2024-2025 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    Oct 06, 2024  
2024-2025 Pierce College Catalog

Kinesiology (AAS-T) Course Map


Created by Pierce faculty, this map outlines the initial coursework for this career field. It provides a clear path to complete your degree by listing a specific set of courses relevant to your program and career. The map is designed with the appropriate number of credits and meets degree requirements. Courses are organized in a recommended sequence; please schedule accordingly. If a course is unavailable, select the next appropriate course within the sequence. For each course, a purpose statement explains how the content relates to your career field. On this map, there may be instances when you will be required to select a course from several options. Use these purpose statements and notes to choose the course that best aligns with your interests and needs. You will also find action items to complete to assure you progress and graduate on time.  

While this map is a great guide to courses required to complete the Associate in Applied Science - Transfer Kinesiology, you are responsible for fulfilling all degree requirements. Questions? Your Success Network is ready to help you!

 

Total Credits: 91


1. College Success


  • Course purpose: A foundational course to explore and affirm a career choice and build upon the skills, knowledge, and resources that will support you at Pierce College and beyond.

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  • Note

    • Successfully completing either COLLG 110 or COLLG 115 will fulfill the College Success requirement. 
    • A COLLG 110 course grade can only be replaced with a grade from another COLLG 110 course and a COLLG 115 course grade can only be replaced with a grade from another COLLG 115 course. 

2. Foundations of Kinesiology


  • Course purpose: This course will provide students with an introduction to the knowledge base of human movement and information on expanding career opportunities in Kinesiology and educational pathways at Pierce College and beyond.

Action Item: Meet with Advisor


Use your Success Network! In your first quarter, meet with your advisor to revisit your career and transfer path, adjust your goals as needed, and plan for your next steps. Learn about the articulation agreement between Pierce and PLU Kinesiology Department. Discuss your math option.

3. Applied Anatomy and Physiology for the Health and Fitness Professional


4. Math Course Recommendation


Choose one

  • Course purpose: Those working in the kinesiology field need a strong mathematical foundation to perform basic quantitative analysis as well as perform the basic math skills required for business.

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  • Note: The math course you select will depend on the Career Pathway Map you are following, the transfer institution/degree that you select, and your math placement guidance. Your advisor will assist you in selecting the relevant 5 or 7 credit course(s) based upon co-requisite options.

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  • Or

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  • Course Purpose: Introduction to the analysis of data using descriptive statistics, probability, and inferential statistics.

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  • Note: This course is a better option than Math& 107 if you are planning to transfer to a four-year to study Exercise Science, Health Promotion and/or Heath Education. Please speak to your advisor about your Math course selection on your educational pathway.

Action Item: Meet with Advisor


Use your Success Network! In your first quarter, meet with your advisor to revisit your career and transfer path, adjust your goals as needed, and plan for your next steps. Students should prepare to be on-campus for the next three courses.

5. Kinesiology


  • Course purpose: This is an introductory course with an emphasis on the study of principles of anatomy, physiology, and mechanics in relations to human movement.

6. Exercise Physiology for the Health and Fitness Professional


  • Course purpose: This course will help you to develop an understanding of the scientific basis for exercise training with implication for enhanced health and physical performance integrated.

7. Health Appraisal and Fitness Assessment


8. Nutrition and Exercise


Action Item: Attend Transfer Fair or Contact Transfer Representative at University


Attend a transfer fair and/or create a list of transfer options and discuss program application and timeline with advisor. Determine the appropriate course work for your transfer pathway. For example: Pre-PT vs. Pre-PTA; Athletic Training, or Health Promotion to name a few.

9. Essentials of Fitness Training


10. Coaching Techniques and Business


  • Course purpose: A course designed to familiarize the health and fitness professional with theories of behavior change, factors contributing to exercise adherence, and understanding the elements necessary for effective coaching. Students will also examine potential career starting points, learn business basics including how to maintain professional and industry standards, legal liability issues and risk management.

11. Care and Prevention of Injuries


  • Course purpose: The Centers for Disease Control states that injuries are a leading reason individuals stop participating in physical activity and that one of its major research goals is to investigate ways to minimize injury risks among people who are beginning or increasing physical activity. This course will introduce guidelines and recommendations for preventing injuries, recognizing injuries, and learning how to correctly manage a specific injury.

12. Exercise for Special Populations


  • Course purpose: This course will allow you to better understand the health and fitness needs for individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, etc. Other special populations are discussed such as pregnancy, post hip replacement, etc.

13. Essentials of Weight Management


  • Course purpose: Weight management is an urgent public health issue and therefore critical for the personal trainer, coach, therapist and/or athletic trainer to have knowledge of safe intervention strategies which include referral.

Action Item: Explore Transfer Options


Explore transfer options and ensure you have all the prerequisites for your program of study on your education plan. Also, ask about the application process and deadlines for transfer. Discuss potential internship opportunities for summer term to align with future transfer program pathway. For example: Pre-PT vs. Coaching.

14. Sport and Exercise Psychology


  • Course purpose: You are introduced to psychological theories and models to provide a framework for understanding the process through which a complex behavior, such as exercise changes and is sustained over time. This course emphasizes a client/patient/athlete centered approach to prepare students for practical experiences and their internship.   

     

15. CPR for the Professional Rescuer with First Aid and Blood Borne Pathogens


16. Internship


  • Course purpose: This course is a work-based learning opportunity designed by you and the program chair. This course is an independent study and students will work in the sub-discipline of choice under the supervision of an employer/mentor.

17. Introduction to Personal Wellness


Action Item: Meet with Advisor


Completed Personal Training Certificate. Discuss with advisor if appropriate to submit for evaluation of transcript.

18. English Composition I


  • Course purpose: This is a composition course focusing on writing academic essays, developing rhetorical knowledge and critical reading skills and applying effectively the principles of college writing. Kinesiology professionals must be able to create documents with effective written communication. 

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  • Note: Your advisor will assist you in reviewing your Guided Self Placement and selecting either the 5-credit or the 7-credit co-requisite ENGL& 101 + ENGLC 101 course.

Action Item: GPA Check, Human Relations Course Selection, Internship


Meet with advisor for GPA check and educational plan update. Discuss and confirm internship opportunities with Department Chair. Discuss option for Human Relations course.

19. Human Anatomy & Physiology I


  • Course purpose: In this course, you will engage in an in-depth study of cells and tissues; integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and sensory systems.  It is important for kinesiology professionals to have a working knowledge of how the musculo-skeletal system functions.

20. Human Relations Course


Choose one:

Students who are considering applying to the PTA Program with Whatcom Community College will choose one course below and will also proceed to take BTECM 150 (see later in Map) to meet application prerequisite requirements.   

 

  • Course purpose: This course will provide insight into human behavior. This information is important for the kinesiology professional to use when working with clients. Kinesiology students not only need to develop an understanding of the importance of human health but also its relation to physical activity and improved management of mental health.

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  • This course will provide insight into the study of morality and help students understand and analyze ethical claims. This is critical for students of kinesiology to know their audience and understand each person’s (client/patient) unique needs. Students will practice their communication skills to manage one on one relationships and in teams and discuss industry specific expectations to better act and behave responsibly, honestly and ethically.   

Action Item: GPA Check


GPA check and meet with advisor to confirm Commuication course selection.

21. Communication Course Recommendation


Choose one:

  • Course purpose: Skills for success in the various sub-disciplines of kinesiology include the ability to communicate orally. This includes the ability to listen to the needs of others, and the ability to use a variety of communication styles to help motivate and engage others.

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  • Or

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  • Course purpose: The examination of the effects of culture upon the process of communication. Using theory and skill development, students are prepared to communicate effectively both within and across cultures.

22. Human Anatomy and Physiology II


  • Course purpose: Students will complete the second of a two-quarter study of body structure and related physiology on cellular through system levels with lab.  This course has high transferability to undergraduate Kinesiology programs. 

Action Item: Apply for Graduation


Way to go! It is time to apply for graduation. Visit the Pierce College Graduation website for details.

Advisor Action


Pre-PTA Students only: If student is submitting an application to the Pre-PTA program, they will need to speak directly with their advisor to determine the next steps. Referral to PTA Advisor may be facilitated at this time.   

23. BTECM 150 Medical Terminology (for Pre-PTA applicants)


  • Course purpose: Students will need to be familiar with medical terminology and this course is required for students submitting an application to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program through Pierce’s partnership with Whatcom Community College. 

24. Nutrition


  • Course purpose: You will take this introductory course to learn about the role of nutrition in human health with respect to essential nutrients, factors that affect eating habits, food advertising, nutrition and disease and establishing a healthy lifestyle.

25. Physical Education Course Recommendation (1 credit)


Select from a variety of PE offerings at the college.

Physical Education Courses  

Course purpose: One sub-discipline of kinesiology is physical education teaching. As a student of kinesiology, you are expected to integrate the sub-discipline of physical education on a daily basis, and will gain valuable knowledge on teaching practice/pedagogy and leadership by selecting from a variety of PE offerings at the college.

 

Note: Students may opt to take a 2.0 credit PE course.

26. Physical Education Course Recommendation (1 credit)


Select from a variety of PE offerings at the college.

Physical Education Courses  

Course purpose: One sub-discipline of kinesiology is physical education teaching. As a student of kinesiology, you are expected to integrate the sub-discipline of physical education on a daily basis, and will gain valuable knowledge on teaching practice/pedagogy and leadership by selecting from a variety of PE offerings at the college.

 

Note: Students may opt to take a 2.0 credit PE course.

Action Item: Apply for Graduation


Program Code: 351T


ctcLink Plan Code: SFMKIAAS


Total Credits: 91


Program Outcomes


  1. Promote the health and fitness of clients by using and articulating the American College of Sports Medicine, (ACSM) guidelines to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for all clients. (Alignment with National Certifying Body)
  2. Identify the criteria and considerations for pre-activity fitness testing, exercise prescription and fitness coaching for safe and effective programming. (Health Appraisal, Exercise Testing and Medical Considerations) 
  3. Identify and explain the importance of appropriate training techniques and theories as an important client management tool. (Exercise Prescription and Programming) 
  4. Identify and explain nutrition, health and safety practices and procedures appropriate for use when training clients. (Nutrition and Weight Management) 
  5. Identify and conduct oneself as a member of the health and fitness profession by knowing and using ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to health and fitness practices as detailed by the ACSM. (Alignment with National Certifying Body and Quality Assurance) 
  6. Identify and utilize behavioral strategies to enhance exercise and health behavior change. (Human Behavior and Counseling) 
  7. Identify all components that contribute to the maintenance of a safe exercise environment and the legal implications of one’s responsibility to conduct emergency procedures. (Safety, Injury Prevention and Emergency Procedures)