Health & Human Sciences
The Department of Health and Human Sciences teams experienced faculty, challenging coursework and relevant experiential learning to prepare students for the needs of today’s employers and graduate schools. Students within this department will have rich opportunities that foster innovation, creativity and risk-taking while being challenged to explore scientific foundations and practical applications within each discipline. Whether a student prefers to enter the job force or move on to graduate school after their bachelor’s degree is complete, the Department of Health and Human Sciences has programs that enhance success in the varied fast-paced and ever-changing disciplines of athletic training, family and consumer sciences, health and exercise science, health and physical education, nutrition and coaching.
The dynamic curricula empower students to address issues affecting individuals, families and communities. Graduates of our programs have demonstrated success in professions such as childhood, adolescent and adult education, state cooperative extension programs, school administration, law enforcement, pharmaceutical sales, medicine, chiropractic, nutrition and dietetics, nursing, physician assistant, paramedic, prosthetics, athletic training, massage therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, coaching, recreation, fitness, and varied human services careers.
In addition to departmental major, minor and concentration course offerings, students across the campus are invited to explore interests in physical activity and wellness. Instruction in activities that develop new physical skills are designed to translate into lifetime activity and healthy living.
Programs
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Family and Consumer Sciences, Bachelor of Science - Major -
Health and Exercise Science, Bachelor of Science - Major -
Health and Physical Education, Bachelor of Science - Major -
Coaching, Minor -
Family Life Education, Concentration -
Nutritional Science, Concentration -
Endorsement in Family and Consumer Sciences (6-12), Teacher Licensure -
Endorsement in Health and Physical Education (PreK-12), Teacher Licensure
General Education Requirements
In addition to major offerings, the Department of Health and Human Sciences contributes to the College’s FILA general education program. All students are required to develop skill in a physical activity by completing a one-credit activity course. No more than 4 credits in activity courses may be applied toward graduation.
Courses
ES-105: Wellness
ES-120: Bowling
FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-123: Ballet
FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-126: Aerobic Dancing
FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-131: Lacrosse
Women's Lacrosse is a non-contact field sport which uses sticks to carry and propel the ball. This course, intended for beginners, will introduce students to: 1) basic skills such as cradling, throwing and catching; 2) basic strategy; 3) game rules; and 4) the history, culture and development of the sport. This course is open to both men and women. All necessary playing and safety equipment will be provided. FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-135: Golf
FILA general education: ES activity. B-Rec Card must be purchased from the town of Bridgewater prior to the start of class.
ES-141: Yoga
An introduction to hatha yoga, a traditional system of exercise that combines concentration, relaxation, and mind-body integration with endurance, balance and flexibility. FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-145: Handball-Racquetball
FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-152: Snow Skiing
FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-155: Snowboarding
FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-162: Swimming
FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-163: Aqua Aerobics
FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-165: Tennis
FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-170: Introduction to Hiking
Designed to help students learn about and participate in hiking to improve quality of life and promote lifelong physical fitness. This course delivers basic instruction of fundamental skills necessary for safe, low-impact hiking. This includes effective selection of clothing, routes, equipment, and nutrition. FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-175: Conditioning and Weight Training
FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-177: Fitness-Jogging
FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-180: Exercise Exploration
FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-186: Swordsmanship
This course introduces students to the use of the medieval longsword as taught by the German and Italian fechtmeister (fight or fencing masters) in the 14th and 15th centuries. Instruction will encompass fundamentals (stance, footwork, focus, initiative, etc.), principles of attack and defense and advanced techniques ("windings," close-quarter play, half-sword techniques). The chivalric attitudes of honor and courtesy will be emphasized in partner drills throughout the course. The evolution of swords and armor during that period will also be discussed. FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-189: Ultimate Frisbee
This course will introduce students to Ultimate Frisbee, a growing sport that combines many aspects of football, soccer and basketball. Instruction will include rules of the game, development of individual skills (throwing, catching and defensive technique) and team strategy. Students will participate in small-scale drills that develop individual technique and team strategy, as well as team game play. FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-190: Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a centuries-old martial art that today is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements (postures) performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. The movements are gentle emphasizing mental focus, breathing, and relaxation and Tai Chi can improve balance and stability, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve focus and attention. This class offers an introduction to 18 posture Yang style Tai Chi. FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-207: First Respondent First Aid and Emergency Care
Emergency care training for those who are likely to be the first person responding to the scene of an accident, fire or medical emergency.
ES-210: Group Fitness Instruction
ES-215: Research Methods
Introduction to research process including formulating research questions, research methods, general statistical, evaluation, presentation, and research ethics.
ES-225: Team Sports and Activities
ES-230: Introduction to Health and Exercise Science
ES-235: Introduction to Teaching Physical Education
ES-240: Introduction to Coaching
ES-249: Foundation of Human Nutrition
ES-255: First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor
ES-260: First Aid and Safety
ES-300X: Personal and Community Health
Examination of the multiple determinants of health and wellness from a personal and community perspective. Through service-based learning experiences, students critically analyze individual, social and environmental factors that influence health. This course requires students to spend time off-campus serving at community agencies in order to successfully fulfill course requirements. FILA general education: experiential learning.
ES-303: Topics and Concepts in School Health
ES-310: Lifetime Activities in Physical Education
Performance and teaching techniques for gymnastics, rhythms, dance, cooperative activities, and outdoor education, with a focus on pedagogical issues.
ES-318: Human Anatomy & Physiology
Introduction to human structures and physiological systems, which are fundamental to human activity. Systems covered include musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous with particular attention to the integration of function across systems. Students needing a laboratory-based course should take BIOL-305: Introduction to Human Anatomy and BIOL-314: Human Physiology as an alternative.
ES-320: Kinesiology
Examination of the function of the human musculoskeletal system. Selected musculoskeletal structures and their functions, as well as analysis of movements as they relate to physical activity, exercise and sport.
ES-325: Principles of Health & Physical Fitness Assessment
ES-329: Practicum in Health & Exercise Science
Practicum experience consistent with the career objectives of the student. One hundred hours of competency-based work in an environment relevant to the student's chosen career.
ES-335: Physiology of Exercise
Basic physiological concepts of the nervous, muscular and energy systems, including the effect of exercise on such functions as circulation, respiration and temperature regulation.
ES-340: Teaching Methods for School Health
Administration of school health and exercise science programs, including health instruction, environmental services and curriculum content. Methods and materials used in teaching health and exercise science as well as experiences in unit structure and application are covered.
ES-342: Foundations of Strength & Conditioning
Preparation in scientifically sound principles of conditioning in professional settings including in-depth study of strength training, speed development, cardiovascular training, flexibility training and exercise program design. Principles and concepts derived from physiology, psychology, anatomy and kinesiology are practically applied. Application of principles of training to all populations including those with special needs and athletes.
ES-345: Motor Behavior
ES-350: Assessment and Technology in Secondary Physical Education
Preparation for future health and physical education teachers to construct and identify various forms of authentic and traditional assessments in the secondary PE setting. Includes the use of technology to gather and record data, enhance learning and enhance personal productivity in the physical activity setting.
ES-357X: Global Healthcare and Sport
Comparison of the similarities and differences between varied World Health Organization ranked global healthcare systems. Emphasis will be placed on exploring delivery, financing, and effectiveness of services within various healthcare systems, with a special focus on sports medicine and related prevention and intervention resources for athletes. The class will travel to Portugal and Czech Republic. FILA general education: world cultures and experiential learning.
ES-360: Organization and Administration of Health and Exercise Science
ES-362: Lifeguard Train
FILA general education: ES activity.
ES-363: Lifeguard Instructor
Training instructor candidates to teach the American Red Cross (ARC) courses, and to review courses and challenges in: Lifeguard Training, Community Water Safety, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Lifeguarding Instructor Aide and Longfellow's Whales Tales. Offered alternate years.
ES-366: Water Safety Instructor
Training instructor candidates to teach the American Red Cross (ARC) Swimming and Water Safety course in: Infant and Pre-school Aquatics Program, Levels I-VII of the Learn to Swim Program, Community Water Safety course, Water Safety Instructor Aide course, and Safety Training for Swim Coaches course (additional training required). Offered alternate years.
ES-368W: Psychological Principles in Physical Education and Sport
Introduction to the role psychology plays in physical education and sport settings. Exploration of how psychological factors (e.g., personality, achievement motivation, anxiety) can influence participation in physical activity and motor performance, how the structure of sport and physical education programs influence psychological development, and how teaching mental skills (e.g., arousal regulation, goal setting, visualization) may enhance motor performance in physical education and sport. FILA general education: writing intensive.
ES-370: Teaching Methods for Secondary Physical Education
Preparation for the physical educator to teach lifetime physical activity at the secondary level. Curriculum development, unit and lesson planning, and effective instructional strategies and techniques will be explored and applied through peer teaching and practical field experience.
ES-371: Teaching and Coaching Football
ES-372: Teaching and Coaching Track and Field
ES-373: Teaching and Coaching Basketball
ES-374: Teaching and Coaching Baseball and Softball
ES-375: Teaching and Coaching Tennis
ES-377: Teaching and Coaching Volleyball
ES-379: Teaching and Coaching Soccer
ES-380: Coaching Methods and Techniques
The course introduces students to the fundamentals of teaching sport skills, how to organize and run effective practices, and basic strength and conditioning principles to effectively train student-athletes. Organizational methods, technological considerations, and administrative concerns are also included. Students will also learn the techniques and tactics from basic fundamentals to detailed strategies of a sport as well as gain practical experience with a sport coach.
ES-382: Practicum in Coaching
Practicum experience within the field of coaching. Students will complete 100 hours of competency-based work in a coaching environment as well as reflect on their experiences as it relates to the knowledge and skill competencies of the National Standards for Sport Coaches.
ES-385: Adapted Physical Education and Recreation
ES-401: Field Experience in Elementary Physical Education
Twenty-hour field experience in local schools and preschool program. Reports, reflections and journal entries required. Students will gain experience in observations, assessment, and teaching in the PE setting.
ES-426: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment in Elementary Physical Education
Preparation for future health and physical education teachers to apply principles of class management, assessment, unit and lesson planning and instructional techniques as part of a developmentally appropriate elementary physical education program. Peer teaching provides students with practical experience.
ES-427: Health Promotion and Wellness
ES-428: Implementing Health Promotion Programs
A public health approach to addressing individual and community health problems. Students will implement health promotion programs in different settings with groups and individuals. Students will develop leadership skills around health promotion concepts. A variety of intervention strategies will be examined with a focus on achieving health behavior changes in at-risk populations.
ES-441: Foundations of Traffic Safety
ES-445: Foundations of Methodologies of Classroom and In-Car Instruction
The second of two courses required by the Commonwealth of Virginia for endorsement in driver education. Incorporation of current teaching methods and research in the field of driver education. Emphasis on organization and administration, classroom instruction, single car instruction, multiple-car range, simulation and evaluation. Emphasis on actual teaching skills including a minimum of 20 hours of actual behind-the-wheel, supervised teaching experience. Course content is consistent with the Administrative and Curriculum Guide for Driver Education in Virginia.
ES-456: Management Concepts in Health Care
ES-460: Senior Seminar
Capstone experience integrating the core learned in major level courses through readings, class discussions and projects. Additionally, skill application occurs by completing 75 hours of competency-based work in an environment relevant to the discipline and reflecting upon this experience in light of their knowledge and skill development.
ES-467: Health & Exercise Psychology
ES-470: Cultural Competence & Ethics Healthcare
ES-480X: Internship
Provides an opportunity for a student to gain field experience in an area related to the student's program of study or career goals. The learning objectives for internships include connecting academic knowledge and problem-solving processes to experiences and problems in professional settings. Supervision of an intern is provided by an appropriate faculty member and by a site supervisor of the agency or business in which the student is an intern. A student who wishes to engage in an internship must consult with the appropriate faculty member at least eight weeks in advance of the start of the term in which the internship is to be completed. A description of the internship, signed by the student and the faculty sponsor, must be filed with the director of internships by the first day of the semester prior to the start of the internship. Approval of each application for an internship is made by the director of internships based upon approved policies and guidelines. Internships are graded on an S or U basis. Students must complete 120 hours of internship-related work as well as weekly journal entries and a final reflective paper completed in accordance with approved requirements. A student may enroll in an internship program for 3 credits per semester, and internship credit may be earned in subsequent semesters subject to the limitations that no more than two internships may be pursued in any one agency or business and a maximum of 9 credits in internships may be applied toward graduation. FILA general education: experiential learning.
ES-490: Independent Study
ES-491: Research
ES-499: Honors Project
FCS-110: Introduction to Family & Consumer Sciences Professions
FCS-250: International Foods & Nutrition
A look at the importance of food and nutrition in individual lives, communities and nations with emphasis on non-western and third world countries. It allows students to develop an understanding of food customs and the influence of culture and religion on food habits and health beliefs (ex. Edible/non-edible foods) while focusing on how these health beliefs and cultural influences impact one's actions and nutritional behaviors. Problems in nutrition as malnutrition and obesity along with food shortages/excesses and solutions currently being tried or projected through national, international and voluntary agencies are studied. Questions as to what one's health beliefs and cultural influences are and how these impact ones' actions are discussed. Laboratory experiences emphasize cultural influence on political, ethical, geographic, social and finally food choices. FILA general education: global dynamics.
FCS-307: Food Science & Safety
Investigation of the scientific principles involved in basic cookery with emphasis on quality characteristics and product evaluation. Structure, composition and nutritive value of foods are studied, as well as food selection, storage, preparation, processing and meal management techniques. Food safety and an ecological approach to food selection and preparation is emphasized. Instruction requires three class meetings per week and one three-hour lab.
FCS-312X: Adult Development and Aging
Examine issues related to geriatrics with emphasis on issues including historical, cultural, biological, physiological, psychological, and social contexts. Opportunities for experiential learning in residential and intermediate facilities with appropriate agencies. FILA general education: experiential learning.
FCS-319: Families and Individuals in Societal Contexts
Students will examine family and interpersonal relationships from a variety of theoretical and conceptual frameworks to gain an understanding of the changes in society relative to marriage and family. Students will engage in critical examination of issues related to families, work, and their interrelationships. Using family science theories, students will consider the contextual factors that influence the family. Emphasis placed upon the reciprocal impacts of relationships within the family and a person's relationships to individuals and society. This course focuses on family as a basic social institution, the various theoretical perspectives on the family, and provides an overview of current social scientific research on the family. The history, structure, and functions of the family will be addressed as will topics such as dating, cohabitation, marriage, parenting, family violence, and divorce. FILA general education: social sciences.
FCS-321: Fundamentals of Housing
FCS-324: 20th Century Interiors
A survey of interiors from 1900 to the present. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship of architecture and interior furnishings to the economic, political, religious, social and technical climate of the times. Offered on demand.
FCS-340: Fashion, Apparel and Textiles
FCS-345: Child Development
Examine issues related to physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development of the child from conception through early adolescence. Students will develop theoretical and practical knowledge of child development concepts. Provisions are made for observing and working with preschool children.
FCS-346: Adolescent Development
FCS-347: Family Law and Public Policy
FCS-350: Life Cycle Nutrition
FCS-355: Sports Nutrition
FCS-368W / SOC-368W: Sociology of the Family
Examination of the human family historically and comparatively in various cultures with major emphasis placed upon the modern American family. Included are such topics as the diversity of family structures, the social construction of emotions, gender expectations and roles, parenting, the life cycle, and family tensions. FILA general education: writing intensive. (Cross-listed as SOC-368W)
FCS-408X: Parent and Child Relations
FCS-420: Occupation Program Management
FCS-425: Family Economics
Principles of economic systems in relation to standards in selection of goods and services and sources of reliable consumer information.
FCS-430: Family Resource Management
Examines issues related to management process and its significance on the quality of life experienced by families with consideration of values, goals, standards, decision making and allocation of resources. Topics include development and allocation of resources, social environment influences, life cycle and family structure influences and consumer issues and decisions.
FCS-440: Family Life Education Methodology
FCS-455X: Therapeutic and Community Nutrition
Study of the health and nutritional concerns and needs of a community; the nutritional services available to the community; preventive nutrition practices; and the process involved in identifying, designing and implementing programs for the community. Additionally, Medical Nutrition Therapy and the Nutrition Care Process is learned and practiced for later development during a practicum or internship. This knowledge provides the student with the tools to practice nutrition medical charting in the clinical setting with the understanding of various diet therapies. FILA general education: experiential learning.
FCS-460: Professional Family and Consumer Sciences Practicum
Field experiences in occupations related to Family and Consumer Sciences. Opportunities, qualifications, skills, and professional standards and ethics are studied. Two hours per week in class and a minimum of 100 (3 credits) or 200 (6 credits) hours of field experiences.
FCS-471: Senior Seminar
FCS-480X: Internship
Provides an opportunity for a student to gain field experience in an area related to the student's program of study or career goals. The learning objectives for internships include connecting academic knowledge and problem-solving processes to experiences and problems in professional settings. Supervision of an intern is provided by an appropriate faculty member and by a site supervisor of the agency or business in which the student is an intern. A student who wishes to engage in an internship must consult with the appropriate faculty member at least eight weeks in advance of the start of the term in which the internship is to be completed. A description of the internship, signed by the student and the faculty sponsor, must be filed with the director of internships by the first day of the semester prior to the start of the internship. Approval of each application for an internship is made by the director of internships based upon approved policies and guidelines. Internships are graded on an S or U basis. Students must complete 120 hours of internship-related work as well as weekly journal entries and a final reflective paper completed in accordance with approved requirements. A student may enroll in an internship program for 3 credits per semester, and internship credit may be earned in subsequent semesters subject to the limitations that no more than two internships may be pursued in any one agency or business and a maximum of 9 credits in internships may be applied toward graduation. FILA general education: experiential learning.