Careers In Exercise Biology

Exercise biology combines physiology, biomechanics and behavioral science to determine the effects of physical activity on chronic disease, age and human growth. It encompasses a scientific approach to exercise in that it also explores how the human body adapts to the surrounding environment. There are several universities that offer degrees in exercise biology and help with career choices for using it. Most of the research from scientists in the field of exercise biology encompasses the prevention of illness.

Considerations

Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, offers a Bachelor of Science in exercise biology through its biological sciences department as well as a Master of Science. The University of California-Davis offers a Bachelor of Science in exercise biology through its department of neurobiology, physiology and behavior for students interested in human biology. In addition, UC-Davis offer a Bachelor of Arts in exercise biology to prepare students for further study in the humanities and social sciences.

Potential

Careers in exercise biology are in demand because correlations between exercising and age have become much clearer. As people age, they seek knowledgeable insight on how to prevent a potential chronic illness. Since exercise biology integrates preventive medicine as one of its areas of research and study, there are numerous careers that can be pursued with this degree. For those with a Bachelor of Science, potential career fields include physical therapy, biomechanics and biomedical engineering, and marketing of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, as well as working on the improvement of both. A Bachelor of Science is designed for students interested in working with a community and teaching biology/science.

Prevention/Solution

The term "exercise biology" and the idea behind it --- exercise as a means of chronic disease prevention --- is not new. In 2000, researchers from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston and the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, presented a paper on how a daily routine of exercise is beneficial to overall good health. They were not writing in layman terms either. Rather, they were strongly encouraging primary care physicians to convince their patients that exercise was an absolute necessity for maintaining good health.

Significance

In addition to helping prevent disease through exercise, if you graduate with a degree in exercise biology you can work with people who suffer from obesity and anorexia. At Wright State University, students with degrees in exercise biology have found jobs in physical therapy public health, health/wellness hospital programs and as physician assistants. These are all areas where people with eating disorders often go for help. In fact, UC-Davis has an extensive science-based curricula which includes courses that specifically target nutrition and exercise.

History

It's important that a historical perspective be included when exploring how society, culture and environment have shaped our relationship to exercise. Without historical context, any medical study would not be fully integrative. UC-Davis offers courses that address this issue. It also offers students the opportunity to engage in some kind of community-based project. This could entail counseling people in adopting healthy exercise programs and making lifestyle changes that are more preventive.