50 graduate courses in the Fall 2026 Graduate Calendar.
An analysis of the morphological, biophysical, molecular, and physiological properties of skeletal muscle. Topics range from the molecular regulation of skeletal muscle contraction, excitation-contraction processes, and cell signaling.
The physiology of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems in work and superimposed environmental stresses are examined. Topics include myocardial function, hemodynamics, microcirculation, diffusion, acid base balance, body fluid regulation and the nature of hormonal and neural control systems.
An analysis of the morphological, biophysical, molecular, and physiological properties of cardiac, and vascular smooth muscle. Topics range from the molecular regulation of cardiac muscle contraction, excitation-contraction processes, regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone, and cell signaling.
This course will examine the interaction between human nutrition, exercise and metabolism. Spanning from the metabolic to the whole-body level, this course will discuss how nutrition and exercise influence muscle metabolism and how this relates to optimizing health and performance across the lifespan.
This course will examine cellular and molecular mechanisms that play a major role in causing dysfunction of a variety of relevant tissues under a number of chronic conditions including aging, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and muscular diseases. Topics to be covered include satellite cells/stem cells, apoptosis and necrosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial DNA, oxidative stress, autophagy and protein degradation, and inflammation.
This course will comprehensively examine the metabolic processes involved in energy production and expenditure in different tissues. The regulation and integration of protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism will be studied in the context of energy balance for healthy, aging and disease populations (including diabetes and cancer). The course will also explore nutrition and exercise implications on metabolism and disease.
Genetic variation helps determine "innate" individual characteristics of health and disease, ranging from eye colour to preferences for food flavours, to ability to metabolize specific amino acids. Genetic variation also modulates how we respond to our environments. Minor variants in genetic code can affect physiological outcomes such as changes in body mass with caloric restriction, changes in endurance capacity with exercise training, and changes in circulating cholesterol levels with high protein intakes. Understanding how genetic variability affects health outcomes will be key to providing early diagnosis and prevention measures to optimize performance, prevent disease, and maximize longevity for individuals. It will also be key to prescribing optimal personalized lifestyle interventions, ranging from diet to exercise to stress reduction and sleep modulation to promote maximal well-being. In addition, recent advances in gene editing technology will be covered, including discussion of ethical issues surrounding application to human embryos and potential for misuse bioterrorism.
Introduction to techniques in human DNA analysis, as well as research techniques in plasmid and vector based cloning. An interactive approach to DNA isolation, and common methods of sequence analysis. Issues/confounders in current protocols will be identified and discussed. Students will acquire hands-on experience performing and interpreting genetic analysis.
An assessment of research in the biomechanics of human motion including electromyography, muscle modelling, link segment modelling and analysis, energy and power analysis. The above concepts will be utilized in the assessment of athletes and both the normal and atypical population in sport and rehabilitation contexts.
Techniques in data acquisition, reduction, and signal processing commonly employed in biophysical research are discussed in class and used in laboratory sessions. Among other instruments, the student becomes familiar with the use of a variety of transducers and their systems characteristics, electromyographs, the process of analog to digital conversion, documentation of motion, stress and strain, and the quantification of medical image data. Signal to noise enhancement is emphasized through all aspects of the course.
Biomechanics research typically requires the integration of experimental data collection and theoretical modeling approaches to answer complex questions. The purpose of Kin 613 is to sensitize incoming graduate students to the range, biological basis, and practicality of using or developing mathematical models for biomechanical investigations. This contrasts with KIN 612, which focuses on promoting rigorous experimental data collection and biological signal interpretation, or Kin 611, which seeks to develop the historical foundations of biomechanical research and promote critical reading of the scientific literature.
An examination of current theories and evidence concerning the neural control of human movement. Topics may include: origin of kinesthesia, organization of spinal circuits and reflex actions regulating posture and movement, neural strategies for the control of upright stance and locomotion, functional organization of the motor cortex, cerebellum and basal ganglia for the control of voluntary movement.
This course examines the relationships between physical and organizational aspects of the work environment and occupational musculoskeletal fatigue and injuries. Emphasis will be placed on back and upper limb injuries. Major topics covered include injury mechanisms, assessment of injury risk, reporting of injury and use of injury statistics, work site interventions and evaluation of their effectiveness and relevant legislation (including Human Rights considerations). A laboratory project using the methodologies studied in the course is an important component of the course. A project within a local industry, instead of the laboratory project is preferred but optional.
An examination of current social neuroscientific theories and research in relation to the cognitive aspects of exercise participation and the neurobiology of dietary choice.
This graduate course will explore the biomechanical and motor control mechanisms that contribute to musculoskeletal and, where appropriate, neurological pathology and injury. This course will be delivered in a clinical case-based format. Students will review, critically appraise and apply neuromechanical methods (e.g., electromyography, motion capture, force measurement, modeling) to gain a deeper understanding of the pathology, assessment, and/or treatment of a clinical condition. Clinical conditions will include musculoskeletal, joint, and neurological pathologies resulting from disease and/or injury.
An advanced graduate course that synthesizes the multidisciplinary issues (psychosicial, behavioural, physiological, 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, rehabilitation and performance training. Heldwith KIN 427.
A course focused on the core principles of research design (populations, sampling, experimental designs) and statistical applications (descriptive and inferential) specific to Kinesiology and its sub-disciplines.
Clinical Epidemiology and Health Measurement will build on basic research methods to discuss issues in clinical epidemiology. Measurement and intervention research methodology will be a focus. The purpose of this course is to enhance research design and critical appraisal skills while introducing students to clinical epidemiology and health measurement concepts including: purpose of measurement; approaches to the development of health measures; validation and reliability testing; key statistical tests for health measures; intervention development and mapping; and evaluation of interventions from feasibility testing to implementation studies. After completing this course, students should expect to have mastered the ability for determining if a clinical or health measurement has value in practice or research. They will attain critical appraisal skills of various health measures and intervention studies.
Selected examples of nutrient metabolism will be examined in detail in regard to dietary intake, metabolism, and mechanistic effects on human health. Comprehensive coverage of all nutrients is not intended, but rather the examples will be examined in detail with a focus on research techniques and approaches, and various factors that interact with and influence nutrition.
An examination of current theories models and experimental literature concerned with the learning and performance of skilled movement. Topics may include: models of motor learning, expert-novice differences in skill, the automatization of skill, mental practice, the relationship between cognitive and motor skills.
This course deals with the learning and control of goal-directed eye, head, arm and hand movements. Topics include: Hick's and Fitt's Laws; goals, task plans and motor equivalence; the actor/environment interface; movement planning and organization; use of schemas, motor programs, feedforward and sensory feedback; motorsensory integration; and knowledge representation.
The course will provide a comprehensive examination of topics related to human neuroscience as it broadly relates to movement. These topics include the central nervous system control of human movement, sensorimotor control systems and modulation, attention, psychological factors that influence emotional and behavioral adaptation to chronic illnesses, prehension, movement sequencing, limb gesturing, tool use, gait and posture.
Human neuroscience research techniques are discussed in class and used in laboratory sessions. Students will learn the theory and gain practical experience with electroencephalography, event-related potentials, functional magnetic resonance imaging, transcranial magnetic stimulation, electromyography, digitized optical tacking of movement, psychophysics and survey methodologies.
A person-centred approach will be applied to identify and interpret individual and contextual factors that affect exercise safety, adherence, and effectiveness in apparently healthy adults. Students will learn to (in)formally assess barriers and facilitators to physical activity, posture, balance, joint mobility, physical competency, and muscular capacity, all for the purpose of designing exercise programs. Informed by best available evidence at the kinesiology theory-practice nexus, an interdisciplinary perspective is implicitly adopted.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to basic aspects of functionally-oriented anatomy of the human central nervous including the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves and the tissues they innervate using pre-dissected cadavers. After completing this course, students should expect to have mastered the location of major neuroanatomic landmarks, be able to identify these landmarks on both postmortem brains and neuroimages (i.e., CT scan, MRI scan), understand the cellular components of the nervous system, and should be able to propose neuroanatomical explanations for normal and abnormal sensory experiences and motor, cognitive and emotional behaviours.
This course provides a multi-disciplinary examination of the relationship between physical activity and cognition function. This will include discussion of the effects of physical activity and exercise on cognition functions, and how the effects are modified by age, exercise dose, and setting. We explore growing interest in the use of exercise as a cognitive rehabilitation strategy. In addition, the effects of cognitive impairment on movement and physical activity participation will be discussed from various perspectives (neurophysiological, biomechanical, psychosocial, and legislative).
An examination of theory, technology and applications of wearable technology for health to be used in clinical, workplace or at home settings. The course will consider the opportunities and potential challenges to use of current technology and the exploration of the approaches necessary to maximize the usability and health benefits of wearable health technology.
This is a weekly seminar including both student and faculty presentations of current research and student research proposals. The content of the seminars may vary 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. Exposure to these topics from multiple perspectives will create a foundation and set expectations for scientific dissemination and respectful discussion. Completion of this course will not only deepen students’ understanding of core concepts in Kinesiology and Health Sciences, but also provide invaluable insights into the practical applications of interdisciplinary knowledge in real-world contexts.
This is a weekly seminar including both student and faculty presentations of current research and student research proposals. The content of the seminars may vary 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. Exposure to these topics from multiple perspectives will create a foundation and set expectations for scientific dissemination and respectful discussion. Completion of this course will not only deepen students’ understanding of core concepts in Kinesiology and Health Sciences, but also provide invaluable insights into the practical applications of interdisciplinary knowledge in real-world contexts.
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
This course will examine the theoretical and practical use of cardiorespiratory and metabolic assessments techniques to assess the functional status of participants within human performance and clinical exercise physiology targeted populations. Students will review and interpret the literature to construct, apply and justify the inclusion of exercise assessment modalities (e.g. Cardiac Stress Tests, Cardiorespiratory Exercise Testing (VO2), Body composition) and to develop proficiency in interpretation of the assessments. The clinical content will reinforce skill-based components to familiarize students with the use of a range of tools and techniques. A combination of hands-on and didactic activities will be used together with experiential and adult learning principles and practice.
Complimenting knowledge and skills developed in KIN 655 and KIN 691 students will review and interpret the literature and assessment results to design and deliver individualized exercise programs. Students will learn to elicit and monitor structural and functional responses and adaptations to physical exercise by applying fundamental movement and exercise science theory from best available research- and practice-based evidence. Students will demonstrate and apply health-, fitness- and performance-promoting exercise techniques that will achieve the desired outcome in a safe and effective manner.
This course combines seminar-based learning with a supervised practicum to provide students with structured, high-impact work-integrated learning experiences centred on professional practice in exercise sciences. Students engage in mentored, real-world practice across diverse settings, applying kinesiology knowledge and skills to support safe and effective person-centred programming. Seminar sessions support the integration of theory and experience through structured reflection, peer discussion, and critical analysis of professional issues. Emphasis is placed on increasing autonomy, exercising ethical reasoning, collaborating across disciplines, and contributing meaningfully to evidence-informed program delivery, evaluation, or quality improvement. The course supports students in exploring potential career pathways, consolidating their professional identity, and preparing for a culminating internship experience.
The control of cardiorespiratory responses to exercise will be examined by detailed consideration of afferent, central neural and effector mechanisms for regulation.
Lipids are intimately linked to all cellular functions based not only on their structural role as membrane components, but also their use as fuel, interactions with proteins, as important second messengers in cell signalling and potent regulators of gene expression. The present course will examine the properties and how they impact various biological functions and human conditions including inflammation and cardiovascular disease. The course will also examine dominant lip analytical techniques that are specific to this field of study and examine the emerging field of lipidomics.
Modelling of the human musculoskeletal system during movement is explored using a number of techniques. Assumptions and difficulties in applying modelling techniques to the human body are stressed.
This course will provide an overview of current thinking on work and health by introducing students to major substantive topics in the area from a multi-disciplinary perspective. The course will critically examine a variety of topics that may be investigated from different disciplinary perspectives. Classes will include presentations by faculty members representing different disciplines in the collaborative program. Examples of topics discussed in a given term may include work-stress relationships, healthy workplaces, and vulnerable populations.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to different ways of designing and implementing research within the topic area of work and health as well as some of the practical, political and ethical challenges. The course content will include an examination of the epistemological positions associated with different types of research questions, analysis of case studies of research in work and health, and discussions of proposed research questions and proposals that examine problems from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. The course will also include presentations by researchers and practitioners from the work and health domain, who will facilitate discussions on the challenges and opportunities of conducting and applying research in this area.
This seminar is a forum for student presentations about results of or proposals for research. Invited speakers will also present results of research from time to time. Attendance at the seminar is required for two terms (i.e., during the candidates' first two years in the program). Attendance beyond that is encouraged. The range of topics that will be addressed in the seminar crosses all areas of investigation in the collaborative program. Grading will be on a credit/no credit basis.
This seminar is a forum for student presentations about results of or proposals for research. Invited speakers will also present results of research from time to time. Attendance at the seminar is required for two terms (i.e., during the candidates' first two years in the program). Attendance beyond that is encouraged. The range of topics that will be addressed in the seminar crosses all areas of investigation in the collaborative program. Grading will be on a credit/no credit basis.
This survey course will be team-taught by members of the collaborative program and will serve to introduce students to major sub-areas of aging, health and well-being research. Topics will be covered from each Department within the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences.
This seminar is a forum for Aging, Health and Well-Being students to present about their research. Invited speakers will also discuss relevant research or professional development. Attendance at the seminar is required for two terms (i.e., through completion of HLTH/KIN/REC 751A and HLTH/KIN/REC 751B, respectively, over the students' first two years in the program). The topics addressed in the seminar cross all disciplines of the Collaborative Aging, Health and Well-Being Program.
This seminar is a forum for Aging, Health and Well-Being students to present about their research. Invited speakers will also discuss relevant research or professional development. Attendance at the seminar is required for two terms (i.e., through completion of HLTH/KIN/REC 751A and HLTH/KIN/REC 751B, respectively, over the students' first two years in the program). The topics addressed in the seminar cross all disciplines of the Collaborative Aging, Health and Well-Being Program.
An analysis of specific topics of interest. The form of study may involve a review of literature or the planning and execution of an independent study resulting in a paper for possible publication.
An analysis of specific topics of interest. The form of study may involve a review of literature or the planning and execution of an independent study resulting in a paper for possible publication.
An analysis of specific topics of interest. The form of study may involve a review of literature or the planning and execution of an independent study resulting in a paper for possible publication.