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Clinical Exercise Science

M.S. in Exercise & Sport Science: High Altitude Exercise Physiology (HAEP)

Course Requirements

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Description of the Program

A minimum of 36 credits, including six thesis credits, are required for the High Altitude Exercise Physiology master program. All students must complete 24 core credits in addition to at least 12 elective credits. All coursework and thesis must be completed by the end of the second year.

The Program consists of two twelve week semesters in the fall and spring. Fall semester starts the third week of September and ends mid-December. Spring term starts early February and ends the first week of May.

HAEP Program Core Coursework (24 credits)

ESS 600 Advanced Statistics 3 credits
ESS 601 Quantitative Research Methods 3 credits
ESS 605 Exercise and Sport Science Testing and Instrumentation 3 credits
ESS 606 Exercise and Sport Science Testing and Instrumentation – Field 3 credits
ESS 640 Environmental Exercise Physiology I 3 credits
ESS 650 HAEP Seminar – Thesis Proposal Development 3 credits
ESS 695 Thesis 6 credits

At least 12 credits from the following:

ESS 630 Clinical Exercise Physiology 3 credits
ESS 641 Environmental Exercise Physiology II 3 credits
ESS 660 Health Promotion 3 credits
ESS 675 Clinical Exercise Programming 3 credits
ESS 685 Cardiopulmonary Physiology 3 credits
ESS 692 Independent Study 1-3 credits
ESS 698 Practicum/Internship 1-6 credits

Altitude Exercise Physiology Course Description

Statistical tools for scientific research, including parametric and non-parametric methods for ANOVA and group comparisons, simple linear and multiple linear regression. Emphasis placed on the use of dedicated statistical software.

Research design and methodology in environmental exercise physiology.

Techniques of in-lab exercise testing and result interpretation in healthy and/or diseased populations.

Techniques of field-based exercise testing and result interpretation in healthy and/or diseased populations.

Physiological study of acute and chronic responses to exercise in diseased populations.

Principles of exercise physiology in extreme environmental conditions including extreme temperatures, hyper- and hypobarometric pressure, air pollution, sleep deprivation, and zero gravity. Healthy and diseased populations are studied.

Advanced research and principles of exercise physiology in extreme environmental conditions including extreme temperatures, hyperand hypobarometric pressure, air pollution, sleep deprivation, and zero gravity. Healthy and diseased populations are studied. Prerequisite: Environmental Physiology I.

Current topics and issues in exercise and sport science and environmental exercise physiology. Seminar topics change each semester. Emphasis may be placed on thesis proposal development and submission of the proposal to Western’s Human Research Committee.

Development of skills in health promotion program design, implementation and evaluation. Specific emphasis may be placed on healthy and diseased populations in extreme environments.

Role of exercise/physical activity in the prevention, pathophysiology and treatment of chronic diseases.

A foundation course that covers 1) the structure and function of the cardiopulmonary systems; 2) exercise-related physiological changes of the cardiopulmonary system and their applications to exercise training; and 3) pathophysiological changes secondary to cardiopulmonary dysfunction and their effects on function.

Advanced study for students with specialized interest in a particular area of environmental exercise physiology. Prerequisite: advisor permission.

Independent research project, supervised by academic advisor.

An opportunity for in-depth work at a site in the area of academic concentration. The experiences must meet standards of the department and the University. Prerequisite: advisor permission.

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