Kinesiology

The word kinesiology comes from the Greek word kinesis, which means to move. Kinesiology is the study of the art and science of human movement. The discipline of kinesiology is dedicated to the study of human movement and physical activity as it relates to sport, dance and exercise. This option is designed to prepare the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to analyze movement, develop training plans, assess, conduct, organize, and administer physical fitness, strength, and conditioning programs. The option is particularly valuable for the student interested in working in fitness assessment labs, fitness centers, and/or working as a strength and conditioning coach for athletic teams and personal trainers for gyms.

Strength and Conditioning Path: Students aiming to apply for this path and prepare for the CSCS exam (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, NSCA) must choose the following specific courses: KIN 126A (lower division core–Fitness), KIN 456 (upper division required courses), and KIN 422/L (elective). In addition, students must enroll in a total of 6 units of academic internship, which must be carried out in at least two different locations, previously approved by the kinesiology department, with a minimum of 120 hours in each experience.

The Department of Kinesiology is a learning-centered community that educates and inspires its students to understand and appreciate human movement for personal expression and wellness throughout the lifespan. In doing so, students and faculty work together to improve quality of life for themselves and their community. The department values and respects the spectrum of human diversity. An integrated approach to the teaching, learning and application of human movement provides opportunities and experiences to achieve the program learning outcomes.

A. Lower Division Prerequisite Courses (20-26 units)

1. Lower Division Science and Math Requirements (14-20 units)

General Biology and Human Anatomy Requirement

Alternatively, students may take the following courses to fulfill the General Biology and Human Anatomy requirement for the major. This pathway is recommended for students interested in pursuing graduate study in allied health-related programs, such as physical therapy or medicine.

BIOL 106 Biological Principles I (3)
BIOL 106L Biological Principles I Lab (1)
BIOL 107 Biological Principles II (3)
BIOL 107L Biological Principles II Lab (1)
BIOL 382/L Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab (3/1)
BIOL 383/L Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab (3/1)

Note: Completion of BIOL 211/212 or BIOL 213/212 or BIOL 383/L is prerequisite to enrollment in KIN 300 and KIN 337/L. Completion of BIOL 281 or BIOL 383/L is prerequisite to enrollment in KIN 346/L. BIOL 382/L requires grades of “C” or better in BIOL 106/L and BIOL 107/L prerequisites.

2. Lower Division Core (6 units)

KIN 200 Foundations of Kinesiology (3)

Kinesiology Movement Courses (3 units)

Choose one course from each of the following categories:

a. Dance

KIN 137A Ballroom Dance I (1)
KIN 139A Ballet I (1)
KIN 139B Ballet II (1)
KIN 141A Jazz Dance I (1)
KIN 141B Jazz Dance II (1)
KIN 142A Latin Dance I (1)
KIN 142B Latin Dance II (1)
KIN 143A Hip Hop Dance Culture I (1)
KIN 143B Hip Hop Dance Culture II (1)
KIN 144A Modern Dance I (1)

b. Fitness

KIN 125A Fitness for Life (1)
KIN 126A Strength Training (1)
KIN 128 Fitness Walking (1)
KIN 129A Running Conditioning I (1)
KIN 135A Aerobic Dance I (1)
KIN 136A Aqua Aerobics (1)
KIN 147 Pilates (1)
KIN 148 Dance Conditioning and Somatic Practices (1)
KIN 149 Yoga (1)
KIN 177A Swimming for Non-swimmers (1)
KIN 178A Swimming I (1)
KIN 179A Swimming Conditioning (1)

c. Sport

KIN 122A Badminton I (1)
KIN 123A Archery (1)
KIN 124A Basketball I (1)
KIN 130A Karate I (1)
KIN 131A Taekwondo (1)
KIN 132A Aikido (1)
KIN 133A Tai Chi Ch’uan (1)
KIN 134 Shaolin Kung Fu (1)
KIN 152A Soccer I (1)
KIN 155A Golf I (1)
KIN 164A Handball I (1)
KIN 171A Softball I (1)
KIN 172 Ultimate Frisbee (1)
KIN 185A Tennis I (1)
KIN 185B Tennis II (1)
KIN 191A Track and Field I (1)
KIN 195A Volleyball I (1)

B. Upper Division Core (21 units)

KIN 300 Foundations and Analysis of Human Movement (3)
KIN 305 Historical and Philosophical Bases of Kinesiology (4)
KIN 306 Socio-Psychological Aspects of Physical Activity (3)
KIN 345/L Biomechanics and Lab (3/1)
KIN 346/L Physiology of Exercise and Lab (3/1)
KIN 377 Motor Learning (3)

C. Applied Fitness, Active Lifestyle, Strength, and Conditioning Option Requirements (36 units)

1. Lower Division Required Courses (6 units)

2. Upper Division Required Courses (21 units)

3. Electives (9 units)

Select 9 units with approval of advisor:

KIN 311/L Adapted Therapeutic Exercise Principles and Applications and Lab (2/1)
KIN 313/L Adapted and Therapeutic Aquatic Exercise/Lab (2/1)
KIN 415 Medical Aspects of Sport and Related Injuries (3)
KIN 422/L Advanced Theoretical and Technical Aspects of Strength Training and Laboratory (2/1)
KIN 436 Applied Exercise and Sports Physiology (3)
KIN 445 Advanced Biomechanics (3)
KIN 451/KIN 451L Adapted Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise: Assessment, Evaluation and Program Design and Lab (2/1)
KIN 453/L Evaluation, Assessment and Program Development for People with Physical Disabilities and Lab (2/1)
KIN 456 Exercise Program Design (3)
KIN 476 Musculoskeletal Biomechanics and Injury (3)
KIN 479 Motor Control (3)
KIN 494A-B Academic Internship in Kinesiology (1-2)
KIN 494I Academic Internship Evaluation (1)
KIN 499A-C Independent Study (1-3)
KIN 560 Clinical EKG and Stress Testing (3)
KIN 575/L Biomechanical Analysis Techniques and Lab (2/1)
PSY 352 Motivation (3)

Elective: Alternative upper division KIN elective may be taken with prior approval of advisor (1-3).

D. General Education (48 units)

Undergraduate students must complete 48 units of General Education as described in this Catalog, including 3 units of coursework meeting the Ethnic Studies (ES) graduation requirement.

18 units are satisfied by the following courses in the major: BIOL 101 or BIOL 106 satisfies B2 Life Science; BIOL 101L or BIOL 106L satisfies B3 Science Laboratory Activity; MATH 140 or MATH 141 satisfies Basic Skills B4 Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning; KIN 345/L satisfies B5 Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning; KIN 306 and PSY 150 satisfy D1 Social Sciences; and FCS 207 or HSCI 337 satisfies E Lifelong Learning.

If taken, KIN 139A or KIN 144A satisfies 1 unit of C1 Arts.

Total Units in the Major/Option: 77-83

General Education Units: 30

Additional Units: 7-13

Total Units Required for the B.S. Degree: 120