| Course Outlines for the current 2025W Winter Term 2 session will show 25W T2. | We will be updating this page as course outlines become available, usually closer to the start of the term in which the course is offered (i.e., July, September, or January). |
Code , Title, # of credits & Outline link |
Description |
HEAL 100 Introduction and Principles of Health and Wellbeing(3 credits) HES 100 – 25W T1 |
This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of concepts and theories related to health and wellbeing. This course is interdisciplinary in nature and will integrate various scientific perspectives of health including physiological, biological, psychological and sociological. This course offers you the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills to facilitate optimal health and academic success. It will also investigate how individual health has a broader impact on society. You will be challenged to build health habits and personal systems for wellbeing. This course helps support UBC’s commitment to student wellbeing as indicated in the UBC Strategic Plan, Aspire, Okanagan Charter for Health Promoting Universities and Colleges and the Wellbeing UBC Strategic Initiative. UBCO and all of your teaching team, care about you! |
HES 100 Foundations of Health and Exercise Sciences(3 credits) HES 100 – 25W T1 |
The importance of exercise, fitness, physical activity, healthy eating, and other health behaviours across the lifespan. Principles of basic exercise prescription, fitness appraisal, behaviour change, and other positive health approaches; implications for personal health/quality of life, professional success, health care. Formerly offered as HMKN 100. Credit will be granted for only one of HES 100 or HMKN 100. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: Registration limited to students in the B.H.E.S. program. |
HES 101 Human Physiology I(3 credits) HES 101 – 25W T1 |
Human physiology from the cellular to the systemic level including cellular function, metabolism, the skeletal system, neuromuscular system, and nervous system. Credit will only be granted for one of HES 101, HMKN 190 or BIOL 131. |
HES 102 Biomechanics(3 credits) HES 102 – 25W T2 |
Application of the elementary principles of physics and math to quantitative analysis of human movement. Analysis will also focus on the development of forces within muscles and their effect on initiating and controlling human movement (pertaining to exercise, physical activity, and rehabilitation). Formerly offered as HMKN 101. Credit will be granted for only one of HES 102 or HMKN 101. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: Registration limited to students in the B.H.E.S. program. |
HES 105 Exercise Physiology I(3 credits) HES 105 – 25W T2 |
This course explores the phenomenal ways the human body responds to the physiological stress of exercise. We will study the acute metabolic, neuromuscular, and cardiorespiratory responses to various kinds of physical activity, and will examine the chronic responses to resistance and endurance training. In lab, we will use the fundamental tools of exercise physiologists to investigate the body’s responses to exercise and we will practice analyzing, interpreting, and communicating about physiological data. |
HES 111 Human Anatomy & Physiology II(3 credits) HES 111 – 25W T2 |
An introduction to human physiology from the cellular to the systemic level. This course will examine the neuroendocrine system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, renal function, immune function and reproduction. |
HES 120 Introduction to Human Anatomy(3 CREDITS) HES 120 – 25W T1 |
Functional aspects of human anatomy with special attention to musculoskeletal, vascular, and neural systems that support integrated human movement. [3-2-0] |
HES 130 Social Determinants of HealtH(3 CREDITS) HES 130 – 25W T1 |
Examining the relationships between biological, psychological, social, and economic factors to understand inequities in health outcomes for different individuals and populations. Formerly offered as HEAL 200. Credit will be granted for only one of HES 130 or HEAL 200. |
HES 131 Exercise Psychology(3 CREDITS) HES 131 – 25W T2 |
Psychological theories and research related to exercise adoption, maintenance, and avoidance. Psychological antecedents and consequences of exercise behaviour. Formerly offered as HMKN 201. Credit will be granted for only one of HES 131 or HMKN 201. Pre-requisites: Either (a) HES 100 or (b) HMKN 100. |
HES 200 Introduction to Nutrition(3 CREDITS) HES 200 – 25W T2 |
The aim of this course is linked tightly to the School of Health and Exercise Sciences’ (HES) mandate for you to receive training in human physiology, health promotion and health psychology, fitness appraisal and exercise prescription, and health program policy and epidemiology, all which include aspects of nutrition. The aim of HES is to prepare you for careers in the allied health sciences (e.g., medicine, physiotherapy), and civic, corporate, and governmental agencies engaged in health promotion. Nutrition is a key part of all of these positions and can be a significant part of your career and health. |
HES 201 Exercise Prescription(3 CREDITS) HES 201 – 25W T1 |
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of exercise assessment and prescription for adult populations with introductory information on children, older adults, persons with disability and chronic disease. The course will examine and emphasize health and fitness assessment, exercise training principles including program design, evaluation, and application of different modes of exercise training. Credit will only be granted for HES 201 or HMKN 311.Prerequisite: One of HES 105, HMKN 200 and one of HES 111, HMKN 191; and HES 120. |
HES 202 Human Motor Behaviour I(3 CREDITS) HES 202 – 25W T1 |
Processes and structures underlying the production human movement. Sensory, motor and cognitive factors influencing the learning, execution, and control of action will be addressed. Formerly offered as HMKN 202. Credit will be granted for only one of HES 202 or HMKN 202. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: Either (a) HES 101 or (b) HMKN 190; and either (a) HES 102 or (b) HMKN 101; and either (a) HES 111 or (b) HMKN 191. |
HES 203 Lifespan Physical and Motor Development(3 CREDITS) HES 203 – 24W T2 |
This course will introduce students to physical growth and motor development related to physical activity. In addition to lifespan changes, including aging, and their impact on physical activity participation and performance. The class will consist of in-person lectures that will include PowerPoint, videos, and activities. |
HES 211 Exercise Testing(3 CREDITS) HES 211 – 25W T1 |
The theory, practice and analysis of safe and effective health, fitness, physiological and lifestyle assessments, including the design, implementation and analysis of standard protocols. |
HES 212 Exercise Testing(3 CREDITS) HES 212 – 25W T2 |
The theory, practice and analysis of safe and effective exercise training, including the design, implementation and analysis of exercise sessions, training and rehabilitation programs and ongoing monitoring strategies. [3-2-0] 3 Credits. Prerequisites: All of HES 101, HES 105, HES 111. |
HES 231 Exercise Counselling and Behaviour Modification(3 CREDITS) HES 231 – 25W T2 |
This course is designed to aid students in developing an understanding and appreciation of how to work with future clientele to adopt and adhere to a variety of health behaviours with a particular focus on exercise. This course will expose students to advances in applied research in the field of Exercise Psychology through practice, application, and first-hand experiences. Laboratories will allow students to grasp concepts discussed in previous classes and readings by witnessing the phenomenon themselves. |
HES 240 Health Research Methods(3 CREDITS) HES 240 – 25W T1 |
Introduction to the research methods commonly encountered in health research, including quantitative and qualitative designs; provides a basis for comprehending more fully the research literature relevant to health studies. Formerly offered as HMKN 206. Credit will be granted for only one of HES 240 or HMKN 206. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: Either (a) HES 100 or (b) HMKN 100 and second-year standing in the B.H.E.S or B.H.K. |
HES 305 Exercise Physiology II(3 CREDITS) HES 305 – 25W T1 |
This course covers how key physiological systems respond to exercise and adapt to training. The lecture component covers how the cardiorespiratory, metabolic, neuromuscular, and immune systems are controlled and coordinated to meet the demands of exercise. Key adaptations that occur following different types of exercise training or environmental stressors are also covered. The laboratory component provides hands-on experience measuring physiological responses to exercise and environmental stressors. Formerly offered as HMKN 310. Credit will be granted for only one of HES 305 or HMKN 310. |
HES 311 Pathophysiology(3 CREDITS) HES 311 – 25W T2 |
The physiological basis of selected skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous system disorders, and their effects on health and exercise. The etiology and pathophysiology of common chronic diseases, including Cancer, will be discussed. |
HES 312 Tissue Injury & Repair(3 CREDITS) HES 312 – 25W T2 |
This course examines the mechanics of both injury and repair of muscular, connective, and nervous tissue. Common treatment and management, as well as current research in tissue healing, will be addressed. Both acute and chronic conditions will be discussed and examined. Athletic, sport, and exercise injury management, as well as the fields of Athletic Therapy & Athlete Health, will be discussed. Students will learn basic assessment and bracing/taping techniques and will be introduced to the principles of rehabilitation. |
HES 320 Functional Anatomy(3 CREDITS) HES 320 – 25W T1 |
Functional aspects of human anatomy with special attention to musculoskeletal, vascular, and neural systems that support integrated human movement. Credit will only be granted for one of HES 320 or HMKN 391.
Prerequisite: HES 120 or all of BIOL 131, BIOL 133. |
HES 321 Laboratory Techniques in Exercise Science(3 CREDITS) HES 321 – 25W T2 |
Current methods in exercise science will be demonstrated via modules presented by faculty in their areas of specialization including electrophysiological techniques and methods of assessing blood-flow, respiratory capacity, and muscle function. Formerly offered as HMKN 312. Credit will be granted for only one of HES 321 or HMKN 312. [2-3-0]. Prerequisite: One of HES 305, HMKN 310. |
HES 330 Introduction to Community Programming(3 CREDITS) HES 330 – 25W T1 |
The theory and practice of designing community-based programs to promote behavior change based on recent advances in behavioural science. Credit will only be granted for HES 330 or HMKN 303. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: Either (a) HES 231 or (b) HMKN 316. |
HES 331 Motivational Interviewing(3 CREDITS) HES 331 – 25W T2 |
Study of behaviour change techniques, theories and approaches used in one-to-one behavioural support interactions. The course will instill knowledge of theory as well as applied skills in behaviour change counselling |
HES 332 Advanced Theories of Behaviour Change(3 CREDITS) HES 332 – 25W T2 |
Advanced theories in health and exercise psychology and their critical evaluation regarding utility for instilling and sustaining health behaviour change. Formerly offered as HMKN 421. Credit will be granted for only one of HES 332 or HMKN 421. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: HES 330. Registration is limited to students in the Health Behavior Change Concentration in the B.H.E.S. Program. |
HES 333 Health Program Evaluation(3 CREDITS) HES 333 – 25W T2 |
This course will introduce you to the concepts and principles of health program planning, including needs assessment, intervention design and implementation, as well as process, impact, and outcome evaluation. You will be introduced to community intervention and evaluation techniques and their adaptation to health promotion. |
HES 340 Methods of Data Analysis(3 CREDITS) HES 340 – 25W T1 |
Introduction to basic statistics and methods relevant to the analysis and interpretation of quantitative data pertaining to health and social well-being. Credit will be granted for only one of HES 340, HMKN 205 or STAT 121. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: Either (a) HES 240 or (b) HMKN 206. |
HES 350 Clinical Assessment(3 CREDITS) HES 350 – 25W T1 |
The development of key technical skills in conducting clinical evaluations by exercise practitioners, including client interviews and communication, physical examination, pharmacological considerations, health and fitness measures and appropriate data recording and documentation. |
HES 351 Clinical Exercise Physiology(3 CREDITS) HES 351 – 25W T1 |
The course is designed to advance student understanding of exercise physiology and pathophysiology and provide practical applications of the biological and psychological effects of chronic conditions. Students will be introduced to underlying mechanisms, common signs and symptoms as well as disease management strategies for many key chronic conditions and will integrate this understanding into the applications of exercise and the effects of disease and treatments on exercise capacity. |
HES 352 Exercise Testing for Clinical Populations(3 CREDITS) HES 352 – 25W T2 |
Analysis of standard and specialized protocols, recommendations, equipment, personnel and parameters of exercise assessments for individuals living with clinical populations. [3-2-0] Prerequisite: HES 350 and either (a) HES 311 or (b) HMKN 335. Registration limited to students in the Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration of the B.H.E.S program. |
HES 353 Clinical Exercise Prescription(3 CREDITS) HES 353 – 25W T2 |
The course is designed to advance student understanding and skill in exercise prescription and integrate the pathophysiological and health-specific needs of individuals with one or more chronic conditions in the design of exercise programs and lifestyle interventions. The learning objectives are: • To introduce students to current standards, guidelines and recommendations for exercise programming and rehabilitation across various chronic conditions. • To advance student application of the principles of exercise training and prescription to individuals at risk of, or with chronic conditions. • To facilitate student appreciation and understanding of a client-centered approach to exercise and training program design, implementation and appraisal, and support student competence in exercise monitoring and decision-making for safe and effective exercise prescription. |
HES 354 Clinical Exercise Physiology Applications in Chronic Conditions:Cardiovascular Disease(3 CREDITS) HES 354 – 25W T2 |
The clinical considerations of cardiovascular conditions and treatment for safe and effective implementation of exercise programs for people with cardiovascular disease. Students will critically review evidence, standards and recommendations for use of exercise in the management and prevention of cardiovascular disease. |
HES 355 Clinical Exercise Physiology Applications in Chronic Conditions:
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This course will explore how the human body converts nutrients into usable energy (ATP) during daily life and in response to exercise and applies this knowledge to understand metabolism using practical examples in health, chronic disease, and human performance. Students will investigate the role of the endocrine and metabolic systems in the maintenance of health, as well as in disease, with special consideration of diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity, among others. Finally, students will investigate the effects of exercise in the regulation of metabolism and endocrine functions and explore the benefits, risks and opportunities for exercise prescription in the prevention, management and treatment of endocrine and metabolic disorders. |
HES 356 Health Behavior Change for Chronic Disease Management(3 CREDITS) HES 356 – 25W T1 |
Overview of behavior change theories and principles of behavior change intervention design with a particular focus on individual and community-based programming for those living with a variety of chronic conditions. |
HES 371 Professional Practice in Health & Exercise Sciences(3 CREDITS) HES 371 – 25W T1 |
This course explores the professional expectations, industry-accepted standards, and regulatory requirements that are relevant to health and exercise practitioners. In addition to a focus on safety and legal compliance, we will work to develop the knowledge and skills needed to support professional practice that is reflective, collaborative, equity-oriented, and person-centered. HMKN 371 – Professional Practice in Health & Exercise Sciences, 2025W1 |
HES 380 Exercise Metabolism(3 CREDITS) HES 380 – 25W T2 |
The underlying metabolic events associated with exercise and nutritional challenges. Substrate delivery and skeletal muscle metabolism with respect to exercise. Formerly offered as HMKN 313. Credit will be granted for only one of HES 380 or HMKN 313. |
HES 382 Sport Psychology(3 CREDITS) HES 382 – 23SUMMER |
This course will introduce students to how psychological factors influence and are influenced by participation and performance in sport including personality, motivation, arousal, competition, focus, confidence, and imagery. The class will consist of pre-recorded and live lectures that will include PowerPoint, videos, and activities. |
HES 420 Advanced Functional Anatomy(3 CREDITS) HES 420 – 25W T2 |
The course is designed to provide advanced study on the sequential actions of the anatomical structures of the human body to generate functional movement in healthy and clinical populations. Lectures and laboratories emphasize the anatomical relationship and sequencing in the trunk and extremities as they relate to human movement. Special attention is given to exercise selection to address movement imbalances. The learning objectives are to: • To progress students understanding of human function, with a particular emphasis on muscle activation and sequencing • To explore how alterations in the structure of the human body influences function • To develop corrective exercise strategies to improve human movement in healthy and clinical populations. |
HES 433 Knowledge Translation in Health and Exercise Sciences(3 CREDITS) HES 433 – 25W T2 |
Methods for knowledge mobilization, implementation, theory and practice in knowledge translation for healthcare professionals. Formerly offered as HMKN 408. Credit will be granted for only one of HES 433 or HMKN 408. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: Either (a) HMKN 206 or (b) HES 240. |
HES 453 Clinical Exercise Physiology – Applications in Chronic Conditions: Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders(3 CREDITS) HES 453 – 25W T1 |
Clinical considerations of musculoskeletal and neurological diseases/disorders including treatment for safe and effective implementation of exercise programs for people with musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Critical review of evidence, standards and recommendations in exercise management for musculoskeletal and neurological diseases/disorders. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: HES 351 and registration limited to students in the Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration of the H.E.S program. |
HES 454 Clinical Exercise Physiology – Applications in Chronic Conditions: Respiratory Disease(3 CREDITS) HES 454 – 25W T1 |
Clinical considerations of respiratory diseases. Safe and effective implementation of exercise programs for people with respiratory disease. Critical review of evidence, standards and recommendations for the use of exercise in the management and prevention of respiratory disease. [3-0-0] Prerequisites: HES 351 and registration limited to students in the Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration of the B.H.E.S. |
HES 455 Clinical Exercise Physiology: Applications in Chronic Conditions: Oncology(3 CREDITS) HES 455 – 25W T1 |
Clinical considerations of cancer pathology. Safe and effective design and implementation of exercise programs for people living with cancer. Critical review of evidence, standards and recommendations for the use of exercise in the management and prevention of cancer. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: [this term only]– HES 311. Registration limited to students Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration of the B.H.E.S program, and approved 4th year BHES students. |
HES 459 CEP Advanced Practice(3 CREDITS) HES 459 – 25W T2 |
HES 459 is the capstone practical course in the Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP) concentration of the BHES program. It is designed as a final skill consolidation and entry-to-practice evaluation for students preparing to enter advanced practicum placements and professional roles in clinical exercise settings. |
HES 471 Professional Ethics in Health & Exercise Sciences(3 CREDITS) HES 471 – 25W T1 |
This course explores what it means to be an ethical professional in the health and exercise sciences. In addition to tackling complex ethical dilemmas, we will work to develop the knowledge and skills needed to support day-to-day ethical conduct in HES workplaces. Students will work in teams to practice situational judgment, ethical analysis, inclusive and respectful engagement, and to examine their own readiness for ethical professional practice. |
HES 480 Concussion(3 CREDITS) HES 480 – 25W T2 |
Investigation of the diagnosis, deficits and treatment of concussion, and the neurocognitive, biomechanical, cerebrovascular, and sensorimotor effects of the injury. |
HES 481 Pediatric exercise Physiology(3 CREDITS) HES 481 – 25W T2 |
Investigation into the physiological responses of children and adolescents to exercise. |
HES 482 Advanced Training Methods(3 CREDITS) HES 482 – 25W T2 |
Advanced theory and applications of exercise physiology and training methodology to the conditioning process for sport and physical activity. Formerly offered as HMKN_O 409. Credit will be granted for only one of HES_O 482 or HMKN_O 409. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: all of HES_O 201, HES_O 211, HES_O 212. |
HES 486 Muscle Fatigue(3 CREDITS) HES 486 – 25W T1 |
Physiological mechanisms within the central nervous system and muscle fibres which contribute to muscle fatigue. The influence of various factors (e.g., sex, age, disease) on muscle fatigue. Formerly offered as HMKN 415. Credit will be granted for only one of HES 486 or HMKN 415 [3-0-0] Prerequisites: Either (a) HES 240 or (b) HMKN 206; and either (a) HES 305 or (b) HMKN 310; and either (a) HES 321 or (b) HMKN 315; and either (a) HES 340 or (b) HMKN 205. |
HES 488 Cortical Control of Movement(3 CREDITS) HES 488 – 25W T1 |
Cortical events associated with sensation and motor planning associated with goal-directed movement. Particular focus on plasticity associated with disease and injury. Formerly offered as HMKN 413. Credit will be granted for only one of HES 488 or HMKN 413. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: Either (a) HES 202 or (b) HMKN 202; and either (a) HES 240 or (b) HMKN 206; and either (a) HES 340 or (b) HMKN 205. |
HES 490A Project in Health and Exercise Sciences – PROJECT IN HES(3 CREDITS) |
Provides opportunities to perform research pertaining to a chosen area of Human Kinetics as agreed upon by a faculty member and student. No more than 6 credits in total of HES 490. |
HES 490B Project in Health and Exercise Sciences – PROJECT IN HES(6 CREDITS) |
Provides opportunities to perform research pertaining to a chosen area of Human Kinetics as agreed upon by a faculty member and student. No more than 6 credits in total of HES 490. |
HES 490C Project in Health and Exercise Sciences – PROJECT IN HES(3 CREDITS) |
Provides opportunities to perform research pertaining to a chosen area of Human Kinetics as agreed upon by a faculty member and student. No more than 6 credits in total of HES 490. |
HES 492 Honours ProgramHES 492 – 25W T1 |
The objective of the Honours Program is to provide students with a supervised experience of conducting a research project. HES 492 has both a research project component and an in-class seminar component. Together, the course components are designed to teach students the skills necessary to carry out independent research. Over the course of two terms, students will conduct research and acquire scientific skills under the supervision of an HES Faculty member. During the seminar portion of the course, students will learn fundamentals of the research planning, implementation, and dissemination processes. |
HES 493 Community PracticumHES 493 – 25W T1 |
The course is designed to provide an immersive, hands-on experience that prepares students to enter the industry. By working with community partners students will continue to develop the required competencies in a field setting. As well as developing technical skill and desirable professional attributes, the course also aims for students to develop critical interpersonal, and other transferable skills required for working in any professional environment. Lastly, the course aims for students to see their roles and responsibilities in each practicum through an EDI-D lens to aid in working towards equity in the health professions. Prerequisite: HES 212. Registration limited to students in the Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration of the B.H.E.S program |
HES 505 Quantitative Analyses: Decision Making Using Data in Health and Exercise Science(3 CREDITS) HES 505 – 25W T1 |
• The course is design to facilitate students to understand foundation of statistical methods, quantitative data and analyses. • The course content may include but are not limited to: data management, descriptive and inferential statistics. • Students will learn how to: select appropriate statistical methods, analyze quantitative data, and interpret analytical results (commonly seen in health and exercise sciences research). |
HES 506 Research Methods in Health and Exercise Sciences(3 CREDITS) HES 506 – 25W T2 |
HES 506 will present students with the opportunity to learn methodological approaches to the study of health and exercise sciences. Topics will address student’s own particular interests and also expand their understanding of other available techniques and approaches. Students will become versed in the philosophy of science, key research designs such as experiments and surveys, sampling, data analysis, development of a research proposal and consideration of the ethical constraints of different methodological approaches. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches will be covered. |
HES 549 M.Sc. Thesis(18 CREDITS) |
Pass/Fail. This course is restricted to students in one of these programs: MED-O,MSC-O,MASC-O,MA-O |
HES 649 Ph.D. Dissertation(CREDITS 0) |
Pass/Fail. This course is restricted to students in one of these programs: PHD-O -OR- in one of these programs: MA-O |