Courses

 

Topics include 2-D and 3-D kinematics and kinetics, joint power, energetics of locomotion and mechanical modeling. Open to Graduate Students and Undergraduate Seniors in Kinesiology. Prerequisites: MATH 127, 128; PHYSICS 131/133, 132/134; KIN (formerly Exercise Science)200 or 304 and 430 or 305.

 

This course will provide students with knowledge of multiple aspects of skeletal muscle biology. The material will include information about the basics of muscle contraction, muscle activation and bioenergetics. Laboratory-based opportunities will be used for students to try/experience various techniques commonly used to study muscle function from the molecular to whole muscle levels.

 

The study of mechanical properties of human muscle and models which represent various aspects of muscle function. Topics include basic muscle structure and function, elasticity in muscle function, contractile mechanics, the Hill model, the Huxley model, and applications of muscle modeling in biomechanics. Prerequisites: KIN 430 or Graduate Student Status.

 

In this course we will explore how footwear can affect biomechanics, energetics, injury risk and performance in various sports and activities of daily living. Topics include: shoe design, mechanical, subjective, biomechanical and running economy testing, minimalist and maximalist shoes, super shoes, prosthetics and robotic shoes.

 

540 Physical Activity & Public Health  

In this course, students will critically review relevant literature and discuss strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. Course content will be organized around three main themes. Epidemiology, determinants of physical activity and sedentary behavior. Students will be introduced to innovative research designs to better understand the scope of the inactivity problem, associations with health outcomes, and factors associated with and predictive of these behaviors. 

Objective and subjective assessment of physical activity and sedentary behavior. Dose-response relationships between behavior and disease are only as strong as the assessment of the predictor and outcome. We will focus on the most used behavior assessment tools for a variety of populations and discuss promising new methods. Theory-based interventions to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary time. Students will be introduced to common behavior change theories, the RE-AIM framework, and SMART randomized control trial designs. Prerequisites: KIN 440 or Graduate Student Status.

 

This course is designed to engage students in critical thinking about physical activity behavior change. Within the context of a social ecological framework, this course focuses on changing physical activity behavior at the individual-level. The course will be guided by Rhodes’ Multi-Process Action Control Framework, and therefore will discuss reflective, regulatory, and reflexive processes involved in the adoption and maintenance of an active lifestyle. Prerequisites: KIN 440 or Graduate Student Status.

Neurophysiological principles for the control of movement.  Topics include motor unit control principles, neuromuscular aspects of strength, segmental motor control, the organization of ballistic movements, adaptations and plasticity in the control of movement, neuromuscular aspects of fatigue, kinesthesis, and aging and human motor control. Prerequisites: KIN 460 or Graduate Student Status.

 

Advanced study of the physiological responses to exercise, from the cell to the whole body. The effects of exercise training, extreme environments, and other challenges to homeostasis will be addressed. Students will be expected to have a strong working knowledge of basic exercise physiology principles.

 

The relationship between physical activity and health outcomes in women. Topics include assessment of physical activity, epidemiologic methods, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, pregnancy, and osteoporosis. Prerequisites: KIN 440 or Graduate Student Status.

 

This course is designed for Kinesiology graduate students with an interest in cardiovascular physiology and senior undergraduates (with permission) including those interested in medical school or cardiac rehabilitation. In this course we will 1) review cardiovascular structure and function, 2) evaluate the cardiovascular system under various stresses (i.e. orthostatic, disease, exercise) and 3) apply concepts such as homeostasis, redundancy, and regulated systems to understand cardiovascular system integration. Prerequisites: KIN 470 Exercise Physiology or equivalent.

 

This course will provide students with knowledge of multiple aspects of skeletal muscle physiology. The material will include information about the basics of muscle contraction, as well as integration of muscle activation, bioenergetics and contractile function. Special emphasis will be given to the mechanisms of muscle fatigue under a variety of conditions, and an understanding of how muscle physiology is altered by disease will be developed.

 

The effects of exercise on skeletal muscle structure and function. Topics include neuromuscular junction, muscle tendon junction, mitochondria, capillaries, sarcoplasmic reticulum, and sarcolemma in response to use and disuse. Laboratory section deals with skeletal muscle histology, histochemistry and serum markers of muscle function. Prerequisites: Histology

 

How humans store, deliver, and use the fuel required for energy transduction. The pathways by which nutrients are stored, accessed and oxidized to provide ATP; hormonal regulation of energy balance and substrate utilization; factors that determine the trafficking of metabolic fuels to various fates; the impact of diet composition and/or physical activity on regulation of body weight, pathophysiology or obesity, insulin resistance, and other disorders related to perturbation of energy balance. Prerequisites: KIN 470 or BIOCHEM 420 or KIN Graduate student status.

This course is designed for Kinesiology graduate students and select others who are interested in understanding the collection, analysis and uses of human skeletal muscle magnetic resonance images (MRI). We will address both theoretical and practical aspects of this topic.

 

Theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience collecting, processing, and analyzing electromyography data to characterize neuromuscular control during human movement.

 

596 Independent Study
Credit, 1-6.

 

 

In this course we will explore the molecular mechanisms that underlie some of the fundamental contractile properties of muscle. Topics will include: regulation of muscular contraction, the mechanism underlying the generation of force and motion, correlation between mechanical and biochemical phenomena, myosin as a molecular motor.

 

This course reviews the fundamentals of the behavioral neuroscience of action. Section one covers neuromechanical, sensorimotor and visuomotor foundations. Section two deals with the reflex and voluntary basis of motor control, posture, and locomotion. Section three addresses aspects of sensorimotor learning.

 

The Biomechanical mechanisms and consequences of abnormal movement patterns for locomotor activities will be discussed. Laboratory techniques and data analysis methods will be reviewed and discussed along with regulatory procedures in human subject's research. Communication of science and community engagement in research will be discussed.

 

This graduate level course provides a thorough overview of using wearable technologies to objectively monitor physical activity and sedentary behavior in research and practice. Students will learn through a combination of on-line discussion of assigned readings, lectures, class and small group discussions, and hands-on engagement with different types of wearable technologies focused on objectively monitoring physical activity and sedentary behavior.

 

Muscle adaptation to exercise is a complex process, where the specificity of exercise mode, duration and frequency is of importance. This course will critically highlight some important aspects, and students will gain understanding of the mechanism governing muscle adaptation to changes in physical demand in health and disease. Students are expected to have basic knowledge about human physiology and molecular biology as well as exercise physiology at an advanced undergraduate level. Prerequisite: KIN 470 or equivalent 

 

The nature of research; methods of acquiring knowledge; the role of research in human performance and exercise science with emphasis on the scientific method.

634 Advanced Clinical Bio Mechanics
Mobility through the second half of the life space will be discussed with consideration of supporting for the proposed underlying biomechanical mechanisms for changes in mobility. Common secondary conditions that result from or contribute to mobility loss will also be discussed. The student will become familiar with methodology for systematic review and meta-analysis.

 

 

In this course we will explore the biomechanical factors determining the metabolic cost of human locomotion. Topics include: mechanical and metabolic power, efficiency, running, cycling, walking, speed skating, metabolic energy systems and energy flow modeling. Prerequisites: MATH 127 and 128 and PHYSICS 131 & 133, PHYSICS 132 & 134, KIN 430, KIN 470, or KIN 530.

 

This course is design to introduce students to the characteristics and various approaches to designing and conducting qualitative research studies. Students will be introduced to qualitative research methodology from conceptualization, through design and data collection processes for use in physical activity and health research studies. This course will include lectures, class discussions, group work and hands-on experiences (in data collection methods commonly used in qualitative research observation, interview).

 

This course is design to help students gain knowledge on how to conduct randomized clinical trials (RCT) and develops competence in the planning, designing, and execution of clinical trials in involving physical activity interventions.

 

The key learning objective of this course is to develop student's critical thinking skills related to published research in the broad topic of physical activity and health. Students will learn how to read critically and dissect a published journal article, around issues of writing clarity, argument development, research design, analytical approaches, and developing ideas for future research projects. Credit, 1.

 

We will learn physical activity epidemiology with an underlying focus on meta-analyses. We will interpret existing meta-research studies and consortium efforts in the field and learn how they help shape public health and clinical approaches and recommendations. Additionally, students will be introduced to the skills required for evidence synthesis, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.  This course will introduce the meta-analytic process.  The general focus will be on physical activity related research, however, with the goal of learning skills that can be applicable for meta-research in other health behaviors or in other aspects of Kinesiology.

 

This course aims to provide an introduction to neuroimaging techniques available to researchers with a particular emphasis on the types of research questions that can be addressed by each technique. You will learn about the setup, scientific principles, as well as the pros and cons of each neuroimaging technique. By the end of the course, you should be able to identify the neuroimaging technique best suited for your research question.

 

665 Movement Neuromechanics Journal Club
Journal club focused on the major areas of biomechanics and movement neuroscience. This is a required course for Kinesiology graduate students with a primary focus area in biomechanics or movement neuroscience. The course will include weekly discussions of seminal and recent research articles in the field. Credit, 1.

 

Advanced study of cardiovascular and respiratory responses during exercise. Acute and chronic responses to exercise thoroughly examined and mechanisms underlying these responses critically evaluated. Laboratory component includes assessment of VO2 max, lactate threshold, running economy. Prerequisite: Exercise Physiology with lab.

 

Presentation and discussion of current research literature in exercise physiology. Critical evaluation of research questions, experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation emphasized. Prerequisite: undergraduate exercise physiology. Credit, 1.

 

This course will covers the essential components of motor behavior as it relates to motor control and skill acquisition. Students will critically review relevant literature and discuss strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. The objective of the course is to allow students to understand the neurological and mechanical processes underlying motor control and the ability to acquire and retain a new motor skill.

 

690C The Molecular Basis of Muscle Contraction
This course will explore the molecular basis of muscle contraction. Examining original ideas, including the sliding filament theory, before advancing to recent cutting-edge insights into how muscle's molecular motor, myosin, converts chemical energy into force and motion. We will apply this knowledge to understand the molecular basis of muscle fatigue. Compare and contrast the mechanisms of contraction among skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle. Finally, we will use our understanding of myosin structure/function to understand how related molecular motors drive important cellular processes such as vesicular transport and cell division.

 

Credit, 1-6.

 

 

Non-thesis option, independent research project. Oral exam based on the project required.

 

Current solutions-oriented approach towards implementing physical activity interventions.

 

In this course we will examine the role of physical activity in preventing disease and maintaining health and the growing health burden of physical inactivity. Topics will include measurement of physical activity and inactivity, dose response issues, interventions, policies, and recommendations about physical activity.

 

This graduate level course will incorporate approaches from physiology, engineering and computational neuroscience to understand the interactions between neural control and biomechanics of human movement. We will use MATLAB as a tool for data analysis, graphing and modeling. Our aim is to use mathematics to better understand biological learning and control processes in the central nervous systemMP: Concepts and Lab Practice in Muscle Physiology. This course will cover state-of-the-art techniques and current questions in the study of human skeletal muscle physiology.

 

Presentation and discussion of current research literature in biomechanics and motor control. Critical evaluation of all aspects of motor systems research including relevant questions; experimental designs and protocols; modeling approaches; data collection, reduction, and analysis techniques; and interpretation of results. Prerequisite: KIN 430.

 

Development and formal proposal of research to be undertaken for Pre-Doctoral Research Project. For Kinesiology graduate students enrolled in MS/PhD program track.

 

For Kinesiology graduate students enrolled in MS/PhD program track.

 

This course is designed to help students gain knowledge on how to conduct randomized clinical trials (RCT) and develops competence in the planning, designing, execution and analysis of clinical trials involving structured exercise interventions.

 

This course will provide students with knowledge of multiple aspects of skeletal muscle physiology. The material will include information about the basics of muscle contraction, as well as integration of muscle activation, bioenergetics and contractile function. Special emphasis will be given to the mechanisms of muscle fatigue under a variety of conditions, and an understanding of how muscle physiology is altered by disease will be developed. Laboratory-based learning opportunities will be provided.

 

Development and formal proposal of research to be undertaken for Master's Thesis.  For Kinesiology graduate students enrolled in MS Thesis program.

 

Credit, 6.

 

Topics include principles of data collection and analysis, high-speed video, force measuring systems, accelerometry, and A/D conversion. Prerequisites: KIN 430 and 530 or equivalent.

 

Topics include: biophysical signals, frequency content, Fourier series, Fourier analysis, principles of data collection, data smoothing, electromyography, amplifier response characteristics, software data manipulation. Prerequisites: KIN 305 or 430 and 531 or equivalent.

 

Non-invasive 31P Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measurements of the kinetics of pH and phosphorylated metabolites contain valuable information about muscle energy flux, metabolic control, mitochondrial function and cellular pH homeostasis in vivo, but quantitative interpretation depends on understanding the underlying physiology. In this class, through some literature reading and by using existing dataset, students will establish an analytical framework to quantitatively estimate energy flux, mitochondrial function and conceptual limitations of current methods. Prerequisites: KIN 570.

 

This course will provide students with knowledge of multiple types of human skeletal muscle data collection and analysis, from whole body (i.e., accelerometry, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)), whole muscle (i.e., dynamometry, magnetic resonance imaging, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, electromyography, electrical stimulation), single fiber (i.e., sinusoidal analysis, force-velocity-power relationships, immunohistochemistry) and potentially even more (i.e., blood samples, mitochondrial function). Data collection and analysis materials will be from appropriate manuscripts and protocols currently under use in several Kinesiology Department laboratories.

 

This workshop-style course is designed to take students through the full process of developing, refining and submitting a scientific manuscript reporting their original research. The emphasis will be on establishing individual writing processes that yield clear and compelling manuscripts

 

In this course we will explore contemporary topics in locomotion biomechanics. Topics include: Inverse Dynamics Analyses with OpenSIM, Muscle Fascicle and Musculotendinous Junction Tracking with UltraSound, Statistical Parametric Mapping, and Linear Mixed-Effects Models. Other topics include working on generic valuable scientific skills such as Open Science, Effective Communication and Personal Statements.

 

791M Structure and Function of the Myosin Superfamily
Muscle Physiology lab class that will explore structure and function of the myosin superfamily.

 

Credit, 1-6.

 

 

A: Time Series Analysis of Movement Data             

This course is aimed at students who have been exposed to the linear and nonlinear analysis techniques covered in "Nonlinear Biodynamics" (KIN797N). The course has the following objectives: Deeper understanding of time series analysis techniques related to entropy measures, including Multiscale Sample entropy and Transfer Entropy; detrended Fluctuation Analysis; Lyapunov Analysis; Linear and nonlinear filtering; Continuous relative phase analysis, including the Hilbert Transform; Vector coding analysis; Time-to-contact analysis and movement coordination. The course will also apply and implement one or more of these techniques to your own data; this can consist of a complete prior data set or pilot data collected for your dissertation.

 

This course will explore the key techniques and assays for muscle biophysics. These will include the in-vitro motility and laser trap assays. In addition, we will discuss standard biochemical assays and methods that allow for the investigation of isolated proteins and enzymes.  These will include the ATPase assay as well as protein purification and isolation.  The course is lab-based and will involve extensive time in a wet-lab performing advanced microscopy.

 

This course will evaluate past and present research on movement coordination and perception based on dynamical systems and ecological approaches.

 

This course will examine the emerging hypothesis of fatigability and bioenergetics in aging.

 

This course will cover current questions and state of the art research techniques in the study of pediatric physical activity interventions in different settings.

           

This course will look at the interaction between physical activity and aging from the Physical perspective.

 

A detailed study of optimal control theory with applications to the biomechanics of human movement. Includes lectures, readings, discussions, programming assignments, and student projects.

 

Presentation of research topics conducted by master’s and doctoral students and outside speakers. Credit, 1 per semester; maximum credit, 6. 

 

Credit, 1-6. 

 

 

An in-depth study of computer modeling and simulation with applications to the biomechanics of human movement. Includes lectures, readings, discussions, programming exercises, and student projects.

 

This course focuses on concepts and current developments in nonlinear dynamics and complex systems approaches in biology. The aim is to further understand the significance of these nonlinear concepts and analysis tools for movement coordination and perception. Topics to be discussed will be basic concepts of nonlinear dynamics, analysis tools related to assessing movement coordination, and linear and nonlinear tools for time series analysis.

 

Credit, 12.