College of Health Sciences

Richard J. Bloomer, PhD, Dean
106 Roane Fieldhouse
rbloomer@memphis.edu
www.memphis.edu/CHS

The College of Health Sciences (CHS) provides students with a quality education focused on the fundamental principles of health, exercise, nutrition, and physical activity, while equipping them with the cutting-edge knowledge and skills needed to fulfill leadership roles in their chosen area of specialty. From introductory courses in health and wellness, to specialized courses in nutrition therapy, biomechanics, health sciences, exercise physiology, and physical education teacher education, students are taught to analyze and synthesize data, and to develop alternative approaches to problem solving. As a result, students are prepared to move rapidly upward in their chosen career path upon graduation, whether seeking employment or advanced graduate study.

Undergraduate degrees in CHS may prepare students for graduate work in a variety of settings (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, physical education and recreation, strength and conditioning, medicine, physician assistant, dietetics, and clinical nutrition, health promotions, and more). Faculty members serve as mentors to students through laboratory and research activities, as well as through internships and study abroad opportunities. Five undergraduate and six graduate degree programs are currently offered within CHS. In addition, two graduate certificates are offered. A University-wide physical activity program is also coordinated through CHS.

Academic Programs

Health Studies (Concentrations in Dietetics; Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences; Health Sciences; Healthcare Leadership)

Physical Education Teacher Education

Internships

For more information, including internship manual and application, please visit our internship webpage.

Within the College of Health Sciences, undergraduate internship experiences are required and designed as culminating experiences that provide extensive, as well as intensive, hands-on work experience opportunities. The intern, while still a student, is expected to assume a responsible and comprehensive role that is commensurate with that of a full-time professional. Interns, in collaboration with their supervisors, are expected to establish objectives to be achieved during the internship experience. Credit hours assigned to internships range from 3 to 12 hours, depending on the requirements of various concentrations in the College.

Students enrolling in internship programs must complete prerequisites and program requirements in placements arranged by Dr. Dave Kean, CHS Coordinator of Internships, except for Dietetics students who should contact Mary Catherine Schallert.

Study Abroad Programs

Most years, faculty members within the College of Health Sciences lead students on a study abroad expedition. Students receive course credit and greatly benefit from the overall experience. For information pertaining to the upcoming trip, please contact Ms. Kathy Walker.

For Additional Information, Application, and Scholarship Information: Click here.

Research Opportunities

College of Health Sciences Research

Faculty investigators within CHS are highly engaged in research within their respective disciplines. Some faculty are world-renown, developing and overseeing novel and focused research programs that command attention from investigators, clinicians, and other health specialists from around the world. Research within the CHS is funded through both internal and external sources, with faculty collectively securing hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to support their work.

Due to the diversity of the academic disciplines within the CHS, several laboratories and supportive research areas exist, that provide resources to faculty and staff, as well as to graduate and undergraduate research assistants. Within and outside of the CHS, facilities are available to support cell culture studies, pre-clinical animal investigations (from rodent models), and human clinical investigations. Our current equipment inventory for laboratories within the CHS can be seen here.

Faculty investigators in the CHS are regularly seeking research participants. Please click here to see the current list of studies for which active recruitment is now taking place.

CHS Research Facilities

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory

Director: Marie van der Merwe, PhD
Bone Densitometry and Body Composition Laboratory

Director: Jacquelyn Pence, PhD
Cardiorespiratory/Metabolic Laboratory

Director: Richard J. Bloomer, PhD
Exercise Instructional Laboratory

Director: Lucas Baumgartner, MS
Musculoskeletal Analysis Laboratory

Director: Max Paquette, PhD

Motor Behavior Laboratory

Director: Yuhua Li, PhD

For more information, please visit the CHS Research website. In addition to the above facilities, which are directed by CHS faculty, several other research resources are available both on and off campus. For example, on-campus facilities such as The Integrated Microscopy Center (IMC) and The W. Harry Feinstone Center for Genomic Research are available to support faculty research. Off-campus opportunities for collaboration are multiple, with investigators at The University of TN Health Science Center, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in addition to various medical device companies within the Memphis area.