Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Studies in Exercise Sciences (Face-to-Face)

KIN 4800-01

Course: KIN 4800-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: PEHP
CRN: 31386

Course Description

Review and exploration of contemporary research and issues in exercise and sport sciences. Opportunity to gain greater understanding and experience with research processes in the area of Exercise Science. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): KIN 4020 or instructor permission - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C- Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

There will not be a textbook assigned for this class. We will use readings from scientific journals made available through Canvas or the Library, which may include:
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
ACSM Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Gatorade Sport Science Institute
Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine
Strength and Conditioning Journal
Sports Medicine
Journal of Applied Sport Science and Research
American Journal of Sports Medicine
Internal Journal of Sports Medicine
European Journal of Applied Physiology
Physical Therapy
Research Quarterly

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate a current issue in exercise and sports science. 
2. Independently and deliberately locate, select, and appropriately integrate evidence to support a unique perspective (e.g. argument). 
3. Critically read previous primary research to identify the author’s viewpoints, arguments, evidence, potential biases, and conclusions, and thereby, assess the credibility and validity of the article. 
4. Synthesize and present persuasive information appropriate for the thesis and audience in a clear, precise, and professional manner. 
5. Apply principles learned from the current literature to your own practices.

Course Requirements

ASSIGNMENTS (30%)
You will have the opportunity to read and review research papers on current topics in exercise and sports science along with some topics of your choice. We will all read them and take turns leading a class discussion on the topic for specified classes. You will also be able to post on a class monthly review to summarize important ideas we learn on each monthly topic. 

APPLICATION PROJECT (20%)
An application assignment will be given allowing you to apply one of the strategies presented in the research and write a summary of your experience.

PRESENTATION (15%)
You will get to present your scholarly paper and your experience with your application project to the class and then guide a group discussion of the current literature and opportunities for future studies.  

SCHOLARLY PAPER (30%)
You will get to write a scholarly review paper on a topic of your choice. The paper must be typed, include a title page, and a short review of existing literature and gaps in the literature leading to conclusions about what is currently known about the topic and potential future study ideas. This should reflect your ability to understand and synthesize scientific literature. Please see the grading rubric for more details.

 FINAL REFLECTION (5%)
The final reflection activity will guide you through a reflection on your experience with the process of analysis and synthesis of previous research to create new ideas, views, and knowledge. 

Percentages for grades are as follows:
 100-94.0     - A                              76.9-73.0 -      C
93.9-90.0   -  A-                             72.9-70.0 -      C-
89.9-87.0   -  B+                            69.9-67.0 -      D+
86.9-83.0  -  B                              66.9-63.0  -      D
82.9-80.0  -  B-                             62.9-60.0 -      D-
79.9-77.0   -  C+                            59.9 – 0    -      F

Course Outline

Introduction: Course introduction, discuss topics in exercise science, introductory practice topic (How to read/analyze a research paper, manuscript elements, strengths/weaknesses), discuss paper and application project.
Writing Basics: using evidence, paraphrasing, whole paper organization, topic sentences, precision, clarity, transitions, scholarly voice, active vs passive voice, avoiding bias, reflecting and improving, proofreading and revising, citing sources properly (e.g., AMA).  
Specific Exercise Science Examples: muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy, barefoot running, intermittent fasting/ketogenic diet and performance, environmental factors and performance (hypothermia, heat, altitude, etc.), and HIIT.   
Student Topics: students will select and present on exercise science related topics.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

 All assignments, quizzes and exams must be taken at the scheduled time (see tentative schedule & Canvas Calendar for specific due dates & times), unless PRIOR consent is given by the instructor. If you miss class you will not receive any credit for in-class activities (lab reports, etc.) and you will not be allowed to makeup the any activities missed (lab reports, quizzes, exams, etc.). Exceptions to this policy will only be made if the student misses:

  1. for school-related activities that are made known to the instructor PRIOR to the date of absence.
  2. for extreme medical or family emergencies when presented with proper evidence (e.g., physician note, funeral program) within a week of being absent.

 I do not offer individual make-up or extra credit assignments. In general, I do not offer extra-credit, but if an opportunity arises it will be offered to all students. 

Attendance Policy

To ensure you understand and are able to apply the materials covered in this course, attendance and participation in class discussions and activities are mandatory. You are responsible to get all missed material, announcements, assignments, and class discussion notes from other students.  After you have reviewed the materials from other students, I am happy to clarify specific points that remain unclear during office hours.  However, I will not provide private lectures (e.g., go over every single point).  You are also expected to come to class on time. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.