The program requires students to take courses in exercise science, and physical and biological sciences. The curriculum provides fundamental training in the concepts and principles of exercise science and related subdisciplines. In addition to course work, students either complete a thesis (Plan I), or conduct a research project and pass a comprehensive oral examination (Plan II). Students who want to pursue a more rigorous research approach in their graduate studies should elect Plan I. While the non-thesis option includes a research experience, it does not require a formal thesis; instead, students must pass a comprehensive oral exam following completion of their course work.
The exercise science graduate program provides advanced, concentrated training in two areas: (1) exercise physiology and (2) biomechanics, leading to a Master of Science degree. Faculty members have primary appointments in a variety of campuswide schools, colleges and divisions (e.g. School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Engineering, Division of Biological Sciences). Opportunities for instruction and research encompass theoretical, basic, and applied elements of form and function at all levels of biological organization essential to understanding physical movement in humans and other animals, and on the adaptive consequences of physical activity. Upon completion of the program, it is expected that students will have the requisite knowledge and experience to (1) pursue advanced graduate training in either biomechanics or exercise physiology, (2) enter professional schools in the health sciences, or (3) assume challenging entry level professional positions in educational, clinical or private business settings that entail program evaluation and development related to exercise, fitness, health, and sport. Continued development of a student's analytic problem solving abilities is a principal aim of the program.
Students entering the exercise science master's program must have
completed the following courses or the equivalent. Deficiencies
can be filled during the first few quarters of graduate school.
Description of the courses listed below can be found in the general
catalog. To determine course equivalence, consult a graduate adviser
listed below. Note that quarter units = 1.5 x semester units.
| Undergraduate Prerequisites - Exercise Physiology Track |
|---|
| Subject | UC Davis course | Quarter Units |
|---|
| Calculus | Math 16A-B | 6 |
| General Chemistry with lab | Chem 2A-B | 10 |
| General Physics with lab | Physics 7A-B | 8 |
| Organic Chemistry | Chem 8A-B or Chem 118A-C | 6,12 |
| Biochemistry | BIS 103 or NUT 101 | 3,5 |
| Subtotal: 33-41 |
| Undergraduate Prerequisites - Biomechanics Track |
|---|
| Calculus | Math 21A-C recommended, but Math 16A-C accepted | 12,9 |
| General chemistry with lab | Chem 2A-B | 10 |
| General physics with lab | Physics 9A-C recommended, but Physics 7A-C accepted | 12,9 |
| Computer programming | ENG 5,6 ECS 30 | 3,4 |
| Subtotal units: 31-38 |
Undergraduate Prerequisites
Exercise Physiology Track & Biomechanics Track |
| 20 units of upper-division exercise, life and natural sciences to include
the following: |
| Exercise Physiology | EXB 101 | 4 |
| Biomechanics | EXB 103 | 4 |
| Exercise Science Labs (in Ex. Phys. & Biomechanics) | EXB104L | 2 |
| Human systemic physiology | NPB 101 | 5 |
| Human Anatomy with lab | CHA101 & 101L (Biomechanics Track Only) | 4,3 |
| Motor Learning/Exercise Psych | EXB102 (recommended, not required) | 4 |
Admission
Admission to graduate standing normally requires a minimum GPA of 3.25
(out of 4.00) and a minimum quantitative score on the Graduate Record Examination
of 600. The combined verbal and quantitative score should be at least 1100.
However, admissions decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
For admission into the M.S. program, we encourage online
application. Follow the instructions on the Graduate Studies
admissions page. Admission forms for printing can also be obtained
there. In addition to the application forms and your official transcripts,
the program requires:
- Three letters of recommendation (one from an adviser)
- Graduate Record Examination scores (general test only).
Your application is not complete until these items are also processed.
These materials will be reviewed by Graduate Studies and the Exercise
Science Graduate Group Admissions Committee, after which the student
will be notified of their decision.
Degree Requirements
M.S. Degree Requirements
The requirements for a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science are
completion of 30 units, including 20 units at the graduate level, at least
two courses outside of exercise science and exercise biology, with no
more than six 299 units, and an MS thesis approved by a three-member faculty
committee. These courses must be taken for a letter grade; the minimum
acceptable grade is B- and the minimum overall GPA is 3.00. Each MS student
must pass the 3 core courses and additional track specific courses. Each
student’s program of study must be approved by their major professor
and signed by the corresponding Exercise Science graduate advisor. Students
are asked to file a preliminary program of study with the graduate group
within the first two weeks of the first quarter of enrollment. The study
plan is to be updated annually.
|
|
Exercise Science Graduate Group - Degree Requirements
|
|---|
| Exercise Science - Core Courses |
|---|
| Required (These courses or equivalent must be taken by all students.) |
| | Undergraduate Units | Graduate Units |
|---|
| EXS 200 - Introduction to Research (3) | | 3 |
| STA 100 - Applied Stats for Bio. Sci. (4) | 4 | |
| EXS 290 - Seminar (2) | | 2 |
| EXS 299 - Research (6, 3 units for non-thesis track) | | 6 |
| Exercise Physiology Track- Core Courses |
| Required: The following courses or their equivalent must be taken. |
| | Undergraduate Units | Graduate Units |
| EXS 201 Exercise Cardiorespiratory Physiology (3) | | 3 |
| EXS 206 Cellular Metab. and Bioenergetics (3) | | 3 |
| Electives: Two of the following courses or their equivalent must be taken. |
| EXS 227 - Research Topics in Biomechanics (4) | | |
| EXS 228 - Skeletal Muscle Mechanics (4) | | |
| MCP 210A - Advanced Physiology (4) | | |
| MCP 210B,C - Advanced Physiology (6,6) | | |
| NUT 202 - Advanced Nutritional Energetics (2) | | |
| BCM 410B - Cell Biology and Metabolism (3.5) | | |
| EXB 102 - Motor Learning/Exercise Psych (4) | | |
| Biomechanics Track- Core Courses |
|---|
| Required: The following courses or their equivalent must be taken. |
| Undergraduate Units | Graduate Units |
|---|
| EXS 227 - Research Topics in Biomechanics (4) | | 4 |
| EXS 228 - Skeletal Muscle Mechanics (4) | | 4 |
| Electives: Two of the following courses or their equivalent must be taken. |
| EXS 201 - Exercise Cardiorespiratory Physiology (3) | | |
| EXS 206 (298) Cellular Metab. and Bioenergetics (3) | | |
| EBS 228 - Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders (3) | | |
| BIM 231 - Musculo-Skeletal System Biomechanics (4) | | |
| BIM 232 - Skeletal Tissue Mechanics (3) | | |
| ENG 102 - Dynamics (4) | | |
| EXB 102 - Motor Learning/Exercise Psych (4) | | |
| NPB 112 - Neuroscience (3) | | |
| EBS 128 - Biomechanics and Ergonomics (4) | | |
Electives: Both exercise physiology &
biomechanics tracks select additional upper division or graduate courses to satisfy unit
requirements. Example: EXB 102,110,111, 112,113,115,118,122,126.
Note: All course selections must be approved by a graduate adviser. |
|
| Recommended Course Sequence
for Biomechanics Track
|
* denotes Exercise Science core courses
** denotes required courses other than core courses
|
| First Year |
|---|
| Fall Quarter - Courses |
Units |
| Introduction to Research (EXS 200)* | 3 |
| Statistical Methods for the Biological Sciences (Stats 100)* | 4 |
| Skeletal Muscle Mechanics (EXS 228)** | 4 |
| Electives or deficiencies (EXS 298, ENG 45, ENG 102, EXB 104,
NPB 112) |
3
or 4 |
| Exercise Science Seminar (EXS 290), may or may not be offered |
1 |
| Winter Quarter - Courses |
Units |
| Research Techniques in Biomechanics (EXS 227)** | 4 |
| Electives (EXB 105, EXB 113, EXB 126, ENG 45, EME 151) | 8 |
| Spring Quarter - Courses |
Units |
| Electives (e.g. BIM/EME 232, BIM 231, EBS 265, NPB 112) | 6-9 |
| Exercise Science Seminar (EXS 290)* | 1 |
| Research (EXS 299)* |
2-5 |
| |
| Second Year |
|---|
| Fall Quarter - Courses |
Units |
| Electives | 6-10 |
| Research (EXS 299)* |
2-6 |
| Winter Quarter |
| Research (EXS 299) | 12 |
| Spring Quarter - Courses |
Units |
| Research (EXS 299) | 11 |
| Exercise Science Seminar (EXS 290) | 1 |
|
| Courses of Interest in the Biomechanics Track |
| Upper Division Undergraduate Courses | Units | Quarter Offered |
|---|
| BIS 101 Genes and Gene Expression | 4 | F, W, S |
| BIS 102 Structure and Function of Biomolecules | 3 | F, W, S |
| BIS 104 Regulation of Cell Function | 3 | F, W, S |
| CHA 101,101L Human Gross Anatomy, Anatomy Lab | 4,3 | W |
| CHE 118A,B Organic Chemistry | 4,4 | F,W; W,S |
| EAD 115 Introduction to Numerical Methods | 3 | F, W, S |
| EBS 128 Biomechanics and Ergonomics | 4 | S |
| EBS 165 Bioinstrumentation and Control | 4 | F |
| EME 150A Mechanical Design | 4 | F, S |
| EME 151 or STA 130A Statistical Methods | 4 | F, W |
| EME 172 Feedback Control | 4 | W, S |
| ENG 102 Dynamics | 4 | F, W, S |
| ENG 104 Strength of Materials | 4 | F, W, S |
| EXB 102 Motor Learning/Exercise Psych | 4 | W |
| EXB 115 Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement | 3 | F |
| EXB\BIM 126 Tissue Mechanics | 3 | W |
| NPB 101 Systems Physiology | 5 | F, W, S |
| NPB 112 Neurobiology | 3 | F |
| Graduate Courses | Units | Quarter Offered |
|---|
| BIM 202 Molecular and Cellular Biology | 4 | F |
| BIM 210 Biomaterials | 4 | W |
| BIM 241 Introduction to MRI | 3 | F |
| BIM 242 Introduction to Biomedical Imaging | 4 | F |
| BIM 246 Magnetic Resonance Technology | 3 | F |
| BIM/EME 223 Multibody Dynamics | 4 | W |
| BIM/EME 225 Spatial Kinematics and Robotics | 4 | W |
| BIM/EME 231 Musculoskeletal Biomechanics | 4 | S |
| BIM/EME 232 Skeletal Tissue Mechanics | 4 | F |
| BIM/EME 240 Computational Methods in Non-linear Mech. | 4 | W |
| BIM/EME 276 Digital Data Acquisition | 4 | F |
| EBS 228 Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders | 3 | S |
| EBS 265 Advanced Statistics | 5 | S |
| ECE 201 Theory of Elasticity | 4 | F |
| ECE 203 Inelastic Behavior of Solids | 3 | S |
| ECE 205 Continuum Mechanics | 3 | W |
| ECE 212A Finite Element Procedures in Appl. Mech. | 3 | W |
| ECE 212B Finite Elements in Linear & Nonlinear Prob. | 3 | S |
| ECS 289K Foundations of Scientific Computing | 4 | F |
| EME 222 Advanced Dynamics | 4 | F |
| EXS 201 Exercise Cardiorespiratory Physiology | 3 | F |
| EXS 221 Anthropometry (Not Currently Offered) | 3 | |
| EXS 222 Metabolic Functions in Exercise | 4 | S |
| EXS/BIM 227 Research Techniques in Biomechanics | 4 | W |
| EXS/BIM 228 Skeletal Muscle Mechanics | 4 | F |
| MCP 210A,B,C Advanced Physiology | 4,6,6 | F,W,S |
| MCP 214 Neurophysiology | 4 | W |
| MCP 219 Muscle Growth and Development | 3 | W |
|
Recommended Course Sequence for Track in
Exercise Physiology |
|---|
* denotes Exercise Science core courses
** denotes required courses other than core courses |
| First Year |
|---|
| Fall Quarter - Courses |
Units |
| Introduction to Research (EXS 200)* | 3 |
| Statistical Methods for the Biological Sciences (Stats 100)* | 4 |
| Physiology of the Cardiorespiratory System During Exs. (EXS 201)** | 3 |
| Advanced Physiology (MCP 210A) | 4 |
| Exercise Science Seminar EXS 290 – may or may not be offered | 1 |
| Winter Quarter - Courses |
| Advanced Physiology (MCP 210B) | 6 |
| Cell Biology and Metabolism (BCM 410B) |
3 |
| Electives (EXB 110, EXB 113, MCP 219 ) |
6 |
| Spring Quarter- Courses |
| Electives (e.g. EXB 116, NUT 253, BCM 231, MCP 242, PHR 404) |
0-7 |
| Metabolic Adaptation to Exercise (EXS 206)* | 3 |
| Independent Study (EXS 299)* |
3-9 |
| Exercise Science Seminar (EXS 290)* | 1 |
| |
| Second Year |
| Fall Quarter - Courses |
Units |
| Electives (See List) |
3-9 |
| Independent Study (EXS 299)* |
3-9 |
| Winter Quarter - Courses |
Units |
| Independent Study (EXS 299) | 12 |
| Spring Quarter - Courses |
Units |
| Independent Study (EXS 299) | 11 |
| Exercise Science Seminar (EXS 290)* | 1 |
|
| Courses of Interest in Exercise Physiology Track |
| Upper Division Undergraduate Courses | Units | Quarter Offered |
|---|
| ANS 125 Equine Exercise Physiology | 3 | W |
| ASE 120, STA 106 or 108 Statistical Methods | 4 | F, W,S |
| BIS 101 Genes and Gene Expression | 4 | F, W, S |
| BIS 102 Structure and Function of Biomolecules | 3 | F, W, S |
| BIS 104 Regulation of Cell Function | 3 | F, W, S |
| CHA 101,101L Human Gross Anatomy, Anatomy Lab | 4,3 | W |
| CHE 118A,B Organic Chemistry | 4,4 | F, W; W,S |
| NPB 101 Systems Physiology | 5 | F, W, S |
| NPB 112 Neurobiology | 3 | F |
| NPB 113 Cardiovascular, Respiratory, & Renal Physiology | 4 | W |
| NPB 127 Comparative Physiology: Circulation | 3 | W |
| NPB 129 Comparative Physiology: Respiration | 3 | W-Alt Years |
| NPB 140 Principles of Environmental Physiology | 3 | W |
| NPB 152 Hormones and Behavior | 3 | W |
| NUT 101 Introduction to Nutrition and Metabolism | 5 | F |
| NUT 111 Human Nutrition | 4 | S |
| NUT 112 Nutritional Assessment | 3 | S |
| Graduate Courses | Units | Quarter Offered |
|---|
| BCM 410B Molecular and Cell Biology | 3 | W |
| BIM 202 Molecular and Cellular Biology | 4 | F |
| BIM 228 Skeletal Muscle Mechanics | 4 | F |
| BIM 241 Introduction to MRI | 3 | F |
| BIM 242 Introduction to Biomedical Imaging | 4 | F |
| BIM 246 Magnetic Resonance Technology | 3 | F |
| BIM/EME 231 Musculoskeletal Biomechanics | 4 | S |
| BPH 200 Current Techniques in Biochemistry | 2 | S |
| EXS 222 Metabolic Functions in Exercise (not offered) | 4 | |
| EXS/BIM 227 Research Techniques in Biomechanics | 4 | W |
| EXS/BIM 228 Skeletal Muscle Mechanics | 4 | F |
| HPH 285 Peripheral Circulation | 3 | S alt. yrs |
| IMD 420D Cardiovascular System – Clinically oriented | 3.5 | W |
| MCB 221A Physical Biochemistry | 4 | F |
| MCB 221B Integr. of Metab. and Regulatory Phenomena | 3 | W |
| MCB 221C Molecular Biology | 4 | S |
| MCB 221D Cellular Biochemistry | 4 | W |
| MCB 242 Muscle Biophysics | 4 | W |
| NUT 202 Advanced Nutritional Energetics | 2 | F |
| MCP 210A,B,C Advanced Physiology | 4,6,6 | F,W,S |
| MCP 214 Neurophysiology | 4 | W |
| MCP 216 Neurophysiology Literature | 3 | F |
| MCP 219 Muscle Growth and Development | 3 | W |
| MCP 230 Advanced Endocrinology | 2 | W |
| MCP 231 Neuroendocrinology | 3 | W |
| MCP 242 Biological Rhythms | 3 | F |