Doctor of Philosophy in Physiotherapy

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the core principles of research methodology and biostatistics, with a focus on designing, conducting, analyzing, and disseminating high-quality research. Students will explore qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research, research ethics, hands-on training with the SPSS or other statistical software for analysis and interpretation of advanced statistical tests, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in research. The course emphasizes critical evaluation of research literature, development of research proposals, and effective communication of research findings. PhD students will develop comprehensive and practical skills in designing rigorous research projects, employing sophisticated data collection techniques, and performing intricate data analyses.

The course allows for a discussion of topics of interest to doctoral-level students in the PhD program in physiotherapy. Students will deepen their understanding of different topics related to all domains of physiotherapy, as well as their specific field of specialization or interest. This course will facilitate the clinical understanding of the assessment and treatment options in different domains of physiotherapy that related to the students’ interest. Assessing the improvement on all domains of the International Classification of Functioning in various conditions will be discussed. Evidence of traditional concepts and emerging therapies in rehabilitation will be presented. Using a problem-based learning approach, the course will also focus on active, small-group discussions of relevant problems (case studies) and self-directed learning to provide context and motivate learning. The course will also utilize a combination of lectures and student presentations to provide foundational concepts for differential diagnosis, exercise prescription, frequency, and progression specific to the pathology, injury, and functional capacity.

This course aims to introduce Physiotherapists to the fundamental ideas, practical applications, and potential of digital healthcare technologies and intelligent systems. With a focus on machine learning, knowledge representation, and reasoning, the students will examine the fundamental techniques of digital health technologies and artificial intelligence (AI); and apply them to particular domains in rehabilitation, such as clinical risk stratification, time series analysis of physiological data, disease progression modeling, and patient outcome prediction. The student(s) will have the chance to choose and focus on specific AI techniques, clinical/healthcare applications, digital healthcare technologies, and pertinent tools in the field of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Prerequisite: 0505700

This course is designed to allow students to investigate topics and areas not covered within the existing curriculum. Students will identify a specific area of interest, develop a study plan, and explore the subject with the guidance of a faculty member . This Directed Study course encourages students to explore an interdisciplinary topic that bridges physiotherapy with another field of study. Students will identify a cross-disciplinary issue or challenge, and explore how integrating knowledge from different disciplines can lead to new insights and solutions. The course emphasizes independent learning ,creativity, problem-solving, and broadening the student’s perspective.

Prerequisite: 0505700

This course is designed to help students conduct a pilot study in an area of their interest while developing a practical working relationship with a supervising faculty member. Students will engage in a hands-on research practicum that involves the development, execution, and successful defense of a pilot study. The final product of this course is the completion of a comprehensive pilot study, which serves as a precursor to their future dissertation research. An open oral defense is required for the research project, adhering to procedures like dissertation defense. The course will be research based and delivered through in-person discussions and communications.

Prerequisite: 0505703

This course aims at qualified physiotherapists to improve their practice by further developing their assessment skills and clinical reasoning. The course aims to build on the existing knowledge (theory and practice) of different rehabilitation disciplines from an evidence-based perspective. Advanced clinical reasoning and clinical therapeutic skills to the development of safe, effective & specific rehabilitation programs and exercise prescription for different cases in an interdisciplinary context will be also included in the course. A “problem-solving” and “task-oriented” approach to treatment will be emphasized. The focus is on how and why a given method, design, or approach might help improve specific conditions. The emphasis will be given on the strengths, limitations, and potential alternatives for any given approach.

In this course, the students will produce and defend a dissertation under the supervision of a faculty member/s in the PhD concentration offered. This course integrates different skills including hypo-dissertation formulation, research techniques, review of literature, proposal and dissertation writing, and oral presentation and discussion. Students (in collaboration with the supervisor) will propose a research point that would be implemented through laboratory and clinical work, survey analysis, or any other tool. Students will present the results of each stage in a seminar within the department. After completion of the research work, students will prepare a dissertation including all his/her work and will defend the research work in front of a discussion committee that will approve/disapprove the research dissertation.

The course aims to improve the understanding of a range of applications of psychology in rehabilitation. Since the physical consequences of illness or injury are stabilized after acute medical treatment, psychology plays a unique role in the rehabilitation phase, where further progress may be determined by motivation and general psychological adjustments to recovery. The course will explore topics such as psychological adjustment to disability, cognitive retraining, as well as psychological adaptation to the rehabilitation of brain injury, spinal cord injury, sports injury, and other illnesses and disabilities.

The "Teaching and Learning in Medical and Health Sciences" is a 3-credit hour elective course designed for PhD students, aiming to equip them with essential skills in medical education. This course emphasizes evidence-based teaching strategies, active learning, and assessment techniques. Students will learn to design effective courses, utilize technology-enhanced learning tools, and implement diverse instructional methods. The course provides an in-depth understanding of theoretical principles and advanced skills in teaching methodologies and the development of educational materials. Students will engage in a teaching practicum under the guidance of full-time faculty, participating in experiences such as developing lesson plans, writing objectives, delivering lectures, directing laboratory sessions, and creating online modules. Focusing on interprofessional education (IPE) to foster collaborative practice and inclusive teaching strategies to address diverse learning needs, the course also includes reflective practices for continuous improvement. Advanced topics include educational leadership and innovations in medical education. Through practical teaching experiences, assignments, and reflective activities, students will develop the ability to create engaging learning environments, assess student performance, and contribute to the advancement of medical education research, preparing them to excel as educators in health and rehabilitation sciences.

This advanced course delves into the physical principles and sophisticated medical imaging techniques, providing a comprehensive evidence-based framework for interpreting various medical images used in physiotherapy practice. It covers imaging modalities such as conventional X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and motion analysis (using camera-based technology). The course emphasizes clinically relevant concepts in medical image analysis and their applications in neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, pediatric, geriatric, and women’s health conditions. Through detailed case studies, students will apply advanced clinical reasoning skills and ethical considerations in assessing the need for and interpretation of medical imaging for patient examination and management in diverse physiotherapy settings.

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery, administration, funding, and budgeting, contrasting with previous generations. As healthcare rapidly grows, the integration of technology has become pervasive in every aspect, necessitating proficient management of health information technology. The course covers management and leadership concepts, strategic leadership, key factors influencing planning and management, change management, and critical organizational behaviors. Emphasis is placed on best practices, organizational accountability, and assessment models, preparing students for roles in healthcare information technology and management.

This course is designed to enhance students' clinical competency and knowledge base in electrophysiology, focusing on the assessment and implementation of scientific principles in electrophysiologic evaluation. The curriculum covers theoretical and practical aspects of clinical electrophysiology, including nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), and Evoked potential. transcranial magnetic and the application of electrophysiologic techniques in physical therapy.

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of recent advances in exercise physiology for "clinical" populations. The acute and chronic responses to exercise in patients at risk for or with cardiac, pulmonary, metabolic, and other diseases are given special attention. Pathophysiology of disease processes, clinical assessment of disease severity, fitness testing, and exercise rehabilitation in clinical populations are among the specific topics covered.