Courses | Faculty
Contact: Frank Rife
Office: 109 Totman
Phone: (413) 545-2634
Email: frife@kin.umass.edu
Web site: www.umass.edu/sphhs/kin/

The Field
Kinesiology is an interdisciplinary field focusing on the science of human movement. Its four basic elements—biochemistry, biomechanics, motor control, and physiology—can be integrated to allow kinesiologists to address a wide variety of questions. Some are basic: how are nerves, muscles and joints coordinated to accomplish complex movements? what regulates the mixture of fuels oxidized at rest and during exercise? Others have applications to health: how much of what we call aging is actually due to physical inactivity? how can physical activity be used to prevent and/or manage chronic disease and disability? Still others involve rehabilitation: what factors contribute to musculoskeletal injury and how can they be reversed? and exercise performance: what limits human performance and how can it be optimized? In recent years, the field of kinesiology has evolved toward less emphasis on sport and a much stronger focus on a basic understanding of human movement and the role of physical activity and exercise in health and disease. To those ends, kinesiologists use tools from molecular biology, neuroscience, engineering, medicine, and computer science to work on unique problems in a diverse array of settings that include laboratories, hospitals, health and wellness centers, and field environments.

The Major
The major in Kinesiology builds on a foundation of basic science in the areas of biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, and statistics. Kinesiology courses apply these foundation requirements to the scientific study of human movement.

Requirements
I. Requisite Courses (33 cr)
CHEM 111 and 112 General Chemistry for Science Majors I, II
CMPSCI Any course except COMPSCI 102
KIN 297A/L Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab)
KIN 297C/D Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab)
MATH 127 and 128 Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences I, II
PHYSICS 131/133 and 132/134 Introductory Physics I, II (with labs)
Notes on the above courses:
1. A grade of C- or better is required in each.
2. Four courses must be completed by the end of the first full calendar year in the major.
3. The remaining courses must be completed by the second full calendar year in the major. Students who must take prerequisites to MATH 127 may have one additional semester to complete the Calculus requirement.
4. KIN 297A/L or 297C/D must be completed by the end of the full year in the major.
II. Kinesiology Core Courses (24 credit)

Notes on the above courses:
1. All courses must be completed in the department.
2. A grade of C- or better is required for each.
3. KIN 100 must be completed by the end of the full first year in the major.
III. Kinesiology Electives
Students must select 9 credits from the courses listed below. At least one course must be three credits taken at the 500 level or above.
Notes on the previous courses:
A passing grade of C- or better is required in all of these elective courses.
IV. Cognate Electives—Students must take at least 6 credits at the 200 level or higher in the following areas: Engineering, Mathematics, Nutrition, Psychology, Biology, Nursing, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Sport Management, Public Health, or other areas approved by the student’s adviser.
Career Opportunities
An undergraduate degree in Kinesiology is excellent preparation for pursuit of an advanced degree that will lead to a career in medicine, research science, physical therapy, or academia. Many kinesiologists also work in the health care system, especially in cardiac, pulmonary, and stroke rehabilitation. Increasingly, kinesiologists are providing their specialized expertise to the growing biotechnology industry, particularly in areas related to cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and metabolic health. Kinesiology majors are prominent in the health and fitness industry and work with manufacturers of sport and rehabilitative equipment. In any area of employment, Kinesiology majors will find their rigorous training in scientific method, critical thinking, and clear expression of ideas to be a lifelong advantage.

Universities and Colleges offering Kinesiology