Physical Therapy Courses

670-20200 Rehabilitation for Older Adults   NLA

Strategies aimed toward maximizing function of older adults. A team approach is emphasized, drawing on disciplines such as physical, occupational, and recreational therapy, speech-language pathology and audiology, and rehabilitation nursing. Legal and ethical issues that pertain to the rehabilitation of this population are also addressed. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing. 1 credit. (F,Y)

670-30000 Preclinical Conference I   NLA

Series of sessions to explain clinical education policies and procedures and choose sites for clinical affiliations. Prerequisites: Junior standing in clinical science major. Pass/fail only. 0 credits. (F,Y)

670-30100 Preclinical Conference II   NLA

Series of sessions to explain clinical education policies and procedures and choose sites for clinical affiliations. Prerequisites: 670-30000. Pass/fail only. 0 credits. (F,Y)

670-31000 Human Anatomy   NS LA

Study of the gross anatomical components of the human body through the use of lecture and cadaver dissection. Emphasis on the musculoskeletal and neurovascular systems found in the extremities, trunk, chest, and abdominal walls, and in the head and neck. Prerequisites: 303-20600. 6 credits. (Sum,Y)

670-31100 Massage and Surface Anatomy   NLA

This predominantly laboratory-based course includes a presentation of theory, principles, and techniques of various forms of therapeutic massage. Regional palpation and surface anatomy are emphasized as they are presented in 670-31000 Human Anatomy. Corequisite: 670-31000. 1 credit. (Sum,Y)

670-31200 Mobility Training   NLA

Principles and skills involved in ambulation training with and without assistive devices, transfer training, wheelchair management, safety in patient handling, and proper body mechanics. Corequisite: 670-31000. 1 credit. (Sum,Y)

670-31300 Clinical Physiology   NLA

The study of human physiology from a clinical perspective, addressing normal function in the primary physiologic systems and how therapeutic interventions influence system functions. Introduces pathophysiologic syndromes common to patients receiving therapy. Describes physiologic responses in patients receiving specific physical or occupational therapy interventions. Prerequisites: 304-11000, or 304-11100 and 304-11200; 670-31000; nonmajors must have permission of instructor. 3 credits. (F,Y)

670-31400 Musculoskeletal Examination and Evaluation   NLA

Introduction to the patient/client management model with emphasis on examination, evaluation, and diagnosis of musculoskeletal problems of the extremities. Emphasis is placed on the following skills: patient history, range of motion, goniometry, muscle performance testing, flexibility testing, ligament testing, special orthopedic tests, and posture as it relates to the extremities. Prerequisites: 315-10100; 315-10200; 670-31000; 670-31100. 3 credits. (F,Y).

670-31500 Electrotherapeutic Modalities and Physical Agents   NLA

The study of the biophysical, physiological, and clinical principles and procedures associated with the application of electromagnetic and acoustic energy in the prevention and treatment of pathological conditions. Pre-requisites: 315-10100; 315-10200; 670-31000; 670-31100. 4 credits. (S,Y)

670-32200 Professional Development I   NLA

Introduction to the Practice Act, Code of Ethics, roles of paraprofessionals, professional and ethical behavior, and effective communication styles. Instruction in clinical education teams, models of clinical education, and assessment of clinical performance. Prerequisites: 670-32300; 670-32500. 1 credit. (S,Y)

670-32300 Teaching and Learning in the Clinical Setting   NLA

Preparation to teach in a variety of settings and formats for academic, clinical and professional purposes. Content is applicable to community presentations, group inservices, presentations as well as patient/family and other individualized teaching. Includes: teaching/learning theories and styles, impact of age, culture, environment, and motivation, domains of learning, instructional objectives, teaching methods and instructional technology. Evaluation, feedback and outcome measurements are included. Prerequisites: 670-31100; 670-31200. 1 credit. (F,Y)

670-32500 Profession of Physical Therapy   NLA

Description of physical therapy as a profession in the United States including history, professional organization, roles of the physical therapist and related personnel, and scope of practice. Prerequisites: Junior standing. 0.5 credit. (F,Y)

670-39000 Biostatistics   NS LA

Discussion of descriptive and inferential statistics. Particular emphasis on the statistical interpretation of basic science and clinical research studies. The course involves use of calculators and computers. A student cannot receive credit for this course and 313-24300 or 313-24400. Prerequisites: Math placement in Group 1 or 2. 3 credits. (S,Y)

670-39900-670-39999 Selected Topics in Physical Therapy   LA/NLA

Clinical and professional topics of current interest to faculty and students. This course may be repeated for credit for different selected topics. Prerequisites: As appropriate to topics. Pass/fail only. 1-3 credits. (IRR)

670-40100 Biomechanics   NS LA

Application of mechanical principles to human movement. Particular attention to the effect of forces in producing normal movement. Students are required to apply their knowledge of anatomy toward understanding individual joint function as well as the integrated function of several joints during complex activities such as normal gait. Prerequisites: 315-10100; 315-10200; 670-31000; 670-31100. 3 credits. (F,Y)

670-40200 Therapeutic Exercise   NLA

A comprehensive analysis of the scientific principles of exercise commonly used in physical therapy practice. Specific exercise programs address muscle performance, endurance, mobility, and balance impairments. Adaptations of tissue on activity and immobilization are also discussed. Prerequisites: 670-31300; 670-31400; 670-40100. 3 credits. (S,Y)

670-40300 Pathology for Physical Therapists   LA

Examination of the components of general disease and injury processes and specific components of selected diseases likely to be encountered in physical therapy practice. General pathology topics described include cell and tissue injury, inflammation, and the healing and repair process. Specific focus on diseases of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, integumentary, and nerve systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the underlying mechanisms of structural and functional disruptions for adults, with secondary comparisons to pathology across the life span. This course provides background information necessary for performing differential diagnosis and patient treatments. Prerequisites: 670-31000; 670-31300. 3 credits. (S,Y)

670-41000 Clinical Education I   NLA

The initial assignment to one of a variety of health care facilities for six weeks. The student is assigned to specified clinical tasks under the close supervision of the clinical instructor. Professional conduct and appearance, basic musculoskeletal assessment and treatment, and application of physical agents are emphasized. Prerequisites: 670-30100; 670-31500; 670-39000; 670-40200; 670-40300. Pass/fail only. 3 credits. (Sum,Y)

670-41100 Clinical Conference I   NLA

Focuses on attitudinal and interpersonal communication issues pertinent to a clinical affiliation, including professional behavior, motivation, and effective communication. Prerequisites: 670-41000. 0.5 credits. (S,Y)

670-43600 Professional Development II   NLA

Provides the tools for personal career development. Includes professional behavior and generic abilities, résumé writing, professional portfolios, effectiveness as an individual and team player, and professional development during clinical affiliation. Prerequisites: 670-32200. 0.5 credit. (S,Y)

670-44100 Clinical Administration I   NLA

The practice of effective and efficient administration of a rehabilitation setting. Emphasis is on the impact of health care reform on departmental organization and planning, reimbursement, foundations of control, management information systems, fiscal planning, risk management and quality assurance, legal issues and external regulatory mechanisms, marketing and public relations, and assessment of service outcomes. Prerequisites: 670-41000 or 672-35000. 3 credits. (F,Y)

670-44200 Clinical Administration II   NLA

An examination of how basic personnel management techniques are applied in the rehabilitation clinical setting. Included are concepts and theories of motivation, leadership and power, organizational behavior, organizational climate, performance rewards and appraisal, and conflict management. A case study approach is used in this course. Prerequisites: 670-44100. 2 credits. (S,Y)

670-45100 Neuroanatomy   NS LA

Comprehensive study of the structural features and connectivity of the human central and peripheral nervous systems. Prerequisites: 670-31000; senior standing. Corequisite: 670-45200. 3 credits. (F,Y)

670-45200 Neurophysiology   NS LA

Study of the concepts, terms, and methods of investigating the physiology of the human nervous system. Prerequisites: 670-31300; 670-40200; and senior standing. Corequisite: 670-45100. 3 credits. (F,Y)

670-46200 Pharmacology   NS LA

Presents the basic drug classes and the physiological basis of their action. Drugs are grouped according to their general effects and the type of disorders they are routinely used to treat. Special emphasis on drugs commonly used to treat disorders frequently seen in patients receiving physical therapy. Prerequisites: 670-45200; nonmajors must have permission of instructor. 2 credits. (S,Y)

670-46300 Normal Motor Development   NLA

Normal motor developmental processes from the embryo to old age. Review of research, theory; evaluation of gross motor and fine motor development; and the influence of perception, vision, and auditory, kinesthetic, and cognitive input on the acquisition of motor skills. Prerequisites: 670-40100; 670-45100; 670-45200. 3 credits. (S,Y)

670-46400 Electrophysiological Examination and Evaluation   NLA

Current and historical perspectives in the electrophysiological evaluation of neuromuscular disease and disorders. Students perform fundamental electrodiagnostic tests, including electromyography and measurement of nerve conduction velocity. Prerequisites: 670-45200. 2 credits. (S,Y)

670-46500 Soft Tissue and Peripheral Joint Examination and Mobilization   NLA

This lecture and lab course is an introduction to the physical therapy methods of stretching, soft tissue treatment techniques, and mobilization of peripheral joints. It is designed to expose the student to the broad spectrum of techniques while teaching the skills of the most current methods. Prerequisites: 670-31400; 670-40100. 3 credits. (F,Y)

670-46600 Spine Examination and Rehabilitation   NLA

Examination of and interventions for patients with neuromusculoskeletal conditions affecting the spine. Students learn objective measurements of spinal posture, mobility, and function to differentiate among various spinal conditions. Selected interventions are presented and practiced. Prerequisites: 670-31400; 670-40100. 3 credits. (F,Y)

670-47000 Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy of the Lumbar Spine   NLA

Introduction to mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the lumbar spine. Develops understanding of basic theories and thought processes in mechanical diagnosis. Exposes students to basic treatment interventions and skills in performing them. Prerequisites: 670-41000. Pass/fail only. 2 credits. (S,Y)

670-47100 Psychosocial Aspects of Patient Care   NLA

A review of psychological and social issues affecting patients and therapists in the clinic, home, and community environments. Addresses special topics relevant to assessing a patient's and a clinician's response to illness. These topics include terminal illness, sexuality and illness or disability, psychosomatic illness, and selected psychiatric disorders. Prerequisites: 670-41000. 2 credits. (S,Y)

670-49000 Clinical Education II   NLA

The second placement for the student in a clinical environment where he or she has the close supervision of a clinical instructor. This experience provides an opportunity to practice and develop skills in analyzing motor performance, evaluating and treating joint and soft tissue pathologies. The student should also exhibit an understanding of the administration of a physical therapy department. Six weeks in length. Prerequisites: 670-41100; 670-44100; 670-45100; 670-45200; 670-46500; 670-46600. Pass/fail only. 3 credits. (S,Y)

670-49900-670-49999 Independent Study   NLA

This course allows students to complete an in-depth study or project in an area of their interest and related to physical therapy. Includes a final presentation. Requires a faculty sponsor. Prerequisites: Permission of faculty sponsor, academic adviser, department chair, and dean. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. 1-6 credits. (F-S,Y)

670-59800 Honors Seminar in Physical Therapy   NLA

For students in the honors program. Research proposals completed in 670-59900 are presented and critiqued. In addition, examples of good and poor published journal articles are discussed and analyzed. Prerequisite: 670-59900. Note: All undergraduates taking this course for graduate credit must satisfy the conditions listed under "Course Levels," p. 699. 1 credit. (S,Y)

670-59900 Honors Project   NLA

For the exceptional student who wishes to pursue graduate research. Results in a research proposal, which is a preliminary step for a graduate thesis. Prerequisites: 670-41000; permission of department chair. Note: All undergraduates taking this course for graduate credit must satisfy the conditions listed under "Course Levels," p. 699. 3 credits. (F,Y)

671-60100 Pathokinesiology

Presents specific pathological conditions (primarily organized according to anatomical regions) that result in disorders of posture, movement, and locomotion. The presentations and analyses of these pathokinesiological conditions include neurological, neuromotor, and musculoskeletal aspects with respect to the causes of dysfunction. Laboratory exercises require the student to use movement analysis equipment to demonstrate pathomechanics and abnormal movement patterns. 3 credits. (F,Y)

671-60300 Cardiac Testing and Management

A review of normal cardiac physiology and the response of this system to exercise and disease. Cardiac pathologies are discussed including a review of the medical and surgical management of specific disease groups. Evaluation procedures utilized to determine the status of the cardiac system's performance are studied and performed in the laboratory. Clinical management procedures used by all members of the rehabilitation team are reviewed with emphasis on specific physical therapy procedures. 2 credits. (S,Y)

671-60500 Pulmonary Testing and Management

A review of normal pulmonary physiology and the response of the pulmonary system to exercise and disease. Pulmonary pathologies are discussed including a review of the medical and surgical management of specific disease groups. Evaluation procedures utilized to determine the status of the pulmonary systems performance are studied and performed in the laboratory. Clinical management procedures used by all members of the rehabilitation team are reviewed with emphasis on specific physical therapy procedures utilized in treating patients with pulmonary disease. 2 credits. (S,Y)

671-60600 Orthotics/Prosthetics

An in-depth review of the principles and practices of orthotics and prosthetics as applied by a physical therapist. This includes a survey of the basic biomechanical principles used in applying orthotic and prosthetic appliances as well as principles of patient application, training, and management of complications. 2 credits. (S,Y)

671-60700 Research I

Principles and methods of scholarly inquiry. Topics include formulation of research problems, literature review, hypothesis testing, techniques of data collection, and analysis of results. Historical and philosophical methods are introduced, but the course focuses on descriptive and experimental methods. Culminates in a written preliminary research outline. 2 credits. (F,Y)

671-60800 Research II

Application of research theory to interpretation, analysis, and synthesis of scientific literature. Through group projects, the student is required to perform a literature review and define methodologies including sampling, instrumentation, design analysis of data, and issues concerning reliability and validity. Culminates in a project presentation. Prerequisites: 671-60700. 2 credits. (S,Y)

671-61000 Clinical Education III

The third placement for a student in a clinical environment, giving the opportunity to apply more advanced theories and treatment procedures to a selected patient caseload with guidance from a clinical instructor. Six weeks in length. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all prior required coursework. Pass/fail only. 3 credits. (F,Y)

671-61100, 671-61200 Clinical Education IV, V

Clinical Education IV and V are the final placements of the student in a clinical environment. Two six-week sessions. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all prior required coursework. Pass/fail only. 3 credits per course. (Sum,Y)

671-61300 Orthopedics

Covers pathogenesis, clinical presentation, medical and surgical management, and rehabilitation of orthopedic disorders. 3 credits. (S,Y)

671-61400 Medicine

Survey of the most common diseases found in the practice of general medicine. Presentations emphasize medical management procedures and include discussion of physical therapy procedures that may be applied to this varied patient population. 2 credits. (F,Y)

671-61500 Neurology I

Provides foundation for examination, evaluation, and interventions for individuals with movement-related impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities resulting from neurologic disease. A systematic clinical decision-making approach is used to integrate findings from a patient's medical history and reports from rehabilitation team members with results of standardized neurologic examinations, observations of movement, and analysis of functional tasks. The neurologic diagnosis of stroke and its related movement deficits are covered in detail. 3 credits. (F,Y)

671-61600 Surgery

A survey of the most common forms of general surgery encountered in the practice of physical therapy. Emphasis is on general surgical techniques, including indications, expected outcomes, and complications, as well as the pre- and postoperative role of the physical therapist. An in-depth review of decubitus ulcer and burn management is presented. 3 credits. (S,Y)

671-61700 Neurology II

Examination, evaluation, and physical therapy interventions for individuals with progressive and non-progressive neurologic disease resulting from upper and lower motor neuron disorders. A systematic clinical decision-making model is used to integrate findings from a patient's medical history and reports from other rehabilitation team members with results of standardized neurologic examinations, observations of movement, and analysis of functional tasks. Prerequisites: 671-61500. 4 credits. (S,Y)

671-61800 Pediatric Rehabilitation

The etiology, pathology, diagnosis, medical, surgical, clinical examination, evaluation, and physical therapy management of pediatric disorders of the neuromuscular system. The physiological basis and therapeutic techniques of neurophysiological approaches to intervention are examined. 3 credits. (F,Y)

671-61900 Geriatrics in Physical Therapy

A study of the special needs of the older adult. It prepares the student to plan effective physical therapy management of the problems of older individuals through consideration of age-related changes, psychosocial characteristics, and the continuum of services available for this population. Adaptations of evaluation and treatment methods for older persons are also discussed. 1 credit. (S,Y)

671-62100 Clinical Education VI

The final placement for students in a clinical environment. One 12-week session. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all prior course work. Students must register for this course or 671-61100 and 671-61200. Pass/fail only. 6 credits. (Sum,Y)

671-62200 Pre-Clinical Conference III

Series of sessions to explain the policies and procedures for graduate clinical education and choose sites for graduate clinical affiliations. Pass/Fail. 0 credits. (F,Y)

671-62400 Professional Development III

Prepares students for their terminal clinical experiences. Students create a professional development plan. Strategies for time management, stress management, and adaptability in the clinical setting are presented. Clinical cases allow the students to explore ethical decision making, patient advocacy, and application of professionalism. Prerequisites: 670-43600. 1 credit. (F,Y)

671-62500 Wellness and Prevention

Role of physical therapy in wellness and prevention for individuals, groups, and communities. The physiological rationale behind designing comprehensive wellness programs is presented. Topics include the development and implementation of general fitness and prevention programs for a variety of clients including those with chronic disabilities. Prerequisites: 671-60300. Corequisite: 671-60500. 1 credit. (S,Y)

671-62600 Professional Development IV

Prepares the student to enter the profession. Topics include current issues in physical therapy, direction of the profession, postgraduate development and specialization, and professional employment skills. Prerequisites: 671-62400, 671-61000. 0.5 credit. (S,Y).

671-63000-671-63100 Thesis I-II

Independent research that is theoretically sound and relevant to furthering the knowledge base of physical therapy. The courses are geared to prepare students to perform independent research and/or to prepare students for pursuit of a doctoral degree. The courses are conducted over the entire year of graduate study (671-63000 in the fall, 671-63100 in the spring) and culminate in a written thesis that must be approved by the department and the graduate office. Open only to students with a 3.30 undergraduate GPA or higher who successfully pass a faculty review. Elective. 2 credits per course.

Clinical Affiliations

The Department of Physical Therapy has established contracts with over 500 clinical affiliation sites. It continues to explore new clinical sites to assure that students are offered the best clinical education. A current listing of sites is available in the department office. The director of clinical education determines the sites to be used and the placement of the students for each of their clinical affiliations. Assignments to clinical affiliations are based on several factors such as program requirements for a variety of experiences, faculty advisement, student performance, and student preference.