Kinesiology: Pathway to the Medical Professions (FULL)
Many students desire a career that allows them to positively impact the lives of others. There are many avenues towards a career in medicine and the health sciences. The objective of this two week-long course is to highlight a path through the discipline of Kinesiology to a medical career, including research in physiology, metabolism, biomechanics, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, physical activity and neuroscience.
The format of the program contains short introductory lectures followed by several hands-on lab experiments that will provide student-centered team learning experiences. Some of the labs will be included in off-site locations where we can test different variables in the surrounding community.
You will:
- Gain a working knowledge of muscles and bones
- Explore your personal fitness levels through testing
- Develop a personalized fitness plan
- Gain an understanding of training and mobility techniques used by physical therapists, athletic trainers and occupational therapists.
- Experience nutrition application for sport and performance
- Understand the future pathway for education and career opportunities in the field of Kinesiology
- Become CPR/AED certified
This course is offered at the UMass Amherst campus as a residential program. Local students may apply to attend as a commuter.
Most days will consist of a short lecture followed by hands on activities. Classes will be held inside the Kinesiology classrooms and labs as well as outdoors. Students will often work in small groups.
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Physical Activity and Assessments:
During the class instructors will introduce common forms of assessment used in the Kinesiology field. Students will sometimes be asked to perform these assessments individually using the equipment provided in a lab kit. Some activities and assessments may be easier to perform with assistance from a peer. -
Daily Assignments:
Students will be asked to complete various forms of assignments to gauge their learning throughout the course. Assignment formats may include, but are not limited to, discussion forums, lab activities, and quizzes. -
Reflections:
Students will submit a daily written reflection. Reflections should be about 3-5 sentences and discuss how a particular topic will impact future decisions/interactions with the field of Kinesiology.
Pre-Requisites
There are no pre-requisites for this program.
Materials
Students will need a laptop and exercise clothes.
Safety Information
Due to the physical activity involved in this program, students will be required to complete a medical health history and sign an additional “informed consent” form prior to attending this program. Participants under the age of 18 years old will need a parent signature for the informed consent.
By the end of the course, students will:
- Experience multiple physical testing measures and understand applications to general health
- Understand the four pillars of kinesiology: biomechanics, physiology, neurology, and physical activity, and the role they all play in exercise and health
- Be exposed to professionals in a variety of positions in the medical field to identify next steps in education and training
Class time is Monday - Friday from 9 am - 4 pm.
|
Time |
Activity |
|
9:15 AM–10:00 AM |
Lecture topic: Wearable technology and VO2 |
|
10:00 AM–12:00 PM |
Activity: VO2 test (walk or step) Outside if weather permits |
|
12:00–1:00 PM |
Lunch Break |
|
1:00–2:00PM |
Lecture topic: Investigative research |
| 2:00–4:00PM |
Activity: Research topics |
In the evenings and on weekends resident counselors will run a series of social activities. Students are encouraged to join in, relax and have fun with new friends! With social events on campus and in the surrounding Amherst area, and access to the UMass Recreation & Wellness Center, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Learn more about student life at UMass Amherst Summer Pre-College
Meet the Faculty
Judi Bruno LaBranche, Senior Lecturer II, Department of Kinesiology
Judi Bruno LaBranche has been leading the Kinesiology Pre-College program for over 10 years. She is a certified exercise physiologist who works with clients from healthy children to adults with chronic disease or disabilities. She partners with Department of Kinesiology faculty and advanced graduate students to deliver an interactive program.
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