Clinical Sciences Program Curriculum

Brief course descriptions for the Clinical Sciences Program.

Core Curriculum

Course Instructors: S. Dunham

Total hours: 36

Credits: 3

The fundamental theories and practice of effective teaching and learning are intrroduced: exploring teacher identity and philosophy; determining characteristics, diversities and learning styles; discussing adult learning theories; exploring approaches to teaching and learning; developing strategies for designing and facilitating learning experiences; and assessing curriculum, student learning and teaching practice. These areas of adult education are examined utilizing self directed learning, critical reflection and experiential learning strategies.

Course Instructors: P. Stern

Total hours: 36

Credits: 3

Knowledge and understanding of specific clinical conditions and skills to effectively interpret and communicate this knowledge in structured presentations are emphasized. The focus is on conceptual understanding and problem solving as opposed to factual recall, as well as encouraging active learning through discussion. Different teaching and lecturing strategies are utilized to enhance presentation skills.

Course Instructors: J. Wong, K. Murnaghan

Total hours: 36

Credits: 3

Conceptual understanding and skills to participate in the development of evidence based recommendations through the systematic review of original scientific literature. This includes how to develop a research question; developing and conducting a systematic literature search; screening the literature for revelance; critically appraising the literature for its methodological quality; and learning how to combine relevant literature using evidence synthesis to provide useful answers to clinical questions.

Course Instructors: P. Côté, S. Howarth, S. Mior, J. Wong

Total hours: 36

Credits: 3

In this introduction to clinical research methods, general principles of research design and data collection and interpretation are presented. Development of basic skills necessary to conduct and interpret clinical research is emphasized.

Course Instructors: S. Hogg-Johnson

Total hours: 36

Credits: 3

Understanding of the fundamental basics of statistical analysis to enable its application to clinical studies is emphasized through the development of basic skills necessary to plan for conducting and writing original clinical research including thesis proposal development.

Course Instructor: P. Stern

Total hours: 36

Credits: 3

Advanced knowledge and understanding of specific clinical conditions, as well as enhancing presentation skills are emphasized. Advanced Graduate Student Rounds help toward development of a deeper conceptual understanding and enhancement of problem solving skills. Different teaching and lecturing strategies are utilized to increase presentation skills.

Course Instructor:J. Wong, P. Côté

Total hours: 22

Credits: 1.5

Building on GS 508H, this course provides a continued understanding and skills to participate in the development of evidence based recommendations through the systematic review of original scientific literature. This includes critical appraisal of the literature and learning how to combine relevant literature using evidence based synthesis to provide useful answers to clinical questions.

Field Specific Curriculum - Clinical Sciences

Course Instructors: P. Stern, S. Mior

Total hours: 36

Credits: 3

Advanced knowledge in the assessment and treatment of common clinical conditions and disorders of the neck and upper extremities is provided with a focus on epidemiology, diagnosis, prognosis, imaging, and treatment of conditions. Specific conditions or regional outcome measures are reviewed and discussed.

Course Instructors: P. Stern, S. Mior

Total hours: 36

Credits: 3

Advanced knowledge related to clinical practice and current relevant issues, and skills to apply results to current health issues are emphasized through the epidemiology, diagnosis, prognosis, imaging and treatment of common clinical conditions related to the low back, and to special populations including musculoskeletal complaints in paediatric and geriatric patients.

Course Instructors: T. Pringle

Total hours: 36

Credits: 3

Advanced radiographic and imaging interpretation of skeletal pathology is emphasized in a problem based format. Imaging characteristics of arthritides, tumours and other disorders are reviewed. The utilization of specific radiographic views and anatomical imaging methods are discussed. Emphasis is on integration of imaging findings, anatomical structures, pathological processes and clinical presentation.

Course Instructors: D. Grondin, S. Howarth, L. Kantor, E. Tunks

Total hours: 36

Credits: 3

To emphasize the broader contribution and involvement of experts in chiropractic and related disciplines, experts in biomechanics describe how fundamental knowledge of biomechanics can be integrated to advance understanding and assessment of the mechanisms of injury and their application to patient rehabilitation programs; chronic pain experts provide a conceptual understanding of pain mechanisms, co-morbidities, and function, and knowledge of how to intervene using an integrated bio-psychosocial approach; and legal experts discuss the legal and ethical issues impacting the chiropractic specialist roles.

Electives

Course Instructors: L. Greib

Total hours: 36

Credits: 3

Topics are presented which are relevant to general chiropractic practice, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, as well as the impact of these conditions on elite athletes. An emphasis is placed on sports nutrition, which focuses on the general nutritional considerations and current trends in supplementation for the elite athlete. This includes preparation for competition, preseason and post-season. Other topics include sports nutrition and supplementation in special areas such as anorexia, bulimia and weight management.

Course Instructors: J. Goss

Total hours: 18

Credits: 1.5

This course involves understanding the psychology of the management of injury and recovery, career transition and burnout, athlete confidentiality and service provider responsibility.