Injuries occur in the workplace every day. While this is a sad commentary on the quality of worker safety it presents outstanding challenges to ergonomists/kinesiologists. The Department of Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo presents the only undergraduate Ergonomics Specialization in Canada. The Ergonomics Specialization is a unique opportunity to prepare those interested in making a contribution to the well-being of others. Kinesiologists are concerned with the assessment and prescription of solutions to problems in the workplace that involve issues such as human-machine interaction, matching skill level with job demands, employee wellness, circadian rhythm, workplace boredom, fatigue, and design of equipment in the interests of maximizing productivity and minimizing the risk of injury.
The co-operative system of study rewards students with deeper insight into solving workplace problems. The Department of Kinesiology has been the leader in producing graduates who secure high paying jobs due to their co-op job experience and comprehensive course work. The course requirements have been selected to provide students with a thorough background in the biophysical and behavioural sciences of human motion and related measurement and problem-solving skills. Admission and graduation requirements are listed below.
- Normally, co-op kinesiology students will apply at the end of Year One for admittance for the fall term of Year Two. Application materials will be available from the Ergonomics Specialization advisor during the winter term. Approximately ten students per year will be selected, dependent upon the number of co-op jobs available.
- Normally at least three of the last four work terms, including work term reports, must be ergonomics related.
- Students must complete 20.0 units.
- The cumulative averages required are the same as for Honours Kinesiology. Refer to Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Academic Standing.
Legend
* KIN 431, KIN 432, KIN 470E must be on ergonomics topics approved in advance by the Ergonomics Specialization advisor.
** Additionally, students should note that taking the following courses - as free electives - would be beneficial if they ultimately want to proceed to professional certification with the Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists: KIN 356, KIN 403, HLTH 340, HLTH 350, SYDE 542, HRM 200, STV 202, STV 302
Option Courses (20.0 units)
- Required Life Sciences courses (5.0 units):
KIN 100, KIN 100L (.25), KIN 101 (.25), KIN 105, KIN 121, KIN 205, KIN 217, KIN 221, KIN 346, BIOL 130, BIOL 273
- Required Social and Behavioural Sciences courses (2.5 units):
KIN 155, KIN 250, KIN 354, PSYCH 101, SOC 101
- Required Physical and Technical Sciences courses (2.5 units):
KIN 222, KIN 330, MATH 124 or MATH 127, PHYS 111, CHEM 120
- Required Ergonomics courses (6.0 units):
KIN 104, KIN 320, KIN 340, KIN 420, KIN 427, KIN 428, KIN 431*, KIN 432*, KIN 470E*, SYDE 348, SYDE 543, MSCI 211
- Free elective courses: 4.0 units**
Course Sequence
Year Two
2A (Fall)
KIN 105
KIN 121
KIN 217
KIN 320
MATH 124 or MATH 127
2B (Spring)
KIN 205
KIN 221
KIN 222
Two Electives
Year Three
3A (Winter)
KIN 250
KIN 330
KIN 420
SYDE 348
One Elective
3B (Fall)
KIN 340
KIN 346
KIN 354
SYDE 543
One Elective
Year Four
4A (Fall)
KIN 431 Ergonomics
KIN 470E
MSCI 211
Two Electives
4B (Winter)
KIN 427
KIN 428
KIN 432 Ergonomics
Two Electives