Mind Sciences in Kinesiology
Bachelor of Kinesiology (also available as a Bachelor of Science)
(Faculty of Kinesiology)
Students in the Mind Sciences program at the University of Calgary learn the underlying neural, cognitive and psychosocial concepts that are key to understanding human behaviour in physical activity, sport and health. Mind Sciences majors receive a comprehensive education in behavioural neurosciences, cognition and neuromotor control, and personality, social and sport psychology. They learn approaches that researchers and practitioners in these fields use to describe, explain, predict, and/or manage human behaviour.
The behavioural neurosciences course cluster studies the structure and function of the nervous system and explores how this knowledge is applied to physical activity and health, particularly in the areas of health and wellness, gerontology, special populations and physical therapy. Courses focused on cognition and neuromotor control provide a theoretical foundation to understanding the cognitive and dynamic models of motor learning and control, visual perception and attention, memory, and decision making, with emphasis on their application in human performance, teaching, coaching, physical therapy, human factors and ergonomics. Students also learn personality and social psychology concepts and how these can be used to enhance human participation, and improve performance, in physical activities. Special attention is paid to the application of these psychology principles in exercise and sport psychology, health, performance enhancement, teaching, education, counselling and team building.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Faculty of Kinesiology, applicants are required to present the appropriate high school subjects and a competitive average.
Application/Document DeadlinesWhy Study Mind Sciences?
You’re a natural
Do you ever wonder if professional athletes have a certain personality type that makes them successful? Are there personality types that are more likely to become elite athletes? Kinesiology students have varied backgrounds and interests, but Mind Sciences students are united in their curiosity to discover how the brain affects physical activity and human performance.
Ahead of the game
Previously, a Kinesiology student pursuing a career as a chartered psychologist would have to earn a Kinesiology undergraduate degree, and then spend the first year of their graduate program completing undergraduate psychology coursework to meet chartering requirements. If Mind Sciences students plan their program well, they can complete the required number of psychology courses in their undergraduate years, and enter the graduate program needing only to fulfill the requirements of the graduate program. The Mind Sciences program is one of the few programs available in Canada where students receive extensive preparation in both kinesiology and the social sciences.
Applied knowledge
The Mind Sciences major exposes students to new and demanding thought processes and learning experiences that promote a lifelong desire for learning and healthy living. Students acquire advanced levels of knowledge in areas related to health, movement, exercise and sport. They also develop the ability to synthesize knowledge and experiences in a particular field of study, learn to communicate effectively, and enhance their critical- and creative-thinking skills.
What Can I Do with My Degree?
Mind Sciences graduates possess specialized knowledge about the underlying neural, cognitive and psychosocial concepts that are key to understanding human behaviour in physical activity, and their application in improving human performance. They have strong research and critical-thinking skills, and are able to communicate effectively. Graduates may pursue careers in medicine, rehabilitation and any of the allied health fields, counselling, sport administration, and disease prevention, as well as performance enhancement. Mind Sciences graduates may also find career opportunities in the following sectors:
Government
Amateur sport coach, Health Canada
Education/communication
Community health teaching, fitness media/journalist
Business
Health and fitness entrepreneur, fitness and health consultant
U of C Curriculum Features
The curriculum fosters opportunities to develop a coherent range of knowledge and abilities in inquiry, critical thinking, problem solving and effective communication – the essential competencies and lifelong learning skills associated with graduates of a quality research university.
Interdisciplinary component
Kinesiology involves the study of human movement and function from many different theoretical and applied perspectives, including the natural and medical sciences, social sciences and humanities. These fields are incorporated into the core curriculum through course offerings in biomechanics, psychology, socio-cultural studies and anatomy, as well as core requirements in biology and zoology. Students majoring in Mind Sciences integrate study in behavioural neuroscience, cognitive and neuromotor control, and personality and social psychology into the common kinesiology foundation of their program. They are also required to complete electives outside the Faculty of Kinesiology, which provides them with more exposure to other disciplines and enhances the breadth and depth of their knowledge.
International component
The Mind Sciences program contains two required courses within the kinesiology core curriculum, KNES 243 and 245, which focus on international perspectives. These courses explore physical education and sport in Ancient Greece and Rome, the various effects of nationalism on physical education in Europe and North America, and the impact of sport on culture, politics and social organizations. Mind Sciences students may extend the international nature of the kinesiology core by taking APSY 323 – Communicating Across Cultures. Students enrolled in this course gain international perspectives regarding the perception, evaluation and treatment of abnormal behaviour, and develop intercultural communication skills that support cultural diversity in education and applied psychology. In addition, study-abroad terms and student exchanges are offered through the International Student Centre for those desiring first-hand international experience
Experiential learning
The university houses world-class athletic facilities used by students in activity courses (e.g., basketball and volleyball) to develop skill levels and build strengths in the evaluation and development of exercise programs. Some courses within the Kinesiology core program contain a laboratory, activity or research component so students can develop first-hand knowledge of kinesiology fundamentals. For example, Mind Sciences majors in KNES 399 perform fieldwork to gain practical experience in the analysis, investigation and assessment of various factors affecting human performance. The Mind Sciences program follows a scientist-practitioner model where faculty/student practical and research experiences are integrated into the classroom setting. This type of learning environment provides opportunities for discussion, reflection, debate, group work and presentations, all of which encourage active student participation.
Faculty-student interaction
Students interact with their instructors on a regular basis in KNES 201 and 203 core courses featuring multiple athletic activity and health and performance modules. In addition, the Kinesiology faculty organizes informal gatherings between faculty members and students to build a sense of community within the faculty. For instance, the Career Night program allows recent graduates to share their work experiences with students and instructors over pizza.
Integration of research
Faculty members are actively involved in a wide range of research projects including monitoring learning situations, curriculum writing, and producing resources and learning materials. Instructors incorporate their own and others’ research into lecture material to provide students with current and relevant information. Students are expected to perform research and document, reflect and develop effective practices based on the literature and their own experiences. The faculty offers KNES 203, 251, 253 and 473, where students conduct labs, practise qualitative methodology and generate data to develop their research skills, while students in KNES 353, 397 and 399 learn how to effectively communicate their research to others through their work on research papers.
Additional Information
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