Hands-On Opportunities for Health Studies and Kinesiology Students

Course Topic for Fall 2023: Food as Fuel, Justice, and Revolution

The tuition cost for the Fall 2023 offering will be $25 per student to offset costs related to field trips.

Register for this course during your July registration time slot.

Faculty members in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies developed this mini-stream to provide students an opportunity to immerse themselves in research.

The Research Mini-Stream experience provides an excellent opportunity for students who are considering applying to a graduate or post-degree program to explore their research potential.  Students receive a certificate from the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the completion of the 15.0 required units (it will not appear on the student transcript).

Required Courses

YEAR 2

Fundamental skills in research.

• KNPE 251/3.0  Introduction to Statistics
• HLTH 252/3.0 Introduction to Research Methods

YEAR 3

Hands-on experience working on active research projects in the SKHS.  Must  attend seminars covering research topics and methodologies.

HLTH Major or Medial Students

• HLTH 352/3.0 Research Skills Development Practicum

KINE Students

• KNPE 352/3.0 Research Skills Development Practicum

YEAR 4

Students apply their developing research skills and knowledge by doing a thesis under faculty supervision.

HLTH Major or Medial Students

• HLTH 595/6.0 Honours Thesis in Health Studies

KINE Students

• KNPE 595/6.0 Honours Thesis in Kinesiology and Physical Education

Registration in Mini-Stream

There is no formal admission to the Research Mini-Stream.  Students  should attend the Registration Information Sessions in March for their year (see Registration website for times/places) and follow these steps.

YEAR 2

Students are registered into KNPE 251 and HLTH 252 in July.

1. Review 2024-25 Research Practicum Opportunities (Updated on March 13th, 2024; this list will be updated as new positions become available).  This provides information about the labs accepting research interns; descriptions of current research projects; number of positions available; application contact information; and, deadline.
2. Apply directly to the research group(s) of your interest by the deadline of Monday March 25th, 2024 by sending a cover letter (this can be an e-mail or a separate document), unofficial transcript, and résumé.  The contact information is provided in the Research Practicum Opportunities document above.  Copy your application to the Laboratory and Educational Coordinator.
3. Fill out the HLTH/KNPE 352 Research Practicum Form with your professor and submit it to the SKHS UG Office who will arrange to register you into the course prior to starting year 3.

YEAR 3

1. At the completion of HLTH/KNPE 352, students will consult with the professor about progressing into HLTH/KNPE 595.
2. Fill out the HLTH 595/6.0 Form  Honours Thesis in Health Studies or the KNPE 595/6.0 Form Honours Thesis in Kinesiology and Physical and Health Education with your professor and submit it to the SKHS UG Office who will arrange to register you into the course.

YEAR 4

Students who are accepted into an honours thesis (HLTH or KNPE 595) will be eligible to receive recognition for completion of the Research Mini-Stream.

Need more information or assistance?

• Please e-mail Robert Watering, SKHS Laboratory and Educational Coordinator

Independent courses are intended to provide students with an opportunity to earn course credits while conducting an intensive study of a specific topic or research question. These courses are designed to be a self-directed study conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. This experience is of particular value for students who want to provide additional evidence of their academic abilities in their applications to post-degree or graduate programs.

SKHS Course Information - Independent Courses 

The School of Kinesiology and Health Studies welcomes applications for Summer 2024 undergraduate research work opportunities. Funding for these positions are provided through the Tri-Council Agencies (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC) and matching funds are provided by SKHS faculty members. These positions provide undergraduate students at Queen’s meaningful opportunities to engage in discovery based learning to develop their research and presentation skills. Application deadline is February 4th (see details on how to apply below).

Salary: $17.50/ hr x 35 hours/week x 16 weeks = $9800 x 4% vacation pay = $10,192. Positions begin in May and extend to the end of August. 

1. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada – Undergraduate Summer Research Award (USRA):

Priority for NSERC USRA positions will be given to students registered in the Kinesiology program who would like to pursue research in the exercise sciences. Students must have obtained a minimum GPA of at least 2.7, although the competitive average may be much higher than this.

NSERC USRA positions are available to work with the following faculty supervisors: 

1. Open to all KIN students:  Dr. Pouya Amiri  for the project “Marker-less motion capture systems for biomechanical analysis.” Click HERE for a detailed position description.
2. Reserved for KIN students who self-identify as Indigenous or Black: Dr. Brendon Gurd for research in the Queen’s Muscle Physiology Lab.

2. Undergraduate Student Summer Research Fellowships (USSRF): 

Priority for USSRF positions will be given to students registered in either the Health Studies or Kinesiology program who would like to pursue research across all disciplines in SKHS.

USSRF positions are available to work with the following faculty supervisors:

1. Dr. Joseph Kangmennaang   for the project “Mobilizing Black resources to promote early learning and childcare equity in Kingston Ontario.” Click HERE for a detailed position description.
2. Dr. Lucie Lévesque for the project “Community-Engaged Health Promotion Research – Indigenous Health Research.” Click HERE for a detailed position description. 

How to Apply: 

1. Carefully review the project descriptions posted above. Please prepare a separate application for each position that you would like to be considered for.

2.  A complete application consists of: 

• A letter of interest (one page max) describing your interest in the research project, any relevant skills/ experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position and the benefit of the position to your academic and/or post-graduate interests.
• An unofficial transcript
• Please include a statement in the body of your e-mail to confirm that you are eligible to work in Canada and available to work 35 hrs per week for 16 weeks in summer term 2024 

3. Submit your complete application to Josie Birchall, SKHS Finance Assistant, at birchalj@queensu.ca no later than midnight, Sunday, February 4, 2024. Please submit a separate application for each position that you would like to apply to.

Please note: Successful applicants will be notified by March 4, 2024. 

HLTH/KNPE 352/3.0: Research Skills Development Practicum

The Research Skills Development Practicum course (HLTH/KNPE 352/3.0) is designed to provide a research-based experience (approximately 80 hours) for students in Health Studies or Kinesiology interested in working in the research labs and on research projects of SKHS faculty members.

How to apply to participate in a research skills development practicum: 

1. Review Research Practicum Opportunities (link will be posted in February 2024 for opportunities available in 2024-25).  This provides information about the research programs/ labs accepting practicum students; descriptions of current research projects; number of positions available; application contact information; and, deadline.
2. Apply directly to the research group(s) of your interest by the deadline (end of March each year).  The contact information and steps to follow are in the Research Practicum Opportunities document above.  Copy your application to the Laboratory and Educational Coordinator.
3. Fill out the HLTH/KNPE 352 Research Practicum Form with your professor and submit it to the SKHS UG Office who will arrange to register you into the course.

HLTH/KNPE 300/3.0 Community-Based Internship

The one-term Community-Based Practicum course provides students with a practical internship opportunity related to their field of study, including but not limited to: fitness facilities, community health centres and allied healthcare clinics. Through pre-internship workshops, course seminars, and their community-based internship, students will gain and utilize a wealth of professional development skills and experience. Please note, if selected for the course, it is the responsibility of the student to seek out, apply for, and arrange internships with assistance from the Student Experience Coordinator. The course is open to upper-year students in the Health Studies and  Kinesiology programs.

Application Requirements for Winter 2024

1. Students can apply at the end of second or third year.
2. To apply, students must submit an application by e-mail to the SKHS Student Experience Coordinator (at skhs.internships@queensu.ca) by Monday, March 4th, 2024 at 11:59pm.  Late applications are not accepted, and only students selected for interviews will be contacted.

• • Applications must include a current resume and a statement of intent – including the preferred area for the placement and the reason(s) for choosing that area. Please submit your statement of intent and resume as one file (preferably as a PDF) and ensure the document file name includes your full name and KNPE/HLTH 300.
  • For more tips, watch this workshop on resumes & cover letters or attend the Resume and Cover Letter Workshop on Tuesday, February 27th at 10AM – 11AM on Zoom.

Need more information or assistance?

Please e-mail the SKHS Student Experience Coordinator

Queen’s Athletics and Recreation and the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies have collaborated to provide KIN students an enriched learning experience in the field of Athletic Therapy. 

As Athletic Therapy Trainers, students work with a varsity team to acquire hands-on experience.  They help assess and treat various injuries, work at varsity games, practice taping, and more.  Qualified students compete for a limited number of positions and need to be enthusiastic, dedicated, and eager to learn.  The mini-stream requires a strong commitment from students, as they are valued members of the Inter-University Sport Program.

In addition to a required theory course in second year, students will work with varsity athletes and teams acquiring valuable skills, applied knowledge, and invaluable experience over a three-year period for a total of 12.0 course units (see details below).  Students receive a certificate from the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies (it will not appear on the student transcript).

Application Requirements

Students apply at the end of first year to Level One of the mini-stream. To apply, students should:

1. Review the slides from the 2024 Mini-Stream Information Session.

• Mini-Stream Info Session Slides

2. Apply for a position by e-mail to the SKHS Student Experience Coordinator (at skhs.internships@queensu.ca) by Monday, March 4th, 2024 @ 11:59 pm.  Late applications are not accepted.

• Applications must include a current resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience and a brief explanation of interest in athletic therapy. Please submit your cover letter and resume as one file (preferably as a PDF) and ensure the document file name includes your full name and the mini-stream you are applying to.
• If selected, students will be expected to have current Standard First Aid & CPR and a valid CPIC (Police check) with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
• For more tips, watch this workshop on resumes & cover letters

Mini-Stream Requirements

Level One (taken in second or third year).

• Students complete 24 practicum hours in the Athletic Therapy program at Q Sports Medicine in the Athletic and Recreation Centre in the winter term.
• Students complete “Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries” in the Winter Term (KNPE 331/3.0). This course focuses on the care and prevention of common athletic injuries with emphasis placed on the practical portion of taping and wrapping of athletic trauma, which provides students with a solid educational and practical background to move on to the second year of the stream.

Level Two (taken in third or fourth year).

• Students register into “Field Placement in Athletic Therapy” (KNPE 330/4.5) and complete at least 165 practicum hours.
• Working with a varsity team, students will be responsible (under supervision) for the field coverage and taping for the team to which they are assigned, and are strongly encouraged to help with assessments and rehabilitation of team members.

Level Three (taken in fourth or a fifth year).

• Students register into “Internship in Athletic Therapy” (KNPE 430/4.5) and complete at least 165 practicum hours.
• During this internship, students will split their time equally between:
  • working with a varsity team and mentoring other student trainers, and:
  • working in the Athletic Therapy clinic, helping with assessments, treatments, bracing, and administrative work.

Need more information or assistance?

• Take a look at the Athletic Therapy flyer.
• Please e-mail the SKHS Student Experience Coordinator

Queen’s Athletics and Recreation and the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies have collaborated to provide KIN students with an enriched learning experience in the field of Strength and Conditioning. As Strength and Conditioning Coaches, students become an integral part of the Gaels Strength and Conditioning Program, which is an integral component in the success of the Queen’s teams.

Qualified students compete for a limited number of positions and need to be enthusiastic, and dedicated to training and improving Queen’s varsity athletes. The mini-stream requires a strong commitment from students, as they are valued members of the High Performance Sports Programs.

In addition to a required theory course in second year, students will work with varsity athletes and teams acquiring valuable skills, applied knowledge and invaluable experience over a three-year period for a total of 12.0 course units (see details below). Students receive a certificate from the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies (it will not appear on the student transcript).

Application Requirements

Students apply at the end of first year to Level One of the mini-stream. To apply, students should:

1. Review the slides from the 2024 Mini-Stream Information Session.

• Mini-Stream Info Session Slides

2. Apply for a position by e-mail to the SKHS Student Experience Coordinator (at skhs.internships@queensu.ca) by Monday, March 4th, 2024 @ 11:59 pm.  Late applications are not accepted.

• Applications must include a current resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience and a brief explanation of interest in the strength and conditioning field. Please submit your cover letter and resume as one file (preferably as a PDF) and ensure the document file name includes your full name and the mini-stream you are applying to. 
• If selected, students will be expected to have current Standard First Aid & CPR and a valid CPIC (Police check) with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
• For more tips, watch this workshop on resumes & cover letters.

Mini-Stream Requirements

Level One (taken in second or third year).

• Students complete 48 practicum hours in the Strength and Conditioning program at the Athletics and Recreation Centre.
• Students complete “The Science and Methodology of Sport Training Conditioning Programs” in the Winter Term (KNPE 345/3.0). This course focuses on how to plan a training program and includes such topics as: designing warmups; proper lifting techniques; spotting techniques; speed and agility training; power and speed training; and, other training modalities.

Level Two (taken in third or fourth year).

• Students register into “Strength and Conditioning Field Placement” (KNPE 346/4.5) and complete at least 120 practicum hours, as well as attend weekly group learning sessions
• The goal of the field placement is to introduce students to all aspects of the Gaels Strength and Conditioning Program. Students can expect to be involved in: coaching team sessions; running warmups; performing assessments; coaching return-to-play programming; and developing professional relationships in the A&R community. 

Level Three (taken in fourth or a fifth year).

• Students register into “Strength and Conditioning Internship” (KNPE 446/4.5) and complete at least 120 practicum hours, as well as attend weekly group learning sessions.
• During the internship, students will assist in assessing, designing, and coaching a team-training program for one or two varsity teams. Students will apply the knowledge gained in the previous two levels while also mentoring the younger students.. Students will also be engaged in the team’s daily training environment, providing support and services in practices and games, as needed.

 Need more information or assistance?

• Take a look at the Strength and Conditioning flyer.
• Please e-mail the SKHS Student Experience Coordinator

Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory

The School of Kinesiology and Health Studies is very pleased to welcome our Kinesiology students back into our newly renovated undergraduate teaching laboratory this upcoming term. The UG Lab is fully operational and ready for fall 2022 courses. Highlights of the recent improvements include:

• Upgraded equipment and data acquisition software which will allow students to conduct cutting-edge experiments in many different research  fields in Kinesiology.
• The UG Lab space has been refreshed with painting, lighting and a new clean-up and equipment storage room within the UG lab itself.
• There is also a new gender-inclusive change room facility adjacent to the UG Lab, along with an accessible gender-inclusive washroom and shower facility.
• Amongst the newly acquired lab equipment are two brand-new treadmills which were purchased by recent Kinesiology alumni through the PHEKSA 2019-2020 Better Equipment Fund.

HLTH 417/3.0 Community-Based Programming and Evaluation

This option course in both the HLTH Major and Joint Honours plans includes a service-learning project in health promotion. It is designed to advance student understanding of health promotion planning, implementation, and evaluation. This course uses a combination of seminar discussions and community-based activities to prepare students with core competencies required in health promotion and public health practice. A major focus of the course is a service-learning project completed in collaboration with a community partner.