Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Health and Exercise Sciences

The Bachelor of Health and Exercise Sciences (BHES) is a 120-credit degree program offered by the Faculty of Health and Social Development at the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus. This interdisciplinary program focuses on the study and practice of human health and movement, exploring its profound effects on quality of life.

Program Overview

The BHES program offers concentrations in Kinesiology, Health Behaviour Change, and Clinical Exercise Physiology. It is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and practical approaches necessary to promote healthier, more active lives. The program's cornerstone is experiential learning, which includes competency-based courses, hands-on skill-building labs, community practicums, independent research projects, and undergraduate honours research theses.

Degree Options

The BHES program provides students with the opportunity to specialize in one of three concentrations:

• Kinesiology and Allied Health Concentration: This concentration involves studying the role of exercise and physical activity in improving health, fitness, and performance, as well as the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries.
• Health Behaviour Change Concentration: This concentration focuses on the concepts of evidence-informed behaviour change theory and techniques to help individuals and communities adopt and adhere to healthy behaviours.
• Clinical Exercise Physiology Concentration: This concentration incorporates exercise and activity education and skills into patient rehabilitation and recovery programs for the management of chronic diseases.

Sample Courses

The program includes a variety of courses, such as:

• Year 1:
  • HES 120 - Introduction to Human Anatomy
  • HES 130 - Social Determinants of Health
  • HES 105 - Exercise Physiology I
  • HES 131 - Exercise Psychology
• Year 2:
  • HES 201 - Exercise Prescription
  • HES 202 - Human Motor Behavior
  • HES 211 - Exercise Testing
  • HES 231 - Exercise Counseling and Behaviour Modification
• Year 3:
  • HES 320 - Functional Anatomy
  • HES 333 - Health Program Evaluation
  • HES 351 - Clinical Exercise Physiology
  • HES 371 - Professional Practice in Health and Exercise Sciences
• Year 4:
  • HES 471 - Professional Ethics in Health and Exercise Sciences
  • HES 483 - Environmental Physiology
  • HES 490 - Project in Health and Exercise Sciences
  • HES 493 - Community Practicum

Careers and Outcomes

Graduates of the BHES program will have the skills to pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Kinesiologist
• Clinical exercise physiologist
• Exercise and rehabilitation professional
• Community health promotion specialist
• Medical doctor/sports medicine*
• Occupational therapist*
• Physical therapist*
• Chiropractor*
• Occupational health and safety consultant
• Health and wellness/return to work coordinator
• Personal health coach
• Community recreation manager/director
• Program coordinator (e.g., Parks and Recreation Dept.)
• Health and social policy director*
• Nutritionist*
• Public health director*

*Additional education is often required for these occupations.

Admission, Fees, and Applying

The admission requirements and application process for the BHES program are as follows:

• Admission requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • English language proficiency
  • Prerequisite courses (e.g., biology, chemistry, mathematics)
• Application deadlines:
  • Early admission: November 15
  • Regular admission: January 15
• Cost estimator and financial planning:
  • Tuition fees: approximately $5,000 - $6,000 per year (Canadian students)
  • Living expenses: approximately $10,000 - $12,000 per year

Experiential Learning

The BHES program offers various experiential learning opportunities, including:

• Community practicum placements
• Independent research projects
• Undergraduate honours research theses
• Co-op programs
• Study abroad opportunities

Global and Close-Knit

The University of British Columbia Okanagan campus provides a unique learning environment that combines the benefits of a globally ranked university with a close-knit learning community. The campus is located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, offering easy access to outdoor recreational activities and a diverse natural environment.

Discover the Okanagan

The Okanagan Valley is a diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful lakes, vineyards, orchards, and snow-capped mountains. The city of Kelowna, where the UBC Okanagan campus is located, is a hub of economic development with a population of over 150,000 people. The region offers a wide range of leisure and outdoor activities, making it an ideal location for students who enjoy nature and outdoor pursuits.