Sport Science

Code	Course Description
SPSC 1103	Conditioning for Sport and Physical Activity This course provides an overview of the concepts of physical health, fitness and well-being. Topics include physical fitness assessment, health-related versus skill-related fitness and the effects of exercise. Students will perform a variety of conditioning methods as well as gain experience with the design and application of exercise programs.
SPSC 1105	Introduction to the Study of Sport and Leisure in Society This course introduces the study of sport and leisure in society. Students will develop critical thinking skills while considering the social, cultural, political and economic structures of sport in contemporary society.
SPSC 1151	Biomechanics This course applies elementary principles of mechanics and math to analyze human movement. Students explore the development of forces within muscles and their effect on initiating and controlling human movement. These concepts are applied to understand the causes of injuries.
SPSC 1164	Motor Skill Acquisition This course will provide students with knowledge of motor skill acquisition, the variables which influence the learning and performance of motor skills, and the relationship between motor skill acquisition, motor control and motor performance.
SPSC 1180	Introduction to Sport Safety In this course, the basic principles of sports safety will be examined from theoretical and practical viewpoints. Students will learn guidelines for implementing a safe sport environment and preventing injury. Common sport injuries will be studied along with the principles of taping associated with the care of these injuries. This is an introductory course in sports injuries.
SPSC 1192	Topics in Human Nutrition This course will provide students with knowledge of the basic principles of human nutrition with respect to essential food intake. Understanding of nutrients and their values in foods and their effect on human physiology will be covered. Assessment of personal nutritional needs and those of various populations will be investigated.
SPSC 1195	Physical Growth and Motor Development In this course, students will develop a basic working knowledge of physical growth and motor development from a life span perspective. The course will challenge students to think critically about the many variables related to optimal growth and development and physical activity throughout the lifespan as they develop strategies to promote motor development in every individual.
SPSC 1311	Performance Analysis: Tennis & Badminton This course will provide students with a knowledge of the theory and practice of tennis and badminton. Emphasis will be upon the student demonstrating both performance skills and strategies and understanding how to analyze the biomechanical, physiological, technical and tactical aspects of both sports.
SPSC 1312	Performance Analysis: Gymnastics & Dance This course will provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical application of skills, gymnastics and dance. Emphasis will be upon the student demonstrating performance skills, strategies and understanding how to analyze the biomechanical, physiological, psychological, technical and tactical aspects of both sports.
SPSC 1313	Performance Analysis: Athletics and Swimming In this course, the sports of track and field and swimming will be analyzed from theoretical and practical points of view. The essential nature of each sport will be studied, along with critical performance factors. Topics include the analysis of each sport, the study of the respective techniques, strategies of the two sports, and pedagogical principles. [Note: For safety reasons, students must be able to swim 25m freestyle with confidence to be eligible for this course.]
SPSC 1314	Performance Analysis: Wrestling and Judo In this course, the combatant sports of wrestling and judo will be analyzed from theoretical and practical points of view. Emphasis will be upon students demonstrating knowledge of the nature, performance and strategies of each sport and to correctly apply appropriate methods of analysis and instruction of the biomechanical, physiological, technical and tactical aspects of both sports.
SPSC 1315	Performance Analysis: Triathlon In this course, the endurance sport of triathlon will be analyzed from a practical point of view. The essential nature of each sport involved (swimming, biking, and running) will be studied along with nature of transitions among the three sports. Topics include the analysis of each sport, as well as the study of the history of triathlon, strategies of the three sports, and pedagogical principles of triathlon.
SPSC 1316	Applied Methods: Movement Education Using movement education theory and resources, this course will provide students with the knowledge and experience necessary to plan and teach movement education across contexts. This course requires organizing, teaching and learning around movement concepts, categories and elements. Through a student-experience framework, students will analyze, plan, lead and perform movement education. This course satisfies the Movement Education Applied Methods BPEC graduation requirement.
SPSC 1317	Applied Methods: Dance in Schools and Communities This course will provide students with the knowledge and experience necessary to plan and teach lessons in dance in educational and community settings. Students will gain practical experience in planning, leading, and evaluating lessons in dance. Experience in dance is not a pre-requisite for this course. Students will be introduced to a variety of dance styles. This course may be used as elective credit for the Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching.
SPSC 1318	Summer Outdoor & Alternative Environment Physical Education In this applied course, students participate in, plan and implement a variety of aquatic and land activities appropriate for elementary and high school students during late spring, summer, and early fall. Topics include risk assessment and management, organizational factors, environmental ethics, outdoor aquatic and land-based activities, and use of different pedagogical strategies. The students will utilize experiential education processes to link alternative environments to other curricular areas. An overnight trip is planned for this class. This course satisfies the Alternative Environment Applied Methods BPEC graduation requirement.
SPSC 1319	Winter Outdoor & Alternative Environment Physical Education In this applied course, students participate in, plan and implement a variety of aquatic and land activities appropriate for elementary and high school students during late spring, summer, and early fall. Topics include risk assessment and management, organizational factors, environmental ethics, outdoor aquatic and land-based activities, and use of different pedagogical strategies. The students will utilize experiential education processes to link alternative environments to other curricular areas. An overnight trip is planned for this class. This course satisfies the Alternative Environment Applied Methods BPEC graduation requirement.
SPSC 1320	Applied Methods: Curling & Golf Using the sports of curling and golf, the affective, psychomotor, and cognitive elements needed in becoming a competent teacher as well as the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological elements needed in becoming a competent coach for each game will be analyzed and developed. Topics include the study of selected performance components, an examination and application of observation, analysis, and feedback methods and procedures and utilization of different pedagogical strategies in the delivery of selected skills and tactics.
SPSC 1321	Applied Methods: Fencing and European Handball Students will study fencing and European handball from teaching, coaching, and performance perspectives. Topics include the study of selected performance components; an examination and application of observation, analysis and feedback methods and procedures, and utilization of different pedagogical strategies in the delivery of selected skills and tactics.
SPSC 1322	Applied Methods: Individual Activities and Games Using mastery and inquiry-based teaching practices, students will learn how to couple motivational teaching practices with physical competence development across a mixture of individual activities and games. Event sports (track and field), mat-related and water-based activities will be combined to provide a broad range of activities to apply transferable concepts of qualitative biomechanics and physical literacy development. This course satisfies the Individual Activities and Games Applied Methods BPEC graduation requirement.
SPSC 2101	Fieldwork I This course provides opportunities for students to translate classroom knowledge and theory into practice. Under the supervision of a site supervisor, students will practice career-specific skills and gain career-specific knowledge. Students will integrate and reflect upon their educational, personal, and professional experiences in a practicum and a seminar.
SPSC 2205	Socio-cultural Aspects of Health and the Body This course explores health and the body from a socio-cultural perspective. Social, economic, political and cultural conditions are examined for ways they impact interconnected health dimensions. Particular attention is given to social determinants of health, Canada's health care system, and social constructions of health and the body. Hands-on opportunities to conduct qualitative research within the context of health and society will be provided. Students will explore the social context of their own health experiences as well as constructions of health within the context of sport, exercise, and physical activity.
SPSC 2210	Foundations in Physical Education, Recreation, & Coaching This course presents a number of key concepts, issues, and topics related to the fields of physical education, recreation, and coaching. Topics include: the role of physical education, recreation, and coaching in today’s society; the delivery of physical education, recreation, and coaching services; and the issues, trends, and practices related to physical education, recreation, and coaching.
SPSC 2211	Portfolio Introduction In this course, students will be introduced to various types of portfolio design. They will develop the necessary skills to enable them to successfully collect and showcase evidence that is representative of their educational and professional experience while at Douglas College.
SPSC 2231	Sport and Exercise Psychology This course provides an introduction to the field of applied sport and exercise psychology. Students will demonstrate their knowledge by applying mental skills and strategies to real world sport and exercise settings. They will also use their developing knowledge of mental skills and strategies from the course to inform reflections and decisions about their mental strengths and areas to work on. Students will devise a mental skills plan for their personal growth and enhanced performance in a sport and/or exercise setting.
SPSC 2252	Contemporary Health Issues This course will provide students with knowledge of current concepts in health and wellness. Students will learn how to promote healthy behaviour, build healthy lifestyles and prevent disease. Assessment of personal health status, strategies for how to maintain physical activity, and avoidance of harmful habits will be investigated.
SPSC 2275	Physiology of Exercise and Training This course covers the scientific training principles and concepts associated with the effects of exercise on human movement and performance. The relationship between physical activity and the cardio-respiratory and neuromuscular systems of the body will be the primary area.
SPSC 2281	Sociological Aspects of Sport A critical introduction to social and cultural dimensions of sport in western industrial societies. Central emphasis is the distinctiveness of the sociological perspective as a way of understanding the nature of sport in social and cultural life.
SPSC 2292	Introduction to the Administration and Management of Sport, Recreation and Leisure Services This course will provide students with an introduction to concepts and practices in the administration and management of sport, recreation and leisure services. Students will apply these concepts and practices to a variety of settings including public, private, non-profit and educational. Course material will guide students through common issues faced by administrators and managers in today’s sport, recreation and leisure landscape. As part of this course, students will learn how to design a sport, recreation or leisure program plan from idea conceptualization to delivery. This course will also serve as an opportunity for students to reflect on both their personal and professional development in sport, recreation and leisure careers.
SPSC 2322	Applied Methods: Rugby & Soccer This course will provide students with the knowledge and experience necessary to teach or coach rugby and soccer lessons. Students will learn to analyze, plan, lead, and perform rugby and soccer activities using a tactical games approach that emphasizes the transfer of understanding across similar game forms.
SPSC 2323	Performance Analysis: Lacrosse and Wheelchair Basketball In this course, the sports of lacrosse (box lacrosse and inter-lacrosse) and wheelchair basketball will be analyzed from theoretical and practical points of view. The essential nature of each sport will be studied, along with critical performance factors. Topics include the qualitative and quantitative analysis of each sport, the study of the respective techniques, tactics and strategies of the two sports and pedagogical principles.
SPSC 2324	Applied Methods: Field Hockey & Basketball This course will provide students with the knowledge and experience necessary to teach or coach field hockey and basketball lessons. Students will learn to analyze, plan, lead, and perform field hockey and basketball activities using a tactical games approach that emphasizes the transfer of understanding across similar game forms.
SPSC 2325	Applied Methods: Softball & Volleyball This course will provide students with the knowledge and experience necessary to teach or coach softball and volleyball lessons. Students will learn to analyse, plan, lead, and perform softball and volleyball activities using a Sport Education approach.
SPSC 2381	The Rise of Modern Sport and Physical Education This course examines factors affecting the development of sport and physical education in modern times. Consideration is given to the relationship between sport and physical education development and selected societal features (leisure, education, race, gender, and politics). Particular attention is paid to the rise of sport and physical education in Canada, Europe and the United States.
SPSC 2399	Applied Methods: Game-Centered Approaches In this course, students will experience Game-Centered Approaches across all game categories (target, net/wall, striking/fielding, and invasion/territorial). The Game-Centered Approaches to be used are Teaching Games for Understanding (and its derivatives) and Sport Education instructional models. The students will use a small-sided games approach to develop pedagogical content knowledge of the game categories. This knowledge can then be used to create and deliver developmentally appropriate games within various educational, recreational, and coaching environments. This course satisfies the Game-Centred Approaches Applied Methods BPEC graduation requirement.
SPSC 3101	Fieldwork II This course provides opportunities for students to translate classroom knowledge and theory into practice. Under the supervision of a site supervisor, students will practice career-specific skills and gain career-specific knowledge. Students will integrate and reflect upon their educational, personal, and professional experiences in a practicum and a seminar.
SPSC 3154	Integrated Movement Analysis This course involves using comprehensive and observational qualitative diagnostic models to evaluate human movement. Using inquiry-based approaches, this course integrates and applies principles from kinesiology sub-disciplines. Four tasks of qualitative movement diagnosis will be completed using data acquisition technologies to evaluate human movement across all fields of human movement studies.
SPSC 3158	Inclusive Physical Activity In this course students will examine historical and contemporary theories and models for inclusive physical activity and consider the implications of each in practice. Students will learn to assess, plan, and implement inclusive physical activity programs designed to meet the individual interests, abilities, and needs of all participants. Through this process, students will learn to assess and respond to context-related, person-related, and task-related factors. Using a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, students will explore successful strategies and practices in the creation of meaningful physical activity.
SPSC 3201	Fieldwork III This course provides opportunities for students to translate classroom knowledge and theory into practice. Under the supervision of a site supervisor, students will practice career-specific skills and gain career-specific knowledge. Students will integrate and reflect upon their educational, personal, and professional experiences in a practicum and a seminar.
SPSC 3203	Health Promotion This course covers the underlying concepts, principles, theories, and current practices of health promotion. The content follows an ecological framework focusing on theory and application at the individual, group, community, organizational, and policy level. Students will gain practical and theoretical knowledge around planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion interventions based on the principles of best practices and the core competencies of health promotion.
SPSC 3240	Leadership in Sport, Physical Education and Coaching In this course students will study leadership concepts in relation to sport, physical education and coaching. Students will examine the role of the leader and the responsibility that comes with becoming a leader. Topics such as personal management, relationship management and conflict management will be covered. Students will apply leadership concepts within the classroom.
SPSC 3256	Research Methods in Sport Science, Physical Education, and Recreation This course provides students with an introduction to the topic of research design and methodologies in the fields of sport science, physical education and recreation. Students will learn to read and interpret existing research articles, select appropriate methods for a researchable question, and conduct a literature review in specific areas within the field. This course will also explore how to prepare research proposals and select research methods appropriate for the desired outcomes of a study.
SPSC 3275	Advanced Physiology of Exercise and Training Throughout this course students will gain an understanding of how the human body physiologically responds to acute and chronic exercise. Specifically, this course will address how the metabolic, respiratory, cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems regulate homeostasis during acute exercise and environmental stress. Additionally, this course will address how these systems adapt to exercise training and environmental stress.
SPSC 3276	Athletic Injury Assessment and Management This course examines concepts associated with recognition and prevention of common injuries resulting from physical- or sports-related activities. Students will learn basic injury management techniques through a practical component, including assessment, acute treatment, recommendations for appropriate referral, and sport/activity re-entry.
SPSC 3399	Games Approach to Teaching and Coaching Sport This course covers the Games Approach to teaching and coaching sports, which involves the use of game related activities to stimulate and motivate learning. In this course, students will learn creative, innovative, and exciting ways to teach and coach, and will design and implement learning activities that are enjoyable, challenging, inspiring, and cognitively and physically demanding. The twin goals of improvement and personal satisfaction are emphasized jointly throughout the course.
SPSC 3991	Directed Studies in Sport Science Directed Studies in Sport Science provides students with an opportunity to pursue a specific project of interest within the field of Sport Science. Projects may involve: (1) a research study, (2) a review and analysis of current research/theories, (3) a health promotion initiative, or (4) a historical review. Projects are approved, supported and evaluated by a Sport Science faculty supervisor. This course is offered as a guided studies. Please contact the department chair for registration.
SPSC 4101	Fieldwork IV This course provides opportunities for students to translate classroom knowledge and theory into practice. Under the supervision of a site supervisor, students will practice career-specific skills and gain career-specific knowledge. Students will integrate and reflect upon their educational, personal, and professional experiences in a practicum and a seminar.
SPSC 4161	Fitness Assessment & Prescription This course will provide students with the knowledge and experience necessary to develop fitness assessment programs, including the development of conditioning programs based on the results of these assessment programs. The curriculum is driven by practical experience to provide students with supervised opportunities to develop proficiency in the assessment techniques. This course is delivered in classroom, laboratory, weight room, and gymnasium settings.
SPSC 4199	Physical Education and Coaching Methods In this course, students will undertake a study of the instructional and planning methods used by physical education teachers and coaches which allows them to meet the needs of their students and the curriculum goals. Topics include unit and lesson planning, yearly training plans for coaches, teaching styles, methods and styles of feedback, creating positive learning environments, group management techniques, task analysis, and gauging instructor effectiveness. Application of the content will occur through micro-teaching sessions and reflective/analytical exercises.
SPSC 4211	Portfolio Exit This course is a final course in portfolio design. Students will assemble a complete portfolio representative of their educational and professional journey. Students will share and showcase their portfolio to peers, faculty and potential community leaders.
SPSC 4231	Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology The course provides an in-depth and advanced exploration of the field of sport and exercise psychology. It situates sport and exercise behaviours and experiences within developmental, psychological, psychosocial, social-cultural, and environmental contexts. A main focus throughout the course will be the application of theories and research to practical settings and situations within sport and exercise. Students will be asked to consider course topics from multiple perspectives and demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of issues related to diversity in sport. Students will also demonstrate their ability to devise and conduct a mental training program in sport and exercise psychology and evaluate its effectiveness.
SPSC 4256	Sport Science Applied Research Students will explore topics in sport science using a quantitative or qualitative approach. The main objective of the course is to provide opportunities for students, working in small groups, to perform original research in a chosen area of sport science, kinesiology, physical education, health, recreation or coaching.
SPSC 4291	Curriculum Issues in Physical and Health Education Settings Curriculum, within the field of curriculum studies, refers to complex structures in which teaching and learning occur. This course explores curriculum in formal (K-12 physical and health education) as well as informal settings where physical education occurs (e.g., coaching, kinesiology, personal training). Contemporary issues impacting curriculum will be considered within broader socio-cultural, political and economic contexts and examined in educational and health-related settings. Varied curricular and pedagogical approaches will be explored with emphasis on critical perspectives to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in Physical and Health Education (PHE).
SPSC 5391	Physical Literacy I: Foundations This course presents physical literacy (PL) as a primary objective of physical and health education. The course introduces all the domains of PL with an in-depth look at physical competence and confidence. Topics include: national physical activity guidelines, resource organizations for PL information in North America, fundamental movement skills, health- and skill-related fitness components, adaptation principles, remedial physical education, assessment and learning design for optimal challenge. This course combines active sessions and classroom sessions.
SPSC 5395	Game-Centred Approaches in PHE In this course, students investigate how game-centred approaches (GCAs) place the learner and their development at the centre of the learning process. Modification and progression are covered in relation to students' socio-emotional developmental level, cognitive structures, and physical capacity. GCA-based pedagogies highlight the intellectual dimensions of games, which can contribute to critical thinking, autonomy and classroom skills as well as better understanding of physical activity and its importance for physical and health literacy.
SPSC 5396	Alternative Environment Physical Education In this practical course, students participate in, plan, and implement a variety of alternative environment land and aquatic activities appropriate to elementary and secondary-aged students. Content areas include: risk management, organization, experiential education and environmental impact.
SPSC 5397	Developmental Gymnastics and Movement Education This course will focus on fundamental movement patterns, rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics, and supporting learners to develop a robust movement vocabulary. Inclusive approaches to movement education and physical literacy will be central themes to the course.
SPSC 5398	Dance Education In this course, students explore the teaching and learning of movement through dance from early childhood to adolescence. A variety of dance forms, theories and practical observations are used to examine dance as a vehicle for individual and creative expression.
SPSC 5491	Nutrition for School-Aged Children An overview of the science of nutrition, nutrition education, and nutrition’s relation to the growth and development of school-aged children.
SPSC 5492	Physical and Health Education Leadership Seminar This course combines student and instructor-led seminars to explore the role of the physical and health educator in the context of a comprehensive school health model. The comprehensive school health model advocates for integrated student-health curriculum and extra-curricular planning targeting both physical and health education. Topics include a theoretical basis for leadership action, practical tools of leadership and an emphasis on personal areas for growth and influence in the work context.
SPSC 5493	Physical Literacy II: Dynamic Systems This course uses a dynamic learning systems approach to understand the interactions of learner, task, and environment to address the pillars of physical literacy: motor competence, confidence, attitude and knowledge. Building on the course, “Physical Literacy I: Foundations,” this course delves into learning theory and constraints-led pedagogy in order to foster optimal challenge for the learner.
SPSC 5494	Planning, Assessing, and Evaluating Physical Education This course will introduce and analyze a selection of modern and traditional methods of planning, assessing, and evaluating elementary physical education. Better teaching through efficient, effective, and supportive practices is the aim of this course.
SPSC 5495	Applied Studies in Physical and Health Education In this course, Graduate Diploma in Physical and Health Education students follow a process of action research or conduct an inquiry into practice in their work settings. Through reflective practice, students integrate and evaluate acquired knowledge from the program. This course is conducted online with faculty supervision and peer learning group support.
SPSC 5499	Curriculum Issues: Physical and Health Education This course covers curriculum theory and implementation in health and physical education. In addition to the practical concerns of planning, assessment, teaching and learning in physical and health education, curriculum is viewed through lenses of gender, race-relations, dis/ability, inclusion, and colonization to better understand the construction of body image, confidence, and social and physical capital.
SPSC 5591	Health Education In this course, students are introduced to comprehensive school health models to frame the knowledge and practical components of developing student well-being. The B.C. Ministry of Education K-7 and 8-10 health curriculum guides the topic selection for course inquiry. Assignments combine course theory, health education topics and pedagogical considerations related to learner readiness to develop knowledge in health education.

Sport Science

Course List