The primary mission of the Ph.D. program in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Biobehavioral Science is to train future scholars. The program is designed to provide in-depth knowledge in the area of specializations described below, and proficiency in designing and conducting research in the respective specialization areas. Students are expected to be involved in research throughout their Ph.D. program, which requires approximately three to four years of full-time study for completion. Graduates of the program are trained to assume positions as post doctoral research scientists, or entry level professorships at major colleges and universities throughout the country. The program of study is developed by the student and the advisory committee based on the student’s background, interests, and career goals, as well as faculty expertise. By design, the program is multidisciplinary and flexible, permitting students to tailor their scholarly experience to the development of research skills in one of several related disciplines: biomechanics, motor control and learning, exercise and performance psychology, and sports medicine / athletic training. Each area of specialization is briefly described below.
Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the scientific study of humans and objects as they move and interact with the environment. It is a multi-disciplinary field drawing from exercise science, engineering, medicine and manufacturing. Biomechanics is a high technology field that applies this expertise to athletic, clinical, legal, and commercial areas. The course work offered within this concentration allows the student to experience a wide variety of biomechanical studies or focus on specific areas such as sport or clinical applications to best meet the individual interests of the student.
The biomechanics specialization places an emphasis on research and laboratory experiences and demands mastery of advanced technology to solve problems. The coursework and training will include the study of the kinematics and kinetics of animal movement. Coursework will include, but not be limited to, study in anatomy/kinesiology, biomechanics, engineering, medicine, physical therapy, and statistics. Additional areas of study will focus on developing research and laboratory skills, understanding motor performance and the control of motor actions. Students will be exposed to, and encouraged to engage in, research and study in sport and clinical biomechanics while developing a working knowledge of the granting and funding process.
Motor Control & Learning
This specialization emphasizes an understanding of human motor performance and motor skills by integrating formal course work and research experiences. Motor learning is associated with the processes and conditions that influence skill acquisition, while motor control concerns determining the neuromuscular basis of performance. Learning and control processes are investigated from established theoretical perspectives. The acquisition of motor skills and expertise, as well as the development of coordination is of great interest. Many issues are studied with various instrumentation in our laboratory, as well as in applied settings. This specialization is interdisciplinary in nature, primarily drawing upon the knowledge base advanced in the movement and sport sciences, cognitive sciences, and physical therapy. Students are prepared to conduct research in traditional motor performance and learning settings as well as mentor graduate students.
To facilitate our research efforts, the Motor Behavior Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation including a Peak Performance Analyzer, a Video Illustrator, an ASL 5000 visual tracking system, a Biopac and AcKnowledge software system for EMG, EEG, and force transducer data collection. Also, the laboratory contains many computers for conducting experiments, Internet access, statistical analysis, and preparing articles for presentation and publication
Exercise & Performance Psychology
This program prepares individuals for careers in universities, research, sport consulting, private industry, or health sciences. Performance and Exercise Psychology provides the basis for understanding and influencing the underlying attitudes, cognitions, and behaviors in sport, exercise, and other performance settings. Given the development of performance and exercise psychology as distinct fields that emphasize both science and practice, courses and experiences are offered that are relevant to developing proficiency in both areas. Thus, the program is designed with two different streams for concentration course work and experiences depending upon the student's interests in either performance or exercise psychology.
Major topics of study in the Exercise Psychology specialization include a psychosocial emphasis on the acute and chronic effects of exercise on body image, eating disorders, exercise dependence, and psychological well-being (e.g., the effects of exercise on depression, self-esteem, anxiety, social physique anxiety, self-esteem, and mood). Other topics of interest include exercise adherence, exercise interventions, and various group dynamic topics (e.g., leadership, cohesion, social influence, and group size).
Major topics of study in the Performance Psychology specialization include a cognitive-behavioral emphasis on the improvement of learning and performance conditions, emotion and attentional components of performance, information processing factors involved in complex movements, performance enhancement strategies, and understanding the development of the attention, anticipation, decision-making, and reacting skills necessary for expert performance in rapidly occurring events. The investigation of these areas has been facilitated by the recent laboratory additions of technologically advanced instrumentation used for psychophysiological assessment of brain (EEG) activity and visual search patterns. Research topics also include various psychological issues related to motivation, personality, and individual differences in emotional reactivity.
Sports Medicine
Sports Medicine is multidisciplinary, including the physiological, biomechanical, psychological, and pathological phenomena associated with exercise and sports (American College of Sports Medicine, 1987), and includes associated medical specialties, allied health professions and applied sciences. The Sports Medicine specialization is designed to provide advanced academic training to develop sports medicine and allied health professionals who will have the scientific and technical competence to formulate and conduct research in both the basic and applied sciences. Coursework at the doctoral level includes lecture and laboratory sequences as well as independent study and directed research.
DOCTORAL PROGRAM SUMMARY
| Area | Credit Hours |
| Concentration Area | 12 |
| Research Area | 30 |
| Statistical Area | 9 |
| Minor Area | 12 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total | 69 |
NOTE: 90 graduate credit hours minimum beyond bachelor’s degree are required to graduate
Concentration Courses: 12 credits minimum
Courses that are reflective of the specific area of specialization in the Biobehavioral Science specialization will be selected and approved by the supervisory committee. Additionally the dissertation topic will directly reflect the area of specialization within the Biobehavioral Science concentration.
| Credits | Course Number | Title |
| 3 | APK 5404 | Sport Psychology |
| 3 | APK 6106 | Clinical Anatomy for the Exercise Sciences |
| 3 | APK 6116C | Physiological Bases of Exercise and Sport |
| 3 | APK 6130 | Human Pathophysiology for the Exercise Sciences |
| 3 | APK 6205C | Nature & Bases of Motor Performance |
| 3 | APK 6206 | Planning Motor Actions |
| 3 | APK 6210 | Controlling Motor Actions |
| 3 | APK 6225 | Biomechanical Instrumentation |
| 3 | APK 6226C | Biomechanics of Human Motion |
| 3 | APK 6314 | Physical Assessment of Athletic Injuries |
| 3 | APK 6317 | Rehabilitation and Modalities of Athletic Injuries |
| 3 | APK 6406 | Exercise Psychology |
| 3 | APK 6408 | Performance Enhancement |
| 3 | APK 6410 | Seminar in Exercise Psychology |
| 3 | APK 6415 | Seminar in Sport Psychology |
| 3 | APK 6900 | Directed Independent Study |
| 3 | PET 5936 | Current Topics |
Research Courses: 33 credits minimum
| Credits | Course Number | Title |
| 2 | AGG 6830 | Grant Writing |
| 3 | HLP 6535 | Research Methods |
| 3 | HLP 7979 | Advanced Research |
| 24 (min) | HLP 7980 | Dissertation Hours |
| 1-5 | PET 6910L | Supervised Research |
Advance Research (HLP7979) is taken when preparing for the Qualifying Examination. Dissertation Hours (HLP7980) are taken upon successful completion of the Qualifying Examination.
Statistics Courses: 9 credits minimum
| Credits | Course Number | Title |
| 3 | STA 6126 | Statistical Methods in Social Research I |
| 3 | STA 6127 | Statistical Methods in Social Research II |
| 4 | STA 6166 | Statistical Methods in Research 1 |
| 4 | STA 6167 | Statistical Methods in Research 2 |
| 3 | STA 6176 | Introduction to Biostatistics |
| 3 | STA 6200 | Research Design |
| 3 | STA 6201 | Analysis of Research Data |
| 3 | STA 6706 | Applied Multivariate Analysis |
| 1-3 | STA 6900 | Problems in Statistics |
Minor (cognate): 12 credits minimum
There are two options for fulfillment of the minor requirement, each of which must be approved by the supervisory committee.
Note: COURSES TAKEN BELOW THE 5000 LEVEL MAY BE TAKEN WITH AGREEMENT OF THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE, BUT WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE 12 CREDIT HOUR MINIMUM REQUIRED for the minor / interest area..
An Example Formal Minor: Cognitive Psychology
| Credits | Course Number | Title |
| 3 | EXP5215 | Visual Perception |
| 3 | EXP5256 | Human Factors I |
| 3 | EXP6099 | Survey of Cognitive & Sensory Processing |
| 3 | EXP6609 | Seminar in Cognition |
An Example Formal Minor: Physiological Psychology
| Credits | Course Number | Title |
| 3 | PSB5325 | Human Physiological Psychology |
| 3 | PSB6087 | Advanced Physiological Psychology |
| 3 | PSB6067 | Human Brain Functions |
| 3 | PSB6099 | Seminar in Physiological Psychology |
Elective Courses: 6 credits minimum
Student may choose electives from other core areas above as well as from the list below.
| Credits | Course Number | Title |
| 3 | APK 6118 | Neuromuscular Adaptation to Exercise |
| 3 | APK 6205C | Nature and Bases of Motor Performance |
| 3 | APK 7107 | Cardiovascular Exercise Physiology |
| 3 | APK 7117 | Exercise Metabolism |
| 3 | APK 7124 | Free Radicals in Aging, Exercise, and Disease |
| 3 | APK 7129 | Pulmonary Function During Exercise |
| 3 | EGM 2511 | Engineering Mechanics-Statics |
| 3 | EGM 3401 | Engineering Mechanics-Dynamics |
| 3 | EGM 5430 | Intermediate Dynamics |
| 3 | EGM 6595 | Bone Mechanics |
| 3 | EME 5403 | Instructional Computing I |
| 3 | EML 5595 | Mechanics of the Human Locomotor System |
| 3 | EML 5598 | Orthopedic Biomechanics |
| 3 | EML 6597 | Mechanics of Gait |
| 3 | PET 5936 | Statistical Applications using SPSS |
| 1-10 | PET 6948 | Advanced Practicum in ESS |
| 3 | PET 7386 | Environmental Stress Exercise Physiology |
| 3 | PHT 6105C | Joint Morphology |
| 3 | PHT 6125C | Concepts in Clinical Biomechanics |
| 3 | PHT 6127C | Control of Gait and Posture |
| 3 | PHT 6316 | Neurological Aspects of Orthopedic Rehabilitation |
| 2 | STA 6200 | Fundamentals of Design |
Additional Requirements:
ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY
A graduate student does not become a candidate for the doctoral (PhD) degree until granted formal admission to candidacy. Such admission requires approval of the student’s supervisory committee, the department chairperson, the college dean, and the Dean of the Graduate School. Approval will be based on (1) the academic record of the student, (2) the opinion of the supervisory committee concerning overall fitness for candidacy, (3) an approved dissertation topic, and (4) a successful qualifying examination. Application for admission to candidacy should be made as soon as the qualifying examination has been passed and the student’s supervisory committee approves a dissertation topic. A student may not register for HLP 7980 (Research and Dissertation) until he or she is admitted to candidacy for a doctoral degree.
QUALIFYING EXAMINATION
The qualifying examination may be taken after the third semester of graduate study beyond the bachelor’s degree and before the end of formal coursework. The qualifying examination must be successfully defended prior to dissertation writing. The student must be registered in the term in which the qualifying examination is given. Students must select one of the following options.
Option 1: A formal written and oral examination covering both major and minor coursework.
OR
Option 2: Conduct two research projects: one being an independent study (original data collection and article prepared for publication) and the other a conceptual (critical review) paper in a suitable research area. These efforts are to act as pilot work in the area of, or closely related to, the area of work proposed for the student’s dissertation.
Permission must be obtained from the student's supervisory committee prior to scheduling either examination option. Both projects must be written and submitted to the student’s supervisory committee. Each of the two options must be defended orally. All supervisory committee members must be present at the oral examination. The supervisory committee has the responsibility at this time of deciding whether the student is qualified to continue work toward the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
If a student fails the qualifying examination, the Graduate School must be notified immediately. A re-examination may be requested, but it must be recommended by the supervisory committee and approved by the Graduate School. At least one semester of additional preparation is considered essential before re-examination.
DISSERTATION EXAMINATION
The supervisory committee will evaluate the dissertation in both written and oral formats. The doctoral student must be able to pass this defense before graduating.