Curriculum Document

Justification:    Recent research strongly supports the benefits of exercise for older people.  For students selecting the Gerontology Option major in Sociology or HDFS or the Gerontology minor, there are few courses that provide a basic understanding of exercise principles that apply particularly to older adults.  Currently the only course available is FM268, Physiology of Exercise, which has Bio 213, Bio214 and Chem111 as Prerequisites.  FM268 has a strong science component to it that is not essential for those who desire a basic understanding of exercise principles.  A new course FM250 Principles of Adult Fitness would offer all the basic concepts and ideas applicable to issues in adult fitness without a strong science component.

Current:  None                                                                     

Proposed:  FM 250 Principles of Adult Fitness. 3 credits.  2 Hour lecture, 2 Hour lab.  Prereq: None.

The purpose of this course is to expose students to the effects of exercise on health over the life course.  The health benefits of different types of exercise will be reviewed.  Students will have the opportunity to utilize fitness equipment and develop their own exercise plans.  Existing community programs and resources will be discussed.

Impact on Students:  Students who may explain the benefits of exercise to older adults and who have no formal training in fitness would benefit from this course.  This course will fulfill an elective requirement for gerontology options in Behavioral Science.

Impact on Other Academic Departments: Negligible.

Summary of Discussions with Other Academic Department:  This course represents collaboration among three divisions within the Behavioral Science Department.

Impact on University Resources:  Negligible.

Impact on General Education Requirements: None.