Frequently Asked Questions

What are the strengths of a BSCH KINE program at Queen's University?

Kinesiology - "The study of mechanics and anatomy in relation to human movement" (Source: Mirriam-Webster's)

The BSCH KINE curriculum gives students a strong foundation in the fields of applied exercise science - biomechanics, ergonomics, exercise physiology and physical activity epidemiology.

Our students also have the opportunity to study the psychology and socio-cultural aspects of physical activity, sport and exercise, and learn how research findings in kinesiology are promoted by health educators and policy makers - as well as how these efforts are evaluated.

Students also learn how to integrate theory from the discipline areas and apply it in various contexts such as coaching, fitness leadership, or to various populations, e.g. children and youth, persons with disabilities, older adults, etc.

Each year, only a small, select group of students are accepted into the BSCH KINE program. It is a direct-entry program for students - without any reduction in class size as students progress through the years of study.

The BSCH KINE program is designed to lead towards graduate study in the three distinct fields of graduate studies offered int he School of Kinesiology and Health Studies graduate programs which include:

  1. Psychology and Socio-Cultural Studies of Physical Activity and Health (M.A., Ph.D.)
  2. Physical Activity Epidemiology and Health Promotion (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
  3. Applied Exercise Science (M.Sc., Ph.D)

How many students are admitted to the BSCH KINE program?

60 students are accepted each year.

Is there a qualifying first year from the BSCH KINE program?

All students who are accepted into the program in first year are guaranteed a seat in the program until they graduate, if they meet the academic requirements to continue in the program.

What are the admission criteria to apply to this program?

Six 4U and 4M credits with a minimum of three 4U courses including:

  • 4U English (or equivalent)
  • 4U Biology (or equivalent)
  • Two of the following: 4U Chemistry (or equivalent); 4U Physics (or equivalent); 4U Calculus or Vectors
  • 4U Exercise Science (or equivalent) is strongly recommended if available.

What are the differences between a BSCH KINE and BPHE (Honours) program?

  • The BSCH KINE curriculum has a focus in the fields of applied exercise science - biomechanics, ergonomics, exercise physiology and physical activity epidemiology as well as exercise and sport psychology, and the socio-cultural context of physical activity. Students completing this program should satisfy the criteria for membership in the Ontario Kinesiology Association and the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance.
  • The BPHE (Honours) curriculum has a focus on the application of physical activity and sport knowledge including teaching, coaching, fitness consulting, etc. in all areas of populations (e.g. children and youth) and abilities (e.g. persons with disabilities, older adults, etc.). The program is recognized as a Physical Education teachable for admission into teaching programs.

Can I take activity courses if I choose a BSCH KINE program?

No - the activity courses are restricted to those students in the BPHE (Honours) program.

Note: Activity courses are required in the BPHE (Honours) program in order that students obtain pre-teaching qualifications - as set out by the Canadian Council of University Physical Education and Kinesiology Administrators (CCUPEKA).

How many years will it take to complete a BSCH KINE program?

Four years.

What courses will I take in first year?

  • HLTH 101/3.0 Social Determinants of Health
  • KNPE 125/3.0 Human Physiology I
  • KNPE 153/3.0 Introductory Biomechanics
  • KNPE 167/3.0 Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Sport and Physical Activity
  • PSYC 100/6.0 Principles of Psychology
  • 12.0 Arts & Science course units in the Natural and Physical Sciences

What are the Natural and Physical Sciences?

Anatomy and Cell Biology; Biochemistry; Biology; Biomedical Computing; Chemical Physics; Chemistry; Computing; Environmental Science; Geography; Geological Sciences; Life Sciences; Mathematical Physics; Mathematics and Statistics; Microbiology and Immunology; Pathology and Molecular Medicine; Pharmacology and Toxicology; Physics and Astronomy; Physiology; Psychology; and, Software Design.

Source: Arts & Science Calendar (see General Information - Definitions)

In a discipline which offers both social and natural science courses - such as geography, student should select the course according to the content. For example, GPHY 101/3.0 Human Geography would not count as a Natural and Physical Science but GPHY 102/3.0 Earth System Science would count.

What areas of study are in the BSCH KINE program at Queen's?

In addition to the core program of first year, students will take courses from the following areas:

  • Psychology and Socio-Cultural Studies of Physical Activity
  • Applied Exercise Science
  • Physical Activity Epidemiology and Health Promotion
  • Statistics and Research Methods (options l)
  • Professional-Based Courses

As well, fourth-year students have the opportunity to take independent study courses (e.g. Survey of Research & Literature, Special Project and a Thesis).

What content is covered in the area of Psychology and Socio-Cultural Studies of Physical Activity?

Courses in this category offer a unique opportunity for students to engage in the interdisciplinary study of the psychological, social, cultural and historical forces that shape health, physical activity involvement, and sport participation.

What courses are available in the area of Psychology and Socio-Cultural Studies of Phsycial Activity and Health?

  • Health Behaviour Change
  • Contemporary Issues in Human Sexuality
  • Psychology of Sport and Performance
  • Physical Activity and Health Behaviour Counselling
  • Fitness and Exercise in Social Context
  • Psychology of Sport Expertise
  • Cultural Studies in Sport and Physical Activity
  • Race, Class, Gender and the Study of Health
  • Social Movements in Health

What content is covered in the area of Applied Exercise Science?

This category of courses addresses the core exercise science disciplines of exercise physiology and biomechanics.

What courses are available in the area of Applied Exercise Science?

  • Human Physiology
  • Ergonomics and Human Factors
  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise, Nutrition and Metabolism
  • Cardiovascular and Respiratory Control in Exercise
  • Ergonomics (fourth-year level)
  • Applications in Biomechanics
  • Clinical Exercise Physiology

What content is covered in the area of Physical Activity Epidemiology and Health Promotion?

The Physical Activity Epidemiology and Health Promotion category of courses provides students with an understanding of the population health framework as established by Health Canada, and specifically on issues related to physical activity and lifestyle.

What courses are available in the area of Physical Activity Epidemiology and Health Promotion?

  • Basic Human Nutrition
  • Health Promotion
  • Introduction to the Study of Alcohol and Drug Problems
  • Epidemiology
  • Epidemiology of Physical Activity, Fitness and Health
  • Advanced Human Nutrition
  • Canadian Health Policy
  • Program Design and Evaluation
  • Advanced Topics in Epidemiology
  • Community-Based Physical Activity Promotion
  • Seminar on HIV/AIDS Prevention

What content is covered in the area of Professional-Based courses?

Courses in this category integrate theory from one of more of the discipline areas (see previous areas) and apply it in various contexts, e.g. coaching, fitness leadership, or to various populations, e.g. children and youth, persons with disabilities, older adults, etc.

What courses are available in the area of professional-based courses?

  • Physical Activities for the Pre-Adolescent
  • The Science and Methodology of Strength and Conditioning
  • The Art and Science of Coaching
  • Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
  • Sport, Recreation and Exercise for Persons with Disabilities
  • Physical Activity and Aging
  • Instructional Leadership for Health and Fitness
  • Sport and Recreation Management

What is the new Queen's Centre?

In 2010 Queen's University opened the Queen's Centre and a new building for the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies.

In addition to a new building for the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, this $230 million project provided state-of-the-art facilities including:

We're excited to have been included in this exciting project.

Will I be eligible for accreditation as a kinesiologist when I graduate?

The BSCH KINE program has been designed to meet and exceed the minimum accreditation standards of the Canadian Council of University Physical Education and Kinesiology Administrators (CCUPEKA). Students completing this program should satisfy the criteria for membership in the Ontario Kinesiology Association and the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance.

What type of careers can I explore with a kinesiology degree?

The BSCH KINE program opens up many exciting career opportunities.

Take a moment to look at the Kinesiology Career Information website for more information about potential careers. 

Starting with the first graduating class in Kinesiology in 2010, students have been invited to post an "End Note" about their post-degree plans at the time of their graduation. Take a look at some of the directions Kinesiology graduates have gone!

Does Queen's have a general BSC KINE program?

No. Queen's does not admit students into a general Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.

If I decide to leave the program at the end of third year, would I get a degree?

BSCH KINE students are not allowed to register in a general BSC KINE program. However, students who are accepted into a post-degree program (e.g. Medical School) or who decide to enter the workforce may apply to graduate with a general BSC KINE program at the end of third year.

Students are advised to consult with an Academic Adviser in the Undergraduate Office in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies to ensure that they will have the minimum requirements for a general BSC KINE degree if they plan to leave at the end of their third year.