This course is the first half of the human cadaveric anatomy experience for students in the KPE program. Students will explore gross anatomy of the thoracic, abdominal, pelvic and nervous systems with focus on the structure, function, innervation and blood supply. Students will be introduced to implications of function and dysfunction or disease within these systems. Students will learn through theory and practice including in-class lectures, asynchronous learning modules and digital resources, active learning tasks and hands-on practice in the anatomy laboratory.

This course is the second half of the human cadaveric anatomy experience for students in the KPE program. Students will explore musculoskeletal anatomy, including in depth investigation of the upper and lower limb bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, blood and nerve supply. Functional application of musculoskeletal anatomy with respect to movement will be introduced with real-life examples of exercise, injury and disease. Students will learn through theory and practice including in-class lectures, asynchronous learning modules and digital resources, active learning tasks and hands-on practice in the anatomy laboratory.

This course is an invitation and introduction to the social study of kinesiology, physical education, sport, health, the body and bodies, etc. The goal is to explore and discuss society and culture, particularly as it is stratified along lines of ability, race, gender, class, and sexuality, and to study social issues in kinesiology like violence and performance enhancing drugs. Overall, students are encouraged to use course concepts in developing their own assessments of the social world of kinesiology and physical education.

This is an introductory level course that will aid students’ familiarisation with psychological concepts and applications in sport, exercise, and health settings. This course will introduce students to some of the core topics, underlying theories and basic psychological skills within the area of sport, exercise, and health psychology. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on practical familiarisation with the basic psychological concepts common to both sporting and exercise contexts.

This is an inter-disciplinary course introducing biomechanics and neuro-motor behaviour. It describes how humans control the position and movement of their bodies in the gravitational field of earth given the laws of motion and an understanding of how muscles generate force. This includes systems for description, measurement and development of healthy posture, movements, flexibility, and stability; and uses squatting (stance) and walking (gait) as examples of basic movements with which to explore these concepts. The central role of the nervous system in sensation, perception, and the control of motor behaviour, along with introductory principles of motor learning and motor development are also considered. This course will be integrated with KPE182H1.

An introduction to the components of physical fitness and fitness itself from physiological, behavioural and physical culture points of view. Strength, endurance, flexibility and speed will be examined from their biological basis, their importance to human movement and how each of these components can be altered with appropriate training. 

This course focuses on the central role of physical activity in combination with other lifestyle choices including nutrition, substance use, sexual practices, the use of health care services, and so on in determining health. The inter-relationships among lifestyle choices and between them and the most common major health disorders are explored, with consideration of the social context in which these choices are made. In addition to physical activity, sedentarism and fitness, topics covered include: nutrition; immunity and infectious disease; substance use and abuse; cardiovascular diseases; cancer; mental health and disorders; sleep; trauma; environmental health and health care/self-care practices. The course will use students’ lifestyles on and off campus as examples of ways in which physical activity and other determinants of health are affected by personal choices; this includes consideration of the many formal and informal opportunities for physical activity that exist on campus.

Students will apply their knowledge of biomechanics, motor learning, psychology and exercise science to practical settings. Through the investigation of joint range of motion, fitness, stability, and various types of feedback, students will develop the skills needed to observe and critically evaluate movement patterns that commonly occur in sport, clinical, workplace and recreational settings, and to design and implement relevant exercise sessions. Students will also be encouraged to develop self-awareness of their own fitness and movement patterns.

Inquiry is the process of trying to come to an understanding about a problem, an issue or a phenomenon. In this course students develop the foundational skills necessary to critically consider and challenge the ways in which questions and problems are formulated, the purpose and use of research, and the manner in which conclusions are reached, and used, across the range of fields of inquiry in Kinesiology. Particular attention is given to experiential learning processes to generate robust understandings of the philosophical foundation of research as a way to understand how modes of inquiry are shaped and undertaken.

This course examines the study of physical culture alongside social theories to examine the ways in which physical culture and kinesiology are organized and experienced. Attention is given to how physical culture studies can provide answers to questions such as; what does it means to engage in physical culture and kinesiology in societies structured by power relations that privilege some people and forms of knowledge, while forming the bases of injustice and exclusion for others? A range of sociological, philosophical, humanities and cultural theories are used to illustrate how physical culture and kinesiology are affected by historical, political and social structures, which can reproduce hegemonic systems based on gender normativity, colonialism, racism, capitalism, neoliberalism, speciesism, ecocide, and scientization. We will discuss ways in which these hegemonic systems can be resisted and challenged to open up spaces for reflexivity, freedom and social transformation in physical culture, sport and kinesiology.

Psychosocial domains of human development and optimal functioning over the lifespan are considered in this course. Developmental psychology, positive psychology, health psychology, behavioural medicine, and performance psychology theory and research provide students with foundational knowledge and lifelong skills for personal growth and development, and for diverse roles as kinesiology graduates. Theories of psychosocial development and behaviour change provide frameworks for exploring topics such as health and wellbeing, resilience, love, relationships, enjoyment, meaning and fulfillment, flourishing, happiness, personal growth, and positive aspects of human functioning. Students will be encouraged to think how psychosocial development, personal experiences, culture, and physical activity influence health and well-being across the lifespan.

This course will explore Indigenous and Black histories and experiences in Canada before and after colonization, highlighting remarkable triumphs and legacies amidst enduring, oppressive practices. The past and current impact of these histories on people, relationships, health sciences practices and the environment as related to health and physical activity will be examined. Drawing on diverse knowledge practices, this course will advance a basis for understanding how the intersections of histories, health and physical activity might support holistic healing, improved relationships and opportunities for a healthier (environmentally, physically, mentally, spiritually) society. Students will be encouraged to reflect on strategies to achieve these goals in health and physical activity settings. Course topics as related to health and physical activity may include: Indigenous and Black leaders and innovation; self-determination; intersectionality and impact of oppressive, racist practices on diverse identities; scientific racism; impact of residential schools on Indigenous Peoples, history of science and technology, and practices for reconciliation.

Shaped by societal, generational and technological influences, as we look ahead to a post-pandemic world, the workplace is rapidly changing around us, and the field of kinesiology and related professions is no exception. In this introductory course, students will be introduced to the diverse career paths of BKin graduates. Workplace trends and expected future workplace literacies will be critiqued and applied to kinesiology, and various work-integrated learning experience pathways will be shared with students to support their authentic workplace engagement and preparation throughout their undergraduate studies in kinesiology. This course includes an embedded job shadow experience within the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education.

While the course is recommended for 1st and 2nd year BKin students as a precursor to upper-year in-field learning courses, it is applicable to BKin students of all years of study.

This course is an introduction to essential aspects of human physiology. Emphasis will be placed on the physiological systems most relevant for the kinesiologist/physical educator and the most likely to be discussed in detail in upper level courses. This course will cover the following units: homeostasis, cell physiology, the nervous system, skeletal muscle, the heart, blood and the circulatory system, and the respiratory system.

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the principles associated with the acquisition of motor skills. These principles and theories will provide the student with selected concepts of perceptual-motor behaviour and a framework for their application in physical education, sports, and rehabilitation. The main objective of the course is to become aware of and understand motor skill acquisition principles and procedures available to optimize learning in physical activity programs.

Students will be introduced to basic biomechanical concepts used in human movement analyses. Fundamental laws and principles of motion will be covered in the first half of the course; biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system will be covered in the second half. Examples will be provided throughout to demonstrate how knowledge of anatomical and mechanical factors that affect movement is applicable to the restoration, enhancement, and maintenance of health, fitness, and performance. Related professional and research opportunities will also be highlighted.

Exercise provides a critical stimulus that results in both structural and functional adaptations. This course is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the human body’s physiological response to exercise, including both acute adjustments and chronic adaptations that occur in response to physical training. Special attention will be given to the skeletal muscle metabolic and cardiorespiratory systems, and the integrative manner in which these systems adapt to maintain cellular homeostasis during exercise. This course will apply this knowledge in the context of both sport performance and human health.

Physical activity is a critical component to health and wellness throughout the lifespan. During this course an emphasis will be placed on the application of physical activity beyond an exercise setting to include workplace wellness, youth physical literacy, and physical activity for life. Case studies will be used to shape the design and implementation of physical activity programs for a range of populations, and to further develop students’ leadership skills.

This course provides students with an introduction to quantitative research methodology and statistical analysis as it applies to the study of human behaviour and physical activity. Emphasis is on conceptual understanding and practical applications related to Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Key topics include understanding the research process, different types of research designs, types of variables, descriptive and inferential statistics.

This course examines the cultural significance of ice hockey in historical and contemporary Canadian society. Topics include the link between hockey and Canadian identity; race in hockey cultures; the commercialism of the sport; hockey-related violence; and the impact of mass and new media on the sport. Students will engage with a wide range of sociocultural research on hockey, and will also be expected to critically engage with contemporary issues relating to the sport at the professional and amateur levels. This course will equip students to critically assess the social and political implications of Canada’s national winter sport and will help develop their writing, presenting, and critical thinking skills.

This course explores the relationships between health, physical activity, sport, the mass media, and popular culture in North America. We will examine the ways in which meanings about science, physical activity and health are produced, distributed and consumed within allied health fields and the wider population. The first half of the course will be devoted to media, health, and physical activity, while the second half will cover media and (mostly elite) sport. Throughout, we will look at all sorts of media - newspapers, websites, books, advertisements, TV and film, social media and new technologies.
Course topics will address a variety of approaches to health literacy and media studies, the social marketing of health, risk communication in kinesiology, media advocacy, new social media, health technology, media framing, the commodification of physical culture, and media ethics. During this course, you will also be asked to consider how the relationship between sport and the mass media reflects the broader culture of a society, as well as the ways that professional sport media interacts with and supports the professional sport industry, (re)produces inequality and harm, and contributes to important discourse around sport, health, and society more broadly.

This course provides a unique blend of administrative theory with organizational behaviour. Technical skills covered include planning, goal setting, management by objectives, organizing tournament draws, budget making and financial management, fund raising, legal liability and decision making. These technical skills are examined with special attention given to the impact of traditional organizational factors such as personality, motivation, leadership, power and politics, and communication. Cutting-edge issues including emotions, trust, work-life balance, stress in the workplace, globalization, diversity and ethical decisions are interwoven throughout the course rather than presented as stand-alone topics. Case studies and problem-based learning exercises are used extensively to provide the student with a conceptual understanding of real-life administration.

This course explores patterns of health and illness among groups (populations) of people. Emphasis is on the determinants of health (social political, economic and environmental etc.). Students will learn about basic research methods and issues in the field. Current examples of major local and global health concerns will be used to illustrate key concepts.

Consideration of psychosocial aspects of physical injury is important for understanding the experience of injury and for enhancing recovery and rehabilitation. This course focuses on theory, research, and practical applications related to psychological and psychosocial variables of injury and rehabilitation of athletes and dancers. Prevention, management, performance, and ethical issues related to injury are reviewed. Materials related to sport/performance psychology, rehabilitation psychology as well as sport/dance science and medicine disciplinary knowledge is used to reach a broad spectrum of health care professions. Empirical work and case studies are used to explore methods and strategies for research, assessment, intervention and best practice across injuries, populations, genres and professions. Students take an active role in the learning process with case-based studies, application of case examples to theoretical frameworks and student engagement activities.

This course will examine the most effective means by which individual and team athletic performance can be enhanced. The focus will be on integrating scientific research based on cognitive and social psychology with real life case studies. Mental preparation strategies and performance techniques will be taught so that recreational and elite athletes can achieve optimal performance. Topics to be covered throughout the term will include: anxiety, arousal and stress; psychological skills training, motivation, confidence, focus, goal-setting, imagery, team dynamics, burnout and coach-athlete relationships.

This course will examine the aging process using information from demography to physiology. Recognition of different perspectives of “successful aging” is a theme that runs throughout the course. The effects of physical activity and aging on functional capacity and how aging may change engagement in physical activity will be studied. The course will examine the evidence for physical activity in promoting healthy aging. Approaches to modifying physical activity in light of physiological, pathophysiological, psychological and sociological age-related changes will be discussed in lecture and through use of case studies. The course will emphasize communication about needs and goals for physical activity recommendations, assessments of function, safety precautions and exercise adaptations, including specific focus on common conditions (e.g., osteoporosis, osteoarthritis).

Mental well-being is a critical element of total health. There is a spectrum of mental states that range from clinically diagnosed psychopathologies such as depression and schizophrenia to total wellness that might be represented by constructs such as high self-esteem, subjective well-being, and life satisfaction. This module critically examines the evidence underpinning the role of physical activity in a) the avoidance of mental disorders, b) recovery from mental disorders, and c) the well-being and quality of life of those with or without mental disorders. The module will also address the definition and measurement of key psychological constructs that act as markers of psychological well-being. Initiatives to enhance mental health through physical activity will be discussed and implications for health service design and delivery will be identified.

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge in nutrition as it applies to exercise, fitness, health and human performance from athletes to the general population and across the life- and healthspan. The course will include nutrition topics related to fuel utilization during exercise, performance and recovery, fluid balance, energy balance and body weight regulation for exercise and performance. Emphasis will be placed on the interactions between exercise and nutrition. Special topics may also be presented.

This course is founded on the belief that if we give children the opportunity to engage in developmentally appropriate physical activities, at the appropriate time in their development, then more of them will develop foundational movement skills that will enable them to enjoy being active and to stay active throughout their lives. To this end, the building blocks for the development of physical literacy in children 0-5 years old will be examined in detail, with a focus on the preschool years. The pedagogy of physical activity experiences for this population will be explored through topics such as developmental milestones and needs, foundational movement patterns and motor skill development, teaching and learning approaches and lesson planning. Students will also have the opportunity to explore some Special Topics that are unique to the development of physical literacy foundations in the early years.

Note: Students enrolled in KPE329H1 will be required to obtain a valid Police Record Check if directly teaching preschool children. Students will receive an email confirming if a Police Record Check is required upon registration in this course.

Sport analytics and game theory both attempt to use probability and statistics to understand and improve decision making in sports from talent identification to on-field play making. This course will introduce students to sports analytics and game theory. Both analytics and game theory will be used to better understand the fundamentals of tactics in a variety of sports.