Health care provider roles and varied health care practice settings are explored from interdisciplinary and disciplinary perspectives. Discussions of professionalism, ethics, and communication in health care are also initiated. Clinical observational experiences and small group work are included in this interdisciplinary course. The concepts of critical inquiry and reflective thinking in physical therapy are introduced. The components and processes of qualitative and quantitative research in physical therapy are emphasized.
Students access and analyze a variety of health care and physical therapy literature.
The microanatomy and gross anatomy of muscle, bone and cartilage and the integumentary, nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, renal, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive systems are studied. Models are also employed to study the structure of the human body. In addition, palpation laboratories are integrated into the course. Fundamental concepts related to the normal function of the human body are presented. The normal functioning of the human body is discussed across gender, race, and the life span.