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About Kinesiology at Waterloo

Discovering answers to questions such as these and teaching the basis for addressing these problems is what we do. Our mission is to optimize health, to prevent injury and illness, and to extend the years of high quality life through understanding cellular to societal implications of physical activity, nutrition and lifestyle. This mission guides our teaching, our research, and our community activities in the Department of Kinesiology.

It all started here

In 1967, the University of Waterloo continued its spirit of innovation with the establishment of the world's first Department of Kinesiology. For the first time, scientists specializing in human biochemistry, physiology, neuroscience, and biomechanics joined forces with experts in psychology and sociology to investigate and define the science of human movement. Today, Waterloo's Department of Kinesiology has grown to include 22 faculty members (professors), 22 adjunct faculty, 27 staff (including teaching and research staff, technicians, computer and administrative support staff), approximately 800 undergraduate students, and approximately 60 graduate students (Masters and PhD). Part of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, the Department of Kinesiology is housed in B.C. Matthews Hall and the new, multi-million dollar Lyle S. Hallman Institute for Health Promotion.

Undergraduate excellence

Waterloo's undergraduate program emphasizes the study of human movement from a broad base which ranges from cellular to musculoskeletal systems. A strong scientific background is enhanced by upper year kinesiology electives in a wide range of topics taught by leading scientists in the field. Students using the degree as groundwork for professional programs can further their preparation with the Pre-Health Professions Option. Others may specialize in options such as neurobehavioural assessment or ergonomics-the only programs of their kind in Canada-or tailor the program to their own unique interests.

Learn from experience

Classroom learning is enhanced by hands-on learning in our well equipped laboratories, which not only reinforce concepts learned in class but allow the student to develop a wide range of highly marketable skills. Home to Canada's only School of Anatomy outside of a school of medicine, Waterloo's Department of Kinesiology provides undergraduate and graduate students the essential opportunity to study human form and function using human cadavers. From utilizing X-ray suites to examine spine specimens to employing 3D imaging and eye-tracking cameras to monitor gait patterns, experiential learning is always at the core of the student experience.

World's best co-op

Practicums and opportunities offered by our world renowned co-operative program allow the student to graduate with tremendous knowledge of human function in a wide variety of environments, coupled with almost 2 years of highly relevant work experience. As a result, Waterloo's Kinesiology graduates are often sought after for their comprehensive knowledge base and problem-solving abilities, and have been very successful in finding employment in an extraordinarily wide range of jobs.

Defining graduate study

With one of the first and most established graduate programs of its kind, Waterloo's Department of Kinesiology has been a defining force in graduate teaching and research. Waterloo's graduate programs in Biomechanics (MSc, PhD), Work Physiology (MSc, PhD) and Neuroscience (MSc, PhD), are well recognized in Canada and internationally. In addition to this, we are educating the educators: UW alumni now dominate the kinesiology faculty rosters of Canada's most respected universities. In addition to supporting our graduate students with state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, the Department guarantees funding for full-time grad students through a combination of teaching assistantship (TA), research assistantship (RA), and scholarship.

Waterloo's Department of Kinesiology is committed to teaching, research, and service in the local, Canadian and international communities; both performing leading edge science, and in applying it to optimize health and performance, and prevent injury and illness.