Human Kinetics

Why Study Human Kinetics at U of G?

Human Kinetics is focused on the science behind human movement, physiology and the role of nutrition at the cellular and system level. Students gain a broad understanding of human biology, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition and biomechanics.

Through your studies, you will participate in hands-on laboratories testing and assessing human movement and an in-depth dissection-based anatomical study of the human body, diving into human physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, and more.

Gain Hands-on and Theoretical Knowledge

Along with building a strong foundation in human health and nutrition, you’ll also gain hands-on skills in labs. You’ll learn how to measure and assess human performance, as well as participate in human body dissections.

Broaden Your Understanding of Human Health

Explore human movement, physiology and nutrition at the cellular and system levels. After building a foundation of science courses in your first year, you'll dive deeper through courses in biomechanics, human physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology, among many others.

Research Courses Tailored to Your Interests

Take the opportunity to complete an in-depth research course with a faculty member in a discipline related to your interests and career goals.

To see all courses offered in the Human Kinetics program, visit our Academic Calendar.

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Top 5 Comprehensive University: in Canada (Macleans 2024)
Top 150 in the World: for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2024)
Top 20% in the World: for Biological Sciences (QS Top Universities 2024)
Top 15 in Canada: for Anatomy/Physiology (EduRank 2024)

Careers in Human Kinetics

Human Kinetics graduates enjoy challenging careers in a variety of healthcare, sports and performance settings. Many go on to graduate studies or pursue professional programs, including in medicine.

Here are just a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:

Health researcher
Kinesiologist
Physiotherapist
Ergonomist/health and safety officer
Respiratory educator
Medical affairs coordinator
Disability management advisor

Hear From Human Kinetics Students and Graduates

The Human Kinetics program allowed me to study in-depth many different aspects of physical therapy and inspired me to do research into many different career paths. Through the 3rd and 4th year anatomy labs, as well as the applied human kinetics labs, I was able to participate in research and deepen my understanding of the body. Being surrounded by classmates and professors with the same motivation to learn helped me reach my potential in my undergrad studies and made my time at Guelph an amazing experience.

Cole Miller, Undergraduate Student
Human Kinetics (BSc '25)

The Human Kinetics program has given me opportunities to explore career paths and gain hands-on experience in athletic therapy, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, and chiropractic. The required courses include seminars and labs that allow you to interact and collaborate with your peers, which has been a vital part of my undergrad experience and enhanced my time at the University of Guelph. This program was the right choice for me. Human Kinetics has provided me with a well-rounded education and unique experience.

Sarah Bland, Alumni
Human Kinetics Graduate (BSc '24)

The Human Kinetics program is incredible as it offers limitless experiences to develop academically, professionally, and socially. The human anatomy and applied human kinetics classes along with all upper-year courses provide amazing opportunities to strengthen lab and critical-thinking skills to prepare students for graduate research or clinical work. Furthermore, the program is remarkable for the tight-knit community it fosters through Human Kinetics-specific events and collaboration-based projects. Overall, Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph is more than a program, it's about developing exceptional students capable of making an impact in their communities.

Teaghen Couling, Undergraduate Student
Human Kinetics (BSc '25)

HK alumni Taylor standing by a horse outside

What I loved most about the Human Kinetics program was its immersive, hands-on learning experience. The seamless integration of theoretical concepts with practical application in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics laid the foundation for my physiotherapy career. The guidance and inspiration from professors in the program were instrumental in shaping my path, ultimately leading me to become a clinic owner and land my dream role as the physiotherapist for the Canadian Para-Equestrian Team. Working at the Paralympics in Paris was an unforgettable experience—it was truly inspiring to be part of such a high-performance environment and support athletes in achieving their goals on the world stage.

Taylor Campbell, Alumni
Registered Physiotherapist, Human Kinetics Graduate (BSc '12)

The Human Kinetics program allowed me to study in-depth many different aspects of physical therapy and inspired me to do research into many different career paths. Through the 3rd and 4th year anatomy labs, as well as the applied human kinetics labs, I was able to participate in research and deepen my understanding of the body. Being surrounded by classmates and professors with the same motivation to learn helped me reach my potential in my undergrad studies and made my time at Guelph an amazing experience.

Cole Miller, Undergraduate Student
Human Kinetics (BSc '25)

The Human Kinetics program has given me opportunities to explore career paths and gain hands-on experience in athletic therapy, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, and chiropractic. The required courses include seminars and labs that allow you to interact and collaborate with your peers, which has been a vital part of my undergrad experience and enhanced my time at the University of Guelph. This program was the right choice for me. Human Kinetics has provided me with a well-rounded education and unique experience.

Sarah Bland, Alumni
Human Kinetics Graduate (BSc '24)

The Human Kinetics program is incredible as it offers limitless experiences to develop academically, professionally, and socially. The human anatomy and applied human kinetics classes along with all upper-year courses provide amazing opportunities to strengthen lab and critical-thinking skills to prepare students for graduate research or clinical work. Furthermore, the program is remarkable for the tight-knit community it fosters through Human Kinetics-specific events and collaboration-based projects. Overall, Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph is more than a program, it's about developing exceptional students capable of making an impact in their communities.

Teaghen Couling, Undergraduate Student
Human Kinetics (BSc '25)

What I loved most about the Human Kinetics program was its immersive, hands-on learning experience. The seamless integration of theoretical concepts with practical application in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics laid the foundation for my physiotherapy career. The guidance and inspiration from professors in the program were instrumental in shaping my path, ultimately leading me to become a clinic owner and land my dream role as the physiotherapist for the Canadian Para-Equestrian Team. Working at the Paralympics in Paris was an unforgettable experience—it was truly inspiring to be part of such a high-performance environment and support athletes in achieving their goals on the world stage.

Taylor Campbell, Alumni
Registered Physiotherapist, Human Kinetics Graduate (BSc '12)

The Human Kinetics program allowed me to study in-depth many different aspects of physical therapy and inspired me to do research into many different career paths. Through the 3rd and 4th year anatomy labs, as well as the applied human kinetics labs, I was able to participate in research and deepen my understanding of the body. Being surrounded by classmates and professors with the same motivation to learn helped me reach my potential in my undergrad studies and made my time at Guelph an amazing experience.

Cole Miller, Undergraduate Student
Human Kinetics (BSc '25)

The Human Kinetics program has given me opportunities to explore career paths and gain hands-on experience in athletic therapy, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, and chiropractic. The required courses include seminars and labs that allow you to interact and collaborate with your peers, which has been a vital part of my undergrad experience and enhanced my time at the University of Guelph. This program was the right choice for me. Human Kinetics has provided me with a well-rounded education and unique experience.

Sarah Bland, Alumni
Human Kinetics Graduate (BSc '24)

Discover More Options

Students considering Human Kinetics may also be interested in Bio-Medical Science, Biomedical Engineering, or other majors.

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