Courses for the M.Sc. and Ph.D. Thesis Options

RS 700* / The Development, Evaluation and Utilization of Theories in Rehabilitation
This course will provide the foundation for students to discuss in depth the role that theories play in the development and application of knowledge in rehabilitation science.  They will develop the skill to critically evaluate the theories used in rehabilitation and become familiar with examples of macro and micro theories currently in use.
(Note: Required by all students)

RS 701* / Analysis and Rehabilitation of Functional Movement
This course examines the study of movement in a rehabilitation context. Different approaches to the study of movement and their utility in rehabilitation will be examined.  Emphasis will be on mechanisms required for functional physical activity, particularly in persons with disability, and the role of rehabilitation interventions in maximizing function.  Students will integrate evidence from movement analyses, rehabilitation models, and clinical research to make decisions about movement evaluation and intervention.

RS 702* / Occupation and Occupational Performance
This course using a problem-based seminar format, will explore theories and research related to occupation and occupational performance.  Topics in the course include: definitions of occupation and occupational performance, historical overview of occupation, occupational theories of human nature, influence of personal and environmental factors on occupation, measurement methods, relationship between areas of occupation and health and well being, and interventions to change occupation and occupational performance.

RS 703* / Selected Topics in Rehabilitation Science
This selected topics course is designed to allow the development of courses that cover the leading edge of thinking about specific topics/issues in Rehabilitation Science.  The specific topics will be developed in response to needs identified by faculty or students.
(Note: an example of a special topic might be to provide an increased understanding of evidenced based practice in orthopaedic rehabilitation with focus on two areas: methodological content and orthopaedic content.  Methodological content to include: measurement (reliability, validity, responsiveness); diagnostic accuracy; and therapeutic effectiveness.)

RS 704* / Independent Study in Rehabilitation Science
This course is designed to allow students to tailor their learning by selecting topics in Rehabilitation Science and to do advanced work in this area.  The topic must not be covered in-depth in any other Rehabilitation Science course.  Under the guidance of a faculty member the student will critically examine the pertinent literature. The course may be taken only once during the student's graduate studies.

RS 707* / Research Methods in Rehabilitation Science
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and methods associated with observational and experimental research in the field of rehabilitation science. Topics include the following: clinical measurement concepts, qualitative methods, etiologic investigation, therapeutic intervention investigation, prognostic determination and systematic review assessment.

RS 711* / Musculoskeletal Health Assessment and Diagnostics for Advanced Practice Therapists
This course will introduce students to measurement properties of diagnostic evaluations using examples related to musculoskeletal disorders or diseases. In addition to an introduction to the basic concepts of radiology and laboratory testing, students will learn and practice performing a comprehensive musculoskeletal health assessment that includes biomechanical, physical and functional assessments of patients with musculoskeletal disorders or disease particularly lower extremity osteoarthritis. Expert faculty from several disciplines will facilitate all sessions. This course is designed to be delivered in 6 modules, over a 13 week period.  This course will include 3 face-to-face sessions that will take place over 1.5-2 days at the beginning, middle and end of the course.  The remaining sessions will be online using both synchronous and asynchronous formats.

RS 712* / Therapeutics for Advanced Practice Musculoskeletal Care
This course will focus on the management of clients with musculoskeletal disorders. Students will gain an understanding of the basic principles of pharmacology, surgical approaches, advanced counselling and the ability to critically appraise and integrate clinical practice guidelines for the conservative management of clients with musculoskeletal disease, particularly osteoarthritis of the lower extremity. Expert faculty from several disciplines will facilitate all sessions. This course is designed to be delivered online in 4 modules, over a 13 week period.  This course will include 2 face-to-face sessions that will take place over 1.5-2 days at the beginning and again towards the end of the course.  The remaining sessions will be online using both synchronous and asynchronous formats.

RS 720* / Measurement and Evaluation of Quality of Life in Rehabilitation
This course is designed for occupational therapists, physical therapists and practitioners in other rehabilitation disciplines, who want to acquire the knowledge and skills to develop, interpret and integrate quality of life measures into clinical practice and research. Specific topics include a review of: constructs and conceptual frameworks underlying measurement of quality of life, psychometric issues relating to Quality of Life (QoL) measurement in rehabilitation, commonly used generic and rehabilitation-specific QoL measures, strategies to develop and select qualitative and quantitative QoL measures, issues relating to the administration and interpretation of QoL measures used to evaluate the impact of rehabilitation interventions.

RS 722* / International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: Theory and Use

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is an international, multidisciplinary, consensus-drivenframework and classification system of health and disability supported by the World Health Organization. This course will introducestudents to the historical, theoretical and measurement principles of the ICF. Presentations and discussions with clinicians andresearchers will highlight how ICF can be used to facilitate interdisciplinary evaluation and management of disability for practice orresearch. Students will complete a ICFbased project under supervision of a course mentor.

RS 725* /Knowledge Exchange and Translation
This modular course will present students with an introduction to basic principles, conceptual frameworks, research design, and interventions used in knowledge exchange and translation. Faculty with specific expertise in knowledge exchange and translation for different target audiences (patients/public, policy makers, clinicians) will facilitate modules that address theoretical and practical issues around using developed knowledge to improve health or healthcare systems. Students will present their research protocol or KET project in the final module.

RS 758* / Qualitative Research Methods for Analysing and Interpreting Data
This intermediate-level course builds on prior knowledge about qualitative research approaches and their philosophical basis. The emphasis in this course will be on how the approaches affect data analysis and interpretation, as well as presenting findings in written and oral formats. The course is based on active involvement of learners through student-directed discussions and hands-on experiences, guidance and facilitation by graduate faculty with expertise in qualitative research, and interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty and classmates.

RS 772* / Participation andCommunity Living
Participation in community life is regarded by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the optimal goal of rehabilitation. Participation refers to the active engagement of humans in sets of everyday activities - personal care, physical activity, work, school, and leisure and recreation. This course will provide students with an understanding of the concept of participation as delineated in the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Using a problem-based seminar format, students will review the predominant definitions and theories of participation and community living, discuss and critique them in relation to current research, measurement methods and application to rehabilitation.

Other courses that may be of interest to MSc Thesis option students are the following:

Health Research Methodology
702* / Introduction to Biostatistics (Lecture-based Course)
721* / Fundamentals of Health Research and Evaluation Methods
727* / Theory and Practice of Measurement
730* / Introduction to Research Methods for Randomized Controlled Trials
751* / Observational and Analytical Research Methods
745* / Qualitative Research Methods

Kinesiology
701* / Inquiry and Research in Physical Activity
706* / Cardiac Rehabilitation
709* / Neuromuscular Function in Aging and Disease
710* / Exercise and Skeletal Development: A Lifespan Perspective

Health, Aging & Society
701* / Social Science Perspectives on Health and Aging
710* / Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Aging