Course Descriptions

This course is designed ofr the student who demonstrates an interest in an area of study not offered or who wishes to pursue a discipline in greater depth than possible through existing courses. A directed study counts as an elective and may not be used for accelerated or remedial credit. A learning contract between the student and instructor defines the responsibilities of the parties and specifies the learning objectives and standards for successful completion of the project. A calendar of meeting times and deadlines shall be a part of that contract.

This course uses environmental model environmental models to examine environmental policies. Topics presented are: basic modeling ideas, including the systems modeling approach, model formulation, prediction and validation.

The course presents the culmination of the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals concentration and cross-discipline exposure. Topical research, specialist knowledge, and sampling to identify the presence of pharmaceutical or agricultural agents from water locally are practiced. Cataloging, reporting, and presenting findings subject the student to meaningful and extensive exposure to scientific methods, troubleshooting, design and execution of environmental science-based experiments.

This project must be in the student’s program of study or concentration. It should demonstrate application of the skills, methods, and knowledge of the discipline to solve a problem or answer a question representative of the type to be encountered in the student’s profession. As with Project I, this is undertaken with the close mentorship of a faculty member, and may involve a community partner. The ideal project has a clear purpose that builds directly upon the learning that occurs within the student’s first project and internship.

In this introductory course the student will explore the esports ecosystem; from its history to a review of current industry trends. The student will receive a broad understanding of various topics of esports through lectures, guest speakers and case studies. Offered Fall Semester, annually.

This course is an overview of the esports industry. The student will explore financial, legal, ethical, marketing and operational issues surrounding esports. The goal is to gain insight and knowledge in esports as it relates to academic specializations and career opportunities.

The student will use inquiry skills to examine the issues that influence the esports industry. We will explore issues such as the history of esports, the political, social economics implications of a global industry. Further, we will explore the role that socio-cultural issues such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, (dis)ability and age play in the understanding and practice of esports. The student will engage in research, discussion and problem solving in order to better understand and assess significant current issues.

Social media is changing how business is done around the world in almost every industry. The business world is undergoing fundamental changes in how consumers identify, engage and support brands and connections. This course equips the student with the relevant knowledge, perspectives, and practical skills required for developing marketing strategies that leverage the opportunities inherent in social media and consumer-to-consumer social interactions for achieving business goals.

In this course, the student will learn the fundamentals of various components of esports media such as writing strategies for broadcast, active voice, internet streaming, shooting on location, anchoring, play-by-play, and production of the various forms of esports media. Additionally, the student will examine economic, ethical, gender, and race issues in esports media. This experiential course offers the student an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills to esports production activities on campus.

This first project in the student’s experiential program challenges the student to identify, investigate and analyze a particular topic in the program of study or a concentration. A key objective is to apply skills, methods, and knowledge obtained in prior courses with independent thinking and research; the final product represents the successful and purposeful application of knowledge. The project is undertaken with the close mentorship of a faculty member and may involve a community partner. Projects can involve scientific-based research or laboratory experiences, needs analysis or development plans for external organizations, or market studies and business plan proposals.

This course focuses on the essential components needed for planning, building, managing, and closing of live events and projects. The student will gain general knowledge of techniques and strategies used for successful planning, promotion, implementation and evaluation of live events such as concerts, esports competitions and conferences.

This experiential learning course is designed to provide extensive exposure to the roles, responsibilities, and challenges of planning, managing, and producing live events. The student will gain practical experience by taking on production roles at one of several esports events. Course assessments will be based on individual pre-event planning assignments, field notes, and final experiential summary paper and presentation.

Streaming live events is more than pointing a webcam and turning on a laptop. Streaming has expanded the reach of traditional broadcast while also opening the industry to more roles and specialized skillsets. In this course students will plan, design, and produce several live stream events. The student will research current technologies, apply best practices, and reflect upon the process for esports and live event production.

This course provides the student with a deep understanding of the current marketplace for digital entertainment and electronic sports in preparation for successful careers in the esports and/or digital media industries. With a focus on entrepreneurialism, the student will cover a wide range of business, management and legal issues, including an overview of current business models in esports marketing and management. Topics will include pitching concepts, funding sources, copyright and intellectual property issues, production management techniques, revenue streams, and partnerships for aspiring entrepreneurs.

An internship allows the student to put theory into practice. The student applies classroom experiences to the workplace at an off-site placement, where ideas are tested and competencies and skills are developed. Throughout the internship, the student works regularly with a faculty supervisor, the Office of Experiential Programs, and a site supervisor who guides the learning process. The student integrates the collective observations, analyses, and reflections of the experiential team into an internship portfolio that showcases the accomplishments of the experience. The unique portfolio is constructed throughout the internship and represents the evolutionary and dynamic nature of the learning process.

This course covers emerging topics in Esports Management, Production and Performance. It is an in-depth study of a selected specialized area and the content varies by semester.

This course is designed for the student who demonstrates an interest in an area of study not offered or who wishes to pursue a discipline in greater depth than possible through existing courses. An independent study counts as an elective and may not be used for accelerated or remedial credit. A learning contract between the student and instructor defines the responsibilities of the parties and specifies the learning objectives and standards for successful completion of the project. A calendar of meeting times and deadlines shall be a part of that contract.

Events like the Super Bowl, Olympics and World Cup that rally the country around a national team generally drive heavy fan engagement. For regular season play, however, pro teams are increasingly challenged to find new ways to connect or retain fans in an era where in-arena attendance is down. Today, fans have countless ways to watch games, check scores and keep up with teams and players, be it via broadcast television, social media or streaming services. In this course, the student will use this digital shift to explore new opportunity for sports brands to leverage data to boost engagement and revenues.

This course offers a comprehensive review of contemporary issues and perspectives on esports leadership, including current trends and classical leadership theories. The emphasis is on application of concepts in actual leadership settings and situations. Topics include development of leadership theories, personal assessment and development, values and ethics, motivation, power, followership, group dynamics, multiculturalism in leadership, conflict resolution, performance excellence, and the change process. Through a process of readings, self-discovery, group observations, and case studies, the student will identify, observe, analyze, and apply new leadership behaviors.

This project must be in the student’s program of study or concentration(s). It should demonstrate application of the skills, methods, and knowledge of the discipline to solve a problem or answer a question representative of the type to be encountered in the student’s profession. As with Project I, this is undertaken with the close mentorship of a faculty member and may involve a community partner. The ideal project has a clear purpose that builds directly upon the learning that occurs within the student’s first project and internship.

This course prepares the student for the subsequent components of experiential learning. It develops the depth and range of academic and professional skills in areas such as goal setting, time management, communication, interviewing, career planning, and research. The student focuses on professional involvement, ethics and contemporary topics within a particular field of study. The student is shown the value of and processes to plan and obtain mentorships, projects, and internships. This seminar also emphasizes the development of the civic engagement competency, and advances the planning and construction of the student’s ePortfolio. At the conclusion of SEMR 200, the student should have a completed proposal for Project I and know how to plan for an Internship.

This course focuses on the refinement of the student’s academic and professional identity. It emphasizes the importance of the university competencies, and the ways to measure, apply, and communicate the successful attainment of them. It further prepares the student for the Internship by reviewing the ways in which an external experience fits into the program of study. If needed, the student is guided through the process of securing an internship. Students advance through active learning in the areas of civic engagement and teamwork, and further develop presentation skills. This seminar facilitates the successful completion of many subsequent components in the experiential program.

This course presents both theory and practical experience in completing an internship, preparing the student to become a young professional. The student will hone their skills in the following areas: leadership, teamwork, global awareness, and civic engagement. The student will implement their theoretical knowledge into completing an assigned group project; just as if they were at an internship site. As part of the commitment to experiential learning all students are required to complete an internship of 135 work hours. Throughout this experience this will be met through assignments, logs, discussions, and team projects. The student must complete all the outlined work, to meet the time and 135 hour requirements.

The senior capstone challenges the student to reflect on and integrate academic, experiential and co-curricular experiences in preparation for the workforce or graduate school. Assignments are designed to create a sense of culmination in the fourth year, and prepare students for the transition to life beyond the university. The student completes the ePortfolio to demonstrate the achievement of competencies and the program of study; this is of potential utility to employers or graduate schools as unique and specialized evidence of the individual student’s abilities.

The student should demonstrate application of the skills, methods, and knowledge of the discipline to solve a problem or answer a question representative of the type to be encountered in the student’s profession. As with Project I (EXPL 298), this is undertaken with the close mentorship of a faculty member and may involve an industry or community partner. The ideal project has a clear purpose that builds directly upon the learning that occurs within Project I (EXPL 298). Implementation of the project meets the requirement for an internship experience.

Review course that allows students to demonstrate competent knowledge and skills in the foundational content areas of exercise science. This course covers normal and abnormal functions of major systems, associated fundamental measurements, and knowledge of human movement as it relates to function.

This course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills associated with evidence-informed health and fitness assessment techniques for varied populations across their lifespan. Students will obtain the skills to select, implement, and interpret various tests for the four components of physical fitness including cardiorespiratory, muscular, body composition, and flexibility

The course is designed to introduce students to facility and program management for exercise scientists. Topics include facility design, safety, risk management, human resource processes, and financial management strategies.

The course is designed as an introduction to developmental psychology, behavioral science, and learning theories. It will consider the role of psychology in fitness and health environments for a variety of populations across the lifespan

This course is designed to introduce students to evidence-informed techniques for prescribing and implementing safe and effective physical fitness programs for a variety of populations across their lifespans. Students will have the knowledge to create programs that address the four components of physical fitness including  cardiorespiratory, muscular, body composition, and flexibility.

This course is designed to examine skeletal muscle structure and function and the immediate and long-term physiological responses and adaptations to exercise of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neuromuscular systems in a variety of populations across their lifespan.

Course designed to examine the interrelationship between nutrition, exercise, and wellbeing. Topics include efficacy of specific dietary regimens including macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration, and supplements. Students will be able to connect exercise and physical activity and nutritional plans for a variety of populations across their lifespan

The course is designed to introduce students to professional standards in exercise science. Topics include communication strategies, conflict resolution, team leadership, ethics, customer engagement, and marketing strategies.

Course designed to ensure student readiness for exercise science related certification examinations. Students will participate in case study modules and develop a patient-client program based on certification criteria and complete a practice exam in preparation for certification

This course is designed for students to develop advanced knowledge and skills of evidence-informed techniques for prescribing and implementing safe and effective physical fitness programs for a variety of populations across their lifespans. Students will have the ability to create, implement, and progress programs that address the four components of physical fitness including cardiorespiratory, muscular, body composition, and flexibility utilizing a variety of methods, equipment, and environments.

This course builds upon fundamental knowledge from EXSC 330. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge of counseling skills necessary to guide clients in changing health behaviors. Students will gain knowledge in health behavior change theory and motivational interviewing techniques to guide clients in prevention and wellness strategies.

The purpose of EXSC 475 is to introduce the student to concepts of mechanics as they apply to human movement, particularly those pertaining to exercise, sport, and
rehabilitation. This course will assist the student in developing the ability to link the structures of the human body with mechanical laws and principles. This course includes a lecture and lab.

Course designed to ensure student readiness for the ACSM-Exercise Physiologist exam, as a program requirement, prior to completing their degree in exercise science. Students will take a practice exam that focuses on ensuring student knowledge in domain-specific areas, after which they are eligible to register for and take the certification exam.

This non-credit camp will introduce students in grades 9 – 12 different subfields of forensic science through interactive labs, guest speakers, and discussions with current students and faculty. Interactive labs will be comprised of identifying insects at a crime scene using forensic entomology; identifying skeletal remains using forensic anthropology; analyzing evidence in the laboratory (serology, toxicology, etc.); processing the crime through the analysis of a crime scene and comparative sciences (fingerprinting, ballistics, etc.); and interrogating suspects to identify those responsible of the crime. At the end of this non-credit camp, students will be able to network with existing students, faculty, and staff who will assist in answering any questions the students may have about getting involved in the field of forensic science.

This course explores the science and art of forensic investigations and the identification, proper collection and recognition of evidence. The student looks at a variety of specialty areas such as firearms, tool marks, fiber tracing, hair paint, toxicology and photography. Crime scenes are explored using critical thinking skills to produce alternative strategies by thinking creatively. Experts in forensics are guest presenters. Fundamentals of the science behind the crime are learned. Case studies are presented as group projects and the student is expected to provide several scenarios and evidence for alternative conclusions.

Computers are increasingly critical to forensic investigations. This course introduces the student to the basics of computer-stored data and methods of hiding, erasing and recovering data from storage media. It also explores the relationship between computer technology and crime scene investigation.

This course will provide an introduction to legal theory and procedure, legal terms including types of evidence admitted in court, admissibility of expert testimony, and the specialized drafting of an expert report which shall include a review and logical use of the evidence. The student will also experience the art of testifying. Offered Spring Semester, annually.

Forensic laboratory accreditation is critical in forensic science. Accreditation standards and recommendation from federal forensic science organizations will be discussed. The student will demonstrate an understanding of quality assurance and quality control procedures that are used within accredited forensic laboratories. Safety procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), case management, and movement of the evidence through the crime lab will be discussed. Offered Spring Semester, annually.

This course will focus on basic photography skills including different features available on a standard digital single-lens reflex (dSLR) camera and peripheral equipment such as digital flash, tripod and sync cord. The student will complete various activities on the fundamentals of forensic photography including composition, proper lighting, painting with light, scale reference and bounce flash. Photograph documentation of specific types of evidence such as fingerprints, bloodstain pattern, impression evidence and injuries will be discussed. Offered Spring Semester, annually.

This is a fundamental course in forensic death investigations. The areas of specialized focus include the causes, manner, physical circumstances, and mechanisms of both natural and unnatural deaths. Death scenes are examined and investigations reviewed, with evidence pertaining to how people die. In addition, the course looks at the various legal considerations and methods germane to concluding equivocal death determinations.

This first project in the student’s experiential program challenges the student to identify, investigate, and analyze a particular topic in the program of study or a concentration. A key objective is to apply skills, methods, and knowledge obtained in prior courses with independent thinking and research; the final product represents the successful and purposeful application of knowledge. The project is undertaken with the close mentorship of a faculty member and may involve a community partner. Projects can involve scientific-based research or laboratory experiences, needs analysis or development plans for external organizations, or market studies and business plan proposals. Offered as needed.

The forensic entomologist can use a number of different techniques including insect species succession, larval weight, length, and technical methods such as the accumulated degree-hour technique. The student is introduced to standard forensic procedures and, when practical, will see and use those procedures.

This lecture/laboratory-based course will provide the student with an overview of the principles and concepts of forensic toxicology. The student will be exposed to pharmacology before learning the key topics in forensic toxicology. The lectures will introduce the student to various drug classes including central nervous system depressants, stimulants, and psychotics. The student will learn the use and abuse of these drugs along with their effects on the human body. Offered Spring Semester, annually.

The student will discuss and complete hands-on activities mocking actual casework. Scientific instrumentation and sample preparation will be discussed for a variety of samples commonly analyzed in forensic chemistry and biology. A specific focus will be on the theory, sample considerations, use of instrumentation, controls and standards, limitations, and documentation.  Two hours of lecture, three hours of laboratory per week. Offered Spring Semester, annually.

This lecture/laboratory-based course will provide the student with an overview of the principles and concepts of forensic biology. The student will be exposed to serology and DNA analysis as it applies to forensic science. The lectures will introduce the student to the basis of biological evidence including both the techniques to identify various biological fluids as well as the methodology required to analyze it. Select activities will be completed to introduce some of the forensic biology lab work that accompanies the material learned in the lectures. Offered Fall Semester, annually.

Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs are classified into categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependency potential. This course will explore Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) as defined within the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) of the United States. Different CDS classifications will be discussed including their origins, synthesis, pharmacological effects, and chemical structure, and properties. This course will teach hands-on wet chemistry and analytical instrumentation methods. Offered Fall Semester, annually.

The student will utilize microscopy, perform chemical analyses, and interpret analytical data to determine the identity and/or probative value of evidence recovered during the commission of a crime. This course will address a variety of evidence, specific instrumentation, and analytical processes. Topics will include gunshot residue analysis, fiber, glass and paint comparisons, low explosive identification and polarized light microscopy. Offered Spring Semester, annually.

This course offers the student advanced knowledge and training in crime scene investigation, resource management, and coordination of various complex crime scenes. The student will learn personnel management considerations for security and safety, theory, and investigation, as well as workplace resilience, cognitive bias, and management of potential occupational stress or hazards specific to the position. Event-specific investigations and complex scenes will be analyzed, and the student will design and evaluate action plans and outcomes.

This course stresses field work and the application of collected evidence in the sometimes messy real world. The student will analyze several case studies, looking beyond the verdicts or newspaper reports to the actual workings of forensic science’s involvement in the prosecution of criminal cases.

This course examines the process of profiling during the investigation of a crime. The process of psychological profiling was first institutionally used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but there are now multiple models for criminal profiling. The student studies the various models and how they relate both to expert witness standards and scientific methodologies. The course also examines the differences of these models and their application in case studies.

This course is a study of the process known as medico-legal death investigation. The course introduces the student to the legal systems surrounding the investigation of the cause and manner of death. The role of forensic pathology and the application of pathology to law are studied in relation to crime scene investigation. Natural, accidental, homicide and suicide deaths are explored in the perspective of the forensic pathologies.

This course utilizes large data sets to discern large scale crime patterns. The student is introduced to crime databases and follows criminal activity patterns correlated to such variables as physical area, time or economics. This course involves research design and statistical analysis and is a group project-driven course.