Bachelor of Health and Exercise Sciences

Bachelor of Health and Exercise Sciences (BHES)

Explore the study and practice of human health and movement to understand its profound effects on quality of life. Equip individuals with the knowledge and practical approaches to embrace healthier, more active lives.

Students in Glen Foster's lab

A certificate icon
Degree

Bachelor

Length

4 years

Faculty/School

Faculty of Health and Social Development

Why study Bachelor of Health and Exercise Sciences at UBC Okanagan?

Complete your UBC degree in Health and Exercise Sciences, a discipline focused on the interdisciplinary nature of human health including psychological, physiological, neuromechanical and socio-cultural aspects of movement.

Experiential Learning is the cornerstone of our program. Our undergraduate students engage in many forms of competency-based courses, hands-on skill-building labs, community practicums, independent research projects and undergraduate honours research theses.

Degree Options

The BHES is a 120-credit degree program, with Concentrations in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Health Behaviour Change and Kinesiology Allied Health.

  • Kinesiology and Allied Health Concentration involves studying the role of exercise and physical activity in improving health, fitness and performance as well as the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries.
  • Health Behaviour Change Concentration involves studying the concepts of evidence-informed behaviour change theory and techniques to help individuals and communities adopt and adhere to a number of health behaviours.
  • Clinical Exercise Physiology Concentration focuses on incorporating exercise and activity education and skills into patient rehabilitation and recovery programs for the management of chronic diseases.

Sample Courses

These are examples of courses you can enrol in during your studies.

HES 120 - Introduction to Human Anatomy
HES 130 - Social Determinants of Health
HES 105 - Exercise Physiology I
HES 131 - Exercise Psychology

HES 201 - Exercise Prescription
HES 202 - Human Motor Behavior
HES 211 - Exercise Testing
HES 231 - Exercise Counseling and Behaviour Modification

HES 320 - Functional Anatomy
HES 333 - Health Program Evaluation
HES 351 - Clinical Exercise Physiology
HES 371 - Professional Practice in Health and Exercise Sciences

HES 471 - Professional Ethics in Health and Exercise Sciences
HES 483 - Environmental Physiology
HES 490 - Project in Health and Exercise Sciences
HES 493 - Community Practicum

Plan your academic journey by exploring undergraduate student resources designed for the School of Health and Exercise Sciences students.

Explore customized Program Plans designed to support your journey to graduation and beyond.

Careers and Outcomes

UBC degrees are respected by employers around the globe. Program graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in a variety of fields like,

  • Kinesiologist
  • Clinical exercise physiologist
  • Exercise and rehabilitation professional
  • Community health promotion specialist
  • Medical doctor/sports medicine*
  • Occupational therapist*
  • Physical therapist*
  • Chiropractor*
  • Occupational health and safety consultant
  • Health and wellness/return to work coordinator
  • Personal health coach
  • Community recreation manager/director
  • Program coordinator (e.g. Parks and Recreation Dept.)
  • Health and social policy director*
  • Nutritionist*
  • Public health director*

*Additional education is often required for this occupation

Admission, Fees, Applying

You could soon be studying at one of the world’s top universities. Be sure to review the content below to prepare for attending UBC Okanagan.

Undergraduate students test blood pressure in their classroom lab.

Experiential Learning

Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

Learn more about Co-op, Go Global and Undergraduate Research Awards opportunities at Experiential Education.

Community practicum placements are integrated into our concentrations and provide you with the opportunity to actively engage with the broader community and apply what you are learning in real-world settings.

You may also collaborate with faculty members to undertake research as part of an independent project or an undergraduate honours thesis. Your participation in these projects enhances your knowledge of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, the science of behaviour change for improved wellbeing, and the influence of the brain and muscles on the control of human movement and balance.

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 5% university while studying in a close-knit learning community. 50% of graduates, from all across the globe, choose to stay in the region.

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

UBC's Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.