McMaster University
Program Requirements Print E-mail

All students in Kinesiology take a comprehensive 'core curriculum' in Level I and Level II. In Level III and Level IV students choose courses that cater to personal interests and career aspirations. Quick Overview

Level I

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

  • KINESIOLOGY 1A03 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 An introduction to the basic embryology and tissue development and examination of the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic and respiratory systems.
  • KINESIOLOGY 1AA3 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 An examination of the anatomy and physiology of the articular, muscular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, renal and reproductive systems.

  • KINESIOLOGY 1C03 Physical Activity Epidemiology and Health Introduction to the study of physical activity epidemiology and examines the relationship between physical activity and health.

  • KINESIOLOGY 1E03 Psychomotor Behaviour This course examines the behavioural and psychological principles underlying motor control and motor learning. Students will be introduced to the information processing approach to human motor behaviour and how this approach is used to understand factors underlying human movement. They will develop an understanding of the theoretical accounts of skill acquisition and movement control. Upon completion of the course, students will have a strong foundation knowledge of psychomotor behaviour which they can apply to future study in teaching, coaching, rehabilitation, etc. and gain an appreciation of the scientific method as it relates to motor performance and learning.

  • KINESIOLOGY 1F03 Introduction to Human Nutrition and Health Introduction to the study of human nutrition and examines the role of nutritional practice and physical activity in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, including obesity and diabetes.

  • KINESIOLOGY 1G03 Research Methodologies and Data Analyses Introduction to the ways in which independent research initiatives are conducted in the discipline of kinesiology based on the generation of pertinent research questions and the testing of specific hypothesis.


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Level II

Second year Kinesiology students complete the following required courses:

  • KINESIOL 2A03 BIOMECHANICS An introduction to mechanical principles and concepts as applied to human physical activity and the musculoskeletal system.

  • 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 training methods used to induce adaptations.

  • KINESIOL 2CC3 CARDIORESPIRATORY AND METABOLIC EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY Examination of cardiorespiratory function during exercise, with emphasis on factors limiting endurance performance. Adaptations to training will also be considered, as well as training methods used to induce adaptations.

  • KINESIOL 2E03 MUSCULOSKELETAL ANATOMY Examination of functional anatomy from a hands on, experiential perspective with a focus on palpating the structures of the osseous, articular, muscular and supportive systems.

  • KINESIOL 2F03 HUMAN GROWTH AND MOTOR DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE LIFESPAN Growth, developmental and aging changes underlying morphological and functional development of selected physiological systems which influence human exercise capacity throughout the life span.

  • KINESIOL 2G03 HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY An introduction to health psychology issues including stress, exercise, weight control and diet, health promotion, addictions and coping with illness.

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Level III and IV

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

  • Acute Injury Assessment and Rehabilitation
  • Clinical Biomechanics
  • Ergonomics
  • Exercise Psychology
  • Exercise Testing & Prescription
  • Foundations of Coaching and Leadership
  • Functional Anatomy
  • Growth and Maturation
  • Human Aging: Biological Lifestyle Influences
  • Human Nutrition &Metabolism
  • Integrative Physiology of Human Performance
  • Leadership & motivation in Physical Activity
  • Neural Control
  • Paediatric Exercise Physiology
  • Physical Activity & Coronary Heart Disease
  • Physical Activity for Special Needs Populations
  • Rehabilitation Techniques
  • Senior Thesis (Independent Research Course)
  • Skeletal Muscle Cell & Molecular Physiology
  • Somatics & Holistic Health

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