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Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology | Faculty of Science Simon Fraser University Calendar | Spring 2025

Occupational Ergonomics

Certificate

This certificate is intended for students in the kinesiology major in the Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology or qualified professionals in the areas of occupational rehabilitation, corporate wellness, and occupational health and safety who wish to augment their ergonomic knowledge and skills. Professionals must be able to provide appropriate documentation to show that they meet the necessary prerequisites to enroll in the required courses.

Admission Requirements

Admission is governed by the university's admissions regulations. After university admission, submission of a completed program approval form to the biomedical physiology and kinesiology academic advisor is required for formal acceptance in the program. Approval into this certificate is competitive with external applicants having to meet the same standard as internal applicants.

The certificate is normally completed within five years of admission to the certificate program. Units applied to one certificate may not be applied to another certificate or diploma. Students who are interested in completing both the professional kinesiology certificate and the occupational ergonomics certificate, should consult the BPK advisor for assistance in course planning.

Prerequisite and Required Course Grades

Students enrolling in biomedical physiology and kinesiology courses must have a grade of C- or better in prerequisite courses. Students enrolled in this certificate program must have grade of C- or better in all required courses.

Program Requirements

Students complete all of

BPK 180W - Introduction to Ergonomics (3)

Intended for students with a potential interest in ergonomics or human factors. The course surveys the design of work, the workplace environment, information systems, and consumer products. Topics include musculoskeletal disorders, manual materials handling, workplace design, organization of work, design of human/machine interfaces, environmental ergonomics, industrial design, and legal and social issues. Prerequisite: Grade 12 Biology or Physics, Grade 12 Math. Students with credit for BPK 180 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Anne-Kristina Arnold
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
BPK 303 - Assessment of Movement and Function (3)

Clinical orthopedic assessment involves measurements of the human body to determine its capability for function and movement. The theoretical background, practical application and assessment for topics including anthropometrics, posture, balance, range of motion, strength, motor and sensory function, coordination and balance, and walking and running gait will be investigated. Prerequisite: BPK 201, BPK 241 and STAT 201 or an equivalent statistics course.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Yuen-Fung Ng
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
BPK 310 - Exercise/Work Physiology (3)

The study of human physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise/work. Cardiorespiratory, cellular and metabolic adaptations will be studied and discussed in detail. Prerequisite: BPK 205, MBB 201 (or 231). Recommended: BPK 201.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
E100 Ryan Peter Dill
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
BPK 340 - Active Health: Behavior and Promotion (3)

Relationships among health, physical activity, and other health-associated behaviors are examined. In addition, the theories and models of health behavior, in the context of intervention and promotion strategies, are discussed. Pertinent background information is provided, concerning the influence of fitness on various disease states, as well as the epidemiology of health and exercise behaviors. Prerequisite: BPK 142, STAT 201 (or PSYC 201). Recommended: BPK 140.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Diana Bedoya
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
BPK 381 - Psychology of Work (3)

The application of psychological principles and methods to the study of human performance at work. A systems approach will be taken to study the interactions among the individual worker, his/her task, groups of workers, and the management structure of the organization. Prerequisite: PSYC 210 or both of BPK 207 and STAT 201. Corequisite: STAT 201 may be taken concurrently. Recommended: BPK 180.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Anne-Kristina Arnold
TBD
B101 Anne-Kristina Arnold
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.

BPK 481 - Musculoskeletal Disorders (3)

Provides an in-depth understanding of musculoskeletal conditions through the interpretation of patient case studies. An evidence-based practice model will be incorporated to support the use of clinical diagnostic tests and to design client-centered rehabilitation programs. Exposure to populations including but not limited to motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, postoperative, sport, and paediatrics. Prerequisite: BPK 303 and 326.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
E100 Yuen-Fung Ng
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
Burnaby
BPK 482 - Ergonomics and Rehabilitation (3) *

Examines the role of ergonomics within the rehabilitation process. Provides knowledge about tools and techniques for improving the rehabilitation process for patients, health care providers and organizations. The course includes a 34 hour unpaid practicum with an industry partner. The partner may require the student to enter into (1) a confidentiality agreement and (2) an Intellectual property agreement the result of which will be that the SFU Intellectual Policy R 30.03 will not apply to the intellectual property created by the student during the practicum. By registering for the course, each student acknowledges that it is aware of these requirements and understands that their entering into these agreements may be a requirement to complete the applicable course work. Prerequisite: BPK 180W, 201, 326, and 381. Corequisite: BPK 481. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check before enrolling.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Anne-Kristina Arnold
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and one of

BPK 343 - Active Health: Assessment and Programming (3)

An extension of BPK 143, Exercise: Health and Performance, designed to provide students with an opportunity to appreciate principles of exercise leadership, assess individual fitness needs, design programs and monitor effects of prescribed exercise. The course includes a 34 hour unpaid practicum with an industry partner. The partner may require the student to enter into (1) a confidentiality agreement and (2) an Intellectual property agreement the result of which will be that the SFU Intellectual Policy R 30.03 will not apply to the intellectual property created by the student during the practicum. By registering for the course, each student acknowledges that it is aware of these requirements and understands that their entering into these agreements may be a requirement to complete the applicable course work. Prerequisite: BPK 142, 143 and 205; STAT 201 or an equivalent statistics course, BPK 340 (may be taken concurrently). Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check prior to enrolling. BPK major and honours students who have taken BPK 342 must also take BPK 343. For students taking both of these courses, credit will only be given for BPK 343. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Carmen Bott
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
BPK 402 - Mechanical Behavior of Biological Tissues (3)

Extension of BPK 201 provides students with an understanding of structure-function relations in musculoskeletal tissues (bone, cartilage and muscle) in health and disease. Includes effect of disease and aging on physiological and biomechanical properties, mechanics and prevention of tissue injury, and design of implants and prostheses. Prerequisite: BPK 201 and BPK 306.

BPK 415 - Neural Control of Movement (3)

An in depth study of the neurophysiology of movement. Illustrates general principles of neural control by exploring specific movement tasks including standing, walking, reaching/grasping, and eye movements. Prerequisite: BPK 306 or BISC 305.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Daniel Marigold
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
BPK 426 - Functional Human Neuroanatomy (3)

Students will critically assess and investigate functional neuroanatomy, and examine how neuroimaging, animal models, and functional deficits in patients inform this knowledge. The course encompasses divisions of the human nervous system from both functional (sensory, motor, and autonomic) and anatomical (peripheral and central) perspectives, including the neural basis of higher cortical functions. Prerequisite: BPK 326. Corequisite: BPK 306. BPK 306 is recommended to be completed prior to enrolling in BPK 426.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Leanne Ramer
TBD
B101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
BPK 448 - Rehabilitation of Movement Control (3)

This course is aimed at students interested in neuromuscular rehabilitation. Students will learn about movement disorders associated with disease or trauma that cause impaired function of sensory and motor systems. The course will be focused on the stages and strategies for recovery of voluntary control of essential functions. The range of rehabilitation interventions available to assist recovery and restore voluntary control will be explored, with special emphasis on advanced techniques to restore control of movement and bodily functions in paralyzed people. Prerequisite: BPK 201 or 207, and BPK 306, or for biomedical engineering students, BPK 201 and 208.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Andy Hoffer
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
BPK 484 - Altitude and Aerospace Physiology (3)

A laboratory based examination of human physiological systems during exposure to aerospace related conditions of altered atmospheric content and G-forces. Developments of breathing apparatus, pressurized flight suits and anti-G-suits for high performance aircraft will be examined as they relate to solving the physiological problems of exposure to these environments. The effects of weightlessness during spaceflight will also be explored through lecture, literature review and current research data. An investigation of the biomedical monitoring of pilots and astronauts will be explored as they relate to health and safety. Prerequisite: BPK 305 or 308. Quantitative.

BPK 496 - Directed Study Literature (3) #

Directed reading and literature research on topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. A short proposal of the project, approved by the course supervisor, must be submitted for approval to the chair of the undergraduate program committee by the end of the first week of classes of the term. May be repeated once for credit with a different course supervisor. Prerequisite: BPK 304W (may be taken concurrently) or PSYC 210, and permission from the chair of the undergraduate program committee. Usually, upper level standing with at least 75 units in the Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology program will be required.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 TBD
BPK 498 - Directed Study Experiential (3) #

Directed study and research selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. A short proposal of the project approved by the course supervisor, must be submitted for approval to the chair of the undergraduate program committee by the end of the first week of classes of the term. May be repeated once for credit with a different course supervisor. Prerequisite: BPK 304W (may be taken concurrently) or PSYC 210, and permission from the chair of the undergraduate program committee. Usually, upper level standing with at least 75 units in the Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology program will be required.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 TBD
D200 TBD

Approved 3rd or 4th year elective from another department#

*Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check prior to enrolling. For more information, please go to: https://www.sfu.ca/students/criminalrecords.html

# course must be in area related to Occupational Ergonomics, approved through the BPK Advisor

Grade Point Average Needed for Graduation

Students in this certificate must have a minimum 2.00 grade point average (GPA) calculated on all required courses.