Biokinesiology (BKN)
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.
553 Gait Analysis, Observational (2, 2 years, Fa) Sequential segmental analysis of the major body segments. Emphasis on the specific gait deviations related to neurological and musculoskeletal pathology. Lecture and laboratory.
559 Readings in Pathokinesiology (1-4, max 8, FaSpSm) Independent review and synthesis of papers appearing in the current literature.
561 Independent Study in Electrophysiologic Measurement (4, Irregular) Methods of assessing muscle and nerve integrity with nerve conduction velocity and electromyographic techniques. Prerequisite: BKN 580abL, BKN 564.
563 Biomechanics (2, 2 years, Sp) Mechanics as they apply to human performance. Static and dynamic forces, viscoelasticity, work, kinematics, lubrication. Lecture, demonstration, and laboratory.
564 Muscle Physiology (2, 2 years, Sp) Considerations of muscle structure and function in health, disease, and adaptations to exercise.
565 Neurophysiology of Motion (4, Sp) Survey of peripheral and central nervous systems with emphasis on neuronal signals, motor and sensory integration, vestibular and proprioceptive mechanisms, facilitation and inhibition.
568ab Objective Measurement of Physical Performance (a: 3, Sp; b: 3, Irregular) a: Instrumentation for clinical evaluation; to include measures of force, work, gait, motion, and kinesiologic electromyography; elements of biophysics; and introduction to electronics. b: Instrumentation for clinical evaluation of cardiovascular, energy consumption, and respiratory system performance.
573ab Advanced Dissection Anatomy (2-2, FaSpSm) Advanced analysis of systems or structures with dissection. Emphasis on correlations with function.
576 Seminar (1, max 2, FaSp) Advanced topics related to the science of physical therapy. Graded CR/NC.
580abL Analytical Kinesiology (3-3, FaSp) a: Mechanical characteristics of the musculoskeletal system which determine quality of human motion, leverage, alignment, torque, mobility, force relationships. Lecture and laboratory. b: Pathokinesiology analysis of one select anatomical area. Independent study, on demand.
587ab Physiological Correlates of Therapeutic Exercise (4-4, FaSp) a: Responses of the physically handicapped to exercise. Emphasis on muscle, energy metabolism, body temperature, environment, endocrine considerations. Strengthening, training, endurance, and evaluation of performance. b: Responses of the physically handicapped to exercise, with emphasis on cardiovascular and respiratory adaptations and pathology.
590 Directed Research (1-12, FaSpSm) Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
593 Behavioral Basis of Motor Control and Learning (3, Sp) Seminar in movement science dealing with the behavioral basis of motor control and learning from an information processing perspective. Recommended preparation: statistics; psychology.
594abz Master's Thesis (2-2-0) Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC.
599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, FaSpSm) Studies of scientific theory in physical therapy.
653 Gait Analysis, Instrumented (4, Sp) Measurement and correlation of foot switch, force plate, electrogoniometry, photography, and kinesiological EMG data in normal and pathological gait. Prerequisite: BKN 553 and BKN 568a.
656ab Recent Advances in Pathokinesiology (2-2, FaSpSm) Newer techniques in pathokinesiological research.
667 Scientific Basis of Skeletal Adaptation (3, Irregular) Physiological and structural adaptation of bone and joint tissues associated with development, aging, movement and loading. Lecture.
672 Advanced Independent Study in Pathokinesiology (1-4, max 8, FaSpSm)Examination of selected mechanisms of disorders of human motion and methods to reduce the effects of physical disability. Doctoral candidates only.
790 Research (1-12, FaSpSm) Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
794abcdz Doctoral Dissertation (2-2-2-2-0, FaSpSm) Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.
Physical Therapy (PT)
507 Professional Behavior (2, Fa) Interpersonal relationships and behavior between professional and patient; interdisciplinary attitudes; human life styles, cultures and beliefs. Seminar.
509 Cellular and Systems Physiology (3, Fa) Selected subjects in cellular and systems physiology. Emphasis on molecular and cellular aspects of neuromuscular function; also hepatic; renal and endocrine physiology.
514L Gross Anatomy (4, Fa) Intensive study of anatomy of the limbs, trunk and neck. Lecture, video-interactive tutorials. Dissection laboratory.
516 Principles of Disease (2, Fa) Principles and mechanisms of genetics, immunology, infection, wound healing, and oncology. Lecture.
521L Basics of Patient Management (4, Fa) Theory and skill development in goniometry, muscle testing, body mechanics, transfers, functional activities and basic exercise activities. Lecture, laboratory.
529 Life Span Motor Control (3, Fa) Introduction to sensorimotor systems, overview of current perspectives in motor control from fetus through late adulthood, and clinical tests of motor proficiency. Lecture, limited laboratory.
534L Neuroanatomy (3, Sm) Organized approach to structures in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous systems that subserve motor, sensory, and integrative functions, memory, cognitive and special senses. Lecture, laboratory.
536 Pathology of Cardiopulmonary Disease and General Medical Conditions (3, Fa) Pathology and pathophysiological mechanisms in disease of the cardiac, pulmonary and circulatory systems; examination of diabetes, burns, and other disabling medical disorders. Lecture.
539 Clinical Pharmacology (1, Fa) Effects of commonly used drugs in patients with physical disability; side effects that alter physical performance or responses to exercise.
546 Neuropathology (3, Sp) Pathology in the central and peripheral nervous systems that alter motor and sensory performance. Emphasis on loss of motion, excessive and involuntary movement disorders. Lecture.
547 Health Care in the United States (2, Sp) Overview of prevailing methods of delivery of health care in the United States. The law, ethics, documentation and history for the practitioner of physical therapy. Lecture, seminar.
549L Clinical Exercise Physiology (4, Fa) Adaptation of the human body to exercise and the use of exercise to modify human function. Lecture and laboratory.
551L Therapeutic Modification of Body Internal Environment (2, Sp) Physiologic alterations in the body with the application of external energy: cold, heat, ultrasound, pressure and other physical agents. Prevention of infection. Lecture, laboratory.
554L Analytical Anatomy (3, Sp) Detailed kinesiologic analysis of axial, spine, head, neck, face and bulbar muscles. Lecture, laboratory and clinical demonstration.
557 Provision of Physical Therapy Services (2, Sm) Administration, personnel supervision, budgeting, physical plant and reimbursement for physical therapy services. Lecture, projects.
566 Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System (3, Sp) Regional description of pathology and pathophysiological mechanisms of disorders of bone, connective tissue, and joints. Lecture, demonstration.
569 Fundamentals of Neuroscience (4, Sp) Detailed analysis of neurophysiologic mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal motor and sensory function. Lecture.
570 Technology in Teaching and Use of Multimedia (1-5, Irregular) Development of teaching units and their evaluation. Experience in preparation of instructional media using state-of-the-art technology. Hours and credit to be arranged. Lecture, demonstration and directed experience. (Duplicates credit in former BKN 570.)
571L Clinical Management of Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction (5, Fa) Physical therapy theory, evaluation and management procedures in the care of patients with circulatory, pulmonary or cardiac dysfunction; metabolic disorders, burns, AIDS. Lecture, demonstration, laboratory.
573 Physical Examination and Differential Diagnosis in Patients with Medical Disorders (2, Fa) Physical assessment and differential diagnosis in common medical conditions. Emphasis on factors that influence physical therapy or require referral back to the physician.
574L Clinical Biomechanics (3, SpSm) Motion analysis in normal and disabled persons; kinetics and kinematics; forces; vectors; dynamics and statics. Lectures, laboratory.
577 Critical Evaluation of Research (4, Sm) Critical examination of scientific and professional literature. Statistical methods appropriate to clinical research. Lecture, seminar.
581L Clinical Management of the Patient with Neurological Dysfunction (5, Fa) Physical therapy theory and methods for intervention in neurological dysfunction. Lecture, laboratory. Neuroanatomy lab available.
582 Mechanics of Human Gait (2, Sp) Introduction to both normal and pathological gait. Emphasis on the basic components of abnormal ambulation including temporal-spatial factors, joint motion, kinetics, kinematics, and muscle activity.
583L Clinical Electrophysiology (3, Sp) Use of electrical currents to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal, neurological and wound disorders. Theory and practice. Lecture, laboratory.
585 Physical Examination and Differential Diagnosis in Patients with Neurological Disorders (2, Fa) Physical examination and differential diagnosis in neurologic disorders. Emphasis on factors that influence physical therapy or require referral back to the physician.
591 Physical Examination and Differential Diagnosis in Patients with Orthopedic Disorders (2, Sp) Physical examination and differential diagnosis in orthopedic disorders. Emphasis on factors that influence physical therapy or require referral back to the physician.
595abcd Residency in Advanced Clinical Physical Therapy (3-3-3-3, FaSpSm) Residency open to students pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Orthopedic Physical Therapy or the post-professional D.P.T. program. Graded CR/NC.
600abcdz Clinical Clerkship (1-1-1-1-0, FaSpSm) Practical experience in physical therapy evaluation, treatment and follow-up care. Graded CR/NC.
605 Orthopedic Radiology (2, Fa) Study of normal and pathologic skeletal radiographic examinations.
606 Clinical Imaging (3, Fa) Elements of reading roentgenographs, CAT and MRI scans for the physical therapist. Lecture, demonstration, practical experience.
607 Clinical Scanning (2, Sp) Survey of diagnostic imaging for orthopedic and neurologic disorders seen in physical therapy practice.
608 Pharmacotherapeutics (2, Fa) Indications, contraindications, physiologic mechanisms, and side-effects of pharmacologic agents. Analysis of interactions between drugs and physical therapy interventions.
610 Movement: From Molecules to Behavior (3, Sp) Survey of contemporary issues pertaining to the cellular and behavioral basis of movement.
621L Clinical Management of the Patient with Musculoskeletal Dysfunction (5, Sp) Physical therapy theory and methods of evaluation and treatment of orthopedic dysfunction. Lecture, demonstration, laboratory. Dissection lab available.
622L Advanced Management of Spinal Disorders (3, Fa) Theoretical and practical foundations in orthopedic rehabilitation of spinal disorders with emphasis on differential diagnosis from systemic manifestation. Lecture, laboratory, and case presentations. Prerequisite: P.T. License.
623L Advanced Management of Extremity Disorders (3, Sp) Theoretical and practical foundations in orthopedic rehabilitation of occupational, recreational and athletic disorders of the extremities; emphasis on differential diagnosis from systemic manifestations. Lecture, laboratory, and case presentations. Prerequisite: P.T. License.
626 Management of Geriatric Conditions (3, FaSp) Physical therapy evaluation and management of conditions in aging with emphasis on bone mineralization, elasticity of soft tissues, the senile dementias and CNS degeneration. Seminar, clinical laboratory.
627 Management of Pediatric Conditions (3, FaSp) Physical therapy evaluation and management of sensorimotor dysfunction with focus on the special problems in infants and children. Seminar, clinical laboratory.
642ab Clinical Judgment Seminar (2-2, FaSp) a: Development of clinical logic and examination of problem-solving approaches to patient care. Seminar. b: Logic, sequential analysis and clinical problem-solving for the patient with multiple disabilities.
646L Pathokinesiology of Gait (3, Fa) Organized approach to clinical diagnosis and management of normal and dysfunctional human locomotion. Techniques of observational and instrumented gait analysis. Lecture, video-interactive learning, laboratory.
681ab Physical Therapy Management of the Orthopedic Patient (6-6, FaSpSm) a: Outpatient experiences in general orthopedics plus elective rotations; b: Inpatient experiences in acute orthopedics plus an elective rotation(s). Tutorial. Graded CR/NC.
691ab Physical Therapy Management of the Neurology Patient (6-6, FaSpSm) a: Outpatient experiences in general neurology plus elective rotations; b: Inpatient experiences in acute neurology patients plus an elective rotation(s). Tutorial. Graded CR/NC. (Duplicates credit in former PT 625 and PT 635.)
693 Management of the Medical Patient (5, FaSpSm) Patient experiences in medical intensive care, and subacute care with patients having cardiopulmonary problems, burns, diabetes, or other medical conditions plus an elective rotation(s). Tutorial. Graded CR/NC.
Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs,
Office of University Publications
univpub@usc.edu