
Kinesiology (Science)
Faculty of Education and Health
Do you have a passion for movement and a zest for science?

Program Overview
This Honours Bachelor of Science program allows you to study the scientific principles of human movement, such as anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, ergonomics, and exercise prescription.
Enhance your skills with a major research project as well as applied internships in rehabilitation, ergonomics, and gerontology in the final year of the program. Get hands-on experience through both laboratory and classroom environments. Become a Registered Kinesiologist (in Ontario), a health and fitness consultant, specialist in rehabilitation and exercise therapy, in ergonomics and health and safety, in health science industries, in biomedical applications, in sport equipment technology and design industries and in gerontology. Pursue graduate studies and research or continue studies in medicine, chiropractic, physical and occupational therapy.
Benefit from various internship opportunities.
Qualify to write the Kinesiology registration exam upon graduation.
Benefit from small class sizes, with approximately 10-25 students in the 4th year.
Career Outlook
Graduates can rest assured knowing there is a multitude of career options they can explore post-graduation. Some career options include, but are not limited to:
- Ergonomist
- Health and fitness consultant
- Health and safety specialist
- Registered kinesiologist
- Rehabilitation specialist
May also pursue graduate studies and research or continue studies in medicine, chiropractic, and physical and occupational therapy.
Program Details
Program language:
English
Delivery method:
On Campus
Contact info
Barbara Ravel PhD (she/her/elle)(705) 675-1151 ext. 1038
B-236, B.F. Avery Physical Education Centre, Sudbury Campus
bravel@laurentian.ca
Please contact the email above, and our recruitment team will get back to you!
More About The Program
This program is designed for students interested in studying the scientific principles underlying the foundations of Kinesiology. Through a required field internship and an optional research thesis, students will have an opportunity to apply this foundation in a number of areas of kinesiology practice including rehabilitation, ergonomics, and/or gerontology.
Graduates are immediately eligible to complete the entry into practice examination to be a registered Kinesiologist with the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario.
Admission Requirements
Ontario High School Applicants
Program Prerequisites:
- 1 grade 12 English U/M course; 1 grade 12 4U Advanced Functions; 1 grade 12 4U Chemistry; 3 other grade 12 U/M courses (Physics and Calculus are strongly recommended)
- A minimum overall average of 75% in the 6 best grade 12 U/M courses
Additional information for applicants who have completed Advanced Placement courses.
Additional information for applicants who have completed the International Baccalaureate.
Click here to view information regarding General Admission Requirements.
Applicants from outside an Ontario High School
Canadian High School Applicants from outside Ontario
How To Apply
Canadian Applicants
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must complete your application through the Ontario Universities Application Center (OUAC).
For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: Canadian Undergraduate Applicants page.
Apply Now as a Domestic Applicant
International Applicants
If you’re an international applicant, you must fill out the International Application Form.
For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: International Students page.
Degree Options
Students must follow these regulations in order to meet graduation requirements for the B.Sc.
Kinesiology (B.Sc.) (120 credits)
This program examines human movement from a scientific perspective. Methods from both the physical and behavioural sciences are used to study movement in its varied forms.
Program of Study
First Year
PHED 0199E Outdoor School I
PHED 1006E Exercise Science, Wellness and Health
BIOL 2105E Human Anatomy and Physiology + lab
SOCI 1015E Understanding Society
PSYC 1105E Introduction to Psychology
PHYS 1206E Physics for the Life Science I + lab
PHYS 1207E Physics for the Life Science II + lab
CHMI 1006E General Chemistry I + lab
(OR) CHMI 1202E Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry for the Health Sciences + lab
Note: In order to advance to the second year of the program, students must provide a photocopy of a current Certificate in CPR (level C) and First Aid before February 28.
Second Year
PHED 0299E Outdoor School II
PHED 4136E Biomechanics II + lab
PHED 2206E Motor Learning + lab
PHED 2516E Musculoskeletal Anatomy + lab
PHED 2517E Applied Human Physiology + lab
PHED 2526E Introduction to Ergonomics
MATH 1036E Calculus I
(OR) MATH 1057E Linear Algebra I
STAT 2246E Statistics for Scientists
3 credit Science elective
6 credits of Theory electives
Third Year
PHED 0399E Outdoor School III
PHED 3126E Physiology of Exercise + lab
PHED 3806E Functional Assessment
PHED 4006E Fitness: Evaluation and Prescription + lab
PHED 4207E Neuromotor Control
PHED 4216E Sports Psychology
(OR) PHED 3061E Exercise Psychology
PHED 3117E Traumatology for Physical Educators
PHED 3136E Research and Professional Ethics
PHED 3209E Therapeutic Exercise
PHED 3229E Gerontology and Exercise
SOCI-2127E Research Methods and Data Analysis
3 credit upper-year Science elective
Fourth Year
PHED 4805E Thesis in Kinesiology
(OR) 6 credits of PHED electives
PHED 4816E Kinesiology Internship
PHED 4107E Human Development and Physical Activity
(OR) PHED 4536E Ergonomic Methods
(OR) PHED 4547E Principles of Health and Disease
(OR) PHED 3556E Alternative Health
GERO 3207E Health Challenges in Aging
(OR) GERO 4236E Analysing Physical Activity and Aging
(OR) ENGR 3126E Occupational Health Engineering
PHED 3506E Health Education
(OR) PHED 3507E Community Health
(OR) PHED 3526E Health Policy
(OR) PHED 4217E Sports in Society
PHED 4137E Clinical Biomechanics + lab
3 credit upper-year Science elective
6 credits upper-year Theory electives
Academic Regulations
To be in good academic standing in the School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, the student must:
1) satisfy all conditions of admission;
2) not fail more than 3 credits in an academic year or in the previous 30 credits;
3) maintain a cumulative overall average of at least 4.0 on all courses taken.
A student who fails to attain good academic standing may be allowed to continue on probation for no more than one year (or 30 credits). If after one probationary period, the student does attain good academic standing, he or she may proceed in program. However, if after the probationary period, the student fails to attain good academic standing, he or she must withdraw from the School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, but may apply to transfer to another program at the university.
A student who fails over 6 credits in the 1st-year of program may not proceed to upper year PHED courses.
After one calendar year, a student who has been asked to withdraw from the program may petition the Senate Committee on Academic Regulations and Awards for readmission, but such measures should have the recommendation of the academic unit before being considered by the Senate Committee.
Sample Courses
This course is an introduction of basic concepts of fitness assessment, training methods and testing procedures. A combination of theory and practical experiences in effects of lifestyle on fitness, weight-training principles and methods, sport preparation, flexibility, circuit training, post-cardiac program, fads, etc. (lec 3, lab 1.5) cr 3.
This course is a survey of contemporary psychology with reference to its historical development and emphasis on its present status and scientific methodology. It examines the biosocial bases of behaviour, development and personality, motivation, emotion, perception and learning. It involves scaling of behavioural variables, some descriptive statistics, and some elementary experiments and other practical work. (lec 2, lab/tut 1) cr 6. Prerequisite to all other PSYC courses. Students must achieve a minimum 60% grade to continue in a Psychology program.
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, nuclear chemistry, stoichiometry, the periodic table and periodicity, and the properties of solutions. PREREQ: Grade 12U level chemistry or CHMI 1041 or permission of the department. (lec 3, tut 1, lab 2) cr 3.
This course is completed prior to the start of classes. It is designed to introduce the student to their peers, program, school, and the university. It provides an introduction to a selection of outdoor group and challenge activities including cooperative games and basic outdoor skills. Students are required to pass a basic aquatics skill test. Sem, Field Work (cr. 0)
This course describes human anatomy and physiology at the cellular, tissue, organ and system levels of organization. It concentrates on the clinical applications of anatomy and physiology. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 6. Students may not retain credit for both BIOL 2105 and any of BIOL 1700, BIOL 2107, BIOL 2701, PHED 1506/7.
A systematic introduction to understanding society, social structure, basic social institutions and their interrelations, the nature of social interactions, and the relationship between the individual and society. Particular attention is given to major issues within society such as power, social class, inequality and the processes by which human nature and instincts become socially transformed and socially structured. These social issues are examined comparatively and with particular reference to Canadian society. The student is also introduced to major theoretical issues in sociology, the methods of sociology and the rules of evidence in social science. This course is prerequisite to all upper-year courses unless specifically waived by the department. (lec 3) cr 6.
This is the first of two courses in introductory physics. The course covers mechanics (dynamics and kinematics), vectors and energy, properties of matter, heat and thermodynamics, and waves. Throughout this course, examples will be chosen from both the physical and the life sciences. (lec 3, tut 1, lab 3) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both PHYS 1006 and PHYS 1206.
This is the second of two courses in introductory physics. The course covers geometrical optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. Throughout this course, examples will be chosen from both the physical and the life sciences. PREREQ: PHYS 1006 or equivalent. (lec 3, tut 1, lab 3) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both PHYS 1007 and PHYS 1207.
This course is an introduction to concepts and models developed to explain perceptual-motor behaviour, motor skill learning and motor control. Cognitive, psychological and neuromotor factors responsible for the skilled execution of movement are covered. The utilization and application of this knowledge through discussion and laboratory experiences are stressed. PREREQ: PSYC 1105, PHED 1507 or BIOL 2105. (lec 3, lab 2) cr 3.
This course is designed to give students a background in the theory and practice of ergonomics. Students will learn about the sciences that contribute to ergonomics and how they are applied in various situations to determine human capabilities and limitations. Students will also gain an understanding of the application or ergonomic principles in several areas including workspace design, material handling, musculoskeletal injury prevention and control and display design. (lec 3) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both PHED 2526 and PHED/EDPH 4526.
This is a problem-solving course which includes an extensive treatment of differential calculus and an introduction to integral calculus. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation, standard functions, Taylor polynomial approximation, indeterminate forms and Hospital's rules, and practical applications. The course concludes with summation, integration, techniques of integration and the calculation of areas and volumes. PREREQ: Grade 12 4U Advanced Functions (minimum 60%), MATH 1912 or equivalent. (lec 3, tut 1) cr 3.
This course is completed early in the fall semester. The course is designed to introduce students to a variety of outdoor-related experiences. Students participate in a series of on-campus water and land-based outdoor activities over several days in order to develop a foundation of knowledge and skills for each type of activity. The course focuses on building the precursory skills required for participation in Outdoor School III. PREREQ: PHED/EDPH 0199, current CPR First Aid/CPR certification, basic aquatics skill test. Sem, Field Work (cr 0)
This course describes and analyses structure and function of the osseous, articular, muscular, and nervous tissues of the human body. Lectures will focus on the examination of regional musculoskeletal and nerve structures and their involvement in kinematics and dynamic muscle actions in physical activity. PREREQ: BIOL 2105 (lec 3, lab 2) cr 3. A series of labs are designed to accompany this course. Students must enroll and participate in lab exercises in order to receive credit for this course.
This course provides students an in-depth understanding of the physiologic aspects of the systems related to the study of human health and movement. Discussions will focus on integrated physiologic regulations and processes that allow the human body to cope with stress and adjust to internal and external changes. PREREQ: BIOL 2105 EL (lec 3, lab 2) cr 3. A series of labs are designed to accompany this course. Students must enroll and participate in lab exercises in order to receive credit for this course.
Biomechanical principles including those based on impulse momentum relationships, work, power, energy, and efficiency are applied to the lifespan development of components of human structure and function. Movements such as walking, swimming, dance, and gymnastics are examined. Various techniques including computer graphics and modeling are used.(lec 3, lab 2) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both PHED 4136 and INTE 4136.
Topics include simultaneous linear equations, matrices and determinants, vector spaces and linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, applications to analytic geometry, and complex numbers. PREREQ: grade 12 4U finite mathematics or algebra, or MATH 1911 or equivalent. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course deals with the study of the qualitative and quantitative effects of various types of exercises on the systems of the body. Special consideration is given to the body's adaptive ability to the stress of exercise. The physiological basis for the appraisal of fitness is also considered. PREREQ: PHED 2506/7 or PHED-2516/2517(may be taken concurrently). (lec 3, lab 2) cr 3.
This course prepares third year Kinesiology students for the kinesiology thesis and internship courses. Topics include the preparation of a research proposal, the preparation of an ethics proposal, and the preparation of technical reports. Professional and research ethics and conduct are also covered as per professional standards of practice. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course examines the advanced theoretical instruction that follows exercise programs I in the assessment of physical fitness of a broad range of people in function of age, sex, health condition, as well as the prescription of adequate physical activity programs. The course allows students to review critically popular community conducted fitness programs and to make recommendations for improvement. PREREQ: PHED 2506/7 or PHED 2516/2517 and PHED 3126. (lec 3, lab 2) cr 3.
Both neurological and behavioural models of motor control are discussed. Topics include neuroanatomy of the motor system, motor programming, mass spring model, reflexes, feedback, feed forward (tuning), Fitts' Law, animal models of movement, and action theory. PREREQ: PHED 1506/7 or BIOL 2105. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course applies psychological theories and techniques to the domain of competitive sport. It attempts to determine and understand the psychological demands on athletes, coaches, spectators and parents. Topics include assessment of personality, aggression, motivation, attentional focus, activation, anxiety, attribution, group interactions, and leadership. Mental skills training for use in sport environments is introduced. PREREQ: PSYC 1105. (lec 3, lab 2) cr 3.
An introduction to therapeutic exercises will be viewed through theory and practice in this course. Students are expected to acquire knowledge and proficiency in basic exercise rehabilitation for a variety of special populations. Examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis and intervention techniques through case studies will be the main focus to enhance student proficiency in exercise design in the therapeutic milieu. PREREQ: PHED 2506/7 or PHED 2516/17. (exp 3) cr 1.5.
This course is an introduction to gerontological exercise and wellness programming. The course is designed, through theory and practical application, to provide the student with the knowledge, instructional and communication techniques that fitness professionals who work with older adults need to provide safe and effective programming for their clients. A variety of fields will be integrated such as exercise physiology and psychology to ensure a better understanding of basic principles and skills inherent to working with older adults. Special focus will be placed on the frail elderly with special needs towards programming. Proactive approaches to empowering the aging community will be emphasized. Activity programming within an institution such as nursing homes will also be viewed. Special medical needs will also be integrated within exercise programming. PREREQ: PHED 2506/7 (may be taken concurrently). (exp 3) cr 1.5.
This course consists of an immersive multi-day wilderness canoe trip. The trip is peer-led by fourth-year students from the Outdoor Adventure Leadership program. Students acquire applied (experiential) wilderness canoe tripping skills including canoeing, portaging, fire building, camp cooking, and shelter/tarp set up. PREREQ: PHED/EDPH 0299, current CPR First Aid/CPR certification, basic aquatics skill test. Sem, Field Work (cr 0)
This course covers different functional assessment and analysis tools as they typically apply to settings in physical rehabilitation, ergonomics and gerontology. Both the theoretical conceptualization of the tests and the actual testing are covered. PREREQ: completion of a minimum of first 2 years of Kinesiology or equivalent academic background, or instructor's permission. (lec 2, lab 1) cr 3.
This course is a study of the etiology and nature of the injuries that occur during physical activities, with emphasis on prophylaxis and non-medical management. PREREQ: PHED 1506/7 or BIOL 2105 and 2506/7 or or PHED 2516/2517. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course examines research methods including observational techniques, survey research and advanced sampling methodology. Students study a variety of inferential statistical procedures. PREREQ: SOCI 1015 or LBST 1006. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course covers the theory of exercise and physical activity participation. Emphasis is placed on the analysis and application of theoretical knowledge to understand and respond to challenges encountered in exercise psychology and physical activity promotion. Lec. 3cr. Prerequisite: PSYC 1105 or permission from the Professor.
This course is a research project in kinesiology on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with and approved by a supervisor and the coordinator of Kinesiology. The completed project is presented at a seminar and written as a B.Sc. thesis according to Kinesiology program regulations. PREREQ: completion of the first three years of the Kinesiology program or equivalent academic background and PHED 3136, or permission of the instructor. (exp) cr 6.
This course provides practical experience and study in an outside agency, institution, or organization related to the field of kinesiology. The student works under the direction of a faculty advisor and the immediate supervision of an accredited practitioner in the field. This internship is normally done in the field of rehabilitation or gerontology. PREREQ: completion of the first three years of the BSc Kinesiology program or equivalent academic background. (CST/Internship 3) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for PHED 4815, PHED 4816 and PHED 4814.
This course is designed to explore the theoretical basis of clinical biomechanics and expose students to the skills necessary to work in the area. Special emphasis is in the areas of: Posture and Balance, Gait, and Orthopedic Biomechanics of the lower limb. Lectures cover the theory underlying normal musculoskeletal and neural control system function using physics and engineering concepts. Clinical and pathological examples are discussed to highlight differences from the healthy state, and explore how these differences arise. Labs provide the opportunity to apply the theory. Prerequisites: PHYS 1206/07, PHED 4136. (CST/Lec 3, Lab 3) cr 3.
This course is designed to provide the students with fundamental knowledge required to understand, implement and promote the principles of physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual and occupational dimensions of health and wellness education in a variety of settings. From health education emerges healthy behaviour which is an important determinant of personal, community and global health. Health education as it relates to the development and implementation of planned learning experiences, the motivation to change attitude and influence behaviour in academic and informal group education settings will be discussed. PREREQ: PHED 2506/7. (lec 3) cr 3.
The course is designed to introduce students to the broad, challenging, controversial academic disciplines and professions of community health. Students will be challenged to identify and find potential solutions to health problems of a specific community. Areas of concentration towards the discipline will place emphasis on school health, public health, employee health, maternal and child health, environmental health protection and personal health practices of individuals and families. PREREQ: PHED 2506/7. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course introduces students to the basic structures and functions of the Canadian health care system and health policy focused around the funding, delivery, and allocation of Canadian health care. Students will learn about the basic elements and drivers of health policy and develop health policy analysis skills. Students will have an opportunity to critically analyze, debate, and present current issues in health care through a policy analysis lens. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course is the study of sports as a social phenomenon and the presentation of some of the basic elements involved in the interaction of mobile human being. Topics include sport and culture, sport in education, social stratification, race, group dynamics, and social psychology of the athlete and coach. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course introduces and critically evaluates complementary and alternative therapies. Topics include systematized health care practices (eg. Chinese medicine), botanical healing (Naturopathy), manual practices (acupuncture), mind-body-spirit paradigms (Tai chi), and differences between international practices. The course also explores the pathway of becoming a practitioner in a chosen field. PREREQ: enrolled in the School of Human Kinetics. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course is a study of human biological growth and maturation in the context of physical activity and performance. Age and sex-related variations in development and physical performance are examined along with certain regulatory mechanisms of growth and maturation. PREREQ: PHED 1506/7 or BIOL 2105. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course is a discussion of current topics in nutrition, such as characteristics of food groups and their influence on human health and diseases, nutritional needs during various phases of the life cycle, dental health, overweight, food processing and supply, food hygiene standards, food faddism, nutrition education, and alcohol. PREREQ: PHED 2506/7 or PHED 2516/2517. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course is designed to give students an understanding of ergonomic methodology. Methodology aimed at work evaluation and investigation is covered in detail. Students are given an opportunity to apply their skill through case studies focusing on workplace design and work organization. Intervention strategies, including participatory processes, are also covered. PREREQ: PHED 2526 or instructor's permission. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course is designed to introduce the student to altered physiologic concepts affecting individuals and the biologic basis for disease. The course emphasizes the importance of exercise and healthy lifestyles in preventing disease and altering disease outcomes. The course builds upon knowledge of normal anatomy and physiology, beginning with the basis of cellular biology, cancer, the infection process and the immune system. A focus on specific body systems and common disorders will also be covered. A case study approach will be utilized to provide a comprehensive overview of the etiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of disease in adults and children. PREREQ: PHED 2506/7. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course examines aging in Canada from an ethnic perspective. Topics include the family and community, the life course, death and dying, health, and economics, as well as theory and methodology in ethnogerontology. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course examines occupational health problems encountered in industry; particularly those due to dusts, gases, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, noise, heat stress and vibration. Methods of establishing safe threshold limit values for these human stressors and determining degree of compliance through measurement and engineering controls are investigated. The tripartite system established between worker, management and government to ensure a safe work environment is explored. PREREQ: CHMI 1006 or CHMI 1041 or equivalent. (lec 3, lab 1.5) cr 3.
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