Kinesiology, Bachelor

Program Information
Credential: 
Bachelor's degree
Duration: 

2 years at RDC - 2 years at U of C

Delivery: 
Main campus
Program Cost Estimates: 

Contact Information

Contact Name: 
Sharon Hamilton
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean
Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca

Department Information

For more information visit Kinesiology & Sport Studies Department.

University Transfer Program

Two Year University Transfer Program

The RDC Kinesiology and Sport Studies program offers the first 2 years of the Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin) for transfer to the University of Calgary.

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides in Academic Advising.

The Program

The program is designed so that students can complete a 2-year diploma , and then enter the work force or transfer to a university and complete a Bachelor's degree. The program is designed for students wishing to transfer to the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary or the University of Lethbridge. Transfer to other universities is possible with proper program consultation and careful course selection. For university transfer, the courses you select must meet the program requirements of the specific university chosen.

Admission to a university program may be limited by quota. Entry is based on your academic record. You should expect heavy course and program demands and the need for a competitive GPA if you wish to transfer to a university program.

The objective of the program is to educate and prepare qualified leaders in the field of Kinesiology and Sport Studies who:

  • are prepared for employment in related fields and agencies in the private and public sectors
  • are prepared for teaching and coaching careers in school systems
  • may choose to continue their education at the graduate level
Career and Employment Opportunities

The program can lead into the following areas of study:

  • adapted physical education
  • athletic therapy
  • fitness and health promotion
  • physical education in schools
  • physical activity leadership
  • tourism and hospitality
  • outdoor education
  • sports administration
  • coaching
  • dance
  • sport sciences
  • physical therapy
  • occupational therapy
Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

Visit the Kinesiology and Sports Studies page for admission requirements.

Note: For the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary, you must present ELA 30-1, Biology 30, Math 30-1 and Chemistry 30 for admission. For the U of C - Exercise and Health Physiology Major - Math 30-1 (minimum grade of 70%) is required. Math 31 is recommended. For the U of C - Biomechanics Major - Math 30-1 (minimum grade of 70%) and Math 31 are required; Physics 30 is recommended.

Graduation Requirements: 

Visit the Kinesiology and Sports Studies page for graduation requirements.

Application Process

Apply for Kinesiology General

Program Content
University of Calgary

Year 1:

  • KNSS 200 Structural Anatomy
  • KNSS 201 Biomechanics
  • KNSS 204 Sociocultural Foundations of P.E. Leisure & Sport
  • KNSS 210 Fitness and Wellness Theory & Practice
  • KNSS 240 Adapted Physical Education
  • KNSS 270 Leadership & Instruction in Physical Activity
  • KDNC 200 The Spectrum of Dance in Society
  • Two Approved Options
  • Physical Activity Course - KPAC/KDNC or KNSS 280*
Year 1 Course Descriptions

KDNC 200

Theory and practice of dance as a human physical activity. Focus will be on the aesthetic; expressive; and rhythmical aspects of movement in a culture's artistic and social life. Movement; content; techniques; improvisation; and composition in a variety of dance forms; including modern; creative; social; jazz; and folk dance.

KNSS 200

Study of human structure including the systems of the body with emphasis on those involved in human movement. Laboratory work includes the use of various learning tools. Prerequisite: Biology 30 recommended

KNSS 201

Qualitative analysis of human movement; using biomechanical principles.

KNSS 204

The study of the nature; function and role of play; physical education; recreation; leisure and games as a basis for understanding the sociocultural foundations of sport and how contemporary society organizes and transfers attitudes and skills.

KNSS 210

Basic concepts of fitness and nutrition and how they apply to individual needs.

KNSS 240

Current trends; theory and practice in adapted physical activity including an overview of possible changes to task; environment and instruction as it relates to individuals with a disability.

KNSS 270

Leadership; communication; instructional skills and development are explored on an individual and group basis and applied to a variety of settings and activities.

KNSS 280

Concepts and experiences in outdoor education and leadership are explored through a four day fall camp held during the fourth week of August followed by weekly lectures. (See course notation in the Kinesiology and Sport Studies Program Description of the Academic Calendar)

Year 2:

  • PSIO 258 Elementary Physiology I
  • PSIO 259 Elementary Physiology II
  • KNSS 205 History of Sport
  • KNSS 209 Measurement and Evaluation
  • KNSS 244 Introduction to Nutrition
  • KNSS 307 Growth and Development
  • One of KNSS 203 / KNSS 253

Three of:

  • Up to two approved options
  • KNSS 220 Introduction to Athletic Therapy
  • KNSS 250 Intro to the Admin of Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation Programs
  • KNSS 260 Introduction to Coaching Theory
  • KNSS 299 Directed Studies in Kinesiology and Sport Studies
  • INTD 240 Integrated Arts Approach to Movement

*Participation in KNSS 280 requires that all students complete and return a participant information package in early August. If you do not receive the participant information package by the end of July please contact the Kinesiology Department at 403-342-3201.

Note: Students should plan to take KNSS 200, PSIO 258 and PSIO 259 at RDC before transferring to U of C.

Approved options should be selected after consultation with an advisor and considering the major you will choose upon transferring.

General Major Approved Options are ENGL 219 and/or PSYC 260.

Students interested in pursuing the Leadership in Pedagogy and Coaching Major at the U of C should discuss, with an academic advisor, requirements for admission to this program at U of C prior to commencement of their RDC Kinesiology program.

You must complete an after degree program in Education if you wish to become a certified teacher in Alberta. This normally qualifies you to teach in physical education and health areas, plus one or more other subject areas. Selecting proper courses during your program is important for this reason.

Year 2 Course Descriptions

KNSS 203

Theory of skill aquisition; motor learning; and performace in a variety of sports; physical activities; and recreation.

KNSS 205

Development of the Olympic Sport Movement and the history of sport and leisure in Canada from colonial times to present providing a foundational understanding of the historical development of sport. Topics will include the historical effect and changes in professionalization; gender roles; culture; Olympic games structure and socialization in Canadian sport and leisure. Prerequisite: KNSS 204

KNSS 209

Methods and techniques for evaluating physical activity programs and participants. Applying tests and measurement in a variety of sport community and institutional settings.

KNSS 220

Athletic therapy in theory and practice. Sports medicine; care and prevention of injuries; and safety in athletics and physical education. Prerequisite: KNSS 200

KNSS 244

This course presents an overview of normal nutritional requirements; physiological functions and food sources. It examines the importance of nutritional adequacy in optimal health and disease prevention. Students will learn to evaluate nutritional issues and nutritional status. Note: Not to be taken by students with credit in KNSS 224.

KNSS 250

Basic knowledge and skills needed to administer a sport; physical activity; or recreation program.

KNSS 253

The course provides an introduction to sport psychology and mental performance with a focus on understanding human behavior in physical activity and sport. This course examines the prespectives of sport psychology in conjunction with personality and social psychology.

KNSS 260

A range of coaching topics; both theoretical and practical. Note: This course meets the standards of N.C.C.P. Part A and part B. Theory.

KNSS 299

Participation in applied practical experience through the completion of a cooperative work experience of 90 to 100 hours plus 45 hours of seminars of 30 weeks or two academic terms. Prerequisite: Consent of Chairperson.

KNSS 307

Changes in physical growth and motor development with emphasis on individual differences.

INTD 240

An applied course in physical education emphasizing the connection between creative expression through the mediums of art; music; drama; dance and wellness as it applies to work with diverse clients with multiple needs. This course intends to give students working in the field of adapted physical education creative alternatives for maximizing the quality of life for their clients. It intends to broaden their outlook on the connection between creativity and wellness in physical education.

PSIO 258

This course is an introduction to the essentials of human physiology. The main focus of this course is on systemic functions in the human body with emphasis on systems that respond and adapt to exercise stress. The course will focus on the cardiovascular; respiratory; musculoskeletal; nervous and endocine systems. Pre/Corequisite: KNSS 200

PSIO 259

Integrative human physiology focusing on functions of the human body with special emphasis on control and integration of these functions. The responses and adaptations to exercise will be used as a foundation upon which the concepts of control and integration wil be discussed. Some topics from PSIO 258 will be revisited to discuss control and integration of cellular and systemic function Prerequisite: PSIO 258 Note: For Kinesiology students only