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Faculty of Science

Department of Kinesiology

Undergraduate Program Requirements

""B.SC. KIN (HONOURS)

All students in Kinesiology take a comprehensive core curriculum in Level I and Level II. In Level III and Level IV, our students can choose courses to match their personal interests and career aspirations.

Requirements for students who enter Kinesiology in September 2010 or later:
If there are discrepancies between the information given in the Undergraduate Calendar and the information below, the Undergraduate Calendar is the document of record.

Overview

Requirements – Overview:

  • Completion of 120 units total, including required courses, in Levels I to IV.
  • A full course load is 30 units per year.
  • No more than 48 units may be Level I courses.

Undergraduate Life

Admission Requirements

McMaster Academic Planner (M.A.P.)

Undergraduate Course Outlines

Undergraduate Program Requirements

Level 1

In first year, Kinesiology students complete the following required courses:

Kinesiology Courses (15 UNITS):

  • KINESIOL 1A03 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1: An introduction to basic embryology and tissue development, and examination of the anatomy and physiology of the nervous, articular and muscular systems.
  • KINESIOL 1AA3 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2: An examination of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, endocrine and reproductive systems.
  • KINESIOL 1ED3 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Physical Activity: Invites students to embark on a journey to enhance critical knowledge, capacity, and competency in applying equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in Kinesiology learning and practice.
  • KINESIOL 1F03 Human Nutrition and Health: An introduction to the study of human nutrition, with an examination of the role nutrition, and where applicable, physical activity in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
  • KINESIOL 1K03 Foundations in Kinesiology: Introduces students to the field of kinesiology, describing how the various sub-disciplines integrate together into a unified understanding of the study of human movement.

Math Courses (0-3 UNITS):

  • Math 1A03, 1LS3 (1LS3 recommended). It is recommended that students complete the math requirement in Level I.

Electives (12-15 UNITS):

  • Only 12 units required, if registered in math course

Level 2

Second year Kinesiology students complete the following required courses:

Kinesiology Courses (18 UNITS):

  • KINESIOL 2A03 Biomechanics: An introduction to the analysis of human motion using fundamental mechanical principles, with a focus on inquiry and laboratory skills.
  • KINESIOL 2C03 Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology: Examination of neuromuscular function during exercise, with an emphasis on factors limiting strength, speed and power performance. Adaptations to training will also be considered, as well as mechanisms of training-induced muscle damage.
  • KINESIOL 2CC3 Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Exercise Physiology: Examination of cardiorespiratory function and metabolic regulation during exercise, with emphasis on factors limiting human performance. Adaptations to training will also be considered.
  • KINESIOL 2E03 Musculoskeletal Anatomy: Examination of anatomy with a focus on bones, joints, muscles and connective tissues of the spine and extremities. Experiential approach to functional movement analysis.
  • KINESIOL 2F03 Growth, Maturation and Physical Activity in Children and Youth: Examines the growth and maturation from various perspectives (i.e., biological, behavioural/psychological and social/environmental), and the influence these processes have on physical activity in the first two decades of life.
  • KINESIOL 2G03 Health Psychology:  An introduction to health psychology issues including stress, exercise, weight control and diet, health promotion, addictions and coping with illness.

Math Courses (3 UNITS):

  • Math 1A03, 1LS3 (1LS3 recommended). It is recommended that students complete the math requirement in Level I.

Stats Courses (3 UNITS):

  • Stats 2B03 (or in Level III). It is recommended that students complete the stats requirement in Level II.

Electives:

  • 12 (if not registered in math or stats course).

Level 3 and 4

Kinesiology Courses (36 UNITS MAX – Including At Least 9 Units Of Level IV):

From a menu of more than 30 courses that are offered, students choose 12 courses (36 units), reflecting personal interests and career aspirations. Sample courses offered include:

Stats Courses (3 UNITS):

  • Stats 2B03 (If not completed in Level II)

Electives:

  • 24 units (if stats requirement completed in Level II).
  • B.Sc. Kinesiology students must complete at least 6 units of electives selected from the Faculty of Science. These units may be completed in any Level
  • Kinesiology courses may not be used toward the elective component of the degree.