Courses

All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise specified.

530 Mechanical Analysis of Human Motion
Topics include 2-D and 3-D kinematics and kinetics, joint power, energetics of locomotion and mechanical modeling. Open to Graduate Students and Undergraduate Seniors in Kinesiology.

531 Skeletal Muscle Biology
This course will provide students with knowledge of multiple aspects of skeletal muscle biology. The material will include information about the basics of muscle contraction, muscle activation and bioenergetics. Laboratory-based opportunities will be used for students to try/experience various techniques commonly used to study muscle function from the molecular to whole muscle levels.

535 Muscle Mechanics and Modelling
The study of mechanical properties of human muscle and models which represent various aspects of muscle function. Topics include basic muscle structure and function, elasticity in muscle function, contractile mechanics, the Hill model, the Huxley model, and applications of muscle modelling in biomechanics. Prerequisites: KIN 430 or Graduate Student Status.

537 Footwear Biomechanics
In this course we will explore how footwear can affect biomechanics, energetics, injury risk and performance in various sports and activities of daily living. Topics include: shoe design, mechanical, subjective, biomechanical and running economy testing, minimalist and maximalist shoes, super shoes, prosthetics and robotic shoes.

560 Exercise Neuroscience
The neural control of movement. Selected topics include gradation of muscular force, motor unit control principles, neuromuscular aspects of strength, segmental motor control, the organization of ballistic movements, adaptations and plasticity in the control of movement, and aging and human motor control. Prerequisites: KIN 270, 272 and 460.

570 Adv. Exercise Physiology
Advanced study of the physiological responses to exercise, from the cell to the whole body. The effects of exercise training, extreme environments, and other challenges to homeostasis will be addressed. Students will be expected to have a strong working knowledge of basic exercise physiology principles.

578 Skeletal Muscle Physiology
This course will provide students with knowledge of multiple aspects of skeletal muscle physiology. The material will include information about the basics of muscle contraction, as well as integration of muscle activation, bioenergetics and contractile function. Special emphasis will be given to the mechanisms of muscle fatigue under a variety of conditions, and an understanding of how muscle physiology is altered by disease will be developed.

602 Introduction to Research in Human Movement
The nature of research; methods of acquiring knowledge; the role of research in human performance and exercise science with emphasis on the scientific method. Credit, 1.

605 The Responsible Conduct of Research
The success of this course will be based on informed participation and a diversity of perspectives. We will read the book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skoot (Broadway, 2010), and use this and related readings as focal points for exploring contemporary RCR topics. Each student will take responsibility for introducing and leading a discussion about one topic (of their choice) stimulated by the assigned readings. Short writing assignments will also be used to synthesize RCR concepts that are raised throughout the semester. Open to Graduate students only. This will be offered spring only in odd calendar years.

634 Advanced Clinical Bio Mech

641 Qualitative Research in Physical Activity Studies
The course will include lectures; class discussions among students and instructor, and organized small-group activities. Course readings will focus on primary sources including recent research studies in medical, public health, and psychology journals.

642 Theory and Design of Physical Activity Interventions
This course is designed to help students gain knowledge on how to conduct randomized clinical trials (RCT) and develops competence in the planning, designing, and execution of clinical trials involving physical activity interventions. The course will include lectures; class discussions among students and instructor, and organized small-group activities. Course readings will focus on primary sources including recent research studies in medical, public health, and psychology journals.

648 Physical Activity Epidemiology
We will learn physical activity epidemiology with an underlying focus on meta-analyses.  We will interpret existing meta-research studies and consortium efforts in the field and learn how they help shape public health and clinical approaches and recommendations. Additionally, students will be introduced to the skills required for evidence synthesis, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.  This course will introduce the meta-analytic process.  The general focus will be on physical activity related research, however, with the goal of learning skills that can be applicable for meta-research in other health behaviors or in other aspects of Kinesiology.

661 Neuroimaging for Research

670 Cardio-Respiratory Exercise Physiology
Advanced study of cardiovascular and respiratory responses during exercise. Acute and chronic responses to exercise thoroughly examined and mechanisms underlying these responses critically evaluated. Prerequisite: exercise physiology with lab.

675 Exercise Physiology Seminar
Presentation and discussion of current research literature in exercise physiology. Critical evaluation of research questions, experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation emphasized. Prerequisite: undergraduate exercise physiology. Credit, 1.

696 Independent Study
Credit, 1-6.

697 Special Topics

A: Master’s Research Project
Non-thesis option, independent research project. Oral exam based on the project required.

R: Biomechanics Journal Club
Presentation and discussion of current research literature in biomechanics and motor control. Critical evaluation of all aspects of motor systems research including relevant questions; experimental designs and protocols; modeling approaches; data collection, reduction, and analysis techniques; and interpretation of results. Prerequisite: KIN 430.

S: Pre-Doctoral Research Proposal
Development and formal proposal of research to be undertaken for Pre-Doctoral Research Project. For Kinesiology graduate students enrolled in MS/PhD program track.

T: Pre-Doctoral Research Project
For Kinesiology graduate students enrolled in MS/PhD program track.

698A: Master's Thesis Proposal
Development and formal proposal of research to be undertaken for Master's Thesis.  For Kinesiology graduate students enrolled in MS Thesis program.

699 Master’s Thesis
Credit, 6.

730 Biomechanics
Topics include principles of data collection and analysis, high-speed video, force measuring systems, accelerometry, and A/D conversion. Prerequisites: KIN 430 and 530 or equivalent.

735 Advanced Biomechanics Laboratory Techniques
Topics include: biophysical signals, frequency content, Fourier series, Fourier analysis, principles of data collection, data smoothing, electromyography, amplifier response characteristics, software data manipulation. Prerequisites: KIN 430 and 530 or equivalent.

761 Non-Linear Biodynamics

771 Skeletal Muscle Bioenergetics
Non-invasive 31P Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measurements of the kinetics of pH and phosphorylated metabolites contain valuable information about muscle energy flux, metabolic control, mitochondrial function and cellular pH homeostasis in vivo, but quantitative interpretation depends on understanding the underlying physiology. In this class, through some literature reading and by using existing dataset, students will establish an analytical framework to quantitatively estimate energy flux, mitochondrial function and conceptual limitations of current methods. Prerequisites: KIN 570.

796 Independent Study
Credit, 1-6.

891 Graduate Seminar
Presentation of research topics conducted by master’s and doctoral students and outside speakers. Credit, 1 per semester; maximum credit, 6.

896 Independent Study
Credit, 1-6.

899 Doctoral Dissertation
Credit, 12.