Pathophysiology

Catalog description

Pathophysiology is the study of altered or abnormal physiology that results in or is the cause of disease. This one-semester, 3-credit course will provide foundational concepts of pathophysiology essential to the comprehension, problem-solving, and critical thinking needed to understand both normal and abnormal functions of various organ systems and the development of diseases. The course will proceed through the body?s organ systems and will parallel concepts covered in Anatomy and Kinesiology, Orthopedic Science, Cardiopulmonary, Physiology, and Neuroscience courses. This course will specifically emphasize the musculoskeletal/rheumatologic, neurologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine/lymphatic, digestive/nutrition, and renal systems. The topics have been selected to allow physical therapy students to develop an awareness of the practice of medicine which will enable them to provide quality care to their patients in an effective manner. By applying appropriate diagnostic tools, students will learn how symptoms can be formulated into a working diagnosis. This course is formatted as a lecture, with the potential to utilize lab materials such as cadaveric remains from the Rangos Anatomy Lab to explore the structures and pathologies discussed. Students will visualize and observe pathologic states that reinforce theoretical knowledge, providing a deeper understanding of the anatomical and pathological aspects of these systems. This course will be sequenced with relevant clinical and patient assessment courses to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the material, ultimately enhancing the students' ability to apply their learning in real-world clinical settings and preparing them for entry-level practice.