In tune with the changing concept of health that is shifting from curative to all-round wellness, the Karunya University, Coimbatore, will offer two distinctive courses in kinesiology from this academic year. The Department of Allied Health Sciences in the School of Biotechnology of the university in association with the University of Regina, Canada, will offer two four-year degree programmes in the subject for which the degree will be offered by the latter. A memorandum to this effect was exchanged between Paul P. Appasamy, vice-chancellor of Karunya University, and Craig Chamberlin, Dean, Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina.
A four-year Bachelor of Kinesiology in Human Kinetics (BKin Human Kinetics) and another degree programme in Gerontology (BKin Gerontology) will be available for interested students to choose from.
Kinesiology means the study of movement. It describes a form of therapy that uses muscle monitoring (biofeedback) to look at what may be causing imbalance in the body.
BK in Gerontology
Gerontology is the study of the aging process in individuals as they grow from middle age through later life. It helps in understanding aging in the context of biological, social and behavioural sciences. The programme will cover topics related to the needs of older adults. It will address changes in human physiology and movement related to aging/disease, fitness assessment, adaptation and programme management, recreation and physical activity for older adults, and lifestyle factors related to normal and healthy aging.
Graduates can work as administrators in hospitals, nursing homes, senior citizen homes, as health care co-ordinators, in rehabilitation services in clinics, recreation centres, and also in research and teaching areas.
Terming this a first of its kind in the country, the vice-chancellor said though the department was carrying out research work in the area of kinesiology, this was the first academic programme. “There is a great need to address the physical needs of aged people. These courses will basically address how movements can be optimised to improve health and well-being,” he said.
BK in Human Kinetics
Kinetics is the study of motion and its causes. It is the application of biomechanics, physiology, exercise and movement theory to understand health and disease. Course covers effects of exercise and lifestyle choices on the human body, counselling for fitness, assessment of movement-related disorders, injury and chronic health problems, physiological assessment, response, and so on.
Graduates can become clinical kinesiologists, fitness directors/instructors, health consultants, health educators, sports medicine service providers, and in related fields, besides taking up research or teaching.
Students will get to study two years at Karunya and the other two at the University of Regina. The fee in India will be Rs. 3 lakh a year. Students will also get online classes and practicals in the special kinesiology laboratory and hands-on training at the home for the elderly that is located near the Karunya University.
There will be 15 students in each programme. Selection will be based on a test, and interview to assess the subject and English aptitude.
Courses will begin in September. Plus-Two students who have studied science are eligible to apply. Applications can be obtained from the Admission Officer. For details, contact 0422-261445 or visit the university's website www.karunya.edu.
