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Biomedical Physiology Minor

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Requirements

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV students applying for admission to the biomedical physiology minor program must complete the following courses with a grade of C- or better.

Students complete all of

  • BISC 101-4 General Biology
  • CHEM 121-4 General Chemistry and Laboratory I

and one of

  • MATH 150-4 Calculus I with Review
  • MATH 151-3 Calculus I
  • MATH 154-3 Calculus I for the Biological Sciences

and one of

  • PHYS 101-3 Physics for the Life Sciences I
  • PHYS 120-3 Mechanics and Modern Physics
  • PHYS 125-3 Mechanics and Special Relativity
  • PHYS 140-4 Studio Physics - Mechanics and Modern Physics

Applicants are selected based on an admission grade point average (GPA) calculated over these five required courses, together with any of the following courses.

  • BISC 102-4 General Biology
  • CHEM 122-2 General Chemistry II
  • CHEM 281-4 Organic Chemistry I
  • BPK 205-3 Introduction to Human Physiology
  • MBB 222-3 Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
  • MBB 231-3 Cellular Biology and Biochemistry

and one of

  • MATH 152-3 Calculus II
  • MATH 155-3 Calculus II for the Biological Sciences

and one of

  • PHYS 102-3 Physics for the Life Sciences II
  • PHYS 121-3 Optics, Electricity and Magnetism
  • PHYS 126-3 Electricity, Magnetism and Light
  • PHYS 141-4 Studio Physics - Optics, Electricity and Magnetism

Apply for admission as soon as the five required courses have been completed. Unsuccessful applicants may complete any of the 8 additional courses to improve the admission GPA. A C- grade or better is required in each course used for the admission application. Those not meeting the admission GPA upon completion of all eight additional courses will be advised of alternatives. For students transferring some core courses from another post-secondary institution, only courses completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV (and not previously completed elsewhere) are used in the admission GPA. Normally, at least 15 units from core courses are required as a basis for the GPA calculation. Exceptions must be approved by the department.

Application Procedure

Students should complete a program approval form available at the biomedical physiology & kinesiology general office and submit it to the academic advisor by June 1 for fall term approval, October 1 for spring term approval, or February 1 for summer term approval.

Prerequisite and Required Course Grades

Students enrolling in BPK courses must have a grade of C- or better in prerequisite courses. Students enrolled in the biomedical physiology minor must have a grade of C- or better in all required courses.

Program Requirements

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete all of

BISC 101 - General Biology (4)

An introduction to the biochemical and physiological mechanisms of living organisms. Topics covered include cell structure and function, DNA replication and the flow of genetic information, enzyme function, metabolism and physiology of microorganisms, plants, and animals. Prerequisite: High school biology 12 (or equivalent) with a C grade or better, or BISC 100 with C- or better, or HSCI 100 with C+ or better. Breadth-Science.

BISC 102 - General Biology (4)

Survey of the diversity of life, and its evolutionary history on earth. The student is introduced to the study of genetics, development, and evolution, giving an overview of how these processes interact to produce form and function. Also included are principles of behavior and ecological relationships of organisms to each other and their environment. Prerequisite: High school biology 12 (or equivalent) with a C grade or better, or BISC 100 with C- or better, or HSCI 100 with C+ or better. Breadth-Science.

CHEM 121 - General Chemistry and Laboratory I (4)

Atomic and molecular structure; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; elements; periodic table; gases liquids, solids, and solutions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: BC high school chemistry 12 or CHEM 111. Recommended: MATH 151 (or 154) and PHYS 120 (or 101) as a corequisite. Students may not count both CHEM 120 and 121 for credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II (2)

Chemical equilibria; electrochemistry; chemical thermodynamics; kinetics. Students who intend to take further laboratory courses in chemistry should take CHEM 122 concurrently with CHEM 126. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 or 120. Recommended: MATH 152 (or 155) and PHYS 121 (or 102) as a corequisite. Quantitative.

CHEM 126 - General Chemistry Laboratory II (2)

Experiments in chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, qualitative analysis, electrochemistry and chemical kinetics. Prerequisite: CHEM 121. Corequisite: CHEM 122. Quantitative.

CHEM 281 - Organic Chemistry I (4)

Structure, bonding, physical and chemical properties of simple organic compounds. Introduction to spectroscopy. Kinetics and mechanisms of organic reactions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: CHEM 121. Corequisite: CHEM 122. Quantitative.

CHEM 282 - Organic Chemistry II (2)

Polyfunctional organic compounds and complex organic reactions. Introduction to natural products. Students with credit for CHEM 283 may not complete this course for further credit. Prerequisite: CHEM 281. Quantitative.

BPK 142 - Introduction to Kinesiology (3)

Basic procedures for the assessment of the status and performance of the individual according to the principles of anthropometry, functional anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and motor learning. Recommended: grade 11 biology, chemistry and physics. Students with credit for KIN 142 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.

BPK 205 - Introduction to Human Physiology (3)

An introductory survey of human physiology with an emphasis on mechanisms of regulation and integration. Anatomy of structures will be detailed only when it is critical to a functional understanding. Although this is intended as a survey course, some topics will be covered in reasonable detail in order to give insight into mechanisms of function. BPK (or KIN) 208 may not be used as a substitute for BPK (or KIN) 205 by students in the Kinesiology Major and Honors programs. Kinesiology majors and honors students who have taken BPK (or KIN) 105 must also take BPK (or KIN) 205. For students taking both of these courses, credit will only be given for BPK (or KIN) 205. Prerequisite: BISC 101, CHEM 281, PHYS 101 and 102. Students with credit for KIN 205 may not take this course for further credit.

MBB 222 - Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (3)

The structure, function and synthesis of proteins, RNA and DNA and their interrelated biological functions within the cell. An introduction to molecular biology techniques and methods of protein purification and analysis. Prerequisite: or Corequisite CHEM 281.

MBB 231 - Cellular Biology and Biochemistry (3)

A study of the molecular processes which underlie cell structure and function, integrating ultrastructural, physiological and biochemical approaches. Modern techniques used in the analysis of organelle and cell function are integral parts of the course. Prerequisite: MBB 222, BISC 101, CHEM 281 with grades of C- or better. Corequisite: or Prerequisite: Chem 282 or Chem 283.

and one of

MATH 150 - Calculus I with Review (4)

Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Topics as for Math 151 with a more extensive review of functions, their properties and their graphs. Recommended for students with no previous knowledge of Calculus. In addition to regularly scheduled lectures, students enrolled in this course are encouraged to come for assistance to the Calculus Workshop (Burnaby), or Math Open Lab (Surrey). Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B+, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B-, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 151, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 150 for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 151 - Calculus I (3)

Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, inverse functions. Limits, continuity, and derivatives. Techniques of differentiation, including logarithmic and implicit differentiation. The Mean Value Theorem. Applications of Differentiation including extrema, curve sketching, related rates, Newton's method. Antiderivatives and applications. Conic sections, polar coordinates, parametric curves. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least A, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 151 for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 154 - Calculus I for the Biological Sciences (3)

Designed for students specializing in the biological and medical sciences. Topics include: limits, growth rate and the derivative; elementary functions, optimization and approximation methods, and their applications; mathematical models of biological processes. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least C, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 151 or 157 may not take MATH 154 for further credit. Quantitative.

and one of

MATH 152 - Calculus II (3)

Riemann sum, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, definite, indefinite and improper integrals, approximate integration, integration techniques, applications of integration. First-order separable differential equations. Sequences and series, series tests, power series, convergence and applications of power series. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151; or MATH 154 or 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 155 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 155 - Calculus II for the Biological Sciences (3)

Designed for students specializing in the biological and medical sciences. Topics include: the integral, partial derivatives, differential equations, linear systems, and their applications; mathematical models of biological processes. Prerequisite: MATH 150, 151 or 154; or MATH 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 152 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

and one of

PHYS 101 - Physics for the Life Sciences I (3)

Force and motion, conservation of energy and momentum, fluids, properties of soft matter and thermal physics with applications taken from the life sciences. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12 or PHYS 100 or equivalent. This prerequisite may be waived, at the discretion of the department, as determined by the student's performance on a regularly scheduled PHYS 100 final exam. Please consult the physics advisor for further details. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 or 157; BISC 100 or 101 or 102. Students with credit for PHYS 120, 125 or 140 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 120 - Mechanics and Modern Physics (3)

A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12 or PHYS 100 or equivalent. This prerequisite may be waived, at the discretion of the department, as determined by the student's performance on a regularly scheduled PHYS 100 final exam. Please consult the physics advisor for further details. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 125 or 140 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 125 - Mechanics and Special Relativity (3)

Newtonian mechanics and special relativity for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Topics include Newtonian particle mechanics, angular momentum, torque, conservation laws, gravitation, and special relativity. Prerequisite: Greater than 85% in both BC Pre-Calculus 12 & BC Physics 12, or a grade of A in PHYS 100, or equivalent. Co-requisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 120 or PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 125 for further credit. Quantitative.

PHYS 140 - Studio Physics - Mechanics and Modern Physics (4)

A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12, or equivalent. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 125 or 120 or 101 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

and one of

PHYS 102 - Physics for the Life Sciences II (3)

Waves and optics; electricity and magnetism; modern physics emphasizing radioactivity, with applications taken from the life sciences. Prerequisite: PHYS 101 or 120 or 125 or 140. Recommended corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158. Students are encouraged to take PHYS 130 at the same time as PHYS 102. Students with credit for PHYS 121, 126, or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 121 - Optics, Electricity and Magnetism (3)

A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or 125 or 140 (or PHYS 101 with a grade of A or B). Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 102, 126 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 126 - Electricity, Magnetism and Light (3)

Electricity, magnetism, and the electromagnetic character of light for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Topics include waves, simple electrical circuits, electricity, magnetism, the unifications of electromagnetism in relativity, light as an electromagnetic wave, and photons. Prerequisite: PHYS 125 or a grade of A or better in PHYS 120 or 140. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit in PHYS 102, 121 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

PHYS 141 - Studio Physics - Optics, Electricity and Magnetism (4)

A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 140. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 126 or 121 or 102 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

Upper Division Requirements

Students complete both of

BPK 305 - Human Physiology I (3)

Deals with the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems in detail. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 205, MBB 231 (or 201), MATH 155 (or 152). Non-majors require BPK (or KIN) 205 (or BISC 305), MBB 231 (or 201) plus permission of the instructor. Students with credit for KIN 305 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 306 - Human Physiology II (Principles of Physiological Regulation) (3)

Examines the regulation of body functions with an emphasis on the endocrine, gastrointestinal and neuronal systems. The course focuses on integration of physiological mechanisms at the cellular and organ levels. Examples of abnormal human physiology are used to illustrate important principles. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 201, 205, MBB 231 (or 201), MATH 155 (or 152). Non-majors require BPK (or KIN) 205 (or BISC 305), MBB 231 (or 201) plus permission of the instructor. Students with credit for KIN 306 may not take this course for further credit.

and one of

BPK 324 - Principles of Human Anatomy (3)

Pursues a systematic study of human anatomy with emphasis on functional applications. A study of organs and body systems using computer software supported tutorials to provide an understanding of the three dimensional organization of the human body. Participation in all tutorials is required. This course may not be taken for credit by kinesiology majors. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 142, 205 and at least 60 units of undergraduate credit. Students with credit for BPK (or KIN) 325 or KIN 324 or BPK (or KIN) 326 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 325 - Basic Human Anatomy (3)

For students interested in physical education, health science professions and liberal arts. Brief discussions on applied anatomy, aging, common dysfunctions and diseases enable students to appreciate the relationship between structure and function. Available only through correspondence, this course will not be counted as an upper level optional course for a major in kinesiology. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 142 & either BPK (or KIN)105 w/ a grade of C or higher) or BPK (or KIN) 205. Students with credit for BPK (or KIN) 324 or BPK (or KIN) 326 or KIN 325 may not take this course for further credit.

Students must complete 6 additional upper division BPK units from the following list (note that some classes may require additional pre-requisites):

BPK 304W - Inquiry and Measurement in Kinesiology (3) ++

This course covers the evaluation of measurement quality, test construction and assessment, and computer techniques for data capture and signal processing relevant to issues in Kinesiology. Prereq statistical knowledge will be put into practice when discussing typical research designs, modeling and hypothesis testing in Kinesiology. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 142, 201, 205, and STAT 201. Students with credit for BPK (or KIN) 304 may not repeat this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

BPK 310 - Exercise/Work Physiology (3)

The study of human physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise/work. Cardiorespiratory, cellular and metabolic adaptations will be studied and discussed in detail. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 205, MBB 201 (or 231). Recommended: BPK (or KIN) 201. Students with credit for KIN 310 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 336 - Histology (3)

Light and electron microscopic study of mammalian tissues and organs with emphasis on human systems. Prerequisite: One of BPK (or KIN) 325, 326, BISC 305, 316. Students with credit for KIN 336 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 402 - Mechanical Behavior of Biological Tissues (3)

Extension of BPK 201 provides students with an understanding of structure-function relations in musculoskeletal tissues (bone, cartilage and muscle) in health and disease. Includes effect of disease and aging on physiological and biomechanical properties, mechanics and prevention of tissue injury, and design of implants and prostheses. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 201. Students with credit for KIN 402 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 412 - Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (3)

This course entails a detailed analysis of the molecular and cellular basis of cardiac function. The material will be derived from myriad disciplines including: anatomy (histology and ultrastructure), biomechanics, physiology, electrophysiology, biochemistry and molecular biology. A particular emphasis will be placed on the mechanisms by which the heart responds to stresses such as ischemia and exercise. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 305. Students with credit for KIN 412 may not repeat this course for further credit.

BPK 415 - Neural Control of Movement (3)

An in depth study of the neurophysiology of movement. Illustrates general principles of neural control by exploring specific movement tasks including standing, walking, reaching/grasping, and eye movements. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 306 or BISC 305. Students with credit for KIN 415 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 420 - Selected Topics in Kinesiology I (3) *

Selected topics in areas not currently offered as formal courses within the undergraduate course offerings in the School of Kinesiology. The topics in this course will vary from term to term, depending on faculty availability and student interest. Prerequisite: To be announced in the Undergraduate Schedule of Classes and Examinations.

BPK 421 - Selected Topics in Kinesiology II (3) *

Selected topics in areas not currently offered as formal courses within the undergraduate course offerings in the School of Kinesiology. The topics in this course will vary from term to term, depending on faculty availability and student interest. Prerequisite: to be announced.

BPK 422 - Selected Topics in Kinesiology III (3) *

Selected topics in areas not currently offered as formal courses within the undergraduate course offerings in the School of Kinesiology. The topics in this course will vary from term to term, depending on faculty availability and student interest. Prerequisite: To be announced.

BPK 423 - Selected Topics in Kinesiology IV (3) *

Selected topics in areas not currently offered as formal courses within the undergraduate course offerings in the School of Kinesiology. The topics in this course will vary from term to term, depending on faculty availability and student interest. Prerequisite: To be announced in the Undergraduate Schedule of Classes and Examinations.

BPK 426 - Neuromuscular Anatomy (3)

This course explores human neuromuscular anatomy using a lecture format supplemented by course readings, an anatomy atlas and tutorials which are presented in an interactive fashion via the Macintosh Computer Laboratory on campus. A strong grounding will be given in neuroanatomy with additional emphasis on the limb musculature and its innervation. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 324 or BPK (or KIN) 325 or BPK (or KIN) 326. Students with credit for KIN 426 may not complete this course for further credit.

BPK 430 - Human Energy Metabolism (3)

Pathways of energy flow in animals and man, and the relationship of biological energy transduction to the needs of the whole animal. Quantitative aspects of bioenergetics and adaptation to changes in energy supply and demand. Measuring techniques applied to adaptations to muscle activity and variations in food intake. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 306 or 310 or MBB 321 or BICH 321. Students with credit for BPK (or KIN) 330 or KIN 430 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 431 - Integrative Cancer Biology (3)

Core concepts in cancer biology ranging from the clinical and pathological basis of carcinogenesis to the molecular and cellular changes involved in cancer development. Emphasis will be on the complex interactions of lifestyle factors, genetics and social cultural determinants on cancer risk. Prerequisite: MBB 231 (or MBB 201) and at least 90 units. Students with credit for KIN 431 may not complete this course for further credit.

BPK 444 - Cardiac Disease: Pathophysiology and Assessment (3)

Examines the etiology, prevention, and rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease. Involves the assessment of patient risk factors, and non-invasive cardiovascular assessments. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the recording and interpretation of the electrocardiogram in health and disease. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 305. Recommended: BPK (or KIN) 110, 306, 310 and 343. Students taking KIN 444 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 446 - Neurological Disorders (3)

Examines neural and neuromuscular diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and myasthenia gravis. Emphasizes currently favoured hypotheses, underlying evidence and pathogenic mechanisms. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 306. Recommended: BPK (or KIN) 336 and/or BPK (or KIN) 415. Students with credit for KIN 446 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 448 - Rehabilitation of Movement Control (3)

This course is aimed at students interested in neuromuscular rehabilitation. Students will learn about the pathological origins of movement disorders associated with impaired function of sensory and motor systems. The course will be focused on the stages and strategies for recovery of voluntary control of essential functions. The range of rehabilitation interventions available to assist recovery and restore voluntary control will be explored, with special emphasis on advanced techniques to restore control of movement and bodily functions in paralyzed people. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 201 or 207, and BPK 306, or for biomedical engineering students, BPK (or KIN) 201, 208 and 308. Students with credit for KIN 448 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 484 - Altitude and Aerospace Physiology (3)

A laboratory based examination of human physiological systems during exposure to aerospace related conditions of altered atmospheric content and G-forces. Developments of breathing apparatus, pressurized flight suits and anti-G-suits for high performance aircraft will be examined as they relate to solving the physiological problems of exposure to these environments. The effects of weightlessness during spaceflight will also be explored through lecture, literature review and current research data. An investigation of the biomedical monitoring of pilots and astronauts will be explored as they relate to health and safety. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 305 or 308. Students with credit for KIN 484 may not repeat this course for credit. Quantitative.

BPK 496 - Directed Study I (3) *

Directed reading and literature research on topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. This course may not be repeated for additional credit. A short proposal of the project, approved by the course supervisor, must be submitted for approval to the chair of the undergraduate program committee by the end of the first week of classes of the term. Prerequisite: permission from the chair of the undergraduate program committee. Usually, upper level standing with at least 75 units in the Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology program will be required. Students with credit for KIN 496 may not repeat this course for credit.

BPK 498 - Directed Study II (3) *

Directed study and research selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. A short proposal of the project approved by the course supervisor, must be submitted for approval to the chair of the undergraduate program committee by the end of the first week of classes of the term. Prerequisite: STAT 201 and permission from the chair of the undergraduate program committee. Usually, upper level standing with at least 75 units in the Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology program will be required. Students with credit for KIN 498 may not take this course for further credit.

A minimum GPA of 2.0 calculated on all biomedical physiology and kinesiology courses used to satisfy the requirements is required as well as a minimum upper division GPA of 2.0 calculated on those upper division biomedical physiology and kinesiology courses used to satisfy the requirements.

* must be selected topics courses in physiology

++ satisfies the University’s breadth requirements of three upper division units in writing

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