Course Description:
The Department of Kinesiology provides a research-intensive environment that offers a unique opportunity for students in Kinesiology to both participate in, and contribute to the research of the faculty. Students participate in research while earning credits towards their degree through the 6-unit or 9-unit Senior Thesis course. KINESIOL 4RR6/4RR9 are two-term inquiry courses that provides students an opportunity to conduct original research by collecting data and acquiring laboratory skills under the supervision of a full-time faculty member or Associate Member of the Department.
KINESIOL 4RR6A/B:
Independent project involving a research topic under the supervision of a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University. The project involves developing a research proposal, a literature review, design of methodology, data collection and analysis, a research report appropriate to the sub-discipline, and an oral presentation. KINESIOL 4RR6 involves a research project that will require approximately 8-10 hours per week of time commitment. Students are advised to discuss the scope of the research project with their faculty supervisor.
KINESIOL 4RR9A/B:
Independent project involving a research topic under the supervision of a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University. The project involves developing a research proposal, a literature review, design of methodology, data collection and analysis, a research report appropriate to the sub-discipline, and an oral presentation. KINESIOL 4RR9 involves a research project that will require approximately 12-15 hours per week of time commitment. Students are advised to discuss the scope of the research project with their faculty supervisor.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should demonstrate general proficiency in carrying out independent research; specifically, the students should demonstrate the ability to:
- formulate a scientific hypothesis suitable for study
- design and conduct a project to support or refute the hypothesis
- analyze and present results in a thesis an oral and written thesis
Eligibility:
The Senior Thesis course is only available to students registered in Level IV Kinesiology. Students must have a Cumulative Average (CA) of 8.5 or higher, and successful completion of STATS 2B03 prior to the start of term.
*NEW* Starting Fall 2026, KINESIOL 3RM3 will be a requirement for anyone wishing to do a Thesis.
Please Note: Concurrent registration in KINESIOL 3RP3 is not permitted. Students cannot take KINESIOL 4RR6 and KINESIOL 4RR9 together.
Form Deadlines:
Students must submit their completed KINESIOL 4RR6 Thesis Enrollment Application or KINESIOL 4RR9 Thesis Enrollment Application to the Undergraduate Studies, Academic Program Advisor via email to kinug@mcmaster.ca or in-person in IWC 219C, ideally 30-days prior to the start of the Fall term.
Frequently Asked Questions about KINESIOL 4RR6/KINESIOL 4RR9:
Yes. It is the student’s responsibility to find a supervisor for a thesis prior to submitting forms. This requires planning for your placement before the deadlines for forms.
Concurrent registration in KINESIOL 3RP3 is not permitted. KINESIOL 3RP3 functions as a great introduction to this course.
Submit approval forms to the Academic Program Advisor and if you meet the requirements, permission will be coded to allow you to register in the course on your MOSAIC account. Note: The GPA requirement will be verified by the end of May and if you do not meet the required 8.5 both you and your supervisor will be notified that you are not eligible to enroll.
MOSAIC will not allow you to register in conflicting courses. You are required to attend all lecture components of the course.
Once registered in Mosaic for KINESIOL 4RR6A/KINESIOL 4RR9A, you will automatically be enrolled in KINESIOL 4RR6B/KINESIOL 4RR9B for the Winter term.