Physiology

We offer both undergraduate and graduate programs that will prepare you for integration into clinical health professions. A variety of tailored courses will help you develop strong physiological understanding combined with practical application and critical thinking. We have a new physiology laboratory that combines methods and tools for research and application of concepts learned to both clinical and performance populations. We've also developed strong connections within the greater Denver area for community collaboration and clinical experience.

In Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP), exercise is used to help patients manage or reduce their risk of chronic disease. Clinical exercise physiologists develop exercise recommendations, administer diagnostics tests and provide guidance that promotes healthy lifestyles. This master’s degree program provides knowledge and experiences in preventive and rehabilitative practices for patients at-risk of or challenged by chronic diseases, as well as healthy and low risk populations. The curriculum provides the knowledge, experience, and skills needed by individuals preparing for completion of the ACSM clinical exercise physiologist certification exam.

Read more about DU's Physiology programs in this article.

  • MS-CEP Coursework Samples

    Required courses, including:

    Clinical Exercise Physiology
    Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physiology
    Exercise Testing and Prescription
    Nutritional Physiology
    Electrocardiogram Interpretation
    Accelerated Biostatistics
    Research Techniques in Exercise Physiology
    Responsible Conduct in Research

    Also requires a capstone project in clinical exercise physiology.

    Elective course options:

    Blood Vessel Development and Disease
    Pathophysiology
    Endocrinology
    Viruses and Infectious Human Diseases
    Medical Ethics
    High Altitude Physiology
    Cellular Aspects of Diabetes and Obesity
    Cellular and Molecular Biology of Cancer

    Coursework listed is not comprehensive. Consult the DU Graduate Bulletin for full requirements and coursework listings.

2024 Virtual Information Sessions

  • MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology Info Sessions

    We hold periodic information sessions for the MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology—check here for dates and check back for regular updates if no upcoming dates are listed. All sessions are listed in Mountain Time.

    Mon Apr 1 at 6-7pm

    Wed April 17 at 6-7pm

    Mon Apr 29 at 6-7pm

    Wed May 15 at 6-7pm

     

    The Zoom link for all info sessions is here.

Degree Programs

Undergraduate Major

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Physiology in Health & Disease (BS)

Understand the physiology of body systems and their functional relationships.

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Graduate Programs

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Master's in Clinical Exercise Physiology (MS)

Learn to develop exercise recommendations, administer diagnostics tests, and provide guidance that promotes healthy lifestyles as a clinician.

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Professional Science Master's in Biomedical Sciences (PSM)

Develop technical skills and theoretical knowledge to prepare for careers in the biomedical and health sciences fields.

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Featured Faculty

 

Sarah J. Willis

Teaching Assistant Professor

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Nancy M Lorenzon

Nancy M. Lorenzon

Teaching Professor; Director, Pre-professional Allied Health

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Barbekka Hurtt

Barbekka C Hurtt

Teaching Associate Professor; Faculty Director of Signature

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Interested in learning more?

Contact Dr. Sarah Willis, physiology program faculty member.

Email Sarah Willis