PSK4U
Introductory Kinesiology
This Grade 12 university preparation course focuses on human movement and the systems, factors and principles involved in human development. Students study the effects of physical activity on health and performance, the evolution and social significance of sport, anatomy and physiology, performance factors, biomechanics, growth and motor development.
Grade
12
Credit
1.0
Delivery
Online
Prerequisite
Any Gr11 U/UC Sci
About This Course
This Grade 12 university preparation course focuses on human movement and the systems, factors and principles involved in human development. Students study the effects of physical activity on health and performance, the evolution and social significance of sport, anatomy and physiology, performance factors, biomechanics, growth and motor development.
What You'll Learn
- Analyze the historical, social and cultural significance of physical activity and sport.
- Explain benefits of participation and factors that enable or limit participation.
- Describe major body systems involved in human movement and apply anatomical and physiological concepts.
- Assess training, nutrition and other factors that influence human performance.
- Apply biomechanical principles and physical laws to analyze and improve movement.
- Understand human growth and motor development and design age-appropriate movement activities.
Skills You'll Develop
- Anatomical and physiological analysis
- Biomechanics and movement analysis
- Human-performance evaluation
- Research and data interpretation
- Evidence-based communication and applied problem solving
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Analyze social change, current issues, participation and access in physical activity and sport.
- Describe the structure and function of major body systems involved in movement.
- Assess physiological, psychological and other factors influencing human performance.
- Apply physical laws and biomechanical principles to movement analysis.
- Explain human growth and motor development and apply these concepts to movement activities.
- Use research, data and evidence to communicate kinesiology conclusions and recommendations.
Course Units
The following reflects the school’s planned organization of the course. Approximate time allocations may be adjusted while all curriculum expectations and required planned learning are maintained.
| Unit | Title / Major Learning Focus | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physical Activity and Sport in Society | 25 hours |
| 2 | The Basis of Movement I - Anatomy and Physiology | 25 hours |
| 3 | The Basis of Movement II - Human Performance | 25 hours |
| 4 | Biomechanics and Motor Development | 25 hours |
| Final | Culminating Kinesiology Inquiry / Applied Movement Analysis | 8 hours |
| Exam | Mandatory Written Final Examination | 2 hours |
Assessment
Assessment uses evidence gathered over time from student work, conversations and observations. The final grade for 2026–2027 is determined as follows:
| Component | Weight | How It Is Determined |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework throughout the course | 65% | Evaluation evidence gathered throughout the course, with special consideration for consistent and more recent achievement. |
| Culminating task | 15% | Kinesiology inquiry, applied movement analysis, research task and/or presentation integrating learning across the overall expectations. |
| Mandatory written final examination | 10% | Written final examination assessing the overall course expectations. |
| Attendance and participation | 10% | Based on meaningful attendance and participation; excused absences do not negatively affect this component. |
Examples of Assessment Evidence
Evidence may include oral explanations, quizzes, tests, anatomical or biomechanical diagrams, movement analyses, research notes, case studies, data interpretation, presentations, written responses, the culminating kinesiology inquiry and the final written examination.
Pathways
Students connect course learning to university programs and careers in kinesiology, physical education, health sciences, athletic therapy, physiotherapy, recreation, sport administration, coaching, health promotion, fitness and related fields.
PSK4U develops transferable scientific reasoning, analysis, communication and inquiry skills applicable across many health-science and university programs.
Teacher Support
- Students learn through the school's secure online learning environment and receive ongoing support from qualified teachers.
- Teacher-supported conferencing, tutorials and scheduled live support are available as appropriate.
- Teachers model anatomical, physiological, biomechanical and sport-society concepts using diagrams, demonstrations and worked examples.
- Anatomical models, labelled diagrams, movement videos and digital simulations connect body structure, function and performance.
- Movement observation and analysis, research tasks and data interpretation develop applied kinesiology reasoning.
- Guided practice, collaborative problem solving, descriptive feedback and reflection help students refine movement analyses and performance recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the course code?
PSK4U — Introductory Kinesiology, Grade 12, University Preparation.
What is the prerequisite?
Any Grade 11 university or university/college preparation science course, or any Grade 11 or 12 health and physical education course.
How many credits is PSK4U?
The course is worth 1.0 Ontario secondary school credit.
What topics are covered?
Sport in society, anatomy and physiology, human performance, biomechanics, growth and motor development.
How is the final grade calculated?
65% coursework, 15% culminating task, 10% mandatory written final examination, and 10% attendance and participation.
Does the course include movement analysis?
Yes. Biomechanical movement analysis and applied kinesiology inquiry are central parts of the course.
What careers does PSK4U support?
Kinesiology, physical education, health sciences, athletic therapy, physiotherapy, recreation, sport administration, coaching, health promotion and fitness.
Ready to Take This Course?
$549 / Credit
- Provided by CSW — Canadian School of the World
- Ontario Ministry of Education registered
- Delivered fully online
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure if this is the right course? Book a free 30-minute meeting with a CSW advisor.
Related Courses
Have Questions About This Course?
Speak with an advisor to find the right courses for your goals.