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Health and Human PerformanceRequirements

This general liberal arts degree advising pathway includes subjects such as:

  • Nutrition
  • Body movement
  • Body composition
  • Physiology
  • Kinesiology
  • Basic injury care and prevention

The coursework for this associate of arts degree will prepare you to successfully transfer to a participating four-year Colorado school to complete your bachelor’s degree. Currently, you can earn this associate of arts degree and transfer with 60 credits to one of the following bachelor's degree programs:

University of Northern Colorado (UNC): Sport and Exercise Science: Human Performance

Colorado State University (CSU): Health and Exercise Science, Health Promotion Concentration

Regis University: Health and Exercise Science

General Education Requirements

  • framework of the discipline. Explores biology as a science, a process of gaining new knowledge, and the impact of biological science on society. This course includes a laboratory experience. Designed for non-science majors. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SC1 category. It is recommended that ENG 1021 be completed prior to or be taken concurrently with this course. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    4
  • Examines the fundamental molecular, cellular and genetic principles characterizing plants and animals. Includes cell structure and function, and the metabolic processes of respiration, and photosynthesis, as well as cell reproduction and basic concepts of heredity. The course includes laboratory experience. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SC1 category. It is recommended that ENG 1021 and MAT 1340 be completed prior to or be taken concurrently with this course. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    BIO 1005 with a grade of "C" or better. Students who have completed one year of high school biology within the last seven years with a grade of "C" or better, or have scored 70% or higher on the BIO 1005 test out exam may be eligible for a prerequisite override.
    5

Select one of the following Communication courses:

  • Combines the basic theories of communication with public speech performance skills. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, audience analysis, and delivery. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Examines the communication involved in interpersonal relationships occurring in family, social, and career situations. Relevant concepts include self-concept, perception, listening, nonverbal communication, and conflict. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3

Select one of the following Written Communication courses:

  • Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Develops skills one can apply to a variety of technical documents. Focuses on principles for organizing, writing, and revising clear, readable documents for industry, business, and government. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Focuses on a variety of functions and the exploration of their graphs. Topics include: equations and inequalities, operations on functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, linear and non-linear systems, and an introduction to conic sections. This course provides essential skills for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) pathways. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-MA1 category. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    4
  • Focuses on the scientific study of behavior including motivation, emotion, physiological psychology, stress and coping, research methods, consciousness, sensation, perception, learning, and memory. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
Total General Education Credits 22

Degree Requirements

  • Focuses on an integrated study of the human body including the histology, anatomy, and physiology of each system. Examines molecular, cellular, and tissue levels of organization plus integuments, skeletal, articulations, muscular, and nervous systems. Includes a mandatory hands-on laboratory experience covering microscopy, observations, and dissection. This is the first semester of a two-semester sequence. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SC1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    BIO 1010 or BIO 1111 with a grade of "C" or better. Students who have scored 70% or higher on the BIO 1111 test out exam may be eligible for a prerequisite override.
    4
  • Introduces the application of fundamental business principles to local, national, and international forums. This course examines the relationship of economic systems, governance, regulations, and law upon business operations. It surveys the concepts of career development, business ownership, finance and accounting, economics, marketing, management, operations, human resources, regulations, and business ethics. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Focuses on techniques in prevention, care and basic rehabilitation of athletic injury. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Studies the Anatomical Basis of Human Movement. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces basic principles of nutrition with emphasis on personal nutrition. This course focuses on macro and micro nutrients and their effects on the functions of the human body. Special emphasis is placed on the application of wellness, disease, and lifespan as it pertains to nutrition. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Explores the six components of wellness: physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and occupational. Topics include health risks, wellness behaviors, and personal behavior change in the areas of nutrition; exercise; substance abuse; stress management; cardiovascular and cancer risk factors; the aging process; and violence, death, and dying in our society. Provides tools to complete self-assessments and develop a wellness program for a healthier lifestyle across a lifespan. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces the discipline of kinesiology, including the effects of physical activity and exercise on the human physiology and human experience. The course also explores career options including expectations of professionals in the field. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Provides knowledge and skills to prepare for a nationally recognized personal training certification. The course includes the development and implementation of exercise programs for healthy populations, and for individuals with medical clearance to exercise. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • To be determined by the individual instructor. A course description will be developed for each course and documented within the course syllabus. Refer to the SFCC Style guide for Course Description, Required Course Learning Outcomes and Topical Outline Guidelines. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credits.
    Course Prerequisites
    HPE 2031, HPR 1017, HWE 1050, HWE 1062, HWE 1065, and PED 1003 with grades of "C" or better.
    0-12
  • (must be taken for 2 credits)
  • Introduces psychological principles related to physical activity and sport performance. Topics include behavior modification, identifying personality traits, assessing sport and exercise environments, focusing on team processes, improving performance, and enhancing health, growth, and development. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Introduces the physiological effects and responses by the body to the stressor of exercise. This course focuses on fundamental concepts of exercise physiology including metabolic, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems, and the significance of these effects on health and performance. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Offers guided instruction and independent practice in weight training for men and women. Students practice various weight training techniques in accordance with their abilities. Emphasizes physiological considerations, equipment orientation, correct lifting techniques, program design, and nutrition. Course is repeatable for credit with no limitations.
    2
Total Degree Credits 35

Degree Electives

Select 8 credits from the following courses:

  • Focuses on the integrated study of the human body and the histology, anatomy, and physiology of the following systems and topics: endocrine, cardiovascular, hematology, lymphatic and immune, urinary, fluid and electrolyte control, digestive, nutrition, respiratory, reproductive, and development. Includes a mandatory hands-on laboratory experience involving microscopy, observations, and dissection. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SC1 category. It is recommended that ENG 1021 and MAT 1340 be completed prior to or be taken concurrently with this course.  It is preferred that BIO 2101 be completed prior to taking this course, however, it may be taken concurrently. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    Prerequisite: BIO 2101 with a grade of "C" or better
    4
  • Includes the study of measurements, atomic theory, chemical bonding, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, acid and base, gas laws, and condensed states. Laboratory experiments demonstrate the above concepts qualitatively and quantitatively. Designed for non-science majors, students in occupational and health programs, or students with no chemistry background. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SC1 category. It is recommended that ENG 1021 and MAT 1340 be completed prior to or be taken concurrently with this course. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    5
  • Presents concepts in the areas of solution properties, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base and ionic equilibrium, thermodynamics, Intermolecular forces, and electrochemistry. This course emphasizes problem solving skills and descriptive contents for these topics. Laboratory experiments demonstrate qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SC1 category. It is recommended that ENG 1021 and MAT 1340 be completed prior to or be taken concurrently with this course. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    CHE 1011 with a grade of "C" or better
    5
  • Acquaints the learner with the knowledge, requirements and responsibilities of coaching, including sport philosophy, sport medicine, and sport management. Fulfills requirements for ACEP Leader Level I. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    2
  • Offers guided instruction in weight management. Emphasis is placed on the development of weight management programs and the role of exercise in maintaining weight loss. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    2
  • Addresses ethical sales techniques, the role of selling, and the marketing process. Areas of emphasis include behavioral considerations in the buying and selling process and sales techniques. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Enables students to learn the relationship of self to customers, problem solve and understand the importance of communicating with customers. Specific emphasis is given to managing customer expectations by building customer rapport and creating positive outcomes. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3
  • Presents the analysis of theoretical marketing processes and the strategies of product development, pricing, promotion and distribution, and their applications to businesses and the individual consumer. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    3

Any MAT prefix - 4 credits

  • Offers basic instruction and practice in weight training. Students utilize weight training equipment in accordance to their abilities and goals. Emphasizes weight training equipment orientation, correct lifting techniques, and basic program design for men and women. Course is repeatable for credit with no limitations.
    1
  • Introduces basic cross-training techniques designed to improve physical work capacity of an individual. Enables the student to gain an understanding of the basic principles of cross training, the effects cross training has upon the body`s energy systems and muscles, program design and terminology. Course is repeatable for credit with no limitations.
    1
  • Examines a number of different circuit training programs. Emphasizes the development of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and a healthy body composition to meet individual needs. Course is repeatable for credit with no limitations.
    1
  • Introduces aerobic kickboxing as an innovative new interval training aerobics workout that burns fat and increases cardio respiratory endurance. This high intensity course will focus on basic kickboxing moves and technique through hi-low aerobics choreography and target striking. The course will also include floor work to focus on toning and flexibility. Course is repeatable for credit with no limitations.
    1
  • Focuses on improving cardiovascular fitness, burning calories and enhancing muscular endurance. Designed specifically to enhance aerobic work capacity and improve pedalling skills. Each exercise session is choreographed to music and includes a complete workout with a warm-up, endurance and cool-down component. Course is repeatable for credit with no limitations.
    1
  • Introduces exercise techniques to improve overall physical fitness. Emphasizes the interaction between cardiovascular conditioning, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and program design integrated into an aerobic format. Focuses on blending together different combinations and sequences of exercises while conditioning the entire body. Students exercise using various types of resistance equipment. Course is repeatable for credit with no limitations.
    1
  • Focuses on Pilates mat work to increase core strength, overall muscles tone and flexibility with focused and precise floor work techniques. A physical education class built upon the philosophies and exercises of Josef Pilates. Course is repeatable for credit with no limitations.
    1
  • Introduces the history and philosophy of yoga, fundamental principles of alignment, breath work, and meditation through guided practice. Course focuses on demonstrating safety and stability within each pose. Course is repeatable for credit with no limitations.
    1
  • Teaches proper stretching techniques to all parts of the body. Course is repeatable for credit with no limitations.
    1
  • Introduces Tai Chi as an expression of understanding of self-control, exercise and self-defense. The primary emphasis is to gain an understanding of the history (origins and changes) of Tai Chi, the movements and their names, application of movements and terminology. Course is repeatable for credit with no limitations.
    1

Note: Each specific PED course may be taken for a maximum of one credit.

Total Elective Credits 8
Total Credits for Degree 65