Exercise Physiology

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Karin Lund (Associate Professor of Kinesiology)
• Email: klund@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Calder Health Sciences Building 320
• Office Hours:
  • Tuesday & Friday: 3:30–5:00 p.m. (In person, Calder Health Sciences Building 320)
  • Monday: 10:00–11:00 a.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Bioenergetics, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory responses and adaptations to exercise, and environmental factors in performance, with a weekly three-hour laboratory in metabolic and performance testing. KINE 301 investigates the physiological mechanisms through which the human body responds and adapts to acute exercise and chronic physical training. Grounded in cellular bioenergetics and systemic integration, the course explores cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, and neuromuscular function during rest and exercise, as well as the physiological impacts of environmental stressors such as altitude and heat. In the weekly three-hour laboratory, students operate clinical metabolic carts, cycle ergometers, lactate analyzers, and spirometry systems to collect and evaluate human performance data.

Prerequisites

BIO 201 and BIO 202.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of KINE 301, students will be able to:

1. Explain Cellular Bioenergetics: Analyze the metabolic pathways of ATP production—including the phosphagen system, glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation—and evaluate substrate utilization during exercise of varying intensities and durations.
2. Analyze Cardiopulmonary and Hemodynamic Responses: Describe cardiac output, blood flow distribution, gas exchange, and ventilatory mechanics during acute physical work and chronic aerobic training.
3. Examine Neuromuscular Function and Adaptations: Characterize motor unit recruitment, muscle fiber types, electromyographic activity, and neuromuscular adaptations following resistance and endurance training.
4. Conduct Clinical and Athletic Performance Testing: Proficiently calibrate instrumentation, administer maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) tests, assess blood lactate thresholds, and execute Wingate anaerobic power tests in a laboratory setting.
5. Evaluate Environmental Stressors on Performance: Predict physiological strain, thermoregulatory adjustments, and acclimatization strategies for exercising in hypobaric, hyperbaric, hot, and cold environments.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Powers, Scott K., and Edward T. Howley. Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance. 11th ed., McGraw Hill, 2021. Approx. $95 print, $55 digital rental.
2. American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 11th ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2021. Approx. $55 print or digital.
3. KINE 301 Laboratory Manual: Metabolic and Performance Testing. Alkimi University Copy Center, 2026. Approx. $20.
4. Total estimated cost: $130 to $170.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), KINE 301 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use generative AI tools to assist in generating practice calculation questions (such as respiratory exchange ratios or target heart rate zones), explaining complex biochemical pathways, and checking drafts of your lab report discussions for flow and clarity.
• What is prohibited: You may not use generative AI to generate laboratory calculations, interpret metabolic or spirometric data collected in lab, write laboratory report sections, or complete quizzes and examinations. Fabricating experimental data using AI is an academic integrity violation.
• Disclosure: Each submitted laboratory report must conclude with an explicit AI-use disclosure statement specifying which generative tools were used and the specific nature of their contribution. If no AI tools were consulted, state: 'No generative AI tools were used in preparing this laboratory report.'

Grading Components and Weights

• Lecture Examination 1: 15% (In class, Friday, October 2)
• Lecture Examination 2: 15% (In class, Friday, November 13)
• Laboratory Practical 1 (Metabolic Instrumentation & Submaximal Testing): 10% (In lab, week of October 5)
• Laboratory Practical 2 (VO2max, Anaerobic Power, & Spirometry): 10% (In lab, week of November 30)
• Experimental Laboratory Reports (3): 15% (Due in Canvas at 11:59 p.m. the Friday after the lab, weeks 4, 9, and 13)
• Weekly Canvas Quizzes & Pre-Lab Assessments: 10% (Due Mondays at 11:59 p.m. in Canvas; lowest quiz score dropped)
• Final Comprehensive Examination: 25% (Monday, December 14, 2026, 8:00–10:00 a.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No extra credit assignments are offered in this course.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Class attendance is expected, and laboratory attendance is mandatory. Practical laboratory exercises require direct operation of testing instruments and active peer participation. If you must miss a lab due to documented illness, contact Dr. Lund within 24 hours. Because equipment must be calibrated for specific experiments, missed laboratory sessions cannot be made up after the week has concluded. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Laboratory reports submitted after the posted deadline will be penalized 10% per calendar day late for up to three days. Assignments submitted more than 72 hours late will not be graded. Pre-lab quizzes close promptly at the deadline and cannot be reopened.

Laboratory Dress Code and Safety

Students must arrive in athletic attire (running shoes, athletic shorts, T-shirt) prepared to participate as active testing subjects or technicians. Hydrate adequately prior to testing sessions. Inform the instructor immediately if you experience dizziness, chest pain, or excessive fatigue during any test.

Major Passing Standard

Kinesiology majors must achieve a grade of C or higher in KINE 301 to satisfy prerequisite requirements for KINE 330 Exercise Testing & Prescription and KINE 410 Clinical Exercise Physiology.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Monday, December 14, 2026, 8:00–10:00 a.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).