Exercise Physiology Concentration
Explore this concentration for the Master of Science in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology.
About This Program
Exercise Physiology is the scientific study of how the various physiological systems of humans and animals respond to physical activity. It is a multidisciplinary field with strong ties to the basic life sciences, medicine and application to clinical, normal and athletic populations.
The M.S. degree requires completion of a research project and a written thesis. This program is designed for students pursuing a career in research and/or a doctoral degree.
The program’s mission is to train individuals for careers in scientifically based exercise programs for research, health maintenance, cardiac risk identification, and rehabilitation. A strong emphasis is placed on laboratory skills and the design and implementation of various fitness and rehabilitation programs.
Primary coursework and training will include studying cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic responses to exercise and athletic training. Graduate coursework within the Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology consists of both lectures and laboratories. Additional courses involve the application of basic exercise physiology principles to clinical, field and wellness settings, and the evaluation of physical fitness and the prescription of physical exercise.
- 15 semester hours of major coursework, consisting of 3 credits of required courses and 12 credits in concentration courses
- 9 semester hours minimum in advisor-approved elective courses
- 6 semester hours minimum thesis course. A maximum of 6 thesis credits may count towards your elective requirement.
- 30 semester hours minimum for graduation
Required Course
- Research Methods: HLP 6535 (3 credits)
Concentration Courses
- Biomechanics of Human Motion: APK 6226C (3 credits)
- Physiological Bases of Exercise and Sport Sciences: APK 6116C (3 credits)
- Neuromuscular Adaptation to Exercise: APK 6118 (3 credits)
- Cardiovascular Exercise Physiology: APK 7107 (3 credits)
- Exercise Metabolism: APK 7117 (3 credits)
Thesis Course (6 credit minimum)
- Research for Master’s Thesis: PET 6971 (1-15 credits)
Elective Courses
- Evaluation Procedures: HLP 6515 (3 credits)
- Current Topics in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology: PET 5936 (3 credits)
- Nature and Bases of Motor Performance: APK 6205C (3 credits)
- Neuromuscular Adaptation to Exercise: APK 6115 (3 credits)
- Directed Independent Study: PET 6905 (1-5 credits)
- Supervised Research (maximum 5 credits): PET 6910 (1-5 credits)
- Instructional Computing I: EME 5403 (3 credits)
- Computer Programs in Statistical Analysis 1: STA 5106 (1 credit)
- Statistical Methods in Research 1: STA 6166 (3 credits)
Note: 1000-4000 level courses within the department and 1000-2000 level courses outside the department do not count toward the graduate degree requirements.
Before graduating, each student must successfully complete their thesis and present the work in written form, meeting the guidelines approved by the University of Florida Graduate School. The student also must present and defend their work orally before their thesis committee in an open forum.
Note: These courses do not count toward your graduate degree program.
- Elementary Organic & Biological Chemistry (at U.F. BCH 3023)
- Intro to Phys. Biochemistry and Molecular Bio (at U.F. BCH 4024)
- Integrated Principles of Biology I (at U.F. BSC 2010)
- General Chemistry (at U.F. CHM 2045)
- Organic Chemistry (at U.F. CHM 2210)
- Organic Chemistry II (at U.F. CHM 2211)
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory (at U.F. CHM 2211L)
- Principles of Marketing (at U.F. MAR 3023)
- Applied Human Anatomy w/Lab (at U.F. APK 2100C)
- Applied Human Physiology w/Lab (at U.F. APK 2105C)
- Motor Learning (at U.F. APK 3200)
- Physiology of Exercise and Training (at U.F. APK 3110C)