Kinesiology
Overview
Kinesiology encompasses the study of human development, anatomy, physiology, mechanics, and motor learning. Within each sub discipline students study positive and negative stressors that govern human performance. In addition, discussions focus on numerous clinical conditions, and the exercise, nutritional, and medical techniques used to prevent and control these problems. The purpose of this major is to develop and integrate the concepts and principles from each sub-discipline to understand the complexity of the human mind and body. This major prepares students for advanced studies in medicine, physical therapy, dentistry, kinesiology, and other related life science programs.
Departmental Mission Statement: Our mission is to foster in a diverse group of students an understanding and appreciation of human functions and to encourage and develop learning skills that enhance their personal and professional growth.
Goals:
- Critical Thinking. Students should learn how to engage in critical, evidence-based thinking.
- Integration across Levels of Analysis. Students should understand and integrate different levels of analysis in their working model of human form and function.
- Mastery of Core Knowledge. Students are expected to master a significant proportion of the vocabulary and core body of knowledge in Kinesiology.
- Mastery of Discipline-Specific Conventions. Majors should be able to read and understand the primary source literature in Kinesiology (journals and books) and to integrate and present that information in prescribed, discipline-specific ways, including oral and written exposition.
Major Requirements
COURSEWORK
In addition to the 37 units of Kinesiology coursework (33 units of required coursework and one Kinesiology elective), the major requires additional course work in Psychology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Biology.
Fundamental coursework:
Additional Elective:
Choose one additional Kinesiology course:
Psychology Component
Psychology 101 is a prerequisite for KINE 309, KINE 310, and KINE 311.
| PSYC 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 units |
Chemistry Component:
Choose one option:
Option 1
| CHEM 120 | Foundations of General Chemistry | 4 units |
| CHEM 240 | Integrated Concepts in General Chemistry | 4 units |
Option 2
| CHEM 130 | Advanced Placement General Chemistry | 4 units |
| CHEM 240 | Integrated Concepts in General Chemistry | 4 units |
Mathematics Component:
| Calculus 1 | Scientific Modeling and Differential Calculus | 4 units |
| Calculus 2 | Scientific Modeling and Integral Calculus | 4 units |
Physics Component:
Choose one course:
Biology Component:
Choose one option:
Option 1
| BIO 110 | Organisms on Earth | 4 units |
| BIO 130 | Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 units |
Option 2
| BIO 115 | General Zoology | 4 units |
| BIO 130 | Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 units |
Pre-professional students are strongly encouraged to consult with the Health Professions Office and with their academic advisor early in their career. Students planning to apply to medical schools should take two semesters of Physics and four semesters of Chemistry. Students planning to apply to physical therapy schools should take two semesters of Physics and at least two upper-division Psychology courses.
Second-Stage Writing Requirement
Students majoring in Kinesiology will satisfy the second-stage writing requirement by successfully completing the written research paper requirements with a letter grade of "B" or better for two of the following 300-level courses: KINE 302, KINE 305, KINE 306, KINE 309, KINE 311 and KINE 395. A student who does not successfully received a letter grade of B or better will be allowed to revise the paper to satisfy the requirement. Students should familiarize themselves with the writing requirement at the time of declaring the major. See the department chair for additional information regarding writing standards for the department.
Comprehensive Requirement
The comprehensive experience is fulfilled by the successful completion of the requirements in KINE 490.
College Honors
Honors in Kinesiology may be awarded at graduation to qualified students. Students eligible for College honors are those who have: 1) earned an overall College grade point average of 3.25 or better, 2) earned a grade point average in departmental courses of 3.5 or better, and have 3) performed independent research and presented their findings at an undergraduate conference (e.g., Occidental’s summer research program or the Southwest Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine Conference).
Minor Requirements
COURSEWORK
Five courses (22-24 units) are required for the Kinesiology minor.
Fundamental Coursework:
KINE 104: A student may replace KINE 104 with any upper division Kinesiology course as long as he or she has completed the necessary prerequisites.
Additional Electives:
Choose two courses (and co-curricular lab where relevant.)
Transfer Credit Policies
The Kinesiology Department policy on transfer credit conforms to College policy. Students should reference the Transfer Credit section for details.
Courses
Kinesiology Courses
Faculty
Regular Faculty
Stuart Rugg, chair
Professor
B.S., University of California, Davis; Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
Lynn Mehl
Professor, Kinesiology and Psychology
B.S., M.S., Ph.D., University of Southern California
Marcella Raney
Associate Professor
A.B., Occidental College; Ph.D., University of Southern California
On Special Appointment
Kirk Bentzen
Non-Tenure Track Assistant Professor
A.B., Occidental College; M.P.T., University of Southern California; M.B.A., La Sierra University; D.P.T., University of Southern California
Melinda Houston
Non-Tenure Track Associate Professor
B.A., University of California, Los Angeles; M.S., California State University, Fullerton; Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Knoxville