For Joshua “Josh” Prelipp, studying exercise science at Saint Louis University’s Madrid
campus meant connecting his interest in sports and fitness with a goal shaped by his
family: becoming a chiropractor.
“My dad is a chiropractor, so seeing his work and how he helps people has been a big
influence on me,” he said.
As one of the first students enrolled in SLU-Madrid’s new exercise science major,
Prelipp is beginning that path through foundational science courses while adjusting
to life in a new country.
“It’s definitely been an adjustment, especially balancing science classes with living
in a new country,” he said. “I’m still finding my rhythm, but studying subjects connected
to my future career gives me a reason to keep pushing myself.”
Building a Foundation in Science
During their first semester, students take general courses, including biology and
chemistry, that provide a foundation for more specialized study.
For Alexis Waldschmidt, Ph.D., professor of biology, these early courses help students develop an understanding
of the human body and the skills to evaluate scientific evidence. He also hopes students
build curiosity about biology and an appreciation of how scientific knowledge helps
explain the world around them.
That foundation extends to chemistry. José Carlos P. Franco, Ph.D., assistant professor of biochemistry, explains that concepts such as chemical reactions,
energy transformations and molecular structure prepare students to understand physiology,
nutrition and metabolism later in their studies.
Beyond subject knowledge, Franco emphasizes scientific reasoning: solving problems,
working with quantities and units, interpreting information and supporting conclusions
with evidence. These skills will help students assess research related to exercise
and health throughout their studies and future careers.
Connecting coursework with future goals
For Prelipp, the practical elements of his science classes have helped make the material
more accessible.
“I’ve enjoyed the hands-on parts of my science classes because they help me understand
what we’re learning,” he said.
Outside the classroom, meeting people from different backgrounds and experiencing
life in Madrid have been highlights of his first weeks.
His longer-term ambition is to attend chiropractic school and eventually work alongside
his father to help grow the family’s practices.
“I hope exercise science will give me a strong foundation in how the body moves and
functions so I can help people recover, stay active and feel better,” he said.
As the program’s first students settle into their studies, these early courses are
helping them connect their interests and professional goals with the scientific knowledge
and critical thinking skills they will need to pursue them.
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