Master of Kinesiology
The main objective of the Master of Kinesiology (MKIN) program 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.
To be admitted to the Master of kinesiology 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. For admission consideration, a minimum average of B is required in the last two years of study. Possession of minimum qualifications does not necessarily guarantee admission. At the discretion of the graduate co-ordinator and the prospective supervisor, students with minor background deficiencies may be required to include specific undergraduate courses in their program.
It is expected that the Master of kinesiology program will be completed in 6 consecutive terms beginning in the fall term. To graduate, students must obtain a minimum grade of B- in all graduate courses, with an overall minimum average of B.
All students will complete 4.0 credits, including KP699* - Master's Thesis. All students are required to take KP601 - Seminar in Kinesiology I, KP620 - Statistical Reasoning and Advanced Experimental Analysis KP622 - Advanced Research Design in Human Movement, Health and Development in the first year of the program, and KP611 - Seminar in Kinesiology II in the second year of the program. Students will take two elective courses depending on their interests and the focus of their research.
Required courses:
KP601 - Seminar in Kinesiology I
KP611 - Seminar in Kinesiology II
KP620 - Statistical Reasoning and Advanced Experimental Analysis
KP622 - Advanced Research Design in Human Movement, Health and Development
KP699* - Master's Thesis
Elective courses:
KP621 - Qualitative Research Design and Analysis
KP623 - Biophysical Instrumentation and Measurement
KP630 - Epidemiology of Physical Activity and Health
KP631 - Health and Illness Across the Age Continuum
KP650 - Biophysical Foundations of Kinesiology
KP651 - Neurocognition of Movement
KP670 - Social-Cultural Foundations of Kinesiology
KP697 - Directed Research in Kinesiology
KP698 - Directed Readings in Kinesiology
A thesis based on original research and defended before a thesis committee is required of all students in the program. A thesis committee will be set up for each student consisting of their supervisor, two other faculty members from within the program and one external faculty member (from either another university or another department within Laurier, appointed by the dean of Graduate Studies). Students will present a thesis proposal to their committee usually before the end of their 3rd term and will defend their completed thesis usually before the end of their 6th term.
