Foundations of Kinesiology

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Tyler Harwood (Assistant Teaching Professor of Kinesiology)
• Email: tharwood@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Calder Health Sciences Building 322
• Office Hours:
  • Tuesday & Thursday: 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (In person, Calder Health Sciences Building 322)
  • Wednesday: 10:00–11:00 a.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

The subdisciplines of kinesiology, the history and philosophy of physical activity, careers in health and fitness, and physical activity guidelines across the lifespan. KINE 101 introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of human movement and physical activity. We examine the core subdisciplines—including exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor behavior, and sport psychology—while exploring professional career pathways such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, and clinical exercise physiology. Students analyze the evolution of physical activity across cultures and apply evidence-based national physical activity guidelines across the human lifespan to promote health and prevent chronic disease.

Prerequisites

None.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of KINE 101, students will be able to:

1. Differentiate Kinesiology Subdisciplines: Identify and explain the scope, methodology, and primary research questions of major kinesiology subdisciplines, including exercise physiology, biomechanics, and motor control.
2. Analyze the History and Philosophy of Movement: Trace historical developments, sociocultural values, and ethical frameworks that have shaped contemporary physical culture, sports, and exercise science.
3. Apply Lifespan Physical Activity Guidelines: Interpret and apply evidence-based physical activity guidelines from the ACSM and CDC to children, adolescents, adults, older adults, and clinical populations.
4. Explore Professional Career Pathways and Credentials: Examine prerequisites, certification standards, professional competencies, and graduate training pathways for careers in allied health, clinical rehabilitation, and fitness.
5. Synthesize and Communicate Kinesiology Research: Locate, critically appraise, and synthesize peer-reviewed literature in exercise science to communicate movement science concepts clearly in writing and discussion.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Hoffman, Shirl J., and Duane V. Knudson. Introduction to Kinesiology: Studying Physical Activity. 6th ed., Human Kinetics, 2023. Approx. $85 print, $50 digital rental.
2. American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 11th ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2021. Approx. $55 print or digital.
3. Total estimated cost: $105 to $140.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), KINE 101 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use generative AI tools (such as Alkimi AI or Claude) to brainstorm career interview questions, explore prospective professional certifications, find ideas for physical activity case scenarios, and review your own drafted writing for grammar and conciseness.
• What is prohibited: You may not use generative AI to write draft text or final submissions for the career interview paper, generate case study analyses, or produce responses for exams and quizzes. Submitting AI-generated text as your own constitutes academic dishonesty.
• Disclosure: All submitted papers and project assignments must include an AI-use disclosure statement specifying the tool consulted and the prompt or purpose of the query. If no generative AI tools were used, state: 'No generative AI tools were used in preparing this work.'

Grading Components and Weights

• Midterm Examination 1: 15% (In class, Thursday, October 1)
• Midterm Examination 2: 15% (In class, Thursday, November 12)
• Career Exploration & Professional Interview Paper: 20% (Due Friday, October 23 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Lifespan Physical Activity Case Analysis: 15% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Weekly Quizzes and Reading Reflections: 15% (Due Mondays at 11:59 p.m. in Canvas; lowest quiz score dropped)
• Final Examination: 20% (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No individual extra credit assignments are offered in this course.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Attendance and active participation in lecture sessions are vital for mastering kinesiology foundations and engaging in collaborative case discussions. Students who miss more than three unexcused classes may see their final grade lowered by one letter step. Please inform Dr. Harwood in advance if university athletics or illness causes an unavoidable absence. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Written assignments submitted after the deadline will incur a deduction of 10% per 24-hour period late, up to three calendar days. After 72 hours, late submissions will no longer be accepted without prior documentation from Academic Advising or Student Health Services.

Professionalism and Academic Integrity

Students are expected to adhere to the university honor code and demonstrate professional etiquette in all communications, peer discussions, and submitted assignments. All work must reflect original student synthesis.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).