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Doctorate of Education

Exercise Physiology Concentration

Coursework

Doctoral students in Exercise Physiology take courses within the department including Graduate Exercise Physiology, Advanced Exercise Physiology, Physical Activity and Positive Health, Epidemiological Methods, and Research Seminars. This is supplemented with coursework outside the department, which often includes Human Nutrition, Advanced Physiological Chemistry, Statistical Methods For Research (2 semesters), and other courses related to research interests and career goals.

Research

Ph.D. students are expected to be active in research from the time they arrive on campus. The faculty's research centers around understanding the acute and chronic effects of exercise training on the human body, with a focus on health-related variables. Of particular interest is the amount and types of exercise needed to obtain specific health benefits. Dr. Thompson's research is in the areas of body composition assessment and the impact of regular exercise on the health of women. Dr. Bassett's research interests include physical activity assessment (with objective monitoring devices), cardiovascular physiology, and energy cost of activities. Dr. Howley conducts research on obesity, metabolism and resting metabolic rate. Recent studies in our laboratory have been funded by the American Heart Association, the International Life Sciences, ACSM, and AAHPERD. Doctoral students are encouraged to present the results of their research at scientific meetings such as the annual SEACSM and ACSM conferences.

Graduate Assistantships

Ph.D. students may apply for graduate assistantships (9 month appointment) that include a full-tuition waiver and stipend. Graduate teaching assistantships involve teaching laboratories for the undergraduate Physiology of Exercise and Fitness Testing & Exercise Prescription courses. These positions give the doctoral student primary responsibility for the lab sections, and they will work under the supervision of the professor teaching the course. The Center for Physical Activity and Health also has a graduate assistant who performs physical fitness testing and coordinates various community outreach activities.

Contact the Department of Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Studies

1914 Andy Holt Ave.
322 HPER Bldg.
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-2700

Phone: 865-974-3340
Fax: 865-974-8981