CERTIFICATE IN Physical Activity and Nutrition (PAN)
Physical Activity and Nutrition Certificate Requirements
To earn the graduate certificate in Physical Activity and Nutrition (PAN), students must complete a total of 12 credits. The 12 credits include: 9 credits from 3 required program courses and at least 3 elective credits from other existing courses in the School of Kinesiology and the School of Public Health.
Students are required to take the following 3 courses (a total of 9 credits):
- MOVESCI 640 Exercise Physiology (3 credits), focusing on fundamental issues related to the impact of exercise/physical activity.
- NUTR 630 Principles of Nutritional Science (3 credits). This course is the foundation of nutrition science and metabolism. Macronutrients, their function, metabolism and relation to health and disease are reviewed in detail. In addition, the digestion, absorption, transport, utilization and storage of nutrients in humans are taught. Lastly, this course aims to integrate biochemical and physiological aspects of energy and nutrient utilization, nutrient interactions and metabolic regulation in humans.
- MOVESCI 643/NUTR651 Physical Activity and Nutrition Assessment and Prescription (3 credits). This course explores the complex interplay between exercise, nutrition, and health outcomes. Students learn to interpret scientific evidence and critically evaluate the role of physical activity and dietary strategies in both the prevention and management of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. The course covers essential concepts like nutrient and fluid requirements for athletes, the effects of ergogenic aids, physiological and psychological responses to dietary interventions, and the impact of lifestyle modifications across diverse populations. Through interactive lectures, journal club presentations, written assignments, and AI-driven analytical critiques, students build practical skills in assessing evidence, designing exercise and nutrition prescriptions, and communicating scientific findings to both expert and lay audiences.
The 3 credits of elective coursework can be taken at any point in the program.
Elective Courses
- NUTR 631 Metabolism of Vitamins and Minerals
- NUTR 639 Pathophysiology of Obesity
- NUTR 636 Medical Nutrition Therapy I (Dietetics only)
- NUTR 637 Medical Nutrition Therapy II (Dietetics only)
- NUTR 646 Nutritional Counseling (Dietetics only)
- NUTR 698 Research
- MOVESCI 542 Exercise Endocrinology
- MOVESCI 543 Exercise & Successful Aging
- MOVESCI 546 Social Factors in Shaping Physical Activity Behavior
- MOVESCI 547 Diabetes and Exercise
- MOVESCI 560 Physical Activity Intervention
- MOVESCI 572 Fitness Evaluation & Exercise Prescription
- MOVESCI 590 Directed Research in Movement Science (preferred for MS)
- MOVESCI 645 Metabolic Responses to Exercise
- KINESLGY 684 Independent Research in Kinesiology (preferred for PhD)
- KINESLGY 686 Internship in Kinesiology