Spring 2026 - BPK 142 D100
Introduction to Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (3)
Class Number: 6022
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Jim Carter
carter@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
One of Grade 12 Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Chemistry or Physics with a grade of B or better; or one of BPK 105, BPK 110, BPK 143, BISC 100, BISC 113 or HSCI 100 with a grade of C or better.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Survey of theories and laboratory procedures for assessing human health status and physical performance, including biomechanics, body composition, development, environmental physiology, ergonomics, exercise physiology and motor learning. Functional anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, skeletal and skeletal muscle systems in relation to physical activity are explored. Breadth-Science.
COURSE DETAILS:
The objective of BPK 142 is to introduce a variety of topics found in the field of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology. Theoretical concepts and current laboratory techniques will be discussed. These include anatomy, body composition, growth and development, muscle physiology and strength, biomechanics, pulmonary and cardiovascular physiology, aerobic power, neuromuscular physiology, and motor learning. Fundamental principles will be taught with the emphasis on why things occur. These principles will be applied to living and survival underwater, in cold and hot climates, and on top of Mt Everest. The laboratory component will encompass anatomy, proper measurement, testing, and evaluation of physical performance.
The course consists of two hours of lecture plus a two hour laboratory session per week. Laboratory equipment is limited, thus, students MUST attend the lab session for which they have registered. The laboratory manual is essential, and you will be able to download an electronic version of the lab manual from the BPK 142 Canvas site.
Laboratory sessions will begin on January 6 in K8640.
Lecture Schedule
|
Week # |
Date |
Day |
Topic |
|
1
|
Jan 6 |
Tuesday 8:30-10:20am |
Course Introduction Osteology & Arthrology |
|
2
|
Jan 13 |
Tuesday
|
Body Composition
|
|
3
|
Jan 20 |
Tuesday |
Growth and Development Evaluation of Physical Fitness |
|
4 |
Jan 27 |
Tuesday |
Skeletal Muscle
|
|
5 |
Feb 3 |
Tuesday |
Muscular Strength
|
|
6 |
Feb 10 |
Tuesday |
Biomechanics Midterm Review |
|
|
Feb 17 |
Reading Week |
|
|
7 |
Feb 24 |
Tuesday |
LECTURE MIDTERM EXAM LABORATORY MIDTERM EXAM |
|
8 |
Mar 3 |
Tuesday |
Neural Control of Movement Neural Control of Movement |
|
9 |
Mar 10 |
Tuesday |
Circulatory System Respiratory System |
|
10 |
Mar 17 |
Tuesday |
Blood Flow and Gas Transport Maximal Aerobic Power |
|
11 |
Mar 24 |
Tuesday |
Motor Learning Ergonomics |
|
12 |
Mar 31 |
Tuesday |
Environmental Physiology – Cold Stress - Underwater Physiology |
|
13 |
April 7 |
Tuesday |
Environmental Physiology – Altitude and Performance / Review |
Laboratory Schedule
|
WEEK # |
DATE |
LABORATORY TOPIC |
Units From Lab Manual
|
|
1 |
Jan 6 - 9 |
Osteology & Torso Anatomy |
1,2 |
|
2 |
Jan 13 - 16 |
Anthropometry Body Composition Analysis (2.0%) |
3 4 |
|
3 |
Jan 20 - 23 |
Arthrology Flexibility Testing (1.5%) |
5,6,7 8 |
|
4 |
Jan 27 - 30 |
Muscle Anatomy and Movement Analysis (1.5%) |
9 |
|
5 |
Feb 3 - 6 |
Measurement of Strength, Power & Muscular Endurance, Force-Velocity Relationships (2.0%) |
10,11,12 |
|
6 |
Feb 10 - 13 |
Levers Experiment (1.5%) Centre of Gravity Gait Analysis Cardio-respiratory Anatomy |
13 14 15 16 |
|
|
Feb 17 - 20 |
Reading Week |
|
|
7 |
Feb 24 - 27 |
NO LABS THIS WEEK, Midterm exams |
|
|
8 |
Mar 3 - 6 |
Reflex Actions and Nervous System Anatomy Performance Curves Knowledge of Results Experiment Negative and Bilateral Transfer Experiment (1.5%) |
20 21 21 21 |
|
9 |
Mar 10 – 13 |
Cardiovascular Responses to Sub-maximum Exercise (1.5%) |
18
|
|
10 |
Mar 17 - 20 |
Library Resources and Search Skills - Assignment (2.0%) (due on March 27) |
Modules on Canvas |
|
11 |
Mar 24 - 27 |
Maximum Oxygen Uptake (1.5%) |
19 |
|
12 |
Mar 31 – Apr 2 |
REVIEW SESSION |
|
|
13 |
Apr 7 – Dec 10 |
ANATOMY EXAM |
|
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
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Lecture Outcomes (I) Introduces (E) Emphasizes (R) Reinforces (A) Applies* At the end of the course students will be able to;
(LE) Lecture exams are a mix of fill in the blank, definition and short answer questions Laboratory Outcomes The primary outcome of all the labs is to give the student early and frequent hands-on experience with kinesiological concepts covered in lecture material. Students are required to work effectively together to acquire data and submit nine lab reports for grading during the semester. (I, E) (I) Introduces (E) Emphasizes (R) Reinforces (A) Applies* At the end of the course students will be able to;
(LR) Lab reports are handed in individually and may require writing, use of arithmetic and algebraic equations, graphing, spread sheets and curve fitting of group acquired data. (LA) Lab exams are a mix of anatomy labeling, fill in the blank, definition and short answer questions on lab procedure and theory. (AE) Anatomy lab exam is identification and labeling of anatomical landmarks displayed by projector. (LL) Library lab is an online lab run in CANVAS by the SFU library.
*LEVEL OF CONTENT DELIVERY (I) INTRODUCES- Students are not expected to be familiar with the content or skill at the collegiate or graduate level. Instruction and learning activities focus on basic knowledge, skills, and/or competencies and an entry-level complexity. (E) EMPHASIZES- Students are expected to possess a basic knowledge and familiarity with the content or skills at the collegiate or graduate level. Instruction and learning concentrates on enhancing and strengthening knowledge, skills, and expanding complexity. (R) REINFORCES- Students are expected to possess a strong foundation in the knowledge, skill, or competency at the collegiate or graduate level. Instructional and learning activities continue to build upon previous competencies and increased complexity. (A) APPLIES- Students are expected to possess an advanced level of knowledge, skill, or competency at the collegiate or graduate level. Instructional and learning activities focus on the use of the content or skills in multiple contexts and at multiple levels of complexity.
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Grading
- 9 Pre-Lab Quizzes 5%
- Lecture participation/quiz 5%
- Experiment Summary Sheets 15%
- Midterm Lecture Exam(Week 7) 15%
- Midterm Lab Exam (Week 7) 13%
- Anatomy Exam(Week 13) 10%
- Final Lab Exam(Exam Period) 12%
- Final Lecture Exam(Exam Period) 25%
NOTES:
Course Website Address: http://www.sfu.ca/canvas.html
REQUIREMENTS:
Prerequisite: Recommended: Grade 11 Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students with credit for BPK 142 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
R.C Asmundson, J. Carter, M. Walsh and R. Ward. BPK 142 – Introduction to Kinesiology Laboratory Manual. Thirteenth Edition. Simon Fraser University, 2020
This laboratory manual is essential, and you will be able to download an electronic version of the lab manual from the BPK 142 Canvas site.
RECOMMENDED READING:
There is no single text that fully encompasses the topics in this course. All lecture Word and PowerPoint files will be put on Canvas as pdf files. There is also an online OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology textbook that you will be to download for free from the BPK 142 Canvas site
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
It is the responsibility of the student to keep their BPK course outlines if they plan on furthering their education.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.