The Sport, Health, and Physical Education department offers courses required to complete VIU's Bachelor of Arts Major or Minor in Physical Education.
Course offerings vary from year to year. Check Generate a Timetable for available course offerings.
Lifestyle and Analysis Courses
Students will be responsible for payment of fees to outside organizations when the issuance of a certificate involves a fee. Not all courses are offered each year.
PHED 103 (2) Active Play and Minor Games
An introduction to active play and minor games. Through playful exploration and practical experiences, students will examine the nature of active play and minor games, create play "full" environments, modify games for enjoyment and inclusion, and develop instructional techniques for motivating participants in activity settings. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 105 (2) Soccer
An introduction to the rules, skills, tactics, strategies, methods of analysis, and instruction of soccer. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 107 (2) Badminton
An introduction to the skills, rules, offensive and defensive tactics, teaching methods, and techniques of badminton. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 110 (2) Dance
An introduction to folk, western, and ballroom dancing, emphasizing fundamentals of dance, applications, and role of dance in physical education and recreation programs. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 112 (2) Swimming
An introduction to topics which include Lifesaving Society accreditation; techniques of front crawl, breast stroke, back crawl, and butterfly; water entries; survival techniques; aquatic emergency care; theory of swimming; and pedagogical techniques. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 114 (2) Curling
An introduction to the game of curling, emphasizing skills and strategies of play and stressing methods of instruction and organizational aspects for competition. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 116 (2) Winter Outdoor Activities
An introduction to the basic principles of safety and survival in the outdoor winter environment, including appropriate equipment and clothing. Emphasis on the mechanics of alpine skiing, Nordic skiing (classic and skating), snowboarding, snowshoeing techniques, and backcountry travel. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 118 (2) Outdoor Activities - Summer
An introduction to the basic principles of safety and survival in the outdoor summer environment. Topics include day camping, resident camping, wilderness trips, a variety of outdoor skills, program development and implementation, the responsibilities of the organizers, and legal liability. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 120 (2) Volleyball
An introduction to the skills, rules, offensive and defensive tactics and strategies, teaching methods, and techniques of volleyball. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 121 (2) Sand Volleyball
An introduction to the skills, offensive and defensive tactics and strategies of sand volleyball, as well as an examination of physical and technical teaching and training methods. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 124 (2) Gymnastic Activities
An introduction to the theory and practice in the basic movements common to all forms of gymnastics. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 126 (2) Basketball
An introduction to the skills, rules, offensive and defensive tactics, teaching methods and techniques of basketball. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 128 (2) Track and Field
An introduction to the study of the mechanical principles and teaching skills in sprinting, jumping, throwing, and distance events, including regulations, meet organization, and equipment of officiating. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 130 (2) Tennis
An introduction to the skills, rules, offensive and defensive tactics, teaching methods and techniques of tennis. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 131 (2) Strength and Conditioning
An introduction to the basic science and methodology of strength training and conditioning with an emphasis on pedagogical techniques. Topics include: warm up, flexibility, speed, agility, quickness, free weights, Swiss Ball exercises, and other types of resistance training. PHED 131 was formerly called PHED 131G; credit will not be granted for both courses. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 132 (2) Fitness and Conditioning
An introduction to the basic components of fitness, conditioning and active lifestyle through participation in selected programs. Note: Students are expected to participate in a full range of aerobic programs including running up to a distance of at least 8-10 kilometres. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 134 (2) Golf
An introduction to the game of golf, emphasizing skills and strategies of play, methods of analysis and instruction, and the organizational aspects for competition. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 135 (2) Yoga
An introduction to yoga emphasizing basic postures, breathing, and individual practice, as well as analysis of asanas, teaching methods, techniques, and the role of yoga in education, recreation and health settings. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 136 (2) Ice Hockey
An introduction to the basic fundamentals of ice hockey, including the skills of ice hockey, including the skills of skating, puck control, passing, shooting, and checking. Particular emphasis is on the method of developing these skills through specific drills. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 137 (2) Contemporary Creative Dance
An exploration of different movement techniques to stimulate individual and group dance. Topics include creative dance and physical theatre methods, basic elements of movement, dance practice fundamentals, choreographic principles, Laban's movement analysis, aesthetic fundamentals, and the role of dance in physical education. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 138 (2) Movement Education
An introduction to Laban's movement themes, with emphasis on applying these movement concepts to games, sports, dance and general physical education practices. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 140 (2) Backpacking Mountaineering
An introduction to backpacking, basic rock climbing, and general mountaineering. Topics include leadership techniques for group organization in backcountry travel, wilderness first aid, shelter construction, and search and rescue. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 141 (2) Ocean Paddling/Surfing
An introduction to skill development in ocean kayaks and outriggers and surfing using surf boards, body boards, paddle boards, and hard- and soft-shelled kayaks. Topics will include leadership, teaching methods, skill practice, risk management, beach and wave mechanics, and basic beach and foreshore ecology. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 142 (2) Introduction to Paddle Sports
A basic introduction to a variety of paddle sports in both coastal and river environments. Course includes a survey of natural history and beach studies. Students will be introduced to experiential methods of learning and the practical application of leadership skills. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 143 (2) River Paddling
An introduction to skill development in river running using rafts, canoes, and hard and soft-shelled kayaks. Topics will include leadership, teaching methods, skill practice, risk management, river hydrology/mechanics, and basic river, riparian, and foreshore ecology. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 144 (2) Cross Country Skiing/Mountaineering
An introduction to cross country skiing, ski touring, snowshoeing and winter camping. Emphasis on leadership development and skills instruction, including first aid, navigation, snow physics, cold injuries, and trip preparation. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 145 (2) Yoga II
A study of the application of yoga in a wide variety of settings ranging from sport to the school classroom. Topics include sequencing poses, linking poses and timing poses and pose work for particular outcomes. (1:1:0)
Prerequisite: PHED 135.
PHED 146 (2) Wrestling
An introduction to wrestling skills, rules, terminology and strategy. Designed to promote an interest in and understanding of a combative experience under socially accepted conditions. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 147 (2) Taekwondo
An introduction to the basic skills, patterns, terminology, and rules of taekwondo. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 148 (2) Squash, Racquetball, and Handball
An introduction to the basic skills, rules, terminology and strategy of squash, racquetball and handball. Designed to promote an interest and understanding of lifetime fitness and practical skill through participation in racquet sports. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 150 (2) Field Hockey
An introduction to the skills, rules, offensive and defensive tactics, teaching methods and techniques of field hockey. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 152 (2) Educational Gymnastics
An introduction to the basic movement concepts of Educational Gymnastics. Topics include an understanding of body awareness, space awareness, the use of locomotions, springs, landings, small hand apparatus, and rotations. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 154 (2) Softball
An introduction to the skills, rules, offensive and defensive tactics, teaching methods and techniques of softball. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 156 (2) Football
An introduction to the skills, rules, offensive and defensive strategies, teaching methods and techniques of football (touch and tackle). (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 159 (2) Lacrosse
An introduction to the skills, rules, offensive and defensive tactics, teaching methods and techniques of both box and field lacrosse. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 160 (2) Volleyball II
A study of advanced skill performance in selected Volleyball skill components, as well as key principles in teaching. Topics include team development, coaching skills, and training offensive and defensive systems. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: PHED 120.
PHED 164 (2) Rugby
An introduction to key concepts, skills, offensive and defense tactics, rules and strategies for both 7's and 15's rugby. (1:1:0)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 190 (2) Independent Sport Analysis
A detailed study of a physical activity that is not currently offered by the Physical Education Department. This course is available to students who have established a level of advanced understanding and ability in a particular area. This course may be repeated for credit. (1:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
Theory Courses
PHED 201 (3) Human Anatomy
An introduction to the nature and structure of the human body with special emphasis on those systems related to human movement. A lecture/laboratory format is used to examine cells, tissues, organs, systems and their inter-relationships. Labs include the use of human skeletons, anatomical charts, models and slides. (3:0:2)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 202 (3) Dynamics of Motor Skills Acquisition
An introduction to motor skills acquisition, the variables which influence the learning and performance of motor skills, and an investigation into psychological perspectives of sport and physical activity. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 203 (3) Instructional Strategies for Sport & Physical Education
An introduction to the delivery and systematic analysis of physical education. Topics include the delivery of quality physical education, systematic observation and analysis of physical educators, and the importance of a shared technical language for physical education. (2:0:1)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 220 (3) Intro to Human Physiology II
A study of the integrated functions of physiological systems, emphasizing metabolism the nervous, endocrine, muscle, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Applications to exercise will also be discussed. (3:0:2)
Prerequisite: PHED 201 or permission of instructor.
PHED 222 (3) Physical Activity and Local Food Production
A broad overview of the physical skills and knowledge required to participate in sustainable small-scale food production on Vancouver Island. This class will introduce students to the concept of food literacy and the human interactions with animals, the earth and plants through food sourcing, food preparation, and food celebrations. (1:0:2)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 230 (3) Active Health
A study of active and healthy lifestyles leading to an improved quality of life, with emphasis on physical activity and its relationship to health. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 252 (3) Nutrition: A Holistic Approach
A broad overview of the role of nutrition in culture, the evolution of food production, and the political forces shaping the food landscape. Topics will focus on the health implications for consumers and producers of food, as well as the health implications for communities, cultures and the planet. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 260 (3) Foundations of Canadian Sport, Health and Physical Activity
An historical and theoretical analysis of sport, leisure and physical activity in Canadian Society. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min "C" in English 12.
PHED 270 (4) Introduction to Leadership of Outdoor Pursuits
An exploration of the outdoor environment as an educational and recreational resource focusing on leadership, group management, risk management, administration, and participant behaviour. Other topics examined include outdoor/environmental ethics, interpretation, delivery systems, planning, ecotourism, and the relationship between outdoor pursuits and leisure services. Labs include participation in outdoor activities. (3:0:3)
Prerequisite: None.
PHED 280 (3) Physical Growth and Motor Development
An overview of the characteristics of physical growth and motor development. Includes the factors affecting the measurement of physical growth and motor development of elementary and secondary school children. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: PHED 201.
PHED 285 (3) Global Sport
A broad overview of sports from different regions around the world. Topics include an examination of the history and relevance of sport in each society, as well as an opportunity to participate in and learn the structures, rules, tactics, and teaching methods of a variety of different sports. (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: Second-year standing.
PHED 301 (3) Advanced Anatomy
This course expands on the material introduced in PHED 201 by taking an advanced exploration of human anatomy including the head, neck, torso, hands and feet, with an emphasis on function and pathology. (3:0:2)
Prerequisite: Min. "C+" in PHED 201 and third-year standing; or permission of instructor.
PHED 302 (3) Applied Exercise Physiology and Prescription
An investigation of acute and chronic effects of exercise on body systems and basic concepts of cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular responses to physical activity. Topics include principles of physical activity and their application for the acquisition of health, fitness, and maximal human performance. PHED 302 was formerly called PHED 402; credit will not be granted for both courses. (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: PHED 201, PHED 220, and third-year standing.
PHED 320 (3) The Olympic Games. Ancient and Modern
A study of the origins and history of both the ancient Olympic Games and their revival as the Modern Olympics in 1896. An examination and development of the Olympics from a socio-cultural perspective. (2:1:0 for 12 weeks)
Prerequisite: PHED 200 or PHED 260.
PHED 325 (3) Social Perspectives of Sport in Film
An examination of the relationship between sport and societal issues reflected through popular film. Topics include the study and application of social theories applied to sport. Films from around the globe, in a variety of styles that portray a social institution reflected through sport, will be critically examined. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
PHED 327 (3) History of Physical Education and Sport
An examination of the development of physical education and sport in Western Civilization, from ancient Greece to the present. Selected topics related to the art, education, literature, politics, religion, and technology of different periods will be used to trace the significant place of physical education and sport in our culture. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
PHED 351 (3) Human Wellness
An introduction to the concept of 'Wellness' and optimal well-being. The Wellness Model will be discussed and compared to the traditional Medical Model. An emphasis will be placed on health education for school aged children. (2:0:1)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
PHED 352 (3) Nutrition for Health and Sport
An introduction to basic nutrition concepts and how these concepts can be applied to health and sport. Topics include evaluating sources of nutrition information, determining proper nutrition to help maintain health, weight, and improve success in sport and physical activity. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: PHED 220.
PHED 365 (3) Aging and Physical Activity
An examination of the aging process and its impact on performance, fitness, health, and patterns of participation in physical and recreational activity. Topics include lifestyle factors, ways to maintain and enhance function, as well as implications for activity participation, health promotion, program and service development, and implementation. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
PHED 370 (3) Outdoor Education, Interpretation and Adventure Programming
An examination of the use of the outdoors as a teaching and learning setting. Topics include the application of teaching methods appropriate to outdoor experiences, skill development in instruction and programming of outdoor education, interpretation activities and related fieldwork. (2:0:1)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
PHED 371 (3) Organization and Administration of Physical Activity
An overview of organization and administration in physical activity settings. Topics include administrative theory and applied experiences in the organization and administration in physical education, sport, fitness, and a broad range of recreational physical activity environments. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
PHED 380 (3) Women in Physical Activity and Sport
An examination of the historical and cultural foundations of women in physical activity and sport. Current issues from a psychological, sociological, biomedical, political, economic, and philosophical perspective will be examined. Topics include gender inequity, Title IX, media, femininity, sexuality, harassment, homophobia, social justice, and image. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
PHED 391 (3) Research Methods in Physical Activity
An examination of the research process in physical activity. Topics include formulating a question, methodology, basic statistics, evaluation, presentation, ethics, and applicable computer applications that are used in the research process. (2:0:1)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
PHED 400 (3) Applied Movement Analysis
A course that focuses on acquiring and applying movement knowledge and skills in a range of movement contexts. This course will examine the physical laws of nature and skill analysis as they apply to physical activity in a variety of settings and discuss methods of quantitaive and qualitative analysis. (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: PHED 201, PHED 202, PHED 280, and third-year standing.
PHED 401 (3) Injury Management of Physical Activity
An introduction to the practical study of the management of injuries in a sport and physical activity setting. Topics include the recognition, prevention, and treatment of injuries. (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: PHED 201 and PHED 220.
PHED 451 (3) Health of the Human Spirit
An introduction to human spirituality and the concept of spiritual well being as it relates to personal wellness and public health issues. Topics include the investigation of the Holistic Wellness paradigm, theories of human spirituality, medicine and spirituality, meditation, prayer, nature and the human spirit and stress and spirituality. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: PHED 351.
PHED 460 (3) Psycho-Social Aspects of Physical Activity
A survey course that examines the effects and psycho-social outcomes that influence involvement and participation in physical activity. Explores foundational theory and discusses intervention strategies that can be applied in the field of physical education. PHED 460 was formerly called PHED 360; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third year standing and PHED 202.
PHED 461 (3) Applied Leadership in Physical Activity
An examination into the theory and skills of leadership in physical activity. This course will include practical leadership experiences in a variety of settings. PHED 461 was formerly called PHED 361; credit will not be granted for both courses. (2:1:0)
Prerequisite: Fourth-year standing.
PHED 462 (3) Coaching Practicum in Sport
A detailed study of the applicaton of the theoretical aspects of leadership in sport. Topics include the philosophy and role of the coach, components of applied sport psychology, physical and administrative preparation and planning. Students will complete a supervised coaching practicum. (1:2:0 -60)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
PHED 473 (3) Applied Field Placement Internship I
A continuation of the development of professional roles and applied experiences in a physical activity setting. A minimum of 60 hours as a primary leader in an applied field placement internship in a physical activity setting. (0:0:0 -60)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing and permission of Department Chair.
PHED 474 (3) Applied Field Placement Internship II
A continuation of PHED 473 in the development of professional roles and applied experiences in a physical activity setting. A minimum of 120 hours as a primary leader in an applied field placement internship in a physical activity setting. (0:0:0 -120)
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair and PHED 473 (may be taken concurrently).
PHED 475 (3) Applied Field Placement Internship III
A continuation of PHED 474 in the development of professional roles and applied experiences in a physical activity setting. A minimum of 180 hours as a primary leader in an applied field placement internship in a physical activity setting. (0:0:0 -180)
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair, including PHED 473, and PHED 474 (may be taken concurrently).
PHED 480 (3) Physical Activity of Special Populations
An overview of special populations in the contexts of sport and physical activity. Topics include inclusive physical activity as a philosophy and practice as it pertains to special needs, seniors, youth at risk, women, and groups with cross-cultural considerations. (1:1:1)
Prerequisite: PHED 201, PHED 220, and PHED 280.
PHED 490 (3) Directed Study in Physical Education
Supervised individual or small group work on a specific project focused on a sub discipline of Physical Education. Enrolment is by approval of the Department Chair, prior to registration. This course may be repeated for credit subject to prior approval by Department Chair and Dean. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
PHED 491 (3) Scholarship in Sport, Health, and Physical Education
A seminar-based course where students have the opportunity to engage in the scholarship of discovery, application, and teaching using knowledge they have gained in the multidisciplinary field of physical education. Students are required to plan and implement a project that demonstrates a depth of knowledge in a physical education related topic. (0:3:0)
Prerequisite: PHED 302, PHED 351, PHED 460, and a min. "C+" in PHED 391.