Programs and Courses
Fitness and Wellness
- General Information
- Associate in Transfer Partnership Degree - Kinesiology
- GCC/ASU West campus Recreation Transfer Guide
- Personal Trainer Certificate
- Group Fitness Instructor Certificate
- Strength and Conditioning Personal Trainer Certificate
- Course Descriptions
General Information
For Information: Connie LaBuhn
Phone: 623.845.3795
Student Goals: Transfer, Career-related, Personal Interest
Through a diversified program of activities, the health/physical education instructor encourages maintenance of health and physical fitness, development of interest in sports and physical activity, and the art of socialization through play. Related careers are coaching, sporting goods, parks and recreation, sportswriting, professional sports, health spa management, gymnasium programs, YMCA or YWCA. The commercial and recreational job market is expanding. However, teaching and coaching positions are highly competitive.
Physical Education: This program is designed as the first two years of course work for students intending to complete a baccalaureate in Physical Education at a four-year institution. Students should see a department advisor each semester to plan for easy transition to the university.
Health: Health courses include Healthful Living and First Aid which provide a general knowledge of personal health concepts and practices, first aid techniques and safety. Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries is offered for the prospective school teacher, coach, athletic trainer, or other persons desiring more advanced knowledge than is provided in the basic courses.
Note: There are various emphasis “tracks” for physical education majors, at the university level, so students should consult with a department advisor or university catalog in planning their academic schedule in order to complete degree requirements in an expedient manner. Required courses may not be available every semester or year. Due to limited course offerings, degree seeking students may find it necessary to extend completion time lines and attend both day and evening classes.
Departmental Recommendations:
HES271 Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
PED200 Introduction to Exercise Science and Physical Education
PED265 Theory of Coaching3 credits
3
3
Other Recommendations:
BIO181 General Biology (Majors) I
+ BIO201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
+ BIO202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
HIS102 History of Western Civilization 1789 to Present (3) or
PHI101 Introduction to Philosophy (3)
+ MAT151 College Algebra / Functions
POS221* Arizona Constitution (1) and
POS222* U.S. Constitution (2)
PSY101* Introduction to Psychology4 credits
4
4
3
3
3
3* Required for teacher’s certification
Electives:
The department recommends that students choose from the following courses:*
HES100 Healthful Living
HES154 First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
REC120 Leisure and the Quality of Life
REC150AB Outdoor Adventure Skills
REC250 Recreation Leadership3 credits
3
3
3
3* Should student intend to minor in another field at a university, he or she should see the department chair about suggestions for electives.
Associate in Transfer Partnership Degree - Kinesiology
The Associate in Transfer Partnership Degree (ATP) is specifically developed for students who have identified Kinesiology as a major and are planning to transfer to Arizona State University Main (ASUM).
The ATP degree requires a core of general education credits in the following general education categories: First-Year Composition (6 credits); Mathematics (/ 3 credits); Natural Sciences (4 credits); and Humanities and Fine Arts/Social and Behavioral Sciences or related area general education requirements (6 credits). Also included in the ATP degree are the general education and major requirements to meet the lower division requirements of the major at the baccalaureate degree-granting institution. The ATP degree must consist of at least a minimum of 60 credits but no more than 64 credit hours.
The ATP in Kinesiology does not assure admission to the specific program at the baccalaureate degree-granting institution. Students participating in the ATP degree will be treated as “native” students by the upper division institution in terms of course evaluation and course changes.
Frequent communication with community college and university advisors is the best safeguard when selecting first and second year courses. Requirements may change from year to year. Upon completion of 36 credit hours, including the 19 credit hour general education core, students are strongly encouraged to meet with a MCCCD academic advisor regarding the selection of course work to meet the 60 credit minimum.
GCC/ASU west campus Recreation Transfer Guide
GCC and ASU west campus have agreed to provide a transfer guide to students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Recreation. Those students may complete their first and second years of study at GCC leading to an Associate in Arts degree and continue their third and fourth years of study at ASU west campus and receive a BS degree from ASU west campus. It is recommended that Recreation majors seek departmental advice at registration time.
Under the above agreement, the following courses may be taken at GCC and transferred directly to ASU west campus:
REC120 Leisure and the Quality of Life
REC150AB Outdoor Adventure Skills
REC210 Leisure Delivery Systems
REC250 Recreation Leadership
Personal Trainer Certificate / 1/ 3 credits
Program Description: This program is designed to provide training for Personal Trainers and related technical skills necessary to provide and implement individual fitness programs and group exercise classes which are safe, motivational, and effective.
Required Courses: 13 (credits)
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better for each course listed in the Required Courses category. (+) indicates course prerequisites.
PED112 Professional Applications of Fitness Principles
PED125 Exercise Science
PED130 Strength Fitness-Physiological
Principles and Training Techniques
PED140 Principles of Safe Exercise
+ PED147 Weight Management for Fitness Professionals
WED100 Personal Wellness3 credits
3
3
1
1
2
Group Fitness Instructor Certificate / 4 credits
Program Description: This program is designed to provide the trained Personal Trainer with additional, specialized skills in aerobics instruction, and will also prepare the student for certification in the aerobics field.
Program Prerequisites: 13 (credits)
Certificate of Completion in Personal Trainer.
Required Courses: 4 (credits)
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better all courses within the program. (+) indicates course prerequisites.
+ PED128 Methods of Teaching Group Fitness I
+ PED129 Methods of Teaching Group Fitness II2 credits
2
Strength and Conditioning Personal Trainer Certificate / 31 credits
Program Description: The Strength and Conditioning Personal Trainer Certificate prepares students for employment in the fitness industry as Strength and Conditioning Personal Trainers/Coaches. This curriculum provides students with a fundamental knowledge of human physiology and anatomy, prevention and treatment of exercise related injuries, emergency response readiness, health appraisals and assessments; application of exercise fitness principles and strength training techniques; a fundamental knowledge of nutrition, weight control, stress management and exercise physiology, and biomechanics; skills in exercise testing and fitness measures as well as writing exercise prescriptions and program designs for diverse populations.
Required Courses: 31 (credits)
(+) indicates course prerequisites.
BIO160 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
HES154 First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
HES271 Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
PED112 Professional Applications of Fitness Principles
PED125 Exercise Science
PED130 Strength Fitness-Physiological Principles
and Training Techniques
PED145 Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription
HES100 Healthful Living
+PED275 Methods of Enhancing Physical Performance
+PED285 Exercise Program Design and Instruction4 credits
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Course Descriptions
Course Availability: (F) Fall, (S) Spring, (D) Day, (E) Evening, (Su1) Summer 1, (Su2) Summer 2, (O) Occasionally, (+) indicates course prerequisities
Health/Physical Education/Recreation/Wellness: HES, PED, REC, WED
Health Science (HES)
HES100
Healthful Living / 3 credits 3 periods
Health and wellness and their application to an optimal life style. Explores current topics of interest such as stress management, nutrition, fitness, and environmental health. Evaluates common risk factors associated with modern lifestyles. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su)
Note: HES100 meets SB (Social and Behavioral Science) requirements at ASU.
HES126
Women’s Health Issues / 2 credits 2 periods
Develops awareness of health issues related to women. Examines diseases common to women. Explores predisposing and precipitating factors affecting health and reviews current treatment of disease. Focuses on the development of behaviors that promote a healthy and productive life. Prerequisites: None. (O)
HES154
First Aid/Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation / 3 credits 3 periods
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and first aid for the adult, child and infant patients includes Automated External Defibrillator (AED), rescue breathing, obstructed airway, and other first aid procedures. Designed to train citizen responders in skills and procedures required during emergency situation. Prerequisites: None. (O)
HES201
Substance Abuse
and Behavior / 3 credits 3 periods
Principles and factual bases of drug use and abuse. Physiological and socio-psychological effects of drug use and law enforcement of drug abuse. Consultants used extensively to enrich course. Prerequisites: None.
HES271
Prevention and Treatment
of Athletic Injuries / 3 credits 3 periods
Prevention and care of athletic injuries, emphasizing use of modern training techniques and support materials. Utilization of preventive taping, strapping, bandaging, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, massage, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, and practical application of muscle reconditioning. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E)
HES273
Athletic Training: Advanced Wrapping
and Taping Techniques / 2 credits 2 periods
Expands and enhances practical uses of basic taping and wrapping skills. Hands-on experience in the use of braces, athletic taping, and elastic wraps to care for athletic injuries. Prerequisites: HES271 or permission of instructor.
HES298
Special Projects / 1-3 credits
Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development. Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or instructor.
Physical Education Activity Courses (PED)
Note: Students are offered activity courses with a wide variety of choice including lifetime leisure experiences. It is recommended that non-swimmers register for a beginning swimming class.
PED101, 102, 201, 202
Physical Activities / 1-1.5 credits 2-2.5 periods
Individual, dual, or team sports activities as listed in the schedule of classes. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su)
PED103, 104, 203, 204
Physical Activities / .5 credit 1 period
Individual, dual, or team sports activities as listed in the schedule of classes. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: None
PED120AA
Special Emphasis Activities:
Aerobics / 2 credits 4 periods
Intensive aerobic workout, including warm-up technique, cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength and endurance, stretching and body sculpturing. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su)
Fitness Center Courses (PED)
Note: Not all courses transfer. Please check with your advisor before enrolling.
PED115
Lifetime Fitness / 2 credits 4 periods
Fitness activity and wellness study to help develop a lifetime of regular exercise, stress management, and proper nutrition. Workout includes warm-up/stretch, aerobic exercise, selected strength exercises, and cool down/stretch. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su)
Physical Education Minor-Major or Certificate Courses (PED)
PED108
Survey of the
Fitness Profession / .5 credit .5 period
Overview of the fitness industry. Skills needed to become a successful, effective fitness professional. Prerequisites: None.
PED112
Professional Applications
of Fitness Principles / 3 credits 3 periods
Basic principles of fitness for the prospective fitness professional. Planning and teaching in a fitness program. Topics include exercise risks and safety, weight control, components of fitness, fitness assessment, and exercise programming. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su)
PED125
Exercise Science / 3 credits 3 periods
Principles of exercise science applied to teaching fitness/ aerobics. Major factors related to the function of the human body. Emphasis on anatomy/physiology, exercise physiology, and biomechanics. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E)
PED128
Methods of Teaching
Group Fitness I / 2 credits 2 periods
Planning and teaching group fitness. Techniques for cueing, use of music, choreography development for high and low impact aerobics, cool down and safety guidelines.. Prerequisites: (PED112 and PED125) or permission of instructor. (S,Su)
PED129
Methods of Teaching
Group Fitness II / 2 credits 2 periods
Planning and teaching group fitness. Techniques for cueing, use of music, choreography development for step aerobics and muscle conditioning and safety guidelines. Prerequisites or Corequisites: PED128 or permission of instructor.. (S,Su)
PED130
Strength Fitness-Physiological Principles
and Training Techniques / 3 credits 3 periods
Principles and techniques of strength training including strength physiology, performance factors, training recommendations, exercise techniques, and program design and management. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su)
PED132
Aerobic Fitness: Physiological Principles
and Training Techniques / 2 credits 2 periods
Covers principles and techniques of aerobic training and the application of these to the development of aerobic training programs. Includes instructional techniques and safety, and stresses injury prevention. Prerequisites: None.
PED136
Sport Psychology for the
Fitness Professional .5 credit .5 period
Major principles of sport psychology for fitness professionals who work with athletes and sports participants. Psychological considerations related to communication, mental training, and performance enhancement. Prerequisites: None. PED112 and PSY101 recommended.
PED137
Exercise Psychology for
the Fitness Professional .5 credit .5 period
Major principles of exercise psychology applied to fitness professional who train or deal with fitness participants. Psychological considerations related to communication, motivation, and mental training. Prerequisites: None. PED112 and PSY101 recommended
PED138
Starting Your Own Personal
Training Business / 1 credit 1 period
Overview of the personal training business in the fitness industry. Skills for becoming a successful and effective personal training business owner. Prerequisites: None.
PED139
Practical Applications of Personal Training
Skills and Techniques / 3 credits 5.4 periods
Development of personal training skills including effective communication, client assessment, fitness testing, goal setting, program design, and program implementation. Includes hands on experience with clients in a Fitness Center. Prerequisites: Current CPR certification and GCC Personal Training Certificate, or permission of instructor.
PED140
Principles of Safe Exercise / 1 credit 1 period
Overview of safety concepts and principles for the exercise leader. Includes injury recognition and referral sources; injury prevention; safe use of equipment; contraindicated exercises; proper stretching techniques; basic first aid principles, including CPR and common procedures utilized in classroom emergencies. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E)
PED141
Internet Resources for
Personal Trainers / 1 credit 1 period
Practical application of techniques for effective use of Internet search engines; critical evaluation of information on fitness-related web sites; development of web related education tools for clients; development of resource lists of fitness-related web sites. Prerequisites: Personal Trainer Certification or Aerobics Instructor Certification, and experience with Internet Browsers.
PED145
Guidelines for Exercise
Testing and Prescription / 3 credits 3 periods
Follows the current ACSM guidelines for health appraisal, risk assessment, safety of exercise, exercise testing, and exercise prescription. Prerequisites: Completion of Fitness Leadership certificate.
PED146
Sports Nutrition for
Fitness Professionals .5 credit .5 period
Advanced principles and applications in sports nutrition for fitness professionals/trainers. Topics include nutrient needs, effectiveness and usage of ergogenic aids, sports nutrition diet, and program development. Prerequisites: FON100 or equivalent.
PED147
Weight Management for
Fitness Professionals / 1 credit 1 period
Advanced principles of weight management for fitness professionals. Topics include: psychology of eating behaviors, energy balance, obesity theories, weight loss/gain, assessment, and programming. Prerequisites: WED100 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.
PED172
Exercise Prescription for Individuals
with Disabilities / 1 credit 1 period
Practical application of general principles of exercise prescription for persons with disabilities. Prerequisites: None.
PED177
Water Safety Instructor / 2 credits 3 periods
Techniques, methods, and procedures of teaching swimming and life saving as designed by American Red Cross. Qualified students earn the American Red Cross water safety instructor certification. Prerequisites: None.
PED198AC
Projects in Community Service / 3 credits 3 periods
This course gives the student opportunity to gain work experience in an area of community service which helps relate his or her academic interests to real-life situations. Student and instructor select assignments from an available list of community agencies and organizations which have indicated a need for volunteer workers. The student attends a one-hour seminar weekly and in addition, for each credit in special projects he or she must devote a minimum of 60 hours each semester in designated volunteer assignments. Prerequisites: None.
PED200
Introduction to Exercise Science
and Physical Education / 3 credits 3 periods
Introductory course for students considering or just beginning a course of study in exercise science and physical education. Overview of each of the disciplines, subdisciplines, and professions in the cross-discipline field of exercise science/physical education, including historical and philosophical foundations. Course emphasizes the study of physical activity. Prerequisites: None.
PED265BO
Basketball Theory of Coaching / 3 credits 3 periods
Theory and techniques of coaching basketball as a competitive sport. May not be repeated for credits. Prerequisites: None.
PED265FW
Football Theory of Coaching / 3 credits 3 periods
Theory and techniques of coaching football as a competitive sport. May not be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D)
PED265VC
Volleyball Theory of Coaching / 3 credits 3 periods
Theory and technique of coaching volleyball as a competitive sport. May not be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: None.
PED298
Special Projects / 1-3 credits
Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development. Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or instructor.
Recreation Courses (REC)
REC120
Leisure and the
Quality of Life / 3 credits 3 periods
Overview of the historical, psychological, social, and cultural aspects of play, leisure, and recreation and their role in contemporary society. Nature of play and leisure behavior in human development within different cultures and the contribution play, recreation, and leisure make to the quality of life for individuals in today’s society. Prerequisites: None. (F)
REC150AB
Outdoor Adventure Skills / 3 credits 3 periods
Camping and outdoor skills including types of camping, equipment selection and use, cooking and fire building, camp programs, backpacking, and safety. Prerequisites: None. (F,S)
REC210
Leisure Delivery Systems / 3 credits 3 periods
Systematic study of Delivery of Leisure Services in public, commercial, and independent sectors; particular emphasis placed on the urban setting. Prerequisites: None. (S)
REC250
Recreation Leadership / 3 credits 3 periods
An examination of roles and methods of leadership in leisure services settings. Overview of theories and models of leadership, group dynamics, participant motivation, communication, and face-to-face leadership. Exploration of leadership contexts, including coaching and officiating sports, leading community groups and volunteers, working with persons in various life stages and with varying abilities, and leading different recreation activity areas. Prerequisites: None. (O)
REC260
Field Experience
in Recreation / 1 credit 2 periods
Supervised participation in a leadership capacity in a selected recreation service delivery system. Involves direct contact leadership consisting of planning, organizing, scheduling, and conducting recreational activities for clientele groups representative of the agency or company’s constituency. Requires a minimum of 40 hours of work over at least a six-week period. Prerequisites or Corequisites: REC250. (O)
Wellness Education Courses (WED)
WED100
Personal Wellness / 2 credits 2 periods
Overview of wellness and its relationship to personal health. Understanding of personal wellness through lifestyle assessments. Introduction to wellness and health-related topics including fitness, relationships, nutrition, self care, abusive behaviors, mind/body connection, and other current issues in health. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su1)
WED151
Overview of
Alternative Medicine / 3 credits 3 periods
Definition of health; exploration of mind-body-spirit connection in health; various therapeutic modalities; identification of strengths and limitations of alternative therapies. Also includes development of ability to critically review written material in the alternative therapy area. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su1)
WED162
Meditation and Wellness / 1 credit 1 period
Physiology of meditation and its effects on physical and mental health; scholastic abilities and interpersonal relationships; differentiation between meditation and other relaxation techniques. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su1,Su2)
WED172
Overview of
Herbal Remedies / 1 credit 1 period
History and evolution of herbs for healing applications. Preparation, usage, and effects of certain herbs used for healing purposes. Basic literature review skills in the area of herbal medicine. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su1)
WED218
Aromatherapy / 1 credit 1 period
Physiology of aromatherapy; methods of use; preparation of oils; uses in sports, beauty care, massage, child care, health care, at work, and in the home. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su1)


