Curriculum Requirements

B.S. in Life Sciences, Physical Therapy Option

General Education

Foundations Credits:
FCWR 101 Writing I: Foundations of College Composition 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: WRIT 100 or Writing Placement Exam

A course introducing students to the fundamentals of college composition. Topics include writing process, rhetorical strategies, basics of critical reading and thinking, analytical writing, and argumentative writing. This course serves as a foundation to prepare students to succeed in other academic writing contexts. Coursework includes a computer lab component.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
FCWR 151 Writing II: Foundations of Research Writing 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: FCWR 101 or WRIT 101

Further development of the academic writing process, critical thinking, and analytical reading skills taught in FCWR 101. Focus on academic research planning, source evaluation skills, and audience awareness leading to a documented research paper. Specific attention to academic integrity in research writing.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
FCWR 302 Communication for Healthcare Careers 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Take one course in each group: Group 1 (FCWR 101 or FCWR 111 or WRIT 101 or WRIT 111) and Group 2 (FCWR 151 or FCWR 161 or WRIT 151 or WRIT 161)

Building on courses taken in their majors, students will learn and apply concepts of effective written and oral expression appropriate for careers in the health and biology professions. In addition to closely examining a variety of texts across the discipline, students will develop public speaking skills while also learning to collaborate on grant proposals, literature reviews, pamphlets and posters, and a research paper. Topics covered include the rhetoric of writing in the health professions, ethics, images in the sciences, grant- and abstract writing, and researching and writing publishable manuscripts. Course work includes a computer lab component.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 9 Credits
 
Data Literacy Credits:
DATA 101 Making Sense of a Data-Oriented Society 3
This course introduces students to the power of data as applied to real-life problems in today's data-driven world. Students will learn basic statistical concepts, how to identify reliable data, and to think critically about how to extract meaning from data. The course will discuss various biases, including social biases, how they affect data gathering and analysis, and how to address these biases. The course will also address ethical and moral issues associated with statistics, data collection and visualization, and data analysis. Students will learn how to present a narrative supported by data.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
 
Seminars (select courses from at least three of the four areas) Credits:
ICLT 3XX Literature choice 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
ICPH 3XX Philosophy choice 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
ICSS 3XX Social Science choice 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
ICBS 3XX Behavioral Science choice 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
    Total: 12 Credits
Students must take four seminar courses from at least three different areas of study.
 
Math and Science Credits:
MATH 141 Precalculus 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MATH 101 or Math Placement Exam.

A study of relations and functions; inequalities; complex numbers; quadratic equations; linear systems of equations; higher degree equations; trigonometric functions; identities; functions of composite angles; graphs of the trigonometric functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; and binomial theorem. Note: A graphing calculator is used throughout the course.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 5-0-4
BIOL 110 General Biology I 4
The similarity in living things is demonstrated by a molecular and cellular approach to biology. After introductory biochemistry, the cell as the basic unit of life is studied structurally and metabolically. Life functions are examined from a cellular and from a vertebrate-organismic viewpoint. The central theme is the flow of energy between the biosphere and the ecosphere. The scientific method and hypothesis-testing are stressed as a means of investigation and forming conclusions. Collaborative laboratory assignments will include microscopic studies of the cell, its functions, and the dissection of a fetal pig.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
    Total: 8 Credits
 

Major Requirements

Life Sciences Credits:
BIOL 150 General Biology II 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 110

The variety of living things is demonstrated by a study of representative plants and animals, emphasizing the viewpoints of taxonomy, phylogeny, morphology, and physiology. The continuity of life is demonstrated through studies in reproduction, genetics, and organic evolution. Scientific inquiry and critical thinking strategies are emphasized. Collaborative laboratory assignments include the dissection and study of fixed and living specimens representing the whole range of life.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 210 Human Gross Anatomy 4
A structural study of the human body. Topics include cells and tissue, skeleton, articulation, muscles, body systems, special organs, and surface anatomy.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 310 Human Physiology 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 210 and one course in this group: CHEM 105 or CHEM 110. Life Sciences Osteopathy: One course in this group: CHEM 105 or CHEM 110.

An introductory course in the functions and mechanisms of the human body. Laboratory exercises include the detection and measurement of these functions using modern methods.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 235 Microbiology 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 150 except BS Health & Wellness and BS Nursing

A first course in microbiology which treats the anatomy, physiology, and relationships of bacteria, fungi, viruses, Rickettsiae, and protozoa. Included are discussions of the role of microorganisms in the food industry, in the environment, and in health.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
CHEM 110 General Chemistry I 4
Prerequisite: Co-requisite: MATH 135 or TMAT 135, MATH 136 or TMAT 155, MATH 141, MATH 161, or MATH 170

An introduction to theoretical and inorganic chemistry. Studies include: types of matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, states of matter, solutions, chemical reactions, gas laws, and chemical calculations. Laboratory work illustrates common laboratory techniques as well as chemical principles.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
CHEM 150 General Chemistry II 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: CHEM 110

A continuation of CHEM 110. Topics to be covered include thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, ionic equilibria, oxidation-reduction reactions, and electrochemistry. Laboratory work illustrates the principles discussed in the lecture.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
CHEM 215 Bio-Organic Chemistry 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: CHEM 105 or CHEM 110. Students who have completed CHEM 340 Biochemistry cannot take this course without BCS chair permission.

The basic concepts of organic chemistry and biochemistry are covered. Topics include hydrocarbons, stereochemistry, alcohols, phenols and ethers, carbonyl compounds, amines, amides, carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins, nucleic acids and the relationship of these chemicals to metabolic pathways. This course does not satisfy the organic chemistry or biochemistry course requirements for other science majors.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
    Total: 28 Credits
 
Behavioral Sciences Credits:
PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology 3
An introduction to selected concepts, methods, and vocabulary of psychology. Focus of study will be on the individual and the conditions that influence behavior. Topics that will be covered include: growth and development, learning and thinking, emotions and motivations, personality and assessment, mal-adjustment and mental health, groups and social interaction, and social influence and society.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PSYC 210 Statistical Analysis 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MATH 115 or MATH 125 or MATH 141 or MATH 160 or MATH 161 or MATH 170 or MATH 180.

This course covers descriptive and inferential statistics, frequency distributions, percentile rank, measure of central tendency and variability, correlation and regression and tests of significance. Using computer software, students will directly apply these statistics to specific problems common to the behavioral sciences.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 4-0-4
PSYC 310 Abnormal Psychology 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: PSYC 101

A study of mental health and abnormal behavior. The topics covered include: definitions of mental health and mental illness; problems of adjustment; the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. Case studies supplement and illustrate the theoretical parts of the course material.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 10 Credits
 
Health Sciences Credits:
HSCI 195 Professional and Cultural Issues in Health 3
This course is designed to introduce the student to the various employment opportunities and career preparation required in the healthcare professions. The ethical, legal, cultural and professional considerations involved in health occupations will be explored. Local healthcare professionals will be invited to share their career choices in order to assist the student in making informed decisions regarding their future career choices.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 3 Credits
 
Mathematics Credits:
MATH 161 Basic Applied Calculus 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MATH 136 or higher or Math Placement Exam.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to calculus and its applications in business and the applied sciences. Topics covered include functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, tangent lines, extrema, concavity, curve sketching, optimization, exponential and logarithmic functions, antiderivatives, definite integrals, and applications such as marginal analysis, business models, optimization of tax revenue, minimization of storage costs, finding areas, and concepts of probability extended to discrete and continuous sample spaces.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 3 Credits
 
Physics Credits:
PHYS 140 Physics for Life Sciences I 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MATH 141 or MATH 161 or MATH 170. Co-requisite: PHYS 141.

A basic course designed to meet the needs of health professions majors. Topics covered include vectors, laws of motion, work, energy, momentum, heat and wave motion. Illustrations from the field of life sciences will be stressed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 4-0-3
PHYS 141 Physics I Laboratory 1
Prerequisite: Co-requisite: PHYS 140

Laboratory course illustrating principles taught in the introductory physics for life sciences course, PHYS 140.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-2-1
PHYS 160 Physics for Life Sciences II 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: PHYS 140 and PHYS 141. Co-requisite: PHYS 161.

A continuation of PHYS 140. Topics are selected from the fields of thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics. Applications for the field of life sciences will be emphasized.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 4-0-3
PHYS 161 Physics II Laboratory 1
Prerequisite: Co-requisite: PHYS 160

Laboratory course in physics supplementing the physics for life sciences course, PHYS 160.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-2-1
    Total: 8 Credits
 
General Electives Credits:
Consult with advisor on any electives. 6
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
 
B.S. degree credits to be completed within the Doctor of Physical Therapy program Credits:
PHTH 601 Introduction to Physical Therapy 1
This is an introductory course designed to orient you to the multiple facets involved in the physical therapy profession. Topics covered include the evolution of the profession of physical therapy to its modern form, regulation and governance of the profession, documentation in the clinical setting, ethics in the workplace, the role of the physical therapist in the interprofessional rehabilitation team, guidelines for "best practice" in patient care, and current issues relevant to the practice of physical therapy.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-0-1
PHTH 603 Gross Anatomy 5
The overall objective is the investigation of all major anatomical areas by region. The focus of the course is on musculoskeletal and neurological anatomy of the extremities, back, neck, and head. Lectures cover the anatomical structures to be dissected in the laboratory and address the organization, histological, and embryological development of the various regions. The functional anatomy of the musculoskeletal structures is emphasized. Specific instructions are provided to the student to encourage an efficient dissection.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-5-5
PHTH 605 Kinesiology 4
Kinesiology is the study of human motion as applied to the evaluation of joint motion and muscle function. Palpation of joints, bony prominences, and muscles as well as manual muscle testing, range of motion, and goniometry skills will be addressed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
PHTH 607 Neuroscience 3
This is an introduction to the science of the nervous system for the physical and occupational therapist and provides the basic understanding of the anatomy of the nervous system and its functions. A review of the histology and embryology of the major divisions of the nervous system is followed by a systems approach to the study of the special senses, cognition, psychological, and motor function. Functional aspects of neuroscience are explored through examples of common neurological clinical problems in order to provide a solid foundation for planning therapeutic interventions .

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PHTH 610 Biomechanics 2
In this course, students learn the application of mechanical principles to human motion. Particular attention is given to the mechanical properties of soft tissues and bone as they respond to both normal and abnormal loading force. Application of forces and the resolution of forces will also be considered, along with the kinetic understanding of joint mobility. Lab experiences will be included in the biomechanical analysis of gait and ADL skills. Technology in biomechanics will be emphasized.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-2
PHTH 615 Modalities 3
This course is designed to introduce the physical therapist student to the use of physical agents and therapeutic modalities in clinical practice. The course will consist of lecture and laboratory experiences to assist the students to develop proficiency in the application of the following modalities: thermal agents (hot packs, paraffin, hydrotherapy, infrared, diathermy, ultrasound); cryotherapy (ice packs, cold compresses, ice massage, contrast immersion baths, vapocoolant sprays, and cold compression devices); actinotherapy (ultraviolet and low power laser); mechanotherapy (mechanical traction, intermittent compression devices, and continuous passive motion machines); and electrotherapy. Principles and techniques of electrotherapy, types of electric current, common amplitude and time dependent characteristics, waveform, frequency, and clinical applications will be presented. Electrodiagnostic tests, including NCV and ENMG, will be discussed, as well as the functional use of biofeedback. Instrumentation and equipment care and safety considerations will be covered. This course will present indications, contraindication, and precautions for use of physical agents, clinical application principles and procedures, and practice of clinical problem-solving skills with case studies, supervised within a laboratory format.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-3-3
PHTH 620 Massage 1
This predominantly laboratory-based course includes a presentation of theory, principles, and techniques of various forms of therapeutic massage. Palpation and surface anatomy are emphasized.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-3-1
PHTH 626 Physical Therapy Practice I 4
This course is the first of the five physical therapy practice courses, which are considered the core courses for the instruction in the five elements of patient care. In this course, there is an introduction to each element: examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention techniques for musculoskeletal conditions. This class will involve lecture/laboratory format with student participation involving case studies and small group activities.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
PHTH 630 Motor Learning 2
The student reviews current theories of learning as they relate to motor skills by tracing normal development from embryo to old age. Topics covered through lectures and assigned readings include research, theory, and evaluation of gross and fine motor development as influenced by perceptual, visual auditory, kinesthetic, and cognitive input. The impact of motor dysfunction on growth and development and learning is explored in the context of the clinical setting.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHTH 635 Rehab/ADL 2
It is necessary for the Physical Therapy to return patients as closely as possible to their former abilities, since independence in ADL is the ultimate goal of rehabilitation. To achieve this goal, the therapist must be able to tie together knowledge of medicine, therapeutic exercise, biomechanics, equipment evaluation, and architectural barriers. Therefore, principles and skills involved in ambulation training with and without assistive devices, transfer training, wheelchair management, safety in patient handling, and proper body mechanics are stressed. Includes practice sessions.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-2
PHTH 640 Administration and Delivery of Health Care 2
This course exposes the student to basic administrative skills, health care regulations and standards, marketing strategies and public relations, management theory, organizational structure, personnel, quality assurance, ethics.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHTH 645 Seminar in Physical Therapy I 1
This seminar is a prerequisite to the first eight-week affiliation. It focuses on attitudinal and interpersonal communication issues pertinent to a clinical setting. Professional behaviors, self-assessment, and orientation to the clinical education process and to the facility will be discussed in detail. The Clinical Performance Instrument will be studied. The course will include class participation in mock student scenarios.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-0-1
PHTH 650 Seminar in Physical Therapy II 4
This course is the second of the five physical therapy practice classes, which are considered the core classes for the instruction in the five elements of patient care. In this course, examining, evaluating, and determining the proper treatment intervention is continued involving the neurological/neuromuscular patient. Study of the pathological, medical, and therapeutic concepts of various neurological conditions such as traumatic head injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and stroke will be addressed. The class will contain lecture/laboratory format, with much participation by the students involving case studies and small group activities.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
PHTH 655 Prosthetics and Orthotics 2
This course provides an in-depth review of the principles and practices of orthotics and prosthetics as applied to the practice of physical therapists. This includes a review of bio-mechanical principles and their application to the fitting of orthotic and prosthetic appliances. Patient application, training, and management of their appliances and complications are reviewed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 2-0-2
PHTH 665 Pathophysiology 3
Basic physiological mechanisms and principles involved in the development of illness are related to the origins of specifications, dysfunctions, and specific diseases. Topics include the role of microbial infections in disorders of the immune system, nutritional factors in disorders of the vascular system and heart, the origin and effect of tumors, and the study of genetic dysfunctions. Pathogenic mechanisms involved in the common diseases of organs and organ systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hematopoietic, etc.) are reviewed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 39 Credits
 
Total Required Credits = 129