Academic Calendar 2021-2022

Physical Therapy (PT)

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 calendar. To access the most recent version of the calendar, please visit https://queensu-ca-public.courseleaf.com.

Course credit units are as show in the descriptions. 

PT 822     Business Practices in Rehabilitation     
Weight= 3 credit units
This course encompasses the areas of public versus private sector business practices, including, but not limited to, finance, accounting, human resources, venues, marketing/advertising, and negotiation. The emphasis will be on the practical application of the material and, normally, the development of a useable business plan. Community practitioners and small business leaders act as Community Advisors and/or assist in the delivery of this course. The intent of this learning opportunity is to facilitate the students’ acquiring the fundamental business skills necessary for career development in any sector of health care.
PREREQUISITES: successful completion of all Year 1 courses in the MScPT Program and PT 883, or approval from the PT Program.

PT 841     Professional Practice     
Weight = 4 credit units
This course covers 8 broad areas of rehabilitation practice including: the Canadian health care system, the rehabilitation professions, professionalism, jurisprudence (legislation and regulation) in rehabilitation, biomedical ethics and ethical issues in rehabilitation, the cultural competency continuum in practice, educational theory and its applications in rehabilitation and health and disability. This framework is to be used by the student as a reference and knowledge base to be accessed throughout their university education and, subsequently, as a foundation for clinical practice. The theoretical basis for all topic areas will be discussed and the essentials for the development of a basic level of problem solving skills in the practical applications of professional issues and clinical education theory will be reviewed and practiced.

PT 850     Functional Anatomy      
Weight= 4 credit units
Students will consolidate knowledge about gross and functional human anatomy as a foundation for the musculoskeletal and cardiorespirology courses which relate to physical therapy assessment and intervention planning. Musculoskeletal structures of the upper limb, lower limb, head, cervical, thoracic, lumbar and pelvic regions will be reviewed, including details of how muscles and joints function. Neural, cardiovascular, and pulmonary structures will be reviewed, focusing on structures in which pathology leads or contributes to movement dysfunction. Lab Component.

PT 851     Muscle and Joint Function     
Weight = 4.5 credit units
This course will advance students’ knowledge in functional anatomy, joint biomechanics and muscle neurophysiology, with specific application to the clinical assessment of upper and lower limb function. Exercise prescription guidelines for muscle strength, power and endurance will be introduced, and a general framework for exercise prescription in clinical practice developed. Lab Component.

PT 852     Electro-physical agents     
Weight = 4.5 credit units
Students will gain knowledge of the physical principles underlying the application of electro-physical agents (EPAs) for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Upon completion of the course students will be able to describe the physiological effects, indications, precautions, contra-indications and application techniques of selected EPAs. These topics will include discussion of pain, inflammation and regaining joint mobility. Students will demonstrate clinical decision making related to the use of EPAs, which will include incorporating research evidence to inform their practice. Students will also demonstrate understanding of the fundamental principles of diagnostic imaging of the musculo-skeletal system. Lab component.

PT 853     Foundational Clinical Skills     
Weight = 4.5 credit units
Students will apply their knowledge of professional issues, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, physical assessment and intervention to develop skills in patient interactions and handling, mobility and function. Topics include communication skills, documentation, balance and coordination, gait, mobility aids, wheelchairs, transfers, functional task analysis & outcome measures, and hydrotherapy. Using a case-based approach, students will be able to assess and interpret findings with regard to altered mobility. Lab component.

PT 854     Diagnosing Dysfunction     
Weight = 4.5 credit units
Students will apply knowledge in anatomy, physiology and biomechanics towards processes of diagnosing physical dysfunction. Students will gain skills in history-taking, physical assessment, and clinical reasoning to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions primarily involving the extremities. Lab component.

PT 855     Cardiorespiratory Function I
Weight = 4.5 credit units
Students will gain knowledge in surface anatomy, pathophysiology, physical assessment and intervention related to exercise capacity, mobility and function. Conditions that affect function due to limitations or variation in gas exchange will be included, whether they are primarily cardiac, respiratory, neurological or musculoskeletal. The emphasis will be on effective assessment and treatment of conditions that affect primarily a single body system. Lab component.
PREREQUISITES: successful completion of PT 850, PT 851, PT 852, PT 853, PT 854, and PT 881, or approval from the PT Program.

PT 856     Neuromotor Function I
Weight = 4 credit units
Students will gain knowledge in the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological bases of motor performance. Students will also learn how to integrate this knowledge for interpreting clinical presentation of representative pathological conditions that compromise neuromotor performance in adults. In the neuroanatomy lab component, students will develop three dimensional knowledge of the human nervous system through study of anatomical specimens. In the clinical lab component students will learn skills in clinical assessment of sensory-motor functions. Understanding the conceptual neurophysiological basis of clinical assessment tools will be emphasized.
PREREQUISITES: successful completion of PT 850, PT 851, PT 852, PT 853, PT854, and PT 881, or approval from the PT Program.

PT 857     Cardiorespiratory Function II
Weight = 4.5 credit units
Students will gain proficiency in applied exercise physiology and produce safe and effective exercise prescriptions in clinical populations. In addition, students will incorporate their critical thinking, problem solving and clinical skills in the study of complex cardiorespiratory cases related to rehabilitation, acute and critical contexts of care. Topics include physiological monitoring, oxygen delivery and ventilation. Lab component.
PREREQUISITES: successful completion of all Year 1 courses in the MScPT Program, or approval from the PT Program.  

PT 858     Neuromotor Function II
Weight= 4.5 credit units
Students will gain knowledge regarding a range of conditions that compromise neuromotor performance in adults. Students will gain skills in identifying movement problems, setting goals and planning physiotherapeutic intervention for adults with compromised neuromotor performance. Lab component.  
PREREQUISITES: successful completion of PT 850, PT 851, PT 852, PT 853, PT854, and PT 881, or approval from the PT Program.

PT 859     Spinal Disorders
Weight= 4.5 credit units
Students will gain knowledge in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, physical assessment and clinical reasoning in order to assist with intervention related to disorders of the axial skeleton including musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory sequelae. The emphasis will be on conditions that occur in adulthood. Lab component.
PREREQUISITES: successful completion of PT 850, PT 851, PT 852, PT 853, PT854, and PT 881, or approval from the PT Program.

PT 861     Paediatrics
Weight= 4.5 credit units
Students will gain knowledge of typical and atypical development, and skill in assessment of children and youth with selected developmental, neurological and orthopaedic conditions. Changes in musculoskeletal status, movement coordination, exercise capacity, posture and gait control, and motor learning will be included. Principles of family-centered and interprofessional care will be applied. Students will gain an understanding of the leadership and advocacy roles of physiotherapists within the contexts of paediatric care including end-of-life issues. Lab and Interprofessional components. PREREQUISITES: successful completion of all Year 1 courses in the MScPT Program, or approval from the PT Program.

PT 863     Gerontology
Weight= 4 credit units
Students will gain knowledge and skill in applying assessment principles related to representative conditions common in older adults. Changes in musculoskeletal status, exercise capacity and neuromotor control with aging are included. Students will gain understanding of the need for advocacy and education in the contexts in which physical therapists work with older clients. Social and cognitive factors that may affect the motor function of older adults are discussed. End of life and palliative care issues are included. Lab component
PREREQUISITES: successful completion of all Year 1 courses in the MScPT Program, or approval from the PT Program.  

PT 864     Complex Health Conditions     
Weight= 4 credit units
Students will gain knowledge about the ways in which clients may present with movement dysfunction arising from multiple causes including disorders of musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory functions. Students will develop skills to systematically assess complex, unforeseen problems and deliver patient-centred care.This course consists of five modules: a) rheumatology, b) lower extremity amputations, c) burn injury, and d) oncology and e) narrative practice. Clinical Skills Lab Component.
PREREQUISITES: successful completion of all Year 1 courses in the MScPT Program and PT 883, or approval from the PT Program. 

PT 865     Motor Function Occupation
Weight= 4.5 credit units
Students will gain knowledge and skill in the assessment and management of individuals with musculoskeletal injuries related to physical work, sport and leisure activities. They will be able to critically evaluate the literature related to ergonomic assessment and intervention, including psychophysical, physiological and biomechanical approaches. Topics in occupational health and safety related to injury prevention, as well as advanced manual therapy approaches to the assessment and management of musculoskeletal injury will be included. Lab component.
PREREQUISITES: successful completion of all Year 1 courses in the MScPT Program, or approval from the PT Program.

PT 881     Clinical Placement I     
Weight= 6 credit units.
A 6-week full-time placement providing experience in physiotherapy practice in a clinical facility or community-based agency. During their first clinical placement students will be expected to apply the skills, knowledge and behaviours presented during the first two academic blocks, with a focus on musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice. By the end of the clinical placement students should be proficient in assessment and management skills, able to provide quality care to clients with non-complex, single system, primarily musculoskeletal conditions, with guidance and supervision. Interprofessional component. PREREQUISITES: PT 850, PT 851, PT 852, PT 853, & PT 854 or approval from the PT program.

PT 882     Clinical Placement II     
Weight= 6 credit units.
A 6-week full-time placement providing experience in physiotherapy practice in a clinical facility or community-based agency. During their second clinical placement students will be expected to apply the skills, knowledge and behaviours that were presented during the Year I academic blocks. By the end of the clinical placement students should be proficient in assessment and management skills with single system to more complex representative musculoskeletal, neurological or cardiorespiratory conditions in adults.
PREREQUISITES: successful completion of PT 841, PT 850, PT 851, PT 852, PT 853, PT 854, and PT 881, or approval from the PT Program.

PT 883     Clinical Placement III     
Weight= 6 credit units.
A 6-week full-time placement providing experience in physiotherapy practice in a clinical facility or community-based agency. During their third clinical placement students will be expected to further develop their skills, knowledge and behaviours and integrate material presented during the academic blocks VII and VIII. By the end of the clinical placement students should be developing increased proficiency in assessment and management skills with single system to more complex representative conditions involving all body systems.
PREREQUISITES: PT 882, PT 863, PT 861 and/or PT 857 or approval from the PT Program.

PT 884     Clinical Placement IV     
Weight= 6 credit units.
A 6-week full-time placement providing experience in physiotherapy practice in a clinical facility or community-based agency. During their fourth clinical placement students will be expected to further develop their skills, knowledge and behaviours and integrate material presented during block 10 in year two. By the end of the clinical placement students should have developed skills to work efficiently as a member of a multidisciplinary health care team, providing consultation and care to clients of all ages and with simple to complex conditions. In addition, students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the business, administrative and legal issues related to clinical practice.
PREREQUISITES: successful completion of PT 883, PT 857, PT 861, PT 863, PT 864, and PT 865, or approval from the PT Program.

PT 885     Clinical Placement V
Weight= 6 credit units
A 6-week full-time placement providing experience in physiotherapy practice in a clinical facility or community-based agency. Students will be expected to consolidate their skills, knowledge and behaviours and integrate all material presented throughout the academic curriculum. By the end of the final clinical placement students should be able to consistently and efficiently provide quality care with simple and complex clients of all ages in a variety of clinical environments, requiring guidance or supervision only when addressing new or complex situations. Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the business, administrative and legal issues related to clinical practice. Students will be ready for independent clinical practice.
PREREQUISITES: PT 884 or approval from the PT Program.   

PT 897     Critical Enquiry Foundations     
This course prepares students for the completion of PT 898 by examining world views, research designs, criteria for study quality, and evidence-based practice. Students develop skills to pose clinical questions, systematically search the literature, appraise scientific articles, and use research to inform rehabilitation practice.
PREREQUISITE: Registration in the physical therapy program.

PT 898     Critical Enquiry Project     
Weight=6 credit units
Students will work with a faculty supervisor to complete a critical enquiry project. The project will enable students to apply critical inquiry skills by participation in an area of clinical investigation and to examine the relevance of findings to clinical practice.
PREREQUISITES: PT 897 or permission of the course coordinator.