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Human Kinetics

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Why Study Human Kinetics at U of G?

Human Kinetics is focused on the science behind human health, movement, and performance. Students gain a broad understanding of human biology from the cellular through to the systems level, including anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, and exercise physiology.

Hands-on learning is incorporated throughout the program, including labs for assessing human movement and exercise performance and a dissection-based study of human anatomy.

Tailor your studies to your interests and future career with courses focused on nutrition and metabolism, exercise physiology, ergonomics, and the biomechanics of health and injury.

Gain Hands-on and Theoretical Knowledge

Along with a strong foundation in human health, you'll also gain hands-on skills in labs. Human Kinetics students learn about the human body through dissection courses in the Human Anatomy Laboratory, an experience available to few undergraduates in Canada.

Broaden Your Understanding of Human Health

After building a foundation of science courses in your first year, you'll dive deeper into courses in biochemistry, nutrition, biomechanics, and human physiology in second year, followed by advanced courses in your upper years of study.

Research in Human Kinetics

Take the opportunity to gain more hands-on skills and cutting-edge knowledge in the field by taking research courses with a faculty member in a discipline related to your interests and career goals. Our faculty include leading researchers in the areas of exercise physiology, nutritional science and metabolism, and the neuromechanics of human movement.

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

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in Canada (Maclean’s)
Top 150 in the World
for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2026)
Top 20% in the World
for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
Top 5 in Canada for Life Sciences
Top 4 for Life Sciences Teaching (THE 2026)
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Careers in Human Kinetics

Human Kinetics graduates land careers in a variety of health care, 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

Julia Shannon graduation photo
When selecting a school and program for my undergraduate degree, the University of Guelph's Human Kinetics program stood out for its breadth of content covered, flexibility of upper-year electives, and, of course, the fantastic anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics focus. My time in this program was filled with tremendous growth, learning, and connection. The opportunities for research and collaboration with professors and graduate students combined with the HK-specific courses helped to guide my decision to pursue a career in physiotherapy. U of G HK has prepared me incredibly well for this master's-level program and I am so thankful for the entire U of G community that helped get me here.
Julia Shannon, AlumniHuman Kinetics Graduate (BSc '24)
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, AlumniRegistered Physiotherapist, Human Kinetics Graduate (BSc '12)
Teaghen Couling

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, AlumniHuman Kinetics (BSc '25)
Cole Miller

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, AlumniOsteopathy Student, Human Kinetics Graduate (BSc '25)
Sarah Bland

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, AlumniChiropractic Student, 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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