Certificate in Fundamental Sciences and Research

The Fundamental Sciences and Research Certificate is designed for students who have interest in studying courses with a major focus on fundamental sciences and scientific research inquiry underpinning the discipline of kinesiology and physical education. These courses include fundamental knowledges in areas including physical cultural studies, exercise and sport psychology, exercise and sport physiology, systems and cellular physiology, motor behaviour and neural plasticity, exercise and orthopaedic biomechanics, and research inquiry, methods and methodologies. Students will learn about the increasingly important role of fundamental sciences and research in kinesiology and physical education in advancing knowledges and developing evidence-informed practices in the field.

Requirements

Students currently registered in KPE must successfully complete 2.0 FCE from the following Fundamental Sciences & Research Pathway list of courses as part of their BKin degree requirements: KPE300H1, KPE324H1, KPE330H1, KPE355Y1*, KPE360H1, KPE361H1, KPE362H1, KPE369H1, KPE372H1, KPE390Y1*, KPE455Y1*, KPE462H1, KPE467H1, KPE469H1, KPE471H1, KPE474H1, KPE490Y1*, KPE495H1*.

Courses with an asterisk(*) have varying topics and will only count towards the certificate if the focus of study/placement is on fundamental sciences and research in kinesiology and physical education.

Note: Students do not have to apply for this certificate, but must request the certificate with the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar’s Office will confirm eligibility for the certificate upon graduation.

IMPORTANT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 
  1. Individual courses may only count towards one identified BKin certificate in addition to counting towards the BKin degree
  2. Students are limited to a maximum of 3 BKin certificates with their degree

Please contact the Registrar’s Office for further information: undergrad.kpe@utoronto.ca.


Fundamental Sciences & Research Pathway List of Courses
 

KPE300H1 - Physical Culture and Social Inequality

The provision of opportunities for physical activity is profoundly affected by the social structures of Canadian society, and persistent inequalities. An increasing number of Canadian institutions in physical and health education have now committed themselves to policies of social equity. This course enables students to study the effects of class, gender, race, and sexuality upon opportunities, programs and practices, and the means by which social equity might be more effectively pursued.

Prerequisite: KPE200H1
Exclusion: UNI371H1
Course Category: Physical Cultural (A)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE324H1 - Advanced Sport Psychology

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.

Prerequisite: KPE220H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE330H1 - Advanced Exercise Psychology

This course will focus on the understanding of theoretical frameworks and psychological principles related to exercise. Emphasis will directed towards the application of these theories and principles to the design, development and evaluation of interventions to encourage adoption and maintenance of exercise for individuals, groups and communities.

Prerequisite: KPE220H1
Exclusion: KPE327H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE355Y1 - Interpersonal Theory in Kinesiology and Physical Education

This course will provide students an opportunity to develop their knowledge and competencies in interpersonal theory in Kinesiology and Physical Education. Topics covered in this course include, verbal and non-verbal communication strategies, active listening with patients/clients, reflective practice, managing conflict, decision making, teamwork, and leadership. This course draws upon previous coursework and integrates theory and practice across course learning activities to apply the course content to the breadth of populations and settings within the field of Kinesiology and Physical Education. As a part of the course, students will participate in a field experience (100 hours) with a mentor observing and engaging in interpersonal relations and participating in the planning and implementation of programs as appropriate. Course evaluation activities include weekly class and tutorial sessions, written assignments, presentations, and examinations. Notes: Classroom/tutorial sessions are two hours per week in addition to field experience. Please refer to the 'Fees and Financial Requirements' section of the calendar for information on ancillary fees.

Prerequisite: You must have followed the appropriate pre-course procedures in the year preceding course enrolment, be entering 3rd year (or higher), and obtain instructor approval.
Exclusion: KPE350Y1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE360H1 - Advanced Cardiorespiratory Physiology

This course provides students with an opportunity to expand upon topics introduced in earlier physiology courses, particularly KPE264H1, with a particular focus on cardiorespiratory function and control during exercise. Advanced concepts in cardiac performance, respiratory control and the vascular system will be addressed, while considering both acute and chronic responses to exercise. While each subsystem will be examined in detail, a key objective is to guide students toward developing an integrative understanding of exercise physiology. Specific topics will include: systolic and diastolic cardiac function, neural and humoral control of ventilation during exercise, factors influencing gas exchange, local and regional control of skeletal muscle blood flow, and autonomic control of cardiovascular function. Challenges to these systems, including heat and ‘excessive’ exercise, will be explored. Laboratory activities will provide students with an opportunity to integrate conceptual and practical knowledge pertaining to the assessment of cardiorespiratory function and control during exercise.

Prerequisite: KPE264H1
Exclusion: BIOC32H3, BIOC33H3, BIOC34H3, BIO210Y5, BIO208H5, BIO209H5
Course Category: Biophysical (C)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE361H1 - Motor Control

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the principles associated with the voluntary control of limb movements. These principles and theories will provide the student with selected concepts of human movement control and a framework for their application in research, teaching, rehabilitation, and coaching. The objective of the course is to build the student’s understanding of concepts and phenomena associated with sensory, and central nervous system contributions to the execution of goal-directed limb movements.

Prerequisite: KPE261H1 or by permission of the instructor
Course Category: Biophysical (C)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE362H1 - Neural Basis of Human Movement

This course examines the neural and cognitive processes that underlie human movement. Specific topics include: neural anatomy; neurophysiology; theories of motor control; movement disorders; and the neural substrates of reflexes, preprogrammed movements, and voluntary movement.

Prerequisite: KPE261H1 or by permission of the instructor
Course Category: Biophysical (C)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE369H1 - Human Physiology II

This course is the complement to Human Physiology I and serves as an introduction to the fundamental principles of endocrinology, gastrointestinal and renal physiology, water and electrolyte balance, reproduction, immune function and the special senses. Physiological mechanisms underlying pathologies related to these systems will be explored. Additionally, scientific racism will be discussed, including examples relevant to the physiological topics covered and with a view to considering anti-oppressive practices in physiology. In conjunction with KPE260H1, this course will be of interest to those applying to second entry health sciences programmes and/or those wishing to extend their foundational knowledge of human physiology.

Prerequisite: ANA124H1/ANA126Y1
Exclusion: PSL201Y1, PSL300H1, PSL301H1, BIOC32H3, BIOC33H3, BIOC34H3, BIO210Y5, BIO208H5, BIO209H5
Course Category: Biophysical (C)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE372H1 - Injury and Orthopaedic Biomechanics

This course is designed to expose students to the theory and application of injury and orthopaedic biomechanics. We will explore and quantify the underlying mechanics and behavior of musculoskeletal (MSK) tissues, how these tissues adapt to external loads, and how they fail and become injured. Time will be dedicated to assessing MSK epidemiology and interpreting injury prediction statistical models. This course will also introduce students to orthopaedic treatments (e.g., joint replacement, soft tissue reconstructions, etc.) for common injuries and diseases and how these interact mechanically with the MSK system to promote healing and improved mobility. Students will learn about the various research methods that are used to determine the biomechanical properties of biological tissues and orthopaedic devices; students will determine how to use these data to make informed decisions regarding the efficacy and appropriate application of these interventions.

Prerequisite: KPE263H1
Course Category: Biophysical (C)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE390Y1 - Directed Research

Under the guidance of a faculty member, accepted students participate in a research project related to the study of physical activity and health. The student and supervising faculty member collaborate on defining the research question, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting the findings. At the end of the course, students submit an extensive research paper and present their research at the annual Bertha Rosenstadt National Undergraduate Research Conference. Students are also required to attend some classes/workshops to assist them with the research projects.


*Notes regarding KPE390Y1, KPE490Y1 and KPE495H1:
1. For permission to enrol a student must: a) Obtain course information and application forms from Registrar’s Office website. Application forms are available in the spring for the following academic year. b) Find a faculty advisor. c) Complete the pre-requisite form (may do so with faculty advisor if desired). d) Complete advisor-student agreement form together with faculty advisor. e) Submit both prerequisite and student-advisor agreement form together to Registrar’s Office for review and approval by course coordinator.

2. Nominal funding may be available to subsidize some costs of KPE390Y1/KPE490Y1/KPE495H1 projects. See the course information package for application guidelines. **Please note that each faculty member can accept only a limited number of students.

Prerequisite: KPE2901H1/KPE391H1, KPE291H1, a minimum B average in the area of interest, and an application process.
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE455Y1 - Kinesiology and Physical Education in Society

This course builds upon KPE350Y1/KPE355Y1 to further students’ theoretical grounding in the broader practice of Kinesiology and Physical Education in society. Topics covered in this course include, but are not limited to, emotional intelligence in the workplace, integrity in community relations, performance adaptability, diversity, creativity, ethics and professionalism, and work-life balance. Adopting a values-based approach to learning and development students will be encouraged to consider strategies for enhancing the practice of Kinesiology and Physical Education within society. As a part of this course, students will spend 100 hours in the field and will work closely with a mentor. Course evaluation activities include weekly class and tutorial sessions, written assignments, presentations, and examinations.

Notes: Classroom/tutorial sessions are two hours per week in addition to field experience. For more information visit the professional placement page on our website.

Please refer to the 'Fees and Financial Requirements' section of the calendar for details on ancillary fees.

Prerequisite: KPE350Y1/KPE355Y1; As well, you must have followed the appropriate pre-course procedures in the year preceding course enrolment, be entering 3rd year (or higher), and obtain instructor approval.
Exclusion: KPE450Y1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE462H1 - Human Environmental Exercise Physiology

This course examines physiological responses, adaptations, and maladaptations of sedentary, working, and exercising humans to a variety of environmental stressors, including most or all of the following: cold and hot environments and the associated challenges to regulate body temperature; pressure changes that occur at high terrestrial altitude or underwater; acceleration forces such as the g-forces experienced by high performance aircraft pilots; air pollution; and microgravity effects experienced by those working and travelling in space.

Three lecture hours per week, one laboratory exercise during regularly scheduled lecture time, and the possibility that one field trip visit may be scheduled to a research laboratory in north Toronto.

Prerequisite: KPE264H1
Course Category: Biophysical (C)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE467H1 - Cellular Physiology

Introduces students to topics within exercise biochemistry and cellular physiology. The course examines the factors that influence the cellular responses of skeletal muscle and other tissues to exercise and exercise-related topics. The relevance to various diseased states is often examined. Topics covered may include: atrophy, hypertrophy, genetics, techniques, cell stress, oxidative stress, aging, disease prevention, adipose tissue, muscle fiber types and other relevant topics.

Prerequisite: KPE264H1
Course Category: Biophysical (C)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE469H1 - Performance and Neuroplasticity

We are shaped by our experiences, whether it is through our environment, training or an injury. These experiences can be potent enough to change the way our brain is organized and how it functions. This course will examine key topics about the brain’s neuroplasticity in the context of skill performance. We will answer questions such as does it really take 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to become an expert?, how does your brain do it (from synapses to behaviour)?, and are there ways that we can push the brain’s neuroplasticity to its limits?, if that exists – can you train to become the next elite athlete or jazz great.

Prerequisite: KPE261H1
Course Category: Biophysical (C)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE471H1 - Musculoskeletal Biomechanics

Students will develop advanced knowledge of the force-motion relationships of tissues and structures of the musculoskeletal system. Various techniques used to investigate the mechanical function of the joints in the human body will also be discussed. Case studies will be used to explore the underlying joint mechanics and mechanisms for injury across body regions.

Prerequisite: KPE263H1
Course Category: Biophysical (C)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE474H1 - Exercise Training and Non-Responder Physiology

Students in this course will explore a popular, although yet to be comprehensively explained, phenomenon in the field of physiology – the presence of responders/non-responders following an intervention. With this perspective, this course is going to explore exercise physiology by having a look at individual responses – individuals just like you and me. In particular, students will explore why some individuals have a large increase in their peak rate of oxygen consumption (VO2) following exercise training while others do not. The constituents of VO2 will be deconstructed, which will allow for detailed exploration into the cardiovascular response to exercise and how unique individual differences may impact the ability to deliver oxygen to active skeletal muscles. This course will begin to explore the application of ‘precision phenotyping’ and ‘personalized training’, as a means to optimize an intervention to the unique attributes of an individual in order to promote a healthy lifestyle, maximize performance, and/or improve quality of life. The application of endurance exercise training in relation to various physiological thresholds will also be explored. This course will allow students to further develop their working knowledge of integrative physiology, while advancing their critical thinking and reasoning skills. As a whole, students will be able to broadly incorporate information from this course into the field of Kinesiology, whether in athletes, healthy individuals, or clinical populations.

Prerequisite: KPE264H1
Course Category: Biophysical (C)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE490Y1 - Advanced Research

In this course students will have an opportunity to undertake research on a topic relating to the study of physical activity and health. The faculty supervisor, selected by the student, gives counsel in defining the problem, conducting the study and preparing a research paper (thesis). In addition to submitting the research paper, students are required to attend some classes/workshops, and present their findings at the annual Bertha Rosenstadt National Undergraduate Research Conference. This course provides an opportunity for a student planning graduate study at this Faculty or elsewhere to gain experience in completing a small research study. Students may elect only one KPE490Y1 course or external equivalent.

*Notes regarding KPE390Y1, KPE490Y1 and KPE495H1:
1. For permission to enrol a student must: a) Obtain course information and application forms from Registrar’s Office website. Application forms are available in the spring for the following academic year. b) Find a faculty advisor. c) Complete the pre-requisite form (may do so with faculty advisor if desired). d) Complete advisor-student agreement form together with faculty advisor. e) Submit both prerequisite and student-advisor agreement form together to Registrar’s Office for review and approval by course coordinator.


2. Nominal funding may be available to subsidize some costs of KPE390Y1/KPE490Y1/KPE495H1 projects. See the course information package for application guidelines. **Please note that each faculty member can accept only a limited number of students.

Prerequisite: KPE390Y1, a minimum B average in the area of interest, and an application process.
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE495H1 - Independent Study

The purpose of the independent study is to permit students to extend beyond current course offerings and explore in detail a subject area of their choosing related to the study of physical activity and health. Students work closely with a faculty supervisor with a relevant background. Before pursuing an independent study, students are expected to have taken all the relevant courses offered by the Faculty in that sub-discipline. Students will research their topic of interest primarily through reading and writing a report on their findings. They are also required to attend some classes/workshops throughout the term and to present their reviews and/or findings at the annual Bertha Rosenstadt National Undergraduate Research Conference. Students may elect a total of no more than two half courses under KPE495H1 or external equivalents.

*Notes regarding KPE390Y1, KPE490Y1 and KPE495H1:

1. For permission to enrol a student must: a) Obtain course information and application forms from Registrar’s Office website. Application forms are available in the spring for the following academic year. b) Find a faculty advisor. c) Complete the pre-requisite form (may do so with faculty advisor if desired). d) Complete advisor-student agreement form together with faculty advisor. e) Submit both prerequisite and student-advisor agreement form together to Registrar’s Office for review and approval by course coordinator.

2. Nominal funding may be available to subsidize some costs of KPE390Y1/KPE490Y1/KPE495H1 projects. See the course information package for application guidelines. **Please note that each faculty member can accept only a limited number of students.

Prerequisite: Fourth-year standing and a minimum B average in the area of interest.
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

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