COACHING MINOR
Division of Molecular, Life & Health Sciences
Kate Cooper, Ph.D., Chair
kate.cooper@loras.edu
563.588.7956
The coaching minor is designed to provide students with knowledge, skills and experiences that enable them to coach effectively and safely in school, community, and adult sport programs. Coaching involves aspects of kinesiology, health promotion, injury prevention and treatment as well as psychological principles to prepare athletes for performance. The curriculum for the coaching minor involves exercise science, athletic training content, sports officiating, and theory associated with coaching philosophies.
Requirements for a minor in Coaching:
| Req | Course | Cr’s |
| 1 | L.KIN-121: Personal and Community Health | 3 |
| 2 | L.KIN-235: Sports Officiating | 3 |
| 3 | L.KIN-244: Theory of Coaching | 3 |
| Select one from Req 4 | ||
| 4 | L.ATR-130: Prevention of Athletic Injuries | 3 |
| 4 | L.ATR-275: Athletic Training Skills | 3 |
| 5 | L.BIO-225: Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| 6 | L.KIN-322: Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| Select one from Req 7 | ||
| 7 | L.PSY-121: Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| 7 | L.KIN-338: Sport Psychology | 3 |
| 7 | L.KIN-439: Exercise Psychology | 3 |
| 22 total required credits | ||
L.KIN-121: Personal and Community Health
A course in the fundamentals of health, including public and community health, consumer health and substance abuse. An introduction to methods used in preventing disease in the individual and the community. This course requires five (5) hours of community-based learning. 3 credits.
L.KIN-235: Sports Officiating
This course is designed to introduce concepts related to sports officiating such as: psychology of officiating, positioning mechanics and signs for competitive sports (volleyball, soccer, football, baseball/softball, and basketball), fitness of officials, legal responsibilities, and officiating as a career or profession. This course is not designed as a “ how to become an elite sporting official” but rather to introduce, at the undergraduate level, the general concepts of officiating as well as to develop student appreciation about what officiating entails. 3 credits.
L.KIN-244: Theory of Coaching
Prospective high school and college coaches are introduced to multiple issues surrounding the coaching profession. Students will be subject to philosophical, ethical, managerial and legal issues as they pertain to all team and individual sports. 3 credits.
L.ATR-130: Prevention of Athletic Injuries
In this course, students are introduced to the role of the athletic trainer and the prevention of athletic injuries. Administrative and practical methods to prevent injuries common in the allied health care fields will be discussed. Additionally, the use of evidence-based medicine will be introduced to help students understand which techniques will best prevent injuries. 3 credits.
L.ATR-275: Athletic Training Skills
This course is designed to provide Kinesiology and Athletic Training students with an introduction to injury prevention and first aid. This course provides the potential coach, health care professional, physical educator, and human movement practitioner with essential knowledge related to basic first aid skills, prevention, recognition, and management of common sport injuries, and the role of various practitioners in the injury/rehabilitation process.
L.BIO-225: Human Anatomy & Physiology I
This course provides an introduction to anatomical terminology and provides instruction related to understanding of how the body is organized both regionally and systemically. Topics include the organization of the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiopulmonary, digestive, renal, and sensory systems. This course provides students with an anatomical foundation for understanding the physiology of the human body. 4 credits. Each fall semester.
L.KIN-322: Physiology of Exercise
A study of the physiological adaptations to exercise. Explores the interrelations of various organs and systems related to the understanding of physical activity functioning. Emphasis is placed on energy metabolism, physiological responses to exercise, diet and conditioning in athletics, and exercise training techniques. Prerequisites: L.BIO-225 and L.BIO-226, or L.KIN-230 or L.SSC-230. Recommended: L.KIN-250 or L.SSC-250. Not open to first year students. 3 credits.
L.PSY-121: Developmental Psychology
A study of human development across the lifespan, with emphasis on the factors influencing physical, cognitive, and emotional development. 3 credits.
L.KIN-338: Sport Psychology
This course will focus on social and psychological factors related to participation in sport. Topics will include stress, anxiety, motivation, self-perceptions, and psychological skills training. The primary focus of the course will be on the application of psychological principles to coaching athletics. Prerequisites: L.PSY-101 or L.PSY-121. Recommended: L.KIN-250 or L.SSC-250. Restrictions: Not open to first year students. 3 credits.
L.KIN-439: Exercise Psychology
This course will examine the factors that influence participation and adherence in exercise and other forms of physical activity. Students will explore personal and contextual factors that inhibit and contribute to physical activity across the lifespan. Theoretical models and empirical research will be reviewed, critically reviewing existing theory and examining new avenues for future research. In addition, effective strategies for intervention will be reviewed and discussed. Prerequisites: L.PSY-101 or L. PSY-121. Junior or senior standing only. Highly recommended: L.KIN-250. 3 credits.
Elaina Biechler, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Kinesiology
Kinesiology Program Coordinator
563.588.7020| elaina.biechler@loras.edu
Dr Elaina Biechler holds a Doctorate Degree and Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from Springfield College. Dr. Biechler completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Coe College with a major in Fitness Development, specializing in Strength & Conditioning and Health & Wellness. She currently teaches coursework including: Exercise Physiology, Sports Nutrition, Theory of Strength & Conditioning, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Fitness Assessment & Prescription, and Exercise Limits & Measurement.
Her research interests include physiological performance factors for athletes, specifically metabolic factors and sports nutrition. Dr. Biechler hopes her research exploring performance issues specific to endurance sports will inspire and engage her students to begin to investigate areas of their own interest within the field of Exercise Science.
Aaron Herbst, ATC, LAT
Assistant Professor of Athletic Training
Clinical Coordinator of Athletic Training Education
563.588.7211 |aaron.herbst@loras.edu
Aaron joins the Loras Athletic Training program as an Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator of Athletic Training Education. Aaron earned a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Clarke College in Dubuque, IA, and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA. Aaron teaches courses in both the Athletic Training and Kinesiology programs at Loras. Prior to Loras, Aaron served as an instructor of Athletic Training and an assistant athletic trainer at Clarke University, in Dubuque, IA, and Head Athletic Trainer for the Dubuque Fighting Saints Hockey Club. Aaron has been a BOC Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer since 2007.
Molly M. McDonald Figgins, MS, ATC
Athletic Training Program Director
Assistant Professor of Athletic Training
563.588.7995 | molly.figgins@loras.edu
Molly joined the Loras Athletic Training Education program in 2015 as an Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator of Athletic Training Education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Clarke College in Dubuque, IA, and Master of Science degree in Athletic Training from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA. Molly will teach a variety of classes in the Athletic Training and Kinesiology programs at Loras, including all of the Athletic Training Clinical Education courses. Prior to arriving at Loras Molly served as an adjunct instructor of Athletic Training Education at Clarke University, and Wellness Team Leader at Hines & Associates in Dubuque, IA. She has been a BOC Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer since 2004.
Carol Tebon
Instructor of PESS
563.588.7732 | carol.tebon@loras.edu
Keith Thraen-Borowski
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
563.588.7475 | keith.thraenborowski@loras.edu
Dr. Keith Thraen-Borowski is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Kinesiology & Biology. Dr. Thraen-Borowski received his Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He then completed a Postdoc in Physical Activity & Cancer Epidemiology in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, followed by a fellowship in Supportive Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Thraen-Borowski has won the ACSM’s Cancer Interest Group Research Award twice and his work has been featured on CBS’ Sunday Morning and Wisconsin Public Radio. Directing the Loras CARES (Cancer Research in Exercise Science) Lab, his research agenda focuses on physical activity and cancer. He teaches courses in both the Kinesiology and Biology departments, including Anatomy and Physiology, Research Methods, and Personal and Community Health and Wellness. Curriculum Vitae