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Pursuing a major in health and human performance provides students with the knowledge to pursue a career in medical field, training, teaching, and coaching as well as preparing students to pursue higher education degrees in Physical and Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, and much more! The curriculum is centered on topics such as anatomy, sports psychology, kinesiology, exercise physiology and motor development.
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The HHP major at UPIKE provides exciting opportunities for our students. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning opportunities both in a laboratory and internship settings. Students will get the opportunity to work in the local community with people gaining real-world experience. Upon completing the program, students should be prepared to sit for certification exams, such as CSCS, group fitness instructor, personal training, among others. Many graduates also choose to continue their education by pursuing Masters and Doctoral degrees.
HHP-115 Intro Health & Human Performance (3 Credits) This class is an introduction to health and human performance as a field of study, with a focus on the historical background, objectives, and philosophical foundation of the disciplines. Course content includes an overview of exercise physiology, sport and exercise psychology, sociocultural aspects of sport and exercise, strength and conditioning, motor development, biomechanics, health, and physical education.
HHP-210 Emergency Care and Response (3 Credits) This course provides the citizen responder with the knowledge and skills necessary for health, first aid, and safety training in emergency care. Through in-depth skills training and testing, the course is designed to teach the layperson how to respond to emergencies in the home, workplace, or in the community until professional help arrives. This course meets the requirements for American Heart Association Heartsaver certification.
HHP-310 Sports Nutrition (3 Credits) This course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles of nutrition as they pertain to athletic performance and physical health. Students will learn about the role of macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration, and supplements in sports, as well as strategies for optimizing performance and recovery through diet.
HHP-315 Kinesiology (3 Credits) This course is the study of the mechanics and biomechanics of human movement, with emphasis on analysis of motor skills. Preventative and rehabilitory exercise methods, application of physical laws, classes of levers, origins and insertions of muscles, and principles underlying movement in range of flexibility, strength, and endurance are covered.
HHP-330 Motor Development (3 Credits) The focus of this course is the study of basic principles of motor learning, motor control, and motor development as they relate to human voluntary movement. The course will involve applications of principles through observations and assessment of motor behavior and motor development from learning to performance (acquisition of skill) throughout the life span, from infancy to older adulthood.
HHP-415 Exercise Testing/Prescription (3 Credits) This course covers concepts involved in exercise testing and prescription for the healthy adult as outlined by The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as well as for patients/clients with specific needs or disease. The pathophysiology, risk factors, exercise responses, and issues of concern will be discussed as they relate to special populations of children, pregnancy, older adults and those with diagnosis of disease involving the cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and immunologic systems. Students will also administer a battery of fitness tests to assess components of health-related physical fitness and prescribe a program of exercise based on goals.
To gain content knowledge in health and human performance and related disciplines.
To gain practical skills essential in the field of health and human performance and related disciplines.
Demonstrate, apply, and communicate knowledge about factors affecting and enhancing health and human performance.
Demonstrate the skills, proclivities, predilections, and habitudes necessary to collect, analyze, and communicate information relevant to health and human performance.
Demonstrate the skills, proclivities, predilections, and habitudes necessary to work and communicate effectively with peers, clients, and the community.
Recreation Specialists Physical Education Teachers and Coaches Personal Trainers Health Club Managers Wellness Specialists Strength and Conditioning Coaches Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Specialists Health Educators Physical Therapist Occupational Therapist Athletic Trainer OSHA Officiating
Assistant Professor of Health and Human Performance (606) 218-5359indsayelliott@upike.edu