Kinesiology

  • Overview

    McMaster’s Kinesiology program is the best of both worlds, an applied hands-on study of the Kinesiology discipline, offered through the Faculty of Science. This coupling recognizes our strong science-based curriculum and the degree, Honours Bachelor of Science Kinesiology, is a testament to the strength and focus of research being done by our faculty members.

    We aim to inspire a passion for lifelong learning and discovery, and strive to prepare our students to become leaders and valued members of society. Our mission is the discovery, communication and application of knowledge through the multi-disciplinary study of human movement, exercise and the relationships between physical activity and health.

  • Admission Details

    Admission Average and Requirements
    OUAC Application Code: MV

    Target Enrollment: 200

  • Web Links

    Homepage: http://www.mcmaster.ca/kinesiology

  • Facilities

    • Centre for Health Promotion & Rehabilitation
    • Centre for Spinal Cord Injury Education, Research and Rehabiltation

  • Why Kinesiology at McMaster?

    Kinesiology at McMaster combines theory and practice, to maximize the development of those skills that you will need for success. This approach makes our graduates very attractive to both professional schools and employers.

    The strength and uniqueness of our program is the result of our outstanding faculty and the research they do. In your final year, you may decide to complete an Independent Study or Thesis course in an area of personal interest, working one-on-one with a professor.

  • Program Brochure

  • 1st Year Courses

    Total: 30 units
    Required: 18 units

    Electives: 12 units

    Note: The value of a particular course is indicated by the last digit of the course code (e.g. 1A03 = 3 units).

    Experential Learning

    As a student in Kinesiology, you will participate in diverse learning strategies used by our award-winning professors, including:

    • simulations
    • service-learning projects
    • laboratory applications
    • computer-mediated experiments

    You may choose to complete a community-based placement that allows you to develop professional skills in the fields of: rehabilitation, special populations, teaching, coaching and recreational leadership, outdoor education, health promotion and sports injuries.

    To test drive your career choices, we encourage participation in volunteer opportunities. Some recent examples our students participated in include: training assistant for cardiac patients, seniors or people with spinal cord injury, therapeutic activity planner, health education assistant, mobility assistant, teaching assistant, sports instructor/coach and physical education assistant.

  • Beyond 1st Year

    (Honours) Bachelor of Science Kinesiology
    Kinesology is a direct-entry program. As a first year student, you are immediately exposed to the breadth of study within Kinesiology by registering in the following courses: Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II; Physical Activity, Epidemiology and Health; Motor Control and Learning; Human Nutrition; and Research Methods.

    Level II
    Exposure to other disciplines within Kinesiology continues in second year, where the required courses include Biomechanics; Neuromuscular Exercise Physiology; Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Exercise Physiology; Musculoskeletal Anatomy; Human Growth and Motor Development Across the Lifespan and Health Psychology.

    Level III
    By the end of Level II, you will have been introduced to many areas of Kinesiology and  may, if you choose, continue to concentrate your third and fourth year studies in one or two of these sub-disciplines or continue to select courses which span the breadth of Kinesiology.

    Additionally, the wide selection of third and fourth year courses caters to our students’ diverse career interests. The popular areas of study include:

    • biomechanics and ergonomics
    • exercise rehabilitation in special populations
    • exercise physiology
    • health, exercise and lifestyle counseling
    • sports injuries and rehabilitation techniques
    • independent study (placement or thesis courses)

  • Careers or Options Beyond This Program

    Upon graduation, McMaster Kinesiology students are well prepared to practice as
    Kinesiologists or continue their studies in many professional or graduate schools, including:

    • Medicine
    • Physiotherapy
    • Chiropractics
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Dentistry
    • Education
    • Biomechanics
    • Cardiac Rehabilitation
    • Ergonomics
    • Exercise Physiology

    In addition to the careers associated with these professional and graduate programs, here is a small sampling of careers our graduates are currently enjoying:

    • Kinesiologist
    • Ergonomics Consultant
    • Sports Medicine Clinician
    • Clinical Biomechanist
    • Strength and Conditioning Coach
    • Nutritionist
    • Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
    • Exercise Rehabilitation Specialist

Schedule

Typical Timetable