Major Courses

In this course, students learn to write formal manuscripts using APA style. They also learn to read, understand, and critically evaluate behavioral science research as presented in academic journals and conferences. Learners in this course build foundational skills needed to succeed in their future courses.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of both quantitative and qualitative research methods used in behavioral science research, along with an understanding of the ethical considerations and other challenges involved in good research design. Additional topics include measurement, sampling, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

Mathematical theory and applications, development of formulae, principles of statistical decision theory, descriptive measurements, probability concepts, random variables, normal distribution, inferential statistics, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, chi-squared procedures, linear regression, and the use of computers in statistics.

This course is designed for professional nursing and general college students. Included are a general survey of human histology and the study of structure and function of organ systems of the human body, including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, endocrine, and nervous systems. Structure and function of sensory organs are also included in the course. Should be taken with Anatomy and Physiology I Lab .

A laboratory experience designed to illustrate and reinforce topics covered in BIO 153 Anatomy and Physiology I. Included is the detailed study of cells, tissues, the structure and function of the skeleton, the muscles, and the nervous and endocrine systems of the human body using laboratory experience and demonstration.

Physiological principles of exercise. Topics include the responses and adaptations of the neuromuscular system, bioenergetics, and the endocrine, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems to exercise.

A study of the sociological and psychological impact of physical activity on humans. The psychological factors of self-perception, motivation, cooperation, and competition will be examined and used as descriptors to illustrate the idea of sport as an institution of society.

The course addresses principles of psychological development across time and culture. Students will understand universal stages of human development, influences on individual differences and the impact of nature and nurture. The course views human development as a unit of interrelated parts, concentrating on the relationships between the mind, body, and the socio-cultural context. Specific consideration is given to issues of integration, culture, and Biblical worldview.

This course is a survey of theories of personality emphasizing various viewpoints, unique theoretical perspectives, functions, and development of basic attitudes and belief systems that influence behavior throughout the life span. The course equips students to actively integrate faith (i.e., biblical principles) with the theories discussed.

This course provides an introduction into the structure and processes of the mind, focusing on topics including perception, attention, memory, decision-making, and consciousness. Students will engage with research examining cognition from a behavioral, information-processing, and a physiological perspective. Additionally, students will engage with the philosophical/epistemological assumptions in the study of cognition, with relevant applications in domains such as artificial intelligence, criminal justice, and theology.

A survey of modern theories of therapeutic counseling with emphasis on gaining an understanding of the psychological principles underlying these methods.

This focus of this course is on addressing the practice of psychological issues and cognitive variables that may hinder one's performance recovery. The complex psychological nature of recovery, both physical and cognitive, whether from injury or psychological distress, will be discussed. This course will allow the student to explore performance recovery from multiple areas and approaches, as well as concentrating on theoretical foundations of behaviors, psychological intervention of performance problems, prevention, recovery, and strategies/mental health issues related to performance.

This course explores the establishment of relationships among psychology, social relationships, and performance within various social environments and contexts. Key topics such as social support, diversity, impact of media, coaching relationships, and the wider social contexts of individual performance will be examined and discussed. The course will utilize both theoretical and research findings to suggest practical applications for assisting with human performance.

This course is centered around the leadership and ethics needed to build and develop professional relationships within a sport and performance psychology setting. The course examines ethical principles, professional guidelines, organizational standards and ethical codes, and leadership practices designed to help students develop ethical decision-making and behavior skills necessary to meet the appropriate standards of care in providing psychological services to enhance human performance.

This course provides sport and performance psychology students the opportunity to integrate and demonstrate learning from their major, evaluate their own strengths/weaknesses and demonstrate an understanding of the integration of a Christian worldview and their major field of study. Students will evaluate their personal goals, calling and purpose as well as develop skills to move toward successful and fruitful participation in multiple levels of community, including graduate school and careers.