The main objective of the MSc in Kinesiology is to provide graduate students with a highly integrated and multidisciplinary approach to the examination of the relationships among physical activity, health, and disease in various populations. The course of study will allow some specialization in a kinesiology sub-discipline of the student’s research interest (e.g., biomechanics, health, exercise physiology, motor control, sport psychology). The emphasis of the thesis will be based on the student’s own interests and the advisor’s research interests within this broad framework.

Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the MSc program, a student must meet the general admission requirements of the University, and must possess an Honours undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, Health, Physical Education or a related field. A minimum average of B is required in the last two years of study to be admitted to the program. Possession of minimum qualifications does not necessarily guarantee admission. At the discretion of the Graduate Coordinator and the supervisor, students with minor background deficiencies may be required to include specific undergraduate courses in their program.

It is expected that the MSc program will be completed in 6 consecutive terms beginning in the Fall term. To graduate, students must obtain a grade of B- in all graduate courses, with an overall average of B.

Course Offerings

The following courses are required for all graduate students:

KP601: Seminar in Physical Activity & Health (first year of the program)

KP611: Seminar in Physical Activity & Health (second year of the program)

KP601/611 is a weekly seminar which includes primarily student presentations of current research and student proposals for the MSc thesis. The format of the seminars varies from term to term depending on the availability of invited speakers, topics of interest to students and faculty, and the research of members of the group. All first-year students are required to take this course over their first two terms of registration. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis

KP620: Statistical Reasoning & Advanced Experimental Analysis

The principles used in the design of experiments and the analysis of experimental data are examined, with the emphasis on multiple regression and complex analysis of variance techniques. Strategies for decision making in planning and conducting statistical analyses are presented, including sample size, statistical power, violations of variance assumptions, error terms and related issues. Experimental designs for kinesiology and health science are discussed.  This course includes 1.5 hour of laboratory time per week. (Not available for credit to students holding WLU credit for KP603).

All students must take at least two of the following course during the program:

KP604/605: Directed Studies

This skills development and background-learning course prepares each student with the appropriate knowledge and technical skills needed to pursue their research interests. The content is usually developed by the student's supervisor in consultation with the student and the graduate coordinator, and may consist of laboratory methods, directed readings/study and/or other approved graduate course(s) within or outside the university. The course content of KP604/KP605 may differ with each individual student.

KP621: Qualitative Research Design

The varied epistemologies in qualitative research are introduced in this course, providing students with a broad understanding of interpretive methods. The principles of qualitative research design are discussed, and students are trained in the areas of organizing, interpreting, and presenting qualitative findings. Students have an opportunity to critically reflect upon each of the stages of qualitative research design, and engage in guided activities to further elucidate the meaning of this process. These course objectives are accomplished through instructor-led/student-led discussion, lecture content, readings, and assignments.

KP630: Epidemiology of Physical Activity & Health

This course focuses on the current understanding of the ways in which epidemiologic methods (e.g., analytic designs such as cohort studies) can be utilized to enhance our understanding of the relationship between physical activity and health. General concepts of epidemiological methods are discussed as well as a more detailed evaluation of the relationship between physical activity and health conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease and obesity. (Not available for credit to students holding WLU credit for KP602)

KP650: Biophysical Aspects of Physical Activity & Health

This course uses a multidisciplinary approach to examine the capacities of human movement and physical activity by means of knowledge contained within and between the disciplines of anatomy, physiology, motor control and biomechanics.

KP670: Sociocultural Aspects of Physical Activity & Health

This course uses a multidisciplinary approach to examine physical activity and health from the psychological, sociological and cultural perspectives.