Certificate in Physical Activity Instruction

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 body function 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 a specific focus on a common condition (e.g. osteoporosis, ostheoarthritis).

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.

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.

Theoretical concepts specific to the assessment of mobility, physical literacy and fitness, and the design of personalized exercise programs will be explored. Through a combination of teaching styles, real-life case studies, small and large group activities, and hands-on experiences, students will be given an opportunity to identify and interpret the unique needs of healthy populations so that personalized exercise solutions can be created. An emphasis will also be placed on communication and students’ ability to think critically and problem-solve.

In this course students will define, research and explore essential elements of dance. These elements include dance technique, musicality, artistry, and choreography. Research and relevant experiences from other KPE courses will be integrated into the lectures and the embodied learning of the lab. Students will research staging, lighting and show production for their major project, which consists of the students choreographing and staging their own work for formal performance. This performance serves to illustrate the theoretical knowledge that the students have gained over the 12-week course.

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.

Virtually every sport relies on the ability to generate speed and power in order to compete successfully. Understanding the biomechanical, physiological and technical basis of speed and power is vital to be able to design interventions to improve. In this course, the scientific basis of speed in humans will be examined using both a biomechanical and physiological perspective. The primary focus will be on speed and power in running, jumping and throwing and therefore, practical experience will be part of the course. Students will also be exposed to both the theory and practice of training for speed and power.