York Kinesiology First Year

[Stressbot]

Hey guys ! I was just wondering if anyone could give me some details about first year courses at york kine. (specifically kine 1023 and 1000..i believe)

Btw. im referring to the Kine BSc. Any advice about the courses, profs?

Also, I was just wondering, are the first year kine courses, the ones i mentioned above, are they like essay based or what? Cuz i read the description and they seem to be more along the lines of social science courses, feels like that. Any idea??

 

Thanks,

Stressbot

[dbjones]

Well you take bio, chem or whatever. Along with Math 1505, a GEN ED(like Humanities or Social Science) and Psych.

The Kine courses weren't science dense at all if I remember correctly. Then in your second year you take Anatomy, Physiology, etc. Talking with other Kine students first year is not bad at all as long as your study habits are decent, and even if they aren't you shouldn't fail. Second year is where most of the students drop out.

If you have any other questions feel free to pm me. There are several other York Kine students on this board as well.

[eagerbeaver2010]

dbjones.

 

You said majority of kin students drop out second year." Second year is where most of the students drop out"

 

Why exactly is that? Does it get too hard?

[charmer08]

dbjones.

 

You said majority of kin students drop out second year." Second year is where most of the students drop out"

 

Why exactly is that? Does it get too hard?

 

Yes Kine students at york tell me 2nd year is the hardest because they get bombed with all the science courses. The first year is basically all arts even if you are a BSc. You take Sociocultural Perspectives in Kinesiology, intro to health and fitness, humanities, psyc, computer science... kine students usually leave calc and a pure science course for upper years (well most of my kine friends have done so) because those aren't prereqs for upper years. In 2nd year, you get bombed with all the science courses such as phys, anatomy etc.

 

But I think 2nd year is the hardest for everyone. Us bio majors have it tough also cuz we have 3-4 labs + orgo + biochem + animals and other memorization courses in 2nd year. 2nd year was just so much work and all these courses are survey courses so they squeeze in everything they can and then later on each chpt becomes a course but I really learned what university is like from 2nd year... 1st year is too easy.

 

Leap will give ya some good advice cuz she's done kine from york!

[leap87]

You mean KIN 1020 and KIN 1000.

 

KIN 1000 - essay based and sometimes really boring. In all honesty, I enjoyed my first year courses. KIN 1000 I took with Hernan Humana who is probably the best, most engaging professor out there. Get to know him better because if you ever need anything, he's the man you can count on. However, no matter how enthusiastic this man is, the course is dry. I saw that right now Nick Ashby (who was my TA at the time and a brilliant man too - very helpful and approachable) is also teaching it. I believe there's 3 of them teaching the course. At the time I took it, there were 2 sections - one was thought by Hernan and the other by Malszecki (man has a heart of gold). I sat in the first row and I managed a couple of times to fall asleep. NOT because the prof was bad but because of the material itself. You have essays in this course. Exams are M/C and very straightforward (at least they were in my time). IMO the essays are easy and if you take the time to write them (ie not doing them the night before), you should be fine at getting an A+ in the course.

 

KIN 1020 - At the time I took it, it was Riddell and Gledhill teaching it. Both of them are brilliant - Gledhill is known for his fitness program (work with hockey players, firefighters - you name it) and Riddell is the leader in diabetes research. However, I have heard that it's not them teaching it anymore. I have also heard that the course itself became a bit too dry. I'm thinking it's because of the profs. This course deals more with fitness and health. The labs are your key - use these labs to get a high mark. My TA was Natasa Bajin and she managed to prepare us for the lab exam - most of us ended up getting an A+ on that (because of her). There's a couple of other good TAs for that course. Once you find out who it is, let me know and I'll tell you a bit more about him/her (if I know them - and I know a lot of people at York). The first exam - in the time of Gledhill, there was a huge bell curve. It was a brutal exam for a first year course - I remember being on the bus and discussing questions with my friends and just thinking how awesomely I failed that exam. However, I somehow managed to get an A on the first exam and an A+ overall in the class.

 

Eagerbeaver: Actually, majority of the students drop out at the end of the first year. KIN 1020 exam somehow manages to weed out people. Second year is harder - WAY harder than first. You take anatomy, physiology (which btw is not bad if you've taken biology in your first year). There is a new anatomy professor (don't know who it is) - Neil Smith retired. So I'm thinking anatomy should be a tiny bit less boring and easier. But then again, I have no idea who is teaching it.

 

Btw, kinesiology students at York are not required to take computer science anymore. Kind of dull in my opinion, especially if you want to go into a research field. I believe students should know some of the programs like SPSS, and SAS (which they fail to teach you) and I'm also a strong believer this should be thought via a computer science or stats course.

[chii]

Thanks for the amazing info!

I have applied to the arts stream and I have been looking for more info as of late!

 

Do you guys know how it is when you have to commute? Work load? Is it possible to hold a job/do EC's at all? I'm not talk everyday things. I just want to keep up with my karate and 2 day a week job.

 

I'm also hoping to do a double major in Fine arts! Will this kill me? : P

 

See, I'm not so great in the straight up maths and science, so I am hoping that maybe I can choose to do them later, if I need/want to!

[charmer08]

Thanks for the amazing info!

I have applied to the arts stream and I have been looking for more info as of late!

 

Do you guys know how it is when you have to commute? Work load? Is it possible to hold a job/do EC's at all? I'm not talk everyday things. I just want to keep up with my karate and 2 day a week job.

 

I'm also hoping to do a double major in Fine arts! Will this kill me? : P

 

See, I'm not so great in the straight up maths and science, so I am hoping that maybe I can choose to do them later, if I need/want to!

 

It really depends on you. How much time will you spend on commuting to york? If its a long commute, the problem is not the time but many people will start skipping their classes if for example, the class is 8:30 in the morning or if it is the only class you have that day. The time spent commuting can be used to study.

 

It is def possible to hold a job. I've had a job and one EC throughout undergrad and I've managed to get decent grades. The job and EC gives you a break from studying, so its good for you. You could experiment if you're not too sure i.e. keep the job but if you are not able to keep up with the school work, quit the job.

[charmer08]

Btw, kinesiology students at York are not required to take computer science anymore. Kind of dull in my opinion, especially if you want to go into a research field. I believe students should know some of the programs like SPSS, and SAS (which they fail to teach you) and I'm also a strong believer this should be thought via a computer science or stats course.

 

The only useful thing I learnt from the basic computer science course (1520) was excel. But many people don't even bother with doing those excel labs as you can choose to have a 100% final. Other than that, the course was soo useless... why do i need to know how to convert binary to decimal? lol. So, I kinda see why it is no longer a requirement.

[chii]

It really depends on you. How much time will you spend on commuting to york? If its a long commute, the problem is not the time but many people will start skipping their classes if for example, the class is 8:30 in the morning or if it is the only class you have that day. The time spent commuting can be used to study.

 

It is def possible to hold a job. I've had a job and one EC throughout undergrad and I've managed to get decent grades. The job and EC gives you a break from studying, so its good for you. You could experiment if you're not too sure i.e. keep the job but if you are not able to keep up with the school work, quit the job.

 

Yeah, I'm commuting from Brampton (so I can do the zum thing) but I have heard it can take up to 2 and a half hours! : S

 

As for the job, I really want to keep it! I feel like when I have more things to do, I get more done.

 

Thanks

[leap87]

The only useful thing I learnt from the basic computer science course (1520) was excel. But many people don't even bother with doing those excel labs as you can choose to have a 100% final. Other than that, the course was soo useless... why do i need to know how to convert binary to decimal? lol. So, I kinda see why it is no longer a requirement.

 

Well, once you hit grad school or a research field, such as mine, (if you ever), you'll be like "Ohhhhh that's why I needed those 0s and 1s". Trust me, when I took it, I was swearing for the whole semester, but now, I'm glad I have this knowledge. It really helps me when I need to fix a computer or figure out why a certain part of technology failed.

[leap87]

Thanks for the amazing info!

I have applied to the arts stream and I have been looking for more info as of late!

 

Do you guys know how it is when you have to commute? Work load? Is it possible to hold a job/do EC's at all? I'm not talk everyday things. I just want to keep up with my karate and 2 day a week job.

 

I'm also hoping to do a double major in Fine arts! Will this kill me? : P

 

See, I'm not so great in the straight up maths and science, so I am hoping that maybe I can choose to do them later, if I need/want to!

 

I commuted 1 hour and 15 minutes every day. It was hard. I'm not going to sugar coat it and tell you it will be easy. One thing I found was that the commute was such a waste of time. I managed to get some things done on the subway but not a whole lot.

 

In terms of a job, I had a job and managed to be involved in 3 other clubs plus do research on top of that and be on a varsity team. So it is doable.

[eagerbeaver2010]

So overall, what we're saying is that York Kin is a good program, and its not too hard?

 

And Leap, whats up with Kin 1020, why is it so hard (you said ppl drop out bcuz of that course)

 

Also, I can take kin 1020, 1000, and like bio and chem first year with one elective right?

 

I want to get into some sort of health profession, and I think I would be able to fit in all pre reqs like biochem , orgo, etc?

 

Right?

[eagerbeaver2010]

In regards to commuting, I will most likely be commuting 1.5hrs each way If i go to York. Do you think this wil be hard? I mean like, do some labs and classes end late (like 7-8pm)?

 

Also, Hows the chem dept. at York. I heard that it was terrible (ie. no good profs, terrible exams, etc)

[charmer08]

Yeah, I'm commuting from Brampton (so I can do the zum thing) but I have heard it can take up to 2 and a half hours! : S

 

As for the job, I really want to keep it! I feel like when I have more things to do, I get more done.

 

Thanks

 

Have you looked into GO transit? The GO bus from bramelea GO station takes 20 minutes to get to york.

[charmer08]

In regards to commuting, I will most likely be commuting 1.5hrs each way If i go to York. Do you think this wil be hard? I mean like, do some labs and classes end late (like 7-8pm)?

 

Also, Hows the chem dept. at York. I heard that it was terrible (ie. no good profs, terrible exams, etc)

 

Most people commute around the same time at york... so you should be fine. You can choose labs and classes that end early.

[eagerbeaver2010]

Have you looked into GO transit? The GO bus from bramelea GO station takes 20 minutes to get to york.

 

 

Whats the fastest way to get from STC (scarborough town centre) to York?

 

Does the GO train go to York?

[chii]

Have you looked into GO transit? The GO bus from bramelea GO station takes 20 minutes to get to york.

 

I haven't! Thanks for the tip, sounds awesome. I'll definitely check it out.

 

Leap, I'm glad to hear that you managed at all too. Thanks for the insight : D

[leap87]

So overall, what we're saying is that York Kin is a good program, and its not too hard?

 

And Leap, whats up with Kin 1020, why is it so hard (you said ppl drop out bcuz of that course)

 

Also, I can take kin 1020, 1000, and like bio and chem first year with one elective right?

 

I want to get into some sort of health profession, and I think I would be able to fit in all pre reqs like biochem , orgo, etc?

 

Right?

 

It's an overall good program. They're working to improve it and I know a couple of profs on that committee. All of the profs in kine are very good. However, York kine program is not as hard as Waterloo kine program. IMO Waterloo kine gives you more options and guides you throughout 4 or 5 years of your undergrad. They truly care about their students. York kine, on the other hand, is a huge program and the advisers are not that great (maybe something changed in the past year but I doubt).

 

The reason why kine 1020 is hard is because people don't study. You NEED to study for it. It will be useful later on (I hope you remember this when you start and think that it's so easy) for your other courses, plus make sure you get an A+.

 

Yeah. You'll be able to take other courses aside from kine.

 

In regards to commuting, I will most likely be commuting 1.5hrs each way If i go to York. Do you think this wil be hard? I mean like, do some labs and classes end late (like 7-8pm)?

 

Also, Hows the chem dept. at York. I heard that it was terrible (ie. no good profs, terrible exams, etc)

 

Some labs do end late but it all depends on how your structure your schedule. And chem department is terrible. The only good prof there was Hempstead (sp?). But some would argue that he is not good either.

 

Whats the fastest way to get from STC (scarborough town centre) to York?

 

Does the GO train go to York?

 

GO train doesn't go to York. But GO bus does. As far as STC to York route goes, I lived in the Beaches and I took the subway every day. There was no other way. I'm not sure about the buses that go from STC and whether there are any going to York (I doubt).

 

I haven't! Thanks for the tip, sounds awesome. I'll definitely check it out.

 

Leap, I'm glad to hear that you managed at all too. Thanks for the insight : D

 

You're welcome. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to PM me. I'm at Waterloo right now, but I know the ins and outs of York as well as the career itself.

[eagerbeaver2010]

 

Some labs do end late but it all depends on how your structure your schedule. And chem department is terrible. The only good prof there was Hempstead (sp?). But some would argue that he is not good either. .

 

Hey Leap. So is there anyway around these terrible chem profs? ITs kinda sad knowing that the chem dept is horrible considering I'm going to be taking atleast First year chem, orgo , and biochem.

 

I need to do well on those

[leap87]

Hey Leap. So is there anyway around these terrible chem profs? ITs kinda sad knowing that the chem dept is horrible considering I'm going to be taking atleast First year chem, orgo , and biochem.

 

I need to do well on those

 

Let me check the schedule of profs. I know that the orgo prof is really good - (I forgot his name) - I believe it is Potvin. As for basic chem, I just checked the profs. I have no idea who they are except for Pietro and I've heard he is brutal.

 

One thing you could do is visit SOS - Student Ombud Service in Bethune College and talk to some students there. They should be able to give you tips as well as tell you which profs are good. Also, if you need extra help, I believe Bethune also organizes tutorial sessions for students that are free - a student who got an A+ or an A in the class tutors other students. So they should be able to give you tips as well.

 

Edit: You could take chem through Athabasca university too to avoid these profs. But I'd suggest talking to students in SOS first before making any drastic decisions.

[xkittens]

Let me check the schedule of profs. I know that the orgo prof is really good - (I forgot his name) - I believe it is Potvin. As for basic chem, I just checked the profs. I have no idea who they are except for Pietro and I've heard he is brutal.

 

One thing you could do is visit SOS - Student Ombud Service in Bethune College and talk to some students there. They should be able to give you tips as well as tell you which profs are good. Also, if you need extra help, I believe Bethune also organizes tutorial sessions for students that are free - a student who got an A+ or an A in the class tutors other students. So they should be able to give you tips as well.

 

Edit: You could take chem through Athabasca university too to avoid these profs. But I'd suggest talking to students in SOS first before making any drastic decisions.

 

do you get to choose which profs you have for your courses at york? or are they assigned to you

[leap87]

do you get to choose which profs you have for your courses at york? or are they assigned to you

 

You can check who the profs are by checking the Course Schedule and if you have a slot in your schedule, you can take whichever section you want. This is only regarding huge courses - like bio, chem, orgo, biochem, etc.

 

As for Kine courses - the profs are pretty much the same. But you shouldn't worry about kine profs - they're all excellent.

[eagerbeaver2010]

So guys ! How's Mac Kin?? I hear thats pretty good too. Any ideas on the program? I found the mac kin site to be helpful and it outlines basically every course (including course syllabus) part of the kin program.

 

Im thinking mac kin is pretty good too. What do y'all think?

[leap87]

So guys ! How's Mac Kin?? I hear thats pretty good too. Any ideas on the program? I found the mac kin site to be helpful and it outlines basically every course (including course syllabus) part of the kin program.

 

Im thinking mac kin is pretty good too. What do y'all think?

 

Yes, it is good if the only thing you want to concentrate on is physiology.

 

York has the same thing - description of every course on their website.

[charmer08]

The chemistry dept isn't that bad. Biochem is offered by the biology department and the profs that teach them aren't that bad. Pietro is an excellent prof... he teaches really well and all his lectures are very interesting. But his tests are brutal so I wouldn't recommend taking CHEM1000 with him. There's usually a bell curve in most of the chem courses so if you end up with a B+, chances are it will get bell curved to an A so its all good. A lot of the times, people do bad because they don't know how to study chem and doing all the textbook probs will not get you an A in that course. The textbook problems are useless... they usually provide you with the past years tests... doing those should prepare you well for the test.

 

I actually find the chem dept better than the bio dept