Course credit
3 credit hours
Course description
Concepts of exercise science, nutrition, stress management, contemporary health issues and decision making. Assessment, application and participation in lifetime fitness and skill activities.
Delivery
This course is available in a web-based format, utilizing web pages and WebCT, a computer conferencing program. WebCT requires Internet access and a web browser — no additional software is required. Students may need access to someone who can assist with computer set-up.
This course is available in a print-based format. Mail completed assignments to the GIS Office. We will forward them to the instructor for grading.
Prerequisites
This distance learning course is limited to students admitted to the Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) degree program.
Instructor
Forrest Dolgener, Ph.D., Professor of Exercise Science
I am native Texan who migrated to the Midwest some 30 years ago. I have been at UNI since 1979. I received my Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Texas at Austin and then spent six years at the University of Cincinnati before coming to UNI. Our family always intended to eventually get back to the Southwest, but Cedar Falls and UNI provided everything we were looking for (except the cold weather) so we have been here ever since.
I was an athlete in high school and college and have always enjoyed exercise, so much so that I changed my major in college after three years in Electrical Engineering to Physical Education. I initially thought I wanted to coach but I became very interested in exercise as a therapeutic tool which led me to graduate study in exercise science. As I pursued my graduate degrees, I began to appreciate the value of exercise in combination with other positive behaviors on my overall health. I believe the combination of appropriate exercise, nutrition, and various other health behaviors have kept me vigorous and energetic and can do so for the majority of the population. During my professional career, I spent about 15 years working specifically in the area of Cardiac Rehabilitation so I witnessed first hand the effects of debilitating diseases such as heart disease. For the last 15 years, my interests have been primarily focused on the effects of exercise and nutrition on our capabilities to "work," whether it is athletic performance or informal exercise.
My normal course load includes courses such as Exercise Physiology, Sport Nutrition, and Fitness Assessment but I have taught Personal Wellness for the off-campus, Continuing Education Program for non-traditional students and in the summers for several years. I enjoy this course because in affords me the opportunity to encourage and motivate others to adopt a lifestyle that will certainly enhance the quality of their life and most likely their longevity as well.
Evaluation
9 assignments, 3 exams
Overview
Course Purpose
To provide an opportunity for the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will encourage and facilitate the implementation and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. Such a lifestyle, if embraced, will enhance the quality and quantity of one’s life.
Course Objectives
By reading the material assigned and completing the assignments and activities throughout the course, students will:
Course organization
Contacting the Instructor
If at any time during the course you have questions, contact the instructor. The best way is via e-mail (forrest.dolgener@uni.edu).
Course Outline
Assignment 1
Assignment 2
Assignment 3
Exercise Diary
Exam 1
Assignment 4
Assignment 5
Assignment 6
Exam 2
Assignment 7
Assignment 8
Assignment 9
Exam 3
Written Assignments
Each reading assignment has a corresponding written assignment. Some written assignments are Labs contained in the textbook and others require that you compile or develop a paper or respond to questions. When completing Labs in the textbook and when you respond to questions/assignments not contained in labs, you are to use a word processor program to generate the responses. In each case, restate the question/assignment prior to your response and number the question/assignment according to the assignment number. Submit all assignments related to the same chapter at the same time.
Exercise Diary
At the completion of Assignment 3, you will develop a four-week exercise plan. The developed plan then must be submitted to the instructor for approval. Once your plan is approved you will implement the plan for four consecutive weeks. Each week of the plan you must keep an exercise diary. At the completion of each week you must submit the diary to your instructor.
Grading
There are two components to the course grade. The first component is three exams at intervals throughout the course. Each of the exams will count 20% of the total course grade. The second component will be various assignments/labs related to the topics covered in the course. Many of these assignments/labs will relate directly to aspects of an exercise program you will undertake as a part of this course. Collectively, these assignments/labs will count 40% of your course grade.
Textbook
Personal Wellness. Editors: Dolgener and Hensley, 1998. You will receive this text from the Guided Independent Study Office.
To enroll
ONLINE
GIS enrollment information
IN PERSON
UNI Continuing Education
2637 Hudson Road (corner of 27th St. and Hudson Rd.)
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0223
Campus map (Look for Building 31)
For more information
Cindy Klodt, Guided Independent Study
UNI Continuing Education
319-273-2123 or 800-772-1746
ContinuingEd@uni.edu