Exercise Physiology Track

Exercise Physiology Track

Human movement involves far more than muscles in motion. Exercise places demands on the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic and musculoskeletal systems, and those responses can differ based on age, health, training status and other individual factors. Understanding those relationships is at the center of graduate study in exercise physiology.

The Exercise Physiology track within Ripon College’s Master of Exercise Science program takes a deeper look at how the body responds and adapts to physical activity. Students examine exercise from multiple perspectives, including performance, health, aging, nutrition, chronic disease and rehabilitation. The specialization builds upon an existing foundation in anatomy, physiology and exercise physiology while introducing more advanced applications of those subjects.

Study Exercise Across Different Populations

An exercise program designed for a competitive athlete can look considerably different from one developed for an older adult or an individual managing cardiovascular disease. Graduate study provides an opportunity to examine the physiological reasons behind those differences.

Students in the Exercise Physiology track consider how exercise affects people across different stages of life and levels of health. Physiology of Aging provides focused study of changes

associated with aging, while Prevention and Rehabilitation of Cardiovascular Disease examines exercise within the context of cardiovascular health. Study of pathophysiology adds another dimension by considering how disease can alter normal physiological function.

Together, these subjects encourage students to think about exercise as an individualized physiological stimulus rather than a one size fits all activity.

Connect Exercise Testing With Prescription

Understanding what happens during exercise is only part of the equation. Exercise physiologists also need to consider how physiological information can inform decisions about physical activity and training.

Exercise Testing and Prescription gives students an opportunity to examine methods used to evaluate physical capacity and apply that information when considering exercise recommendations. Advanced Exercise Physiology provides additional scientific context for understanding the body’s responses and adaptations to exercise.

This connection between assessment, physiology and exercise prescription is relevant across many areas of exercise science. It also reinforces the importance of evaluating the individual rather than applying the same approach to every person or population.

Examine the Relationship Between Nutrition and Performance

Physical activity does not occur independently of nutrition. Sports Nutrition introduces another component of human performance by examining how nutrition relates to exercise, recovery and physiological demands.

Within the broader Exercise Physiology track, this coursework helps students consider how multiple factors can influence physical performance and health. Instead of treating physiology, nutrition, aging and disease as isolated subjects, the curriculum gives students opportunities to consider where these areas intersect.

Exercise Physiology Courses

Students complete at least 15 credits within their selected specialization as part of Ripon’s Master of Exercise Science curriculum. Exercise Physiology course options include:

• Advanced Exercise Physiology
• Exercise Testing and Prescription
• Physiology of Aging
• Sports Nutrition
• Prevention and Rehabilitation of Cardiovascular Disease
• Pathophysiology of Disease

These specialization courses are completed alongside graduate core coursework in Research Methods, Measurement and Statistical Analysis, Ethical Issues in Health and Sport, and Topics in the Exercise Sciences or an elective. Students also complete a thesis, comprehensive exam or approved graduate internship option as part of the overall master’s curriculum.

Is the Exercise Physiology Track Right for You?

The Exercise Physiology track may appeal to students who want to understand the science behind exercise at a deeper level and apply that knowledge to questions involving human health or performance. It can also provide a logical next step for students whose undergraduate studies introduced them to anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, exercise science or related areas.

Students interested in this specialization should note that Ripon requires one semester each of anatomy and physiology and exercise physiology as prerequisites for the Exercise Physiology track. The college does not require applicants to have completed a specific undergraduate major or minor.

At Ripon, the specialization is also part of a broader graduate experience that includes opportunities for faculty guided research, internships and graduate assistantships. Graduate students have presented research at professional conferences including events associated with the American College of Sports Medicine and National Strength and Conditioning Association.

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