Kinesiology - High School Student
Overview
Open up your world. Dive into a science degree that will get you exploring human movement, health promotion, rehabilitation, research, coaching and fitness.
Build a scientific foundation that can lead to work with healthy populations, elite athletes, individuals with chronic diseases, and people with physical challenges. Partner theory with 1,000+ hours of hands-on learning (work placements, practicum classes and labs).
1st/2nd years: Learn the fundamentals of the human body, structure and function. Your anatomy class includes study in a human cadaver lab: a rare undergraduate experience.
3rd/4th years: Courses focus on performance and clinical applications of exercise and nutrition theory, and health and fitness assessment.
Labs
More than half of your courses have a lab component. Every week you’ll have lectures and labs will extend your classroom content through applied techniques and hands-on lessons. There are less than 25 students per lab.
Anatomy lab
To learn anatomy, you will attend a human cadaver lab at the University of Guelph. This is a unique experience not commonly seen in undergraduate curricula. A U of GH bus takes students to and from class one day a week for your first fall and winter semesters.
Other labs
There are many labs in your future! Get ready to use equipment such as the Bod Pod (body fat analysis) and the 3D motion capture Qualisys system. Labs include:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry & Metabolism I & II
- Fundamentals of Fitness Testing
- Exercise Techniques & Prescription
- Exercise Physiology
- Fitness & Lifestyle Assessment
- Advanced Fitness Assessment
- Performance-Related Exercise
- Exercise Prescription for Clinical Populations
- Functional Anatomy
More hands-on classes
You will take at least four practicum courses, focusing on current industry trends to gain hands-on experience. Courses include Functional Ability Evaluation; Athletic Bandaging & Taping Techniques; Digitizing Health & Society; Leadership & Entrepreneurship; and Martial Arts for Group Fitness Training (see program overview below for a full list).
Current knowledge
Health sciences is a very research-intensive field. Practices and teaching are informed by research, and research is a big focus of this program. You learn what’s current and what you need to know to be successful in the workplace/graduate studies.
88 / 242 hours of workplace experience
88 hrs (Placement 1, Year 3)
On-site (11 hours) and off-site (77 hours) placements. Once per week for 11 weeks.
+
154 hrs (Placement 2, Year 4)
Optional. Off-site placement (154 hours). Twice per week for 11 weeks.
You have the option to complete 88 or 242 placement hours. Placement is scheduled alongside your classes in a way that is manageable and doesn’t add time to your degree.
All students complete placement 1. On campus, you will work one-on-one with a client to help reach their fitness and health goals. Off campus, you will work with a business or organization offering applied experience.
In your last year, choose one of two options: (a) a second off-campus placement and an independent research study or (b) a two-semester research thesis project in a lab setting.
Note: You will be required to complete a First Aid/CPR certificate and may be required to complete a VSS and documentation of immunization prior to placement.
Past placement partners
- Athletic and varsity programs
- Cardiac rehabilitation facilities
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
- Corporate wellness departments
- Multidisciplinary clinics (e.g., UHN & CBI)
- NeuroChangers Neurological Rehabilitation
- Clinical hospital settings
- SickKids Hospital
- Various school boards
- Wellspring (Cancer Support Network)
- YMCA
93% of your courses are kinesiology based.
Popular course: Human Anatomy
- Health Counselling & Behaviour Change
- Fundamentals of Nutrition
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Injuries & Exercise Contraindications
- Digitizing Health & Society
Note: Courses listed above are a selection from all four years of the program. For a course breakdown by year, click on the Program Overview below.
Get to know us better
Kin Games
Join the annual Canada-wide Kinesiology conference. A U of GH team participates to play sports, network and have fun.
Science Rendezvous
This free, interactive, annual event takes place across Canada. Get involved in various Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) activities with children, youth and adults. Showcase your creative and innovative mind while encouraging the curiosity of others. Engage community members in partnership with University of Guelph-Humber faculty, community partners and peers across all programs, and enhance your resumé.
"
Biomechanics and stats were challenging courses, but professors made it easy to comprehend. Once you understand, it's a very proud moment. I'm thankful for that; I use my biomechanics and stats nearly every day in this [Toronto Blue Jays] role.
Professional designations
- Registered Kinesiologist
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Certified Pedorthist
- Certified Athletic Therapist
Additional opportunities
- Occupational Health & Wellness Advisor
- Rehabilitation Therapist
- Researcher
- Fitness Consultant
- Ergonomic Specialist
- Human Resources Specialist
Graduate school and further education
- Master of Science in Physical Therapy/ Physiotherapy
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Education (Teachers College)
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Science
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Arts in Health Promotion
- Master of Science in Genetic Counselling
- Chiropractic College
- Naturopathic College
- School of Dentistry
- Medical School
Note: Some careers and entry into further education may require additional study.
If you don't see your career goal listed here, talk to us! There are many more options.
Be eligible to become a Registered Kinesiologist immediately after graduation.
Industry and research expertise
Your instructors draw from their knowledge and experience in a variety of fields. They will tell you what they’re discovering in clinics, schools, hospitals, research settings etc. in real time.
Confidence
Because you translate classroom knowledge to hands-on activities, you’re confident of your abilities upon graduation.
Supported learning
- Your classmates/cohort will move through the program together.
- Your instructors open doors to diverse professional networks. Their mentorship can guide you to new opportunities.
- Your program team is eager to assist you. With everything in one building and a small student population, they’re a footstep or email away. Your team includes your Academic Advisor, Placement Coordinator, Career Coordinator, Librarian and Student Life Coordinator.
Safe spaces
Once you experience it, you’ll recognize it. U of GH creates a tremendous sense of safety through the support of the Chairs, instructors and staff. Feel comfortable to share your voice and care for your mental health.
Heading to law school
Graduate ready for Canadian law school or take advantage of our partnerships in England. Earn a senior status law degree (LLB) with City St George's, University of London in just two years without an LSAT requirement, or a Master of Law (LLM) through distance learning with the University of London in one year (full-time) or up to five years (part-time). Both with reduced tuition.
A step ahead
After graduation, take advantage of our partnership for a Master of Science degree with the University of Guelph (in Guelph, Ontario) MSc in Management. Speak with Career and Placement Services for more information.