Program Overview

Introduction to Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK)

The Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK) program at Simon Fraser University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields, including Biomedical Physiology, Kinesiology, and Behavioural Neuroscience.

Undergraduate Programs

• Biomedical Physiology: This program educates students in the physiological and biochemical principles underlying human function and disease.
• Kinesiology: This program focuses on the study of human movement and exercise, preparing students for careers in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sports medicine.
• Behavioural Neuroscience: This program is the first of its kind in British Columbia and one of only a few in Canada, providing students with specialized education in systems and sensorimotor neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, and neurological disorders.

Behavioural Neuroscience Program Details

The Behavioural Neuroscience Undergraduate Program readies students for careers in neuroscience and provides preparatory training for professional schools, including medicine, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, as well as advanced graduate degrees in neuroscience, psychology, kinesiology, and physiology.

• Students may pursue a Major or Honours program.
• The program covers topics such as:
  • Systems and sensorimotor neuroscience
  • Cognitive neuroscience (including attention, learning, and memory)
  • Neurological disorders
  • Neuroanatomy
  • Biological rhythms
  • General physiology and psychology
  • Research design of behavioural studies

Graduate Programs

• Master of Science (MSc): This program provides advanced research training in biomedical physiology and kinesiology.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): This program is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in research and academia.

Graduate Program Requirements

• MSc Research Proposal: Students are required to submit a research proposal as part of their program requirements.
• PhD Comprehensive Exam: Students must pass a comprehensive exam to progress in their program.
• PhD Seminars: Students are required to participate in seminars as part of their program.
• Thesis Defenses: Students must defend their thesis as part of their program completion.

Research Areas

• Aerospace Physiology Lab
• Aging and Population Health Lab
• Autism Research Center; Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience
• Cardiovascular Physiology Lab
• Lab of Exercise and Environmental Physiology
• Molecular Cardiac Physiology Group
• Quantative Exercise Biology Lab
• Sensorimotor Neuroscience Lab
• SFU Run Lab

Admission and Transfer

• Direct Admission From High School: Students may be admitted directly from high school into the undergraduate programs.
• Internal Transfer From Another Program at SFU: Students may transfer from another program at SFU into the BPK programs.
• Transfer from Another University or College: Students may transfer from another university or college into the BPK programs.

Financial Aid and Funding

• Teaching Assistant/Marker Positions: Available to graduate students.
• Travel Allowances: Available to graduate students.
• Internal and Donor Funded Awards and Scholarships: Available to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Tri-Agency and Government Awards: Available to graduate students.
• Bursaries: Available to undergraduate and graduate students.