Certificate in Sport Sciences

The Sport Sciences Certificate is designed for students who have interest in studying courses with a major focus on scientific inquiry related to sport. This includes the application of scientific principles to improve performance, biomechanics, nutrition, management and policy in sport, as well as studies related to the psychology of sport, and sport culture. These sports application courses address topics including the science, theory, and practice of sport in local, national and global contexts. Students will learn about the increasingly important role of kinesiology and physical education in providing leadership, opportunities and advocacy in sports-related fields.

Requirements

Students currently registered in the BKin program must successfully complete 2.0 FCE from the following Sport Sciences Pathway list of courses as part of their BKin degree requirements: KPE306H1, KPE320H1, KPE322H1, KPE324H1, KPE328H1, KPE331H1, KPE335H1, KPE342H1, KPE355Y1*, KPE363H1, KPE367H1, KPE368H1, KPE370H1, KPE390Y1*, KPE401H1, KPE403H1, KPE407H1, KPE422H1, KPE428H1, KPE429H1, KPE432H1, KPE442H1, KPE455Y1*, KPE461H1, KPE470H1, KPE490Y1*, KPE495H1*.

Courses with an asterisk(*) have varying topics and will only count towards the certificate if the focus of study/placement is on sport sciences.

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.


Sport Sciences Pathway List of Courses

KPE306H1 - Hockey in Canadian Society

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.

Prerequisite: KPE220H1
Course Category: Physical Cultural (A)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE320H1 - Administrative Theory and Organizational Behaviour

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.

Prerequisite: KPE220H1
Exclusion: MGT262H1, MGT363H1, PSY332H1, IRE260H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: Online

KPE322H1 - Psychology of Injury and Rehabilitation

Psychosocial aspects of physical injury are often overlooked. They are important considerations for understanding the experience of injury and also for enhancing 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 relevant to sport/performance psychology, rehabilitation psychology as well as sport/dance science and medicine across a broad spectrum of health care professions are addressed. 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.

Prerequisite: ANA125H1/ANA126Y1, KPE120H1, KPE260H1, KPE290H1/KPE391H1, KPE291H1
Recommended Preparation: KPE363H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
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

KPE328H1 - Exercise and Nutrition for Health and Performance

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.

Prerequisite: KPE264H1
Exclusion: NFS302H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE331H1 - Sport Analytics, Game Theory and Tactics

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.

Prerequisite: KPE290H1/KPE391H1, KPE291H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE335H1 - Global Sports Law

The course will be an introduction to global sports law. Students will explore how the rules and regulations of the Olympic Movement, the technical side of sport, and the anti-doping movement constitute private transnational legal systems where international sport organizations have regulatory autonomy that is often shielded from intervention by national legal systems. Students will learn how disputes involving these sport rules and regulations are resolved through private arbitration by reviewing key arbitral decisions issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada, and by participating in mock arbitrations of disputes involving doping violations, team selection decisions, and competition outcomes. Finally, students will critically examine how certain sport rules relating to gender verification, out-of-competition doping testing, and doping sanctions impact the rights of athletes, and whether arbitration can provide the necessary oversight and accountability measures to protect those rights.

Recommended Preparation: KPE200H1, KPE220H1, KPE264H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE342H1 - Theory of Coaching part I

This course will be an introduction to the theory and practice of coaching. Through lectures, practical coaching sessions and in class presentations, students will become familiarized with the fundamentals of coaching and gain an appreciation of the diversity and complexity of the coaching process from an Athlete Centred Coaching perspective. There will be considerable links with KPE333H1 The Pedagogy of Playing Games. Various knowledgeable coaches and experts will talk about their coaching experiences.

Students who successfully complete the course will gain their National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Introduction to Coaching Part A.

Prerequisite: KPE220H1, KPE260H1, KPE261H1, KPE263H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B), Applications
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

KPE363H1 - Sport Medicine

This course builds on knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics of injury acquired in earlier courses to develop a systematic understanding of risk, injury prevention, recognition, initial management, and some information about rehabilitation of injuries occurring in sport and physical activities. It also examines the topic of doping in sport.

Prerequisite: ANA125H1/ANA126Y1, KPE263H1
Exclusion: HMB470H1
Course Category: Biophysical (C)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE367H1 - Sport & Exercise Biomechanics

An appreciation of biomechanics is fundamental to understanding why certain athletes are able to excel, how sport related injuries can be prevented, and how exercise programs should be designed to change movement behaviours. This course will provide students with an opportunity to apply the principles introduced in KPE263H1 to a range of controversial topics from the sport and exercise fields. Case studies and relevant research will be used to explore the application of each concept discussed.

Prerequisite: KPE263H1, KPE290H1/KPE391H1, KPE291H1
Course Category: Biophysical (C)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE370H1 - Science and Practice of Training for Sport Performance

Sport performance can be improved substantially through structured, planned training. In this course, responses to chronic physical activity and exercise training will be examined and applied to the design of specific programs that improve sport performance. Both the science and current best practices in training design will be studied with an emphasis on application in various sports for athletes of all levels.

Prerequisite: KPE263H1, KPE264H1
Corequisite: KPE360H1
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

KPE401H1 - International Development through Sport

Increasingly, sport and physical activity are recognized and utilized as tools of international development. From refugee assistance and conflict resolution to programs targeting economic growth and HIV/AIDS, a host of development initiatives use sport-based programs to meet their goals. The purpose of this course is to examine—theoretically, empirically, and critically—the development through sport / sport for development and peace (DTS / SDP) movement. It is important to consider these social and political issues in order both to problematize the DTS movement and to assist and challenge future DTS volunteers.

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

KPE407H1 - Maltreatment in Youth Sport

Participation in sport for youth has been associated with physical, social, emotional, and cognitive benefits. The attainment of positive developmental outcomes through sport participation is influenced by factors including the manner in which sport organizations design and deliver programs and the type of relationships youth experience. Although sport participation for youth has the potential to foster developmental benefits, not all youth have positive sport experiences. In fact, as issues of athlete maltreatment in youth sport, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as neglect continue to emerge throughout research and media outlets, it may be argued that sport is not designed and delivered in ways that meet the psychosocial needs of young people. In order to optimize the sport experiences of youth athletes, it is important that stakeholders are aware of the potential for these negative experiences and are educated about ways in which to foster more developmentally appropriate sport. In this course students will be introduced to concepts, theories and ideologies regarding psychosocial development as well as youth maltreatment and protection as they apply to sport. Students will have the opportunity to critically discuss issues of maltreatment within youth sport and will be challenged to critique present research in addition to educational/policy initiatives intended to safeguard youth and foster positive development. Moreover, students will learn about organizational philosophies, coach and parent education, and relationships in sport with the intention of understanding how such factors may stimulate a youth sport environment conducive to maltreatment, thus hindering athletes’ psychosocial needs.

Prerequisite: KPE220H1
Course Category: Physical Cultural (A)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE422H1 - Topics in Coaching

This course will introduce students to and deepen their understanding of, a variety of coaching styles, strategies and theories. Throughout the course students will be engaged in the analysis and deconstruction of successful coaching programs, in both individual and team sports. In determining the criteria of what constitutes successful coaching, the course will examine coaching at all levels and consider the obstacles and challenges in building successful coaching programs in today’s society.

Prerequisite: KPE200H1, KPE220H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE428H1 - Nutrition and Ergogenic Aids in Sport and Exercise

This course investigates the influence of nutritional supplements/aids on exercise performance, recovery, and/or adaptation, with an emphasis on the underlying physiological and/or biochemical mechanisms behind the effectiveness of ergogenic compounds. Students will broaden their content comprehension on topics of interest through self-directed critical analysis of current peer reviewed literature with an emphasis on knowledge dissemination in both written and oral formats. Special topics may also be presented.

Prerequisite: KPE290H1/KPE391H1, KPE291H1, KPE328H1/NFS302H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE429H1 - Sport Management

This course will introduce students to a variety of management concepts related to managing the business of sport, with a particular focus on Canadian contexts. Topics include an understanding of sport organizations and governing bodies, the economics of sport, financial management of sport organizations, designing and administrating sports competitions. The course uses a practical approach by focusing on local, provincial and national sport organizations as case studies for analysis.

Prerequisite: 3rd year standing
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: Online

KPE432H1 - Legal Aspects of Sport, Recreation and Kinesiology

The course examines Canadian law and its application to the fields of sport, recreation and kinesiology. Students will obtain a foundational knowledge of the law and the practical skills to address legal issues as future practitioners in sport, recreation, physical education, and health care. Legal topics include contracts, regulated health professions, liability and risk management, human rights and discrimination, privacy, intellectual property, and dispute resolution. Students will obtain hands-on experience by negotiating and drafting contracts and participating in mock decision-making processes that affect legal rights and interests. Finally, students will learn about contemporary and emerging legal issues relating to safe sport, social media, e-sports, and competition fixing.

Prerequisite: KPE200H1, KPE220H1
Course Category: Behavioural (B)
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE442H1 - Theory of Coaching part II

This course builds upon students’ existing knowledge and understanding of coaching that were gained in KPE342H1, and will complete the foundational knowledge and skills expected from those who are actively, or planning to be involved in coaching, teaching or instruction. The NCCP Introduction to Competition Part B is embedded into the course and students will be able to gain this nationally recognized coaching award by meeting the certification requirements. Specific areas of coaching that will be studied and discussed in this course are: Coach communication, intervention and feedback; the power differential between athlete and coach which can lead to negative behaviour; how to create a Seasonal Training Plan; Coach self-reflection; Mental practices to aid athletes.

Prerequisite: KPE220H1, KPE260H1, KPE261H1, KPE263H1
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

KPE461H1 - Speed and Power

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.

Prerequisite: KPE370H1
Course Category: Biophysical (C), Applications
Mode of Delivery: In Person

KPE470H1 - Science in Sport, Health and Exercise

This course will provide students with detailed information on topics, examples and cases that illustrate the important role that science plays in sport and exercise. The course will touch on relevant and important areas of scientific investigation that have contributed to the current state of knowledge in kinesiology. Course content includes topics related to movement, fuels, energy systems, skeletal muscle adaptations, sex differences, exercise principles as well as other relevant issues.

Prerequisite: KPE260H1, KPE263H1
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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