Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology

Note

For the complete list of faculty members, please consult the Department website.

Department Objectives

The Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology is committed to teaching and research in the areas of exercise, health, and physical activity while emphasizing the 1) fields of athletic therapy and 2) kinesiology and clinical exercise physiology. The curriculum permits students to explore the biomechanical and physiological responses to physical activity of healthy individuals and persons with a variety of pathologies and disabilities. Lectures and laboratories are combined with supervised involvement in research, and community and professional activities. Students are provided with an education which is compatible with obtaining employment in the health and fitness field or continuing their studies in health‑related professional or graduate schools.

The BSc Honours in Athletic Therapy, BSc in Athletic Therapy (BScAT), BSc Honours in Exercise Science, BSc Major in Exercise Science, BSc Honours in Kinesiology and Clinical Exercise Physiology and BSc in Kinesiology and Clinical Exercise Physiology provide students with the opportunity to acquire essential knowledge and a strong foundation in the field of exercise science. Students are exposed to a concentrated series of courses that incorporate the application of biological sciences to exercise, physical activity, and health‑related areas including athletic therapy and kinesiology and clinical exercise physiology.

The fundamental concepts associated with the BSc in Kinesiology and Clinical Exercise Physiology (KCEP) include the adaptation of traditional exercise forms, assessment techniques, and training protocols which address the needs of individuals with a disease or functional disability (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, neurological disorders). Students entering the field of KCEP acquire an appreciation of persons with a disability, their lifestyle, and their exercise possibilities. The form of exercise application ranges from adapted physical activities to competitive sports.

The BSc in Athletic Therapy (BScAT) is accredited by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) and is directed toward the preparation of students seeking to become a Certified Athletic Therapist in Canada (CAT[C]). A CAT(C) is devoted to the health care of physically active individuals. The scope of practice of the CATA includes prevention, immediate care, and reconditioning of musculoskeletal injuries. Some of the techniques used to accomplish prevention of injury are postural evaluation, conditioning, and providing prophylactic support. Immediate care and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injury consist of injury assessment, first aid and emergency care, exercise and modality therapy, and preparing individuals for safe return to physical activity or athletic participation. Student members (certification candidates) of the CATA must fulfill the academic and practical requirements of a program accredited by the CATA in order to enter the CATA certification exam process. The Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology offers one of seven such programs in Canada.

While the BSc major offers core applied‑science, health, and fitness courses, the BSc honours also introduces undergraduate students to research concepts and protocols. The BSc in Athletic Therapy (BScAT) and BSc in Kinesiology and Clinical Exercise Physiology (KCEP) offer courses providing a theoretical knowledge base in the respective areas of study.

Note: Labs in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology may require physical contact and/or skin exposure with another classmate while learning assessment, treatment, exercise techniques, and equipment placement. The labs manifest important and necessary scenarios to prepare the student for future professional employment. All labs, and parts thereof, in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology are mandatory. If participation in some labs is deemed problematic, the laboratory instructor, the course professor, and/or Chair of the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology must be contacted as early as possible.