KIN Course Descriptions

Kinesiology (2009-2010)

A seminar for students to present and discuss ergonomic issues regarding their previous semester's work term and to participate in debate of ergonomic issues

Functionally-oriented regional anatomy of the limbs and trunk using predissected cadavers. A brief introduction to neuroanatomy is included.

Regional gross anatomy of the limbs and back (and the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, briefly) is examined using pre-dissected human cadavers. For the limbs and back, emphasis is placed on structures (muscles, nerves, and bones) involved in movement at the joints.

This lab provides exposure to practical measurement skills which are relevant to field settings in Kinesiology. Students will acquire skills in the tests measuring cardiovascular function, neuromuscular function, and body composition. Note: Labs offered alternate weeks.

The basic concepts of cardiovascular, respiratory and thermoregulatory responses to physical activity will be examined and applied to situations encountered in daily life including recreational activities, sport, and the workplace.

Understanding human activity from a mechanical perspective prepares the student to address major issues which include reducing the risk of injury, optimizing exercise prescription, and understanding clinical evaluations. Specifically, concepts related to functional anatomy, muscle and passive tissue mechanics, anthropometry, electromyography, and linked segment mechanics are introduced and applied to clinical, occupational and athletic situations.

This lab provides exposure and training in the management of injuries in an athletic population. Techniques include musculoskeletal assessment, emergency treatment, taping and splinting supports, heating, icing, stretching, and fitting protective equipment. Students applying for this lab must provide an information sheet listing experiences in injury settings, related qualifications such as CPR and first aid.

The course examines the scope and nature of ergonomics including: injury mechanisms, evaluation and assessment techniques, occupational health and safety legislation, and making successful ergonomic changes.

This course examines the structure and composition of the muscle cell and the differences between cells which provide for a diversity of function during activity. Particular attention is also given to the motor nerve and muscle cell type interactions and the applied aspects of energy supply and utilization. Note: Labs offered alternate weeks.

The physiology of human growth, development and aging is examined, with special reference to the influence of diet, environment, exercise and disease on the normal processes.

An elementary course in human biochemistry including the metabolism and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and hormones. Emphasis is placed on the application of biochemical principles to human movement.

The course is structured to introduce measurement, analytical and computation techniques involving multisegmental, dynamic analysis of human activity. Examples of human activity in occupational, clinical and leisure settings from the perspectives of anthropometry, kinematics, kinetics, energetics, muscle mechanics and electromyography are given. The utility of biomechanical variables in the solution of questions involving human activity is emphasized using lectures and laboratories. Note: Labs offered alternate weeks.

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics and the interpretation of data. A major consideration of the course is the use of statistics in the solution of problems in Kinesiology and Health Studies.

An introduction to selected movement disorders and their implications for physical activity. The movement disorders examined include those which accompany neuromuscular and perceptual-motor impairment, mental retardation, cardio-vascular and respiratory disease.

An introduction to the sociology of physical activity. The course examines physical activity with respect to settings such as the workplace, educational and health systems, exercise, and sport. Particular attention is directed to a consideration of the social significance of physical activity and the social influences and constraints upon access and participation.

An information processing approach is used to introduce the principles of learning and performing fine and gross motor skills. In addition, social psychological variables are studied as they relate to the facilitation or decrement in learning and performance.

A study integrating the theoretical and applied aspects of motor and perceptual motor development in children and adolescents. Tutorials will examine children in an applied setting.

Functionally-oriented anatomy of the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves and the tissues they innervate using predissected cadavers. This course complements other behavioural neuroscience courses including KIN 416, 456, and PSYCH 261, 307, 396.

Task analysis is used to describe and analyze the activities of people in settings such as work, leisure and activities of daily living. There is a range of techniques developed in engineering, ergonomics and psychology to suit the investigator's purpose and setting. This course allows students to become familiar with a wide range of techniques and use them in a variety of settings. Approximately one technique will be addressed each week in a combined lecture/tutorial setting. Presentations by students are an integral part of the courses.

An introduction to the basic principles of scientific inquiry in Kinesiology. A systematic treatment of the logic and practice of methods and techniques employed in research related to physical activity with an examination of design, sampling, data gathering and analysis.

An introductory course to the area of sports medicine in which injuries encountered in sport and in the workplace are examined. Materials covered include the mechanisms of injury, tissue biomechanics, pathology, assessment, treatment and prevention of acute and chronic trauma.

This course covers the mechanisms, pathology, management and prevention of catastrophic injuries encountered in sport and work. Topics include trauma to the head, face, vertebral column, and knee, thermal injury, legal liability and others as requested by the students.

An elementary course in nutrition with special emphasis on diet for sport and certain physiological conditions.

The study and application of basic social psychological processes in relation to selected health-related behaviours (e.g. family planning, overeating, smoking, non-medical drug use, cardiovascular risk factors, patient compliance, medical care utilization).

The course will focus on the prevention of chronic disease through individual and population health behaviour change. Topics covered will include basic learning principles of behaviour, behaviour modification techniques, intrapersonal and interpersonal theories of behaviour change, motivation, and the role of policy in behaviour change. Application of principles will be examined using primary and secondary prevention trials and worksite health promotion programs.

An introduction to individual and population aging. Topics discussed include: aging from a historical and comparative perspective; aging in subcultures; aging and the social structure; aging and social processes; aging and the environment; work and retirement; and aging and leisure patterns.

An examination of sport and other forms of physical activity as social situations. Topics such as social facilitation, modelling, person perception, expectancies, group structure, unity, motivation, leadership, conformity, and intergroup relations are introduced in relation to motor performance.

An information processing model of perceptual-motor behaviour is presented. Human performance theory is used to study processes mediating input and output information. Specifically, the subprocesses of storage of information in memory, perception, retrieval of information from memory and execution of movement are examined.

A course focused on the bases and applications of theories of motor learning. Included are selected psychological and neurophysiological processes as they relate to these theories.

Study abroad on an Exchange Agreement approved by the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences.

This course involves an unpaid apprenticeship for six to eight hours per week in a faculty research program. Students will be assigned duties that will enable them to acquire new skills and understanding of the research process. Specific goals and outcomes will be specified in writing and agreed to by the faculty supervisor and the student and approved and monitored by the Kinesiology Associate Chair Undergraduate Studies. The student must write a final report describing how the goals and outcomes of the apprenticeship have been accomplished. The report must be signed by both the student and the supervisor and submitted to the Kinesiology Associate Chair Undergraduate Studies. Applications are available at the Kinesiology Undergraduate Office. Evaluation will be on a credit/no credit basis with the procedure pre-arranged. Paid or volunteer positions that are obtained outside the context of this course are not eligible for credit in this course. Students could enhance their research experience and familiarization with the protocols used in a research program.

An analysis of the physiologic adaptations that occur in response to protracted physical activity and the influence of such adaptations on the response to work in a variety of environmental conditions. Special emphasis is given to the changes occurring in skeletal and cardiac muscles and the neuro-endocrine mechanisms involved.

An examination of human cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses at rest and during work in altered gravitational and barometric environments.

An analysis of the physiological demands of work place and recreational tasks under various environmental conditions. The course will examine how an individual's physiological potential might be influenced by the environment and specific task demands with implications for fatigue and/or injury.

This course will examine the environmental and physiological aspects of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes with emphasis on the molecular pathways involved in energy balance regulation. Topics to be covered include epidemiology of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, regulation of energy intake (appetite), energy storage and energy expenditure, and the role of physical inactivity and activity in the causes and prevention of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.

An examination of the rationale and procedures used in the development of exercise programs for normally healthy individuals.

This course will examine the cellular and molecular adaptations that occur in skeletal muscle during aging and disease. Topics to be covered include skeletal muscle satellite cells/stem cells, apoptosis and necrosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The influence of physical activity on these biological processes and in the prevention and treatment of skeletal disorders will also be discussed.

An examination of the pathology, risk factors and rehabilitation programs related to coronary heart disease. Major emphasis is placed on the cardio-respiratory implications of exercise in the rehabilitation process.

This course will provide an advanced understanding of heart and blood vessel physiology in normal health, and in cardiovascular disease conditions including hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. This will include examination of mechanisms underlying lifestyle and medical/ pharmacological management of these conditions from both prevention and treatment perspectives. The influence of physical activity on heart and blood vessel physiology and pathophysiology will be emphasized. Contemporary research elucidating cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling heart and blood vessel function in health and disease will be discussed.

This course explores current clinical neurophysiological concepts important for the control of human movement. Emphasis is placed on the neurophysiology underlying human movement pathologies and the application of neuroscience issues to rehabilitation. Specific injury and disease states that will be discussed include spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's chorea.

An examination of the neural processes involved in the maintenance of posture and the control of movement.

An introduction to biochemical and molecular methods used in clinical and research settings, including blood chemistry and tissue analysis. Course consists of lecture and laboratory to deliver both the theoretical and practical aspects of these analytical techniques.

This course is designed to provide the students with the knowledge that enables them to distinguish between normal and abnormal aging; to understand the implications of exercise in health and disease; to help the students understand the different physical and mental conditions they may experience while working with an older person; and to be prepared to meet the challenges associated with an increasing older population by developing knowledgeable professionals in the field of aging.

A course designed to provide the student with knowledge to reduce the risk of injury and increase worker productivity. Issues include identification of injury risk factors, understanding injury mechanism, quantitative assessment of injury risk and intervention strategies to reduce the risk of injury. Specific examples include the use of computerized models and EMG methods to analyze low back loading, optimizing tool design and workspace layout and the examination of related issues such as office seating and vibration.

This course will provide a detailed understanding of the kinematics, kinetics, and neural control of standing posture, stepping, walking, and running under normal and perturbed conditions. Measurement techniques, processing data, and the interpretation of total body and limb synergies will be emphasised from a biomechanical and neural control perspective. The problems of the elderly and the assessment of those with pathologies will be emphasized.

The quantitative measurement and analysis of the movement of the human musculo skeletal system. Multisegment dynamic movements will be studied using computer programs, with emphasis on kinematics, kinetics and energetics, as well as the use of EMG in the assessment of the control of the movement. Examples are presented from pathological, normal and athletic movement.

An advanced elective undergraduate course that introduces the multidisciplinary issues (psychosocial, behavioural, physiological, motor control, biomechanical and legislative) related to low back disorders. A solid scientific foundation is developed from the study of anatomy, normal function and injury mechanics. This foundation is used to substantiate the best strategies for injury prevention and optimal rehabilitation for those with back troubles.

This course introduces the multiple factors that mediate the initiation, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of disorders in the upper extremities. Beginning with a systematic review of hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder region functional anatomy, a knowledge base is developed to provide a means for the analysis of injury mechanisms. With this base developed, current prevention, clinical diagnosis and rehabilitation techniques for specific disorders will be examined, including carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, and lateral epicondylitis. Pathologies arising from occupational, sport, and daily living activities will be addressed.

The substantial problem of osteoporosis, arthritis and related diseases of the skeleton will be the main focus of this course. Topics covered include: skeletal physiology, bone and cartilage growth and development, bone and joint diseases and disorders, clinical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint disease, and the roles of nutrition and exercise in the prevention and treatment of bone and joint disease. The course will incorporate current issues, problem-based learning, research skills and student-led seminars in addition to the lecture-based framework. The overall aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the skeleton in health and disease.

An independent paper in the form of a research proposal on an approved topic. The topic may include survey, field, laboratory, theoretical, or applied research, program evaluation, mathematical modelling, fitness appraisal, etc. The format is to be determined with the supervisor and may be in chapters or in journal style.

An independent research project on an approved topic, supervised by a faculty member. This is the completion of the research proposed in KIN 431. The format is to be determined with the supervisor and may be in chapters or in journal style.

An extensive critical review of the literature on an approved topic. The topics will be broader in scope than those associated with specific research proposals.

This seminar reviews cases of injury management in an athletic population. Students each present a minimum of two cases, using appropriate research literature support and comparison of alternative management approaches and conclusions. Students applying for this seminar must provide an information sheet listing experiences in injury settings, related qualifications such as CPR and first aid, and marks in KIN 100, 100L, 340, 341.

This course focuses on the physiological and biochemical aspects of nutrition. Emphasis will be placed on nutritional mechanisms involved in chronic disease afflicting modern societies including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis. Changing nutritional demands such as those found with pregnancy, infant development and aging will also be examined. Both historical and developing aspects of nutritional science will be incorporated to highlight the paradigm shift from the prevention of nutritional deficiencies to the promotion of "optimal" health.

This course will examine social aspects of injuries in the context of the workplace, sport and exercise settings. Topics to be covered include risk factors, health and safety climates, cultures of risk, injury prevention strategies, rehabilitation and return to work, and the role of the state in regard to health and safety legislation and insurance programs.

An advanced course in the sociology of sport with a particular focus on sport in Canadian society. Topics include the structure and processes of Canadian sport and its place in Canadian social structure and culture.

An introduction to specific psychological topics as they relate to the social psychological behaviour of the individual in motor performance situations. Topics usually examined are personality, anxiety, motivation, attribution.

The purpose of this course is to understand the "social" determinants of health in the work context. Social factors at the macro-level of social institutions, the meso-level of work organization and the micro-level of social interactions will be explored and their role in the production of disease and injury will be analysed. This course will include topics such as workers' compensation systems, labour market restructuring, organizational justice, incivility, bullying and job-stress. In addition, this course will highlight how social location (such as gender, hierarchy) influences the distribution of risk factors in the work environment.

An examination of issues related to understanding the cerebral organization of motor skill. Discussion of how certain movement disorders are a reflection of disturbances at different stages in the sequence of information processing.

This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the principles underlying the assessment of cognitive, perceptual and motor functions. Measurement issues associated with test development and use, factors involved in the administration and interpretation of test results, and methods of report writing will be examined. Under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist, the student will learn to administer a number of test instruments used in the assessment of cognitive, perceptual and motor functions. Assessments will be done on normal, healthy volunteers recruited from the university community.

An examination of current major issues and trends in Kinesiology. Students select areas of major interest from a series of faculty introduced topics.

An examination of current major issues and trends in Ergonomics.

One or more term courses will be offered from time to time as announced by the Kinesiology Department. Subjects will be dependent upon special research and/or instructional interests of faculty.

For the student who desires to pursue a particular topic in depth through guided independent research and/or reading. A faculty member must approve a student's project prior to registration. May be repeated in subsequent terms.

Practical experience in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of sports injuries under the supervision of a physician. Case presentations are discussed in a group setting.

Practical experience with cardiac patients in a rehabilitation setting; major emphasis is placed on the cardio-respiratory implications of exercise and behaviour modification.

Practical experience with cardiac patients in a rehabilitation setting; major emphasis is placed on the cardio-respiratory implications of exercise and behaviour modification.

Practical experience in movement assessment of persons from various special populations such as the normal elderly and those with neurological, degenerative or developmental disorders. Motor functions involving gait, posture and balance or upper limb movements will typically be examined in these assessments.

A presentation must be made by each 4B student explaining quantitative and qualitative methods used, interpretation of data where applicable, explanation of interventions employed, together with an overview of components of interest to those in ergonomics. Credit requires both the off-campus practicum experiences and attendance at the seminar component over six academic terms where all students are expected to participate in debate of ergonomic issues. Occasional guest ergonomists address the group. Graded credit/non credit.