Department of Human Movement Sciences
2006 Student Recreation Center
757 683-4995 (phone)
757 683-4270 (fax)
Xihe Zhu, Chair
The Department of Human Movement Sciences offers graduate programs leading to Master's degrees in three disciplines, which includes Health and Physical Education, Park, Recreation & Tourism Studies, and Sport Management. Within Physical Education, there are concentrations in Adapted Physical Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Coaching Education, and Initial Virginia Teaching Licensure in Health & Physical Education. Additionally, students can earn a graduate certificate in Adapted Physical Education. We also offer a Doctoral degree (PhD in Education - Human Movement Sciences concentration) with emphasis areas in Health & Sport Pedagogy, and Sport & Recreation Management.
Due to changing University requirements, national accreditation standards, and Commonwealth licensure regulations, the programs in the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies are under constant revision. Any changes resulting from these factors supersede the program requirements described in the catalog. Students should obtain current program information from their advisors and the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies website at http://www.odu.edu/education.
Please Note: The following programs are being managed by the College of Health Sciences - Dean's Office. The program content has been moved.
- Master of Science, Exercise Science
- Doctor of Philosophy, Education with a Concentration in Applied Kinesiology
Programs
Doctor of Philosophy Programs
Master of Science Programs
Master of Science in Education Programs
- Physical Education with a Concentration in Adapted Physical Education (MSEd)
- Physical Education with a Concentration in Coaching (MSEd)
- Physical Education with a Concentration in Health and Sport Pedagogy (MSEd)
- Physical Education with a Concentration in Initial Virginia Licensure in Health and Physical Education (MSEd)
Certificate Program
Courses
Exercise Science (EXSC)
Emphasizes the role of nutrition as a means to enhance health and performance in sport. Topics covered include energy metabolism and nutrients, regulation of metabolism by vitamins and minerals, and weight control.
The application of different methodologies in the measurement of physiologic responses to exercise. Emphasis is placed on understanding American College of Sports Medicine guidelines, appropriate experimental techniques, and equipment necessary to evaluate changes in body composition and various metabolic, cardiovascular, and respiratory adjustments during exercise.
Application of physical laws and mechanical principles to the human musculoskeletal system.
A study of pathophysiology of common diseases with concentration in the design, implementation and administration of exercise prescription for a variety of chronic diseases.
An introduction to the principles of administration and implementation of fitness and wellness programs to individuals, groups, centers and corporate settings.
A study of the principles and techniques utilized in optimizing physical performance and reducing injury through proper and effective strength and conditioning programs. Special emphasis will be placed on current research findings, breakthrough techniques and advanced weight training techniques, and popular conditioning practices.
Review of current physiological literature related to muscular exercise including the cardiovascular-respiratory system, metabolic effects of exercise, neuromuscular relationships, and the effects of training or diet, environment, ergogenic aids, temperature, attitude, and other factors on performance and health.
Practice in the use of statistical and analytical techniques in solving problems in exercise science; supervised student research.
Principles of diagnostic exercise assessment, cardiovascular physiology, electrocardiography, ACSM guidelines to exercise testing and prescription for symptomatic and asymptomatic populations. Course includes laboratory assignments.
This course is an in-depth analysis of the role of nutrition in health and human physical and athletic performance. General areas covered include the role of the six major classes of nutrients in health and sport, physiologic and metabolic interrelationships, malnutrition, nutrition in growing and aging, and diet and nutrition in the prevention of disease.
Designed to provide detailed practical experience (200 clock hours) in an exercise science field setting.
Selected topic courses in exercise science and wellness.
Investigations in exercise science. Problems approved in advance are investigated under the supervision of the faculty advisor.
Master's level thesis research in topics related to Exercise Science.
Preparation and writing of the master's thesis.
Study of the relationships among mechanics, energetics and control of human movement. Emphasis will be placed on the application of mechanical concepts in biomechanics research. Course includes laboratory assignments.
A study of the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system. Effects of exercise on the system will also be discussed.
This course will focus on the endocrine responses to acute and chronic exercise and how neuroendocrine function relates to health and athletic performance. Emphasis is placed on the role of the endocrine system in regulating substrate utilization during exercise, energy balance, skeletal muscle plasticity, reproductive function, and the aging process.
An ergogenic aid is any technique or substance (nutritional, drug, etc.) used to enhance mental or physical performance. This course introduces students to the various classes of ergogenic aids and critically explores scientific research regarding their use, prevalence, physiological effects, and safety, as well as ethical concerns.
Study of the relationships among mechanics, energetics and control of human movement. Emphasis will be placed on the application of mechanical concepts in biomechanics research. Course includes laboratory assignments.
A study of the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system. Effects of exercise on the system will also be discussed.
This course will focus on the endocrine responses to acute and chronic exercise and how neuroendocrine function relates to health and athletic performance. Emphasis is placed on the role of the endocrine system in regulating substrate utilization during exercise, energy balance, skeletal muscle plasticity, reproductive function, and the aging process.
An ergogenic aid is any technique or substance (nutritional, drug, etc.) used to enhance mental or physical performance. This course introduces students to the various classes of ergogenic aids and critically explores scientific research regarding their use, prevalence, physiological effects, and safety, as well as ethical concerns.
This course is a pass/fail course doctoral students may take to maintain active status after successfully passing the candidacy examination. All doctoral students are required to be registered for at least one graduate credit hour every semester until their graduation.
Health and Physical Education (HPE)
This course will enable teacher candidates to gain insight into the techniques, methodology, and philosophy of field-based health and physical education. Teacher candidates will be expected to observe and participate in the teaching of simple lessons.
Students will become acquainted with the practices and researching of different disabilities, the learning modes of the exceptional child, and IDEA (the law that advocates free and appropriate education). The course will also examine how to work within the ecosystem surrounding a child with disabilities. A vital component of the course will be the practical application of theory.
This course is designed to acquaint the student with tests and measurement in the fields of health and physical education, test construction, scoring, and methods of using results.
An investigation into the physiological adjustments of the human organism to exercise, including systematic and biochemical molecular changes. Major areas of concern include neuromuscular, metabolic, and cardiorespiratory changes during exercise and the influence of such variables as nutrition, drugs, environment, age, sex, training and body weight.
The study of techniques for the teaching of nutrition and health-related fitness. Content to be covered includes nutrition and various aspects of fitness training appropriate for the teaching of PreK-12 physical education and health.
A clinical experience that allows the teaching candidate to teach and observe professionals in a field-based setting. Portfolio development, reflective assessment of teaching, and student assessment techniques will be emphasized. This course requires a completed ODU clearance/background check prior to entering a school or community agency. Visit: www.odu.edu/TES for clearance procedures. If students do not have the clearance by the first week of classes, they will be dropped.
Study and group discussion of problems growing out of the student teaching (teacher candidate internship) experience. Students must pass Praxis II to complete this course.
This course is divided into three sections. The first section deals with learning how to administer and interpret several evaluation tools. The second section concentrates on developing computer, videotaping, and other technology skills for adapted PE. The third section focuses on overall supervision of adapted PE programs in various school and institutional environments.
This laboratory and methods class focuses on the skills and strategies of teaching individual sports (e.g., bowling, badminton, golf, and tennis) and team sports (e.g., football, basketball, volleyball, and softball), using a tactical approach.
The course is designed to help teachers and coaches improve their skills in analyzing movement skills in dance and rhythmic activities. Such skill analysis is necessary to effectively diagnose movement deficiencies, prescribe techniques for improving performance, and modifying activities for the adaptive program.
Practice in the use of statistical and analytical techniques in solving problems in health and physical education; supervised student research.
Designed to provide detailed practical experience (400 clock hours) in a health and physical education field setting.
Problems in teaching health education on the elementary and secondary level; family life education, substance use and abuse, and mental and emotional health.
Selected topic courses in health and physical education.
Investigations in health, physical education. Problems approved in advance are investigated under the supervision of the faculty advisor.
This course provides experiences of teaching adapted physical education content in lecture and gymnasium settings. Students will develop an understanding of a broad spectrum of disability related content that is applicable to physical education, and gain a deep knowledge of specific topics within disability studies. General and disability specific teaching strategies will be discussed.
This course examines applied theories of learning and coaching in sport and physical education. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the differing coaching/learning theories and strategies, designing effective practice and game plans, and learning the different learning levels and styles through observing, analyzing, and critiquing skills. Current research and practice will be emphasized.
This course is designed to provide in-depth information about the planning and administrative aspects of sport/physical education programs. Content includes, but is not limited to, teaching/training planning, safety and injury prevention, behavioral management, field/facility maintenance, budgetary considerations, public relations, and legal and risk management procedures associated with coaching/teaching PE.
A course designed to acquaint the student with the basic principles and practices in curriculum development. Curriculum development methodologies for both K-12 and college curricula will be addressed.
Motivational and psychological issues relate with sport performance enhancement, athlete/student wellbeing, and clinical issues with specific populations.
This course covers a combination of motor development and motor learning topics. The course information and structure are designed to optimize practitioners’ effectiveness in the classroom and on the field via practical application of motor behavior theories, concepts and principles. Attention is directed toward understanding the acquisition of skills from the fundamental, initial level to the sport-specific, more advanced level, toward optimal age and skill-level practices and developing appropriate motor skill assessments for infants through older adulthood. Past and current research findings are incorporated into each of the course topics.
This course covers assessment/evaluation theory and practices in PE/Sport. Multiple evaluation designs and techniques in different domains such as teaching/coaching, learning, and performance will be discussed along with technology applications in PE/Sport.
This course provides experiences of teaching adapted physical education content in lecture and gymnasium settings. Students will develop an understanding of a broad spectrum of disability related content that is applicable to physical education, and gain a deep knowledge of specific topics within disability studies. General and disability specific teaching strategies will be discussed.
Qualitative research seeks to make sense of, or interpret, the meaning of social phenomena in the natural setting, filtering through the multiple lens of race, social class, ethnicity, language, gender, and ability/disability. The aims of this course are twofold: (1) to highlight the contribution of qualitative inquiry to our understanding of the theory, research, and practice in adapted physical education, and (2) to provide basic skills and understanding necessary for doctoral students in adapted physical education to interpret and conduct qualitative research.
This course is designed to provide in-depth information about the planning and administrative aspects of sport/physical education programs. Content includes, but is not limited to, teaching/training planning, safety and injury prevention, behavioral management, field/facility maintenance, budgetary considerations, public relations, and legal and risk management procedures associated with coaching/teaching PE.
A course designed to acquaint the student with the basic principles and practices in curriculum development. Curriculum development methodologies for both K-12 and college curricula will be addressed.
This course covers a combination of motor development and motor learning topics. The course information and structure are designed to optimize practitioners' effectiveness in the classroom and on the field via practical application of motor behavior theories, concepts and principles. Attention is directed toward understanding the acquisition of skills from the fundamental, initial level to the sport-specific, more advanced level, toward optimal age and skill-level practices and developing appropriate motor skill assessments for infants through older adulthood. Past and current research findings are incorporated into each of the course topics.
This course covers assessment/evaluation theory and practices in PE/Sport. Multiple evaluation designs and techniques in different domains such as teaching/coaching, learning, and performance will be discussed along with technology applications in PE/Sport.
This quantitative research method course delves into two aspects: (1) to understand the quantitative study design and evidence hierarchy as they relate to research and practices in adapted physical activity, and (2) to provide skills and understanding necessary for doctoral students in adapted physical activity to interpret and conduct quantitative research.
Human Movement Science (HMS)
Investigations in health, physical education, recreation, and sport. Problems approved in advance are investigated under the supervision of the faculty advisor.
3-6 credits.
3-6 credits.
Selected topic courses in Human Movement Sciences.
This course explores current issues and trends in all aspects of human movement science and relates theory to practice.
Determination of a research project through the review of literature. Course encompasses formulation of a topic along with the design of a research study.
Supervised research implementation, data collection, and project completion of specific topic within curriculum and instruction or applied kinesiology concepts.
Students will work in consultation with their advisors to conduct a study related to human movement sciences as part of their research residency that will be submitted for presentation at a nationally refereed conference and/or to a refereed journal.
Students will be introduced to expectations of conducting research, explore concepts associated with becoming a faculty member or practitioner with an earned doctorate, and become familiar with campus resources. Students will learn and apply concepts related to scientific writing. This course will include extensive reading of research articles, grant applications, and other scholarly work. Also, this course will investigate the need for professional development. This will include familiarizing oneself with appropriate professional organizations, exploring the benefits and challenges of collaboration, interviewing and preparing for job placements, and preparing a curricular vitae and teaching philosophy.
Selected topic courses in Human Movement Sciences.
Independent reading and study under the direction of a faculty member on a topic in the Human Movement Sciences.
Independent research project under the direction of a faculty member that will expose students to a broad range of research topics and research environments in the human movement sciences.
Work on pre-selected dissertation topic under the direction of dissertation chair.
This course is a pass/fall course for master's students in their final semester. It may be taken to fulfill the registration requirement necessary for graduation. All master's students are required to be registered for at least one graduate credit hour in the semester of graduation.
This course is a pass/fail course doctoral students may take to maintain active status after successfully passing the candidacy examination. All doctoral students are required to be registered for at least one graduate credit hour every semester until their graduation.
Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies (PRTS)
Practice in the use of statistical and analytical techniques in solving problems in Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies; supervised student research.
This course is designed to increase the student's ability to critically analyze and discuss the contemporary issues and trends in parks, recreation and tourism. This course will require students to describe, evaluate, and critique the current research in the field; evaluate the future trajectory of park, recreation and tourism studies; and assess both personal and professional philosophies to elucidate his/her role as an advanced-level practitioner in parks, recreation or tourism industry.
Designed to provide detailed practical experience (400 clock hours) in a park, recreation or tourism field setting.
Selected topic courses in Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies
Investigations in park, recreation, and tourism studies. Problems approved in advance are investigated under the supervision of the faculty advisor.
Students work independently with a faculty member to conduct research for their thesis on a topic related to Park, Recreation, and Tourism Studies.
Students work independently with a faculty member to complete their thesis on a topic related to Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies.
This course explores the complexities and evolution of tourism consumer behavior from a multidisciplinary perspective. Choosing, buying and consuming tourism/travel products and services includes a range of psycho-social processes, individual and environmental influences, motivations, and meanings that researchers and managers of national parks and tourism destinations should take into account when evaluating the tourism experience. This course provides an overview of such processes and influences and explains the basic and advanced concepts and theories that underlie tourist decision-making and behavior.
The course examines the concepts, theories and philosophies related to outdoor recreation, travel and tourism, and community recreation. Discussion will focus on the application of social science theories to the study of leisure, parks, recreation and tourism.
This course targets research related to outdoor recreation in parks and open spaces. Empirical studies investigating sense of place, motivations for outdoor recreation, carrying capacity, crowding, recreation opportunity spectrum, and other sensitive issues will be covered. The course will also provide a historical overview of social sciences in outdoor recreation, and the principles guiding park management.
This course provides preparation for upper-level recreation administration. National standards for managerial, administrative and executive decision-making for parks and recreation professionals will be discussed, in addition to practical knowledge and current real-world skills necessary in today's changing park and recreation environment. The course is designed to prepare professionals to sit for the Certified Park and Recreation Professionals (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam.
This course examines the planning, development and management of the tourism industry with regard to economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability. Current theory and research in the field of sustainable tourism will also be explored in order for students to develop a critical perspective on sustainable tourism development.
Grant writing is an essential skill for the park and recreation professional. This course examines the grant writing process. This includes, but is not limited to, The Office of Research, the ODU Research Foundation, budgeting, human subjects, and partnerships. Students will be expected to submit a grant application by the end of the course.
The Positive Youth Development (PYD) movement has been greatly influenced by sport and recreation. With the recent increase of diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and risky behaviors among youth, sport and recreation professionals are charged to help alleviate these societal issues. More specifically, practitioners need to target the socio-emotional needs of our youth through the sport and recreation experience. By using class lectures, technology, video, and self-directed research, students will explore research, theory, practice, and techniques of structuring positive experiences for youth. This course includes the examination of theories on youth development, behavior management, motivation, resiliency, and social skills as they relate to the sport and recreation experience.
This course explores the complexities and evolution of tourism consumer behavior from a multidisciplinary perspective. Choosing, buying and consuming tourism/travel products and services includes a range of psycho-social processes, individual and environmental influences, motivations, and meanings that researchers and managers of national parks and tourism destinations should take into account when evaluating the tourism experience. This course provides an overview of such processes and influences and explains the basic and advanced concepts and theories that underlie tourist decision-making and behavior.
The course examines the concepts, theories and philosophies related to outdoor recreation, travel and tourism, and community recreation. Discussion will focus on the application of social science theories to the study of leisure, parks, recreation and tourism.
This course targets the pursued and needed research of outdoor recreation in parks and open space. Empirical studies investigating areas such as: sense of place, motivations for outdoor recreation, carrying capacity, crowding, recreation opportunity spectrum, and other sensitive issues will be covered. The course will also include an historical overview of social sciences in outdoor recreation. The course will also cover principles to guide park management.
This course provides preparation for upper-level recreation administration. National standards for managerial, administrative and executive decision-making for parks and recreation professionals will be discussed, in addition to practical knowledge and current real-world skills necessary in today's changing park and recreation environment. The course is designed to prepare professionals to sit for the Certified Park and Recreation Professionals (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam.
This course examines the planning, development and management of the tourism industry with regard to economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability. Current theory and research in the field of sustainable tourism will also be explored in order for students to develop a critical perspective on sustainable tourism development.
The Positive Youth Development (PYD) movement has been greatly influenced by sport and recreation. With the recent increase of diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and risky behaviors among youth, sport and recreation professionals are charged to help alleviate these societal issues. More specifically, practitioners need to target the socio-emotional needs of our youth through the sport and recreation experience. By using class lectures, technology, video, and self-directed research, students will explore research, theory, practice, and techniques of structuring positive experiences for youth. This course includes the examination of theories on youth development, behavior management, motivation, resiliency, and social skills as they relate to the sport and recreation experience.
Physical Education (PE)
This course provides an opportunity for in-depth study of selected topics in health and physical education.
Sport Management (SMGT)
Study of the psychological bases of coaching strategies and methodologies. Emphasis is placed on applying knowledge in field settings.
The class is a comprehensive survey of the historical interrelationship between sports and civil rights movements in the United States, emphasizing the African American experience. Through popular and academic text and documentary films, we will examine the role that sport has played in raising consciousness about racial issues, and how participation and spectatorship influence attitudes about race.
This course provides an opportunity for in-depth study of selected topics in sport management.
Practice in the use of statistical and analytical techniques in solving problems in sport management; supervised student research.
This course examines the principles of facility operation for sport, recreation, and entertainment events. It will provide students with an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities commonly faced by facility managers and how to effectively manage a sport facility. Students will analyze current research related to planning, funding, and operating facilities for sport, recreation, and entertainment. Sport Management program.
This course examines the theory and practice of securing sponsorships and planning events. Students will analyze partnerships created between sport events and corporate sponsors. In addition, students will gain experience in planning and implementing a sport or leisure event. Sport Management program.
Designed to provide detailed practical experience (400 clock hours) in a sport management field setting. Sport Management program.
Selected topic courses in Sport Management. Sport Management program.
Individualized instruction to include research, specialized studies, or other scholarly writing. Sport Management program.
Students work independently with a faculty member to conduct research for their thesis on a topic related to sport management.
Students work independently with a faculty member to complete their thesis on a topic related to sport management.
This course is designed to examine the principles and practices of financial management in diverse sport service settings. This course will explore the basic concepts of financial planning and analysis required to effectively manage a successful sport operation. The concepts covered in this course include finance, economics, accounting, and general business practices. The course is intended to offer a broad perspective of sport finance along with the basic skills associated with fiscal planning and management. Students will gain an understanding of the core principles associated with the financial management of sport enterprises. Sport Management program.
This course will familiarize the student with theoretical and practical aspects of sport marketing including the dynamic nature of sport and the importance of branding. Through lecture and case-study analysis, the course will provide students with an understanding of the importance of marketing and consumer behavior theory and fundamentals specific to strategic marketing in the sport industry. Sport Management program.
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of ethics and morals and how they apply in sport management settings. Teleological and deontological theories of ethics are examined with special application made to sport environments. Models of moral development, ethical decision making, and codes of ethics are emphasized. Sport Management program.
The course will examine the nature and scope of sport from sociological, historical, economic, and philosophical perspectives. Special emphasis will be placed on studying selected issues and topics that impact sport managers and their understanding of the role that sport plays in society. Sport Management program.
This course will examine the theory and practice of sport law as it relates to the management and supervision of sport and recreation facilities, programs, participants, spectators and events. Sport Management program.
This course will examine various management principles as they apply to sport settings. Special emphasis will be placed on studying leadership theories, human resource management, strategic planning, decision making, problem-solving, and employee motivation. Sport Management program.
This course will examine the theory, development, and application of analytics in sport. Students will learn about the application of analytics in sport for purposes of evaluating player performance, team management, market segmentation, pricing, and other areas in sport industry operations. Analytics includes the inclusive use of data, statistical and quantitative analysis, explanatory and predictive models, and fact-based decision making. Sport Management program.
This course will introduce students to various aspects of sport entrepreneurship ranging from development of an idea for a sport business to the formulation of a comprehensive sport business plan. Sport Management program.
Selected topic courses in sport management. Sport Management program.
This course is designed to examine the principles and practices of financial management in diverse sport service settings. This course will explore the basic concepts of financial planning and analysis required to effectively manage a successful sport operation. The concepts covered in this course include finance, economics, accounting, and general business practices. The course is intended to offer a broad perspective of sport finance along with the basic skills associated with fiscal planning and management. Students will gain an understanding of the core principles associated with the financial management of sport enterprises.
This course will familiarize the student with theoretical and practical aspects of sport marketing, including the dynamic nature of sport and the importance of branding. Through lecture and case-study analysis, the course will provide students with an understanding of the importance of marketing and consumer behavior theory and fundamentals specific to strategic marketing in the sport industry.
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of ethics and morals and how they apply in sport management settings. Teleological and deontological theories of ethics are examined with special application made to sport environments. Models of moral development, ethical decision making, and codes of ethics are emphasized.
The course will examine the nature and scope of sport from sociological, historical, economic, and philosophical perspectives. Special emphasis will be placed on studying selected issues and topics that impact sport managers and their understanding of the role that sport plays in society.
This course will examine the theory and practice of sport law as it relates to the management and supervision of sport and recreation facilities, programs, participants, spectators and events.
This course will examine various management principles as they apply to sport settings. Special emphasis will be placed on studying leadership theories, human resource management, strategic planning, decision making, problem-solving, and employee motivation.
This course will examine the theory, development, and application of analytics in sport. Students will learn about the application of analytics in sport for purposes of evaluating player performance, team management, market segmentation, pricing, and other areas in sport industry operations. Analytics includes the inclusive use of data, statistical and quantitative analysis, explanatory and predictive models, and fact-based decision making.
This course will introduce students to various aspects of sport entrepreneurship ranging from development of an idea for a sport business to the formulation of a comprehensive sport business plan.
Selected topic courses in sport management.