appropriate usage of educational technology in the home, school, and workplace as it relates to the development and maintenance of optimal health and fitness. Emphasis is on computer and Internet technologies. The course includes hands-on computer techniques, critical analysis of National Technology Standards, practical experience with curriculum design, and technology-driven exercise prescription.

PE-310. Kinesiology. 3.00 Credits.

Application of facts and principles of anatomy and mechanics to the study of human motion, including the systematic approach to the analysis of motor skill activities.

PE-311. Biomechanics. 3.00 Credits.

The study of the laws of mechanics as they relate to physical movement, skill development, and athletic performance. Special attention is paid to the muscular, joint, and skeletal actions of the body and how they may impact performance.

PE-350. Sport Facility Operation & Event Mgmt. 3.00 Credits.

Planning, Organization and Operation of Sport Facilities and management of events.

PE-352. Exercise Physiology I. 3.00 Credits.

A study of the physiological effects of movement on the human body and the relationship existing among muscular, respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems.

PE-353. Exercise Physiology II. 3.00 Credits.

The continued study of the physiological effects of movement on the human body and the relationships existing among muscular, respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems. Prerequisites: BI-172 Course Type(s): Capstone, Writing Intensive.

PE-360. Sports Medicine. 3.00 Credits.

To teach students the basis of being a certified athletic trainer and includes injury recognition, prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation and administration of athletic injuries.

PE-410. Legal & Ethical Issues in Sports. 3.00 Credits.

A hybrid values course that includes topics in policy development, labor movement in sports, collective bargaining in sports organizations, ethical dilemmas and implications. Prerequisites: COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.

PE-450. The Global Sports Industry. 3.00 Credits.

The history and issues in sports from a global perspective. A pluralistic lens is used to explore the relationship of gender, culture, and social institutions on sports.

PE-498. Internship in HEPE. 3.00 Credits.

Field work experience in the areas of Sports Management and/or Health and Physical Education. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.

PE-499. Internship. 3.00 Credits.

Field work experience in the areas of Sports Management and/or Health & Physical Education. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.