UofC " This Is Now

Location: Kinesiology Complex: KN B 142/143

Student Information: 403.220.7018 or 403.220.6762

Email address: knesinfo@ucalgary.ca

Web page URL: http://www.kin.ucalgary.ca/

The origins of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary date back to 1961 when the School of Physical Education was founded. In 1994, the name was changed to the Faculty of Kinesiology. Today, the faculty's curriculum and majors are recognized and accredited by a national council of kinesiologists. The curriculum is uniquely multi- and interdisciplinary. Undergraduate students study human movement from the perspectives of the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, with an integration of both theoretical and applied components. Issues of health, wellness, and human performance are prominent in both the curriculum and research of the faculty. Approximately 650 undergraduate and 85 graduate students are enrolled annually in the Faculty of Kinesiology.

In addition to a core curriculum, all undergraduate students will pursue one of six distinct major areas of study.

The General Major (BKin or BSc) offers flexibility to choose courses from Kinesiology and other Faculties. This enables students to tailor programs to their individual needs and interests. It is the most flexible of all Kinesiology Majors. A combined Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Kinesiology degree program is offered with the Haskayne School of Business. 

The Athletic Therapy Major (BKin) is a joint offering with Mount Royal University, providing professional training in Athletic Therapy, including an experiential component during a full year on the Mount Royal University campus. Ten students per year are admitted to the major after two years of preparatory course work. This program is accredited by the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association.

The Biomechanics Major (BKin or BSc) focuses on the mechanics of human movement with an emphasis on biomedical and sports applications, through course work in Kinesiology, Mathematics, and Engineering.

The Exercise and Health Physiology Major (BKin or BSc) builds upon fundamental knowledge in human movement and physiological functioning to understand the physiological response to exercise (from activities of daily living to high performance sport), and also the impact of exercise and diet on the physiological determinants of health and human performance across the life span.

The Mind Sciences in Kinesiology Major (BKin or BSc) provides a comprehensive education in the areas of behavioural neurosciences, cognition and neuro-motor control, and the application of personality and social psychological principles to the fields of exercise and health psychology, and sport psychology.

The Leadership in Pedagogy and Coaching Major (BKin) allows students to declare a concentration in Pedagogy or Coaching. The Pedagogy concentration addresses the teaching and learning of kinesiology content and activity for both children and adults. Teacher certification must be obtained after completing this program in order to work in the educational environment. The Coaching concentration will develop leaders in the area of coaching with a strong emphasis on both the foundations of coaching as well as practicum experience.

The Kinesiology undergraduate curriculum addresses the seven core academic competencies endorsed by the University of Calgary. These are critical and creative thinking, problem analysis, effective communication, gathering and organizing information, abstract thinking, interpretative and assessment skills, and insight and intuition in generating knowledge. The curriculum provides an opportunity for students to acquire advanced levels of knowledge on contemporary issues related to health, movement, exercise, and sport. Laboratory, professional, and experiential courses are designed to facilitate the transition from undergraduate education to the workplace and/or graduate education. Finally, the undergraduate program promotes a lifelong desire for learning, an appreciation for a healthy lifestyle, and willingness to assume leadership roles in the promotion of health, wellness, and human performance.

Past graduates of Kinesiology have succeeded in positions of leadership in community and corporate wellness programs; sport management and promotion; fitness promotion, assessment and prescription; coaching and training amateur athletes; therapeutic and rehabilitative programs; ergonomic assessments; exercise therapy; and other professional opportunities through sport and physical activity.

Academic advisors in the Student Programs Office are available for program consultation during regular office hours. Students are encouraged to become acquainted with the Student Programs Office and its advising resources to discuss any aspect of academic programs.

Kinesiology Student Society (KSS) is an undergraduate club responsible for academic and social activities. The main objective is to build spirit and rapport within the Faculty.

The Faculty of Kinesiology is home to many integrated units designed to provide a complete experience in education, research, and programming. Research in the Faculty is conducted in some of the finest research laboratories, clinical space, and athletic/recreational training facilities found anywhere in the world. Several highly productive research units exist within the Faculty including the Roger Jackson Centre for Health and Wellness Research comprised of the Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) and the Sport Medicine Centre.

The Faculty includes several large non-academic units. These units, integral to the Faculty, contribute to an enriched environment for students, staff, and faculty, and include the University of Calgary athletic teams (the Dinos), Campus Recreation, Community Programs, Outdoor Programs, and the Olympic Oval.

The Kinesiology Complex at the University of Calgary is a multi-faceted facility comprised of over 70,000 sq meters of indoor area and over 12 hectares of outdoor activity space. The complex consists of five gymnasia, two dance studios, a 50 meter swimming pool, two combative rooms, a gymnastics centre, two indoor climbing walls, a large fitness centre, high performance weight room, a 200 meter six lane track, aerobics studios, thirteen squash courts, seven racquetball courts, eight classrooms, four lecture theatres, and multiple meeting and conference rooms. The outdoor activity area is comprised of seven natural grass playing fields, one multi-use hard court area, and a synthetic field hockey pitch.