Foundational knowledge in Kinesiology is built upon lower-level coursework, encompassing introductory KIN core courses designed to delve into fundamental principles and concepts. These courses explore various aspects of human movement, exercise science, and health. Successfully completing these prerequisite courses not only provides essential understanding but also positions you favorably as you advance throughout your academic journey, preparing to tackle more advanced upper-level courses in later years.

Curious about what’s covered in any of the core KIN courses listed below? Be sure to review our Degree Planning Tools section for more information on the structure, content, objectives, and requirements of a particular course. Course outlines serve as a guide for students to understand what will be covered in the course and what is expected of them in terms of participation and performance.

Your BKIN Degree at a glance

In this graphic, you can find the requirements for each year of your BKIN Degree.

Below, we will elaborate on the requirements for your first and second years, while on the Upper-Level Requirements page, you will find the requirements for your third and fourth years, along with the BKIN electives.

Year 1

In your first year, you should complete 18 credits of core KIN courses at the 100-level, your Writing Requirement (WRDS 150B), in addition to a selection of general electives. Your core KIN courses are introductory and designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the key concepts, principles, and skills within the discipline of Kinesiology. These required core courses serve as a basis for more advanced coursework in later years.

How you schedule your core courses in your first year matters, and we recommend that you balance your lab courses between Term 1 and Term 2. KIN 110, 120, 131, and 132 all incorporate a lab component alongside the lecture portion.

It’s also normal to have back-to-back courses. To ensure classes start on time, all teaching will stop and classrooms should be vacated 10 minutes before the scheduled end time. You’ll always have these 10 minutes to make it to your next class.

Year 2

Promotion to Year 2 standing is based on the successful completion of 24 credits in total. BKIN students are strongly encouraged to complete all 100-level core KIN courses in the Winter session of their first year.

In your second year, you should complete 21 credits of required core KIN courses at the 200-level. These courses continue to build on the foundational knowledge acquired in your first year.

You will have the opportunity to select one of three streams when Year 2 registration opens: either Neuromechanical and Physiological Sciences (NPSC), Social and Behavioural Sciences (SBSC), or Multidisciplinary Science (MDSC).

For more information on each stream, as well advice on how to structure your courses for Years 3-4, please see our Upper-Level Requirements section. While you declare your stream in Year 2, you don’t need to start completing your 300-400-level stream-specific course requirements until Year 3.

Writing Requirement

WRDS 150B is a degree requirement for all BKIN students, and it is recommended that you prioritize completing this course in Year 1. The successful completion of this course is firm requirement for promotion to Year 3 standing. This Writing Requirement helps develop academic writing and research skills within the context of specific disciplines. The course focuses on teaching you how to analyze and respond to various types of texts, as well as how to conduct research and present your findings effectively.

The course is foundational and designed to provide all BKIN students with the tools they need for success in their upper-level coursework and future careers. Transfer students that believe they have completed a University-level writing course which is equivalent to WRDS 150B – either in another Faculty at UBC or elsewhere – should connect with the Kinesiology Undergraduate Advising Centre to determine if it meets the Writing Requirement.

Electives

Electives extend beyond core KIN requirements, offering opportunities to diversify skills, broaden perspectives, and pursue passions outside the realm of Kinesiology. They are not only integral to enriching your academic experience but also serve as pathways to Supplemental Degree Options such as Minors and Dual Degrees. By strategically selecting electives that align with your interests and goals, you can craft a well-rounded course schedule each term.

Typically, 100-200 level electives are designed to be completed during your first and second years, providing a solid foundation and breadth of knowledge. In contrast, 300-400 level electives are best taken in your third and fourth years, allowing for deeper exploration and specialization within a field. It’s crucial to plan ahead and research both KIN and non-KIN upper-level elective courses that you may be interested in in future years, as they may have prerequisite requirements that you need to fulfill at the lower-level.