Anatomy, Physiology and Psychology of Movement
Pursue your passion for helping people stay healthy, learn how our bodies work, plan for your future education—this program has options for you to explore.
In this bachelor’s program, you’ll learn the anatomy (how our bodies are built), physiology (how they function), and the psychology behind human movement. We’ll also cover how physical activity impacts our overall health and ways to prevent and treat sports-related injuries.
Significant research contributions, education and service are related to the study of physiological and psychological responsiveness to vigorous and relevant physical activities. In addition, movement skills, capabilities, and ways to improve and maintain health are studied as they relate to the typical person, as well as to people with disabilities and high-level athletes.
The undergraduate curriculum gives you a solid foundation in basic science, with classes focusing on the biological aspects of exercise. Depending on your interests, you can choose classes that dive deeper into exercise programming, techniques and the physical aspects of movement. If you’re thinking about a career in fitness, wellness or allied health professions, these classes could be a great fit for you.
If you’re aiming for graduate school, medical school or other advanced programs in health sciences after you graduate, we offer classes with more clinical and advanced physiological content. Gain knowledge and skills you need to excel in those programs later on.
Students with a B.S. in APK can obtain a wide variety of professions, such as:
- Athletic Trainer
- Corporate or private exercise specialist
- Fitness and wellness coordinators
- Fitness trainer
- Nurse
- Occupational therapist
- Physical therapist
- Physician
- Physician assistant
- Recreational therapist
- Rehabilitative specialist
- Research scientist
- Sport medicine specialist
- Strength and conditioning coach
Students in the APK program develop a wide range of skills including the ability to:
- Analyze movement patterns, assess posture and optimize performance
- Critically evaluate scientific literature and conduct own research
- Demonstrate a solid understanding of human anatomy, with emphasis on the structure of muscles, bones and joints
- Design exercise programs for a range of populations, from athletes to those with clinical diagnoses
- Explore the psychological factors that influence physical activity, motivation and adherence to exercise programs
- Explain motor skill acquisition, motor control and recognize developmental milestones
All HHP students complete an internship as a capstone experience. Examples of past student internship sites include:
- Apple, Inc.
- Army West Point Athletics
- Cleveland Guardians
- Duke University School of Medicine
- IMG Academy
- Minnesota Twins
- National Sports Medicine Institute
- Naval Medical Research Unit
- UF Athletic Association (UAA)
- UF College of Medicine
- UF Health
- University of Georgia Athletic Association
- University of Tennessee – Knoxville Olympic Sports Performance Department
- United States Marine Corps
- USAA
- Verizon
- Yale University
Did you know?
This degree is highly regarded for admission into medical school. Of those that apply, more than 46 percent of students are admitted to medical school.
Center for Exercise Science
The CES is a multidisciplinary research center housed in the Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. The center investigates the complex interactions between physical activity, muscle, heart, brain and age-related diseases. The CES provides an outstanding laboratory environment to educate UF students and post-doctoral fellows who will become the next generation of health-related exercise scientists and clinicians.
Visit the CESView Sample APK Pre-Health Plans
Contact APK
Mailing Address
PO Box 118205, 118206
Room FLG 100
Call us: (352) 392-0584