It's been predicted that some of tomorrow's best career opportunities will be in the sectors of health promotion and disease prevention, rehabilitation, ergonomics, gerontology, and leisure. The Faculty of Applied Health Sciences' three departments: Health Studies and Gerontology, Kinesiology, and Recreation and Leisure Studies, offer academic plans that provide the skills and expertise to prepare students for such opportunities.
The governing theme of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences is the development and application of knowledge related to health and well-being. The Faculty, through its education, research, and services, aims to: 1) prevent illness and injury, 2) promote health and well-being, 3) optimize physical abilities, and 4) contribute to an improved quality of life. Courses in the Faculty explore these objectives as they pertain to people with and without disabilities, throughout the life span, both at work and at leisure.
Health Studies, a human science area of study, examines the relationship between lifestyle and health, and the importance of disease prevention. Gerontology is a multi disciplinary field that explores the aging process and issues affecting the older person. Kinesiology utilizes scientific study to investigate the mechanisms and principles of human movement and movement related conditions to optimize health and prevent illness and injury. Recreation and Leisure Studies combines the study of recreation and leisure with a strong management focus, providing students with the skills to develop, manage, market and administer recreation activities, facilities, and businesses. Options and specialization are available within each of the Faculty's areas of study. See the Academic Plans section for details.
The Departments of Health Studies and Gerontology, Kinesiology, and Recreation and Leisure Studies each offer both Regular and Co-operative systems of study. Regardless of their system of study, students have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to a variety of situations through labs, clinical courses, research, senior seminars, or volunteer opportunities.