Hello and welcome to EXSC614 Physical Activity and Aging!
Professor: |
Dr. Gordon Schmidt |
Email: |
|
Department: |
Kinesiology |
Course No. & Section: |
EXSC614-80 |
Phone: |
(973) 720-2790 |
Office Hours: Fall 2009 |
Tuesday, 12:30 – 1:45 p.m. (alternate weeks) Thursday,
and by appointment. |
This course will be taught online. No in person meetings are scheduled.
Students should be knowledgeable in the use of computers and be responsive in their submissions. All documents must be submitted using the Microsoft (MS) Office Suite (Word, Powerpoint or Excel), unless otherwise stated.
Course Description:
This course examines the effects of physical activity on the process of aging. Focusing on the physiological and neuromuscular bases of physical activity, this course explores the aging process. It also covers the important conceptions of nutrition, drugs and medications, the psychological and social components of aging and exercise programming.
Course Objectives and Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
a. Effectively express in written form the relationship of exercise to bone, muscle, respiratory and cardiovascular functions in various populations from childhood through older adults. Assessed by written exams, laboratories and presentations.
b. Demonstrate the ability to think critically to identify the most important psychological and social needs of various populations from childhood through older adults. Assessed by written exams, laboratories and presentations.
c. Demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and ideas in a coherent and meaningful manner to identify changes in nutritional requirements for various populations from childhood through older adults. Assessed by written exams, laboratories and presentations.
d. Work effectively with others to design a safe and effective exercise program for various populations from childhood through older adults. Assessed by written exams and presentations.
e. Construct, administer and design and conduct a mini-study. Report the results in a scientific report.
f. Analyze, summarize, and evaluate information and apply it to the profession and life.
g. Work effectively with others.
Expectations
Students enrolled in this course are mature with many life experiences. Each participant is encouraged to contribute their knowledge, education and experiences in an open and receptive manner. All opinions are valued in a respectful and collegial manner.
Guidelines
All students are expected to complete readings and assignments, post on the discussion board, take quizzes and exams, and be active participants in the learning process. This course, taught on-line, will require dedicated time to assimilate the concepts covered in each topic. Assignments must be handed in on time. Late assignments will only be accepted with appropriate approval and with deductions for late.
Weekly class information will be made available each Monday morning on Blackboard. Go to the class and look in Course Documents and click on the appropriate week for the readings, assignments and materials required to be completed according to the posted deadlines. There will be a summary of each evaluation posted in the Assignment section of Blackboard.
Technical Prerequisites
The prerequisite for this course is a basic course in Exercise Physiology, or its equivalent. You will need to meet certain hardware and software minimum requirements and have a reliable access to a computer in addition to a level of comfort working online. Make sure that you have met the technical requirements posted on the opening pages of Blackboard. Some software will not work on your home computer and you must go to the University to access it.
Discussion Board
You will be required to submit a research paper in a small group which requires that you join with other people online. The first phase of this project involves submitting a topic to your professor who will then assign you, plus several other class members to the topic. You and your classmates will then collaborate online and write your introduction and methods section to the project. This will be submitted online and, with corrections from the instructor, you will then proceed with the study and submit a written report using proper references.
Other discussion items will be available for the entire class. Participation will be graded.
Grading
1. Assignments (30%)
2. Research paper (20%)
3. Group Research Project (20%)
4. Discussion and participation (10%)
5. Final Examination (20%)
Topics of Study
a. Overview of physical activity and aging
b. Historical perspectives on physical activity and aging
c. Physiological bases of aging
d. Metabolic, cardiovascular, and respiratory effects of aging
e. Acute and chronic effects of aging
f. Neuromuscular bases of aging
g. Psychosocial bases of aging
h. Nutritional considerations
i. Physiological processes of physical activity and disease
j. Exercise programming for older adults
Required Text:
Bouchard, C., Blair, S.N., and Haskell, W.L. (2007). Physical Activity and Health. Champaign, IL, Human Kinetics ISBN-13: 978-0-7360-5092-0
Class Sequence:
Session |
Topic |
Chapter |
Week |
1 |
Introduction and Objectives |
1 |
1 |
2 |
Historical Perspectives of Physical Activity and Aging |
2 |
2 |
3 |
Physical Activity Differences by Age, Ethnic Groups and Sex |
3 |
4 |
4 |
Physiological Responses of Physical Activity and Aging to Acute and Chronic Exercise |
4-5 |
6 |
5 |
Muscular Skeletal Changes due to Physical Activity and Aging |
6-8 |
8 |
6 |
Physical Activity and Diseases |
9-14 |
10 |
7 |
Physical Activity and Exercise Prescription |
15, 17-21 |
12 |
8 |
Psycho-social Aspects of Physical Activity |
16 |
14 |
9 |
The Future of Physical Activity Research |
22 |
15 |
10 |
Final Examination |
16 |