MSc in Health and Exercise Science
Master of Science (MSc)
Program overview
The MSc in Health and Exercise Science builds on the strengths of our undergraduate programs, looking at the mechanistic sciences and how the body works. Areas of specialization include the clinical areas of injury prevention, and the chronic care of certain diseases through exercise. Researchers in the department are asking important questions, from how the body produces new muscle proteins to how stress can influence the cardiovascular system. All of the program's courses are research-based in one way or another. Join a passionate student cohort in the booming field of Exercise Science.
Program details
- BSc in Exercise Science or related field of study, which includes Kinesiology, Physiology, Psychology, or Biology.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
12 credits – Coursework
EXCI 610 - Statistics and Research Design (3 credits)
EXCI 612 - Laboratory Techniques (3 credits)
EXCI 624 - Special Topics Seminar (3 credits)
EXCI 626 - Thesis Proposal (3 credits)
33 credits – Thesis (one of the following)
EXCI 670 - Thesis (33 credits)
EXCI 680 - Thesis (Athletic Therapy) (33 credits)
EXCI 690 - Thesis (Clinical Exercise Physiology) (33 credits)
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- One Letter of Reference and assessment form
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology graduate entrance form
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
Courses
Year I
Fall (6 credits) EXCI 610 (3 credits), 624 (3 credits)
Winter (6 credits) EXCI 612 (3 credits), 626 (3 credits)
Year II
33 credits EXCI 670 (33 credits) or EXCI 680 (33 credits) or EXCI 690 (33 credits)
Course Descriptions
EXCI 610 Statistics and Research Design (3 credits)
This course provides students with a background in statistics and experimental design. Students are exposed to a variety of experimental designs applicable to the exercise sciences. The course covers the application of statistical concepts in consideration of specific experimental design methods. A number of parametric and non-parametric statistics are introduced for hypothesis testing, with the opportunity to apply relevant knowledge using various statistical software packages.
EXCI 612 Laboratory Techniques (3 credits)
The course provides a theoretical awareness of measurement principles and offers practical experience in applying techniques common to advanced research methodologies in exercise science. The potential topics to be covered are geared towards the requirements of the individual in the areas of exercise physiology and athletic therapy. These may include such topics as data acquisition and analysis, electromyography, blood flow methodologies, spectrophotometry, pulmonary gas exchange, motion analysis, and tissue histochemistry.
EXCI 624 Special Topics Seminar (3 credits)
This course is designed to meet the special needs of graduate students in the exercise science areas of concentration specific to athletic therapy and clinical exercise physiology. Topics vary within the domain to account for investigation of current and developing theories. The course involves presentation, discussion, and critical analysis of information from current scientific journal literature.
EXCI 626 Thesis Proposal (3 credits)
This course provides students with the opportunity to choose a research topic and formulate a research proposal under the supervision of a thesis advisor. The proposal should include a literature review, rationale, hypothesis, and methodology including the planned research design and data analysis. Students are required to present a seminar in the Department on their research prior to the presentation of their proposal to the thesis advisory committee.
EXCI 670 Thesis (33 credits)
Prerequisite: EXCI 626.
Students are required to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research which reflects a scientific approach. In addition to a written final thesis, a public oral examination is conducted to test the student's ability to defend the thesis.
EXCI 680 Thesis (Athletic Therapy) (33 credits)
Prerequisite: EXCI 626.
Students are required to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research which reflects a scientific approach. In addition to a written final thesis, a public oral examination is conducted to test the student's ability to defend the thesis.
EXCI 690 Thesis (Clinical Exercise Physiology) (33 credits)
Prerequisite: EXCI 626.
Students are required to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research which reflects a scientific approach. In addition to a written final thesis, a public oral examination is conducted to test the student's ability to defend the thesis.
EXCI 698 Selected Topics in Exercise Science (3 credits)
This course explores themes within the area of Exercise Science.
The Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology is pleased to offer outstanding candidates financial support through a variety of awards and scholarships. All applicants are automatically considered for funding and do not need to submit applications for these awards. Some examples of awards offered are:
Faculty of Arts and Science Graduate Fellowships, which vary in value and provide 2-years of funding.
Concordia Merit Scholarships, valued at $10,000 and paid over 1-year.
Out-of-Province Fee Remissions (Masters). This award carries a value of $6,000.00 over 4 terms, and is open to newly admitted, Canadian students in a Master's research program paying out-of-province fees. *Students paying the Quebec or international tuition rates are not eligible for this award
Prospective students are also encouraged to apply for external fellowships with the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, or Canadian Institutes of Health Research depending on the field of interest. Successful applicants who begin receiving full external fellowships/scholarships from a designated granting agency when starting their degree program at Concordia are offered a prestigious Special Entrance Award from Concordia during the first year of tenure of their External Award.
Please consult Concordia’s graduate funding and Financial Aid and Awards for additional details.
Research in the department probes functional mechanisms from the molecular level to whole systems. Topics include:
- injury prevention through neuromuscular control, joint stabilization, bracing, and flexibility.
- physiological mechanisms of the control of blood flow and body temperature.
- movement and balance control in neuromuscular disorders.
- cellular and molecular adaptations to neuromuscular activity.
- neural control of movement.
- nutrition, hormones, and body composition.
- behavioral medicine and chronic illnesses.
- clinical and fundamental research on pain.
- sleep physiology, sleep and cognition, mechanisms and treatments of sleep disorders.
The PERFORM Centre offers research opportunities, teaching, and training for faculty and students, communitiy health programs, and a full service athletic therapy clinic.
The HKAPSA Learning Lab (Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology Student Association - HKAPSA)
PhD funding opportunity
Combined Effects of Acute Exercise and Sleep Restriction on Cognition
PhD position in the Sleep, Cognition and Neuroimaging Lab (SCNLab) at Concordia University, Department of HKAP
Supervisor: T Dang-Vu, MD PhD, Associate Professor
The amount of time spent sleeping has been decreasing, and more than a third of Canadians currently suffer from short or disturbed sleep. Short or disturbed sleep has been shown to lead to poor health (cardiovascular problems, diabetes, or obesity) and cognitive issues (poor attention, concentration and memory).
Sleep and physical activity have a bidirectional link. A diverse range of physical activities has been shown to improve sleep as well as memory. And a good night of sleep is known to enhance memory. To date, no studies have looked at the possible benefits of physical exercise in situations that are challenging for memory, such as sleep restriction. This PhD project will aim at studying the effects of physical exercise – an intervention known to improve sleep and memory – in partially sleep-deprived individuals.
The project is opened to a PhD applicant with prior experience and interest in human sleep research and/or cognitive neuroscience. Other requirements include excellent organizational skills and teamwork capabilities. Applicants are also expected to have a Masters in neuroscience, health science, kinesiology, psychology or related fields, completed by the end of summer 2020 at latest.
All the information about applying to Msc program in the HKAP department can be found here:
https://www.concordia.ca/artsci/health-kinesiology-physiology/programs/msc-exercise-science.html
If you have any questions about applying or the position please contact:
Dr. Geoff Dover – geoffrey.dover@concordia.ca
For more opportunities please click on the link below:
https://www.concordia.ca/artsci/research/graduate-student-opportunities/sciences.html
Review an inspiring list of thesis topics and learn about projects by current graduate students.
Contacts
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Geoffrey Dover
Office: SP-165.19
Tel: (514) 848-2424, ext. 3319
geoffrey.dover@concordia.ca
Graduate Program Assistant
Mr. Karl Stamp
Office: SP-165.05
Tel: (514) 848-2424, ext. 3685
karl.stamp@concordia.ca
