Experiential Learning
Students who choose an exercise science major at the University of Mount Union have ample opportunities to get “real-world” experiences outside of the classroom. By getting involved in these experiential and clinical field opportunities, you can strengthen your skills in directly working with many populations including athletes, youth, young adult, middle-aged, and older populations. This hands-on experience is provided through a number of Individualized Direct Experiences (IDEs), which provide structured opportunities for students to work with a multitude of various populations, depending on their area of interest. These opportunities include:
INDEPENDENT RESEARCH (SENIOR RESEARCH PROJECTS)
- Can a Typical Swimmer’s Snorkel Elicit the Same Physiological Effects as an Acute Sojourn to Moderate Altitude. This project assessed the ability of a snorkel worn during training to elicit the same physiological adaptations as altitude training.
- The Effects of Palm Cooling During Aerobic Training. The purpose of this project was to determine if handheld cooling packs could assist the body in maintaining core temperature while exercising in the heat.
- Does beta-alanine supplementation affect muscular performance after caffeine ingestion? This study examined the effects of caffeine ingestion compared to beta-alanine supplementation in power output, repetitions to failure, rate of perceived exertion, focus, alertness and fatigue.
RESEARCH WITH FACULTY OR STUDENT PEERS
- International Society of Sports Nutrition (2022) in Clearwater, FL
- Midwest American College of Sports Medicine (2022) in Indianapolis, IN
- Biomechanics (2022)
- American College of Sports Medicine (2019) in Orlando, FL
LABORATORY EXPERIENCE
Students are routinely involved in running a variety of exercise tests including maximal aerobic capacity tests (VO2 max), body composition testing via air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod), Electromyography (EMG), power output and rate of force development (Ballistic Measurement System), and anaerobic power tests (Wingate) using a cycle ergometer.
EXERCISE SCIENCE INTERNSHIPS
Internships are a valued and strongly encouraged avenue to gain course credit, relevant work experience, and job opportunities. Students have interned locally at the University of Akron and Kent State University, as well as domestically at Louisiana State University, Kansas State University, Iowa State University, and Northern Arizona University as Strength & Conditioning Coaches. Students have also interned at private sport performance facilities such as Premier Sports Conditioning and T3 Sports Performance. In addition, students have gained internship experience at local YMCAs and physical therapy clinics serving in a variety of capacities.
CAMPUS PROGRAMS
- Recreation Center Fitness Trainers and Group Exercise Instructors
- Fitness assessment and evaluation of Mount Union athletic teams
COMMUNITY-BASED FITNESS PROGRAMS AND ASSESSMENT
- YMCA-based exercise and physical activity programs
- Through designed coursework, local community members have benefitted from personal training
- Area high school athletic team fitness assessments
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Community service is part of the university's mission and an opportunity for students to share their knowledge, skills, and abilities with others. Through a variety of different programs, the students offer valuable experiences for clients promoting healthy and active lifestyles regardless of age, health status, or living environment. Community Service provides tremendous “real world” experiences for the students and allows them to give back to a larger community that needs support.
EXERCISE SCIENCE CLUB
Whether seeking an exercise science degree job or opportunities for further graduate study, students seeking additional support and preparation for a future in exercise science and related fields may find involvement in Mount Union’s Exercise Science Club to be extremely beneficial. From guest speakers to job interview and professional school application preparation, the club offers future exercise science and allied-health professionals with tips and hands-on experiences, allowing them to explore what their future may hold firsthand.
The purpose of the Exercise Science Club is to provide its members with practical experiences with the field of exercise science. Membership is open to those with an exercise science major, exercise science minor, or general interest in the field.
Throughout the academic year, the club has several activities to help prepare its members for a career in health-related fields. These include bringing in outside speakers, performing workshops and arranging outreach experiences.
INTER-SCIENCE RESEARCH CLUB
The purpose of the Inter-Science Research Club is to provide its members with practical experiences and research in the field of science. Membership is open to those with a chemistry or biochemistry major/minor, exercise science major/minor, biology major/minor, psychology major/minor or general interest in the field. Projects members of the group are currently working on include:
- An annual trans-disciplinary campus conference opens to the public
- Presentations during an annual trip to Experimental Biology
- Dispersing the only dedicated pool of cross-departmental funding for research supplies
- Dispersing the only dedicated pool of cross-departmental funding for research travel
- Professor-student research presentations from around campus to increase awareness and collaboration
Throughout the academic year, the club has several activities to help prepare its members for a career in health-related fields.