Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Upon completing the program requirements, a Physiotherapy graduates should be able to:
1. Integrate knowledge and skills in physiotherapy related sciences to provide competent patient-centered care.
2. Use evidence-based practice information to provide effective and efficient healthcare based on the changing needs of the community.
3. Employ advanced information technology skills in the classroom and clinical settings.
4. Participate efficiently in research activity, including publications, presentations, grants, and disseminate results at local, national, and international levels.
5. Communicate effectively with patient, families, and other health care professionals to deliver an integrated plan of care.
6. Participate in public education and health promotion strategies adopted in the community and the region by respective authorities.
7. Apply relevant ethical, legal and social framework to act responsibly toward clients, oneself, and colleagues.
8. Implement leadership skills and autonomy in physiotherapy practice for personal and professional development.
National Qualifications Frame (NQF)
The following matrix shows the alignment of the Program Learning Outcomes with the Emirates National Qualifications
Framework strands.
| Outcomes | PLO |
| Knowledge |
| specialized factual and theoretical knowledge and an understanding of the boundaries in a field of work or discipline, encompassing a broad and coherent body of knowledge and concepts, with substantive depth in the underlying principles and theoretical concepts | 1 |
an understanding of allied knowledge and theories in related fields of work or disciplines and in the case of professional disciplines including related regulations, standards, codes, conventions | 2, 11 |
| understanding of critical approach to the creation and compilation of a systematic and coherent body of knowledge and concepts gained from a range of sources | 9 |
| a comprehensive understanding of critical analysis, research systems and methods and evaluative problem-solving techniques | 8,9 |
| familiarity with sources of current and new research and knowledge with integration of concepts from outside fields | 4,8 |
| Skill |
| Technical, creative and analytical skills appropriate to solving specialized problems using evidentiary and procedural based processes in predictable and new contexts that include devising and sustaining arguments associated with a field of work or discipline. | 8 |
Evaluating, selecting and applying appropriate methods, procedures or techniques in processes of investigation towards identified solutions. | 2, 9 |
evaluating and implementing appropriate research tools and strategies associated with the field of work or discipline | 4 |
| Highly developed advanced communication and information technology skills to present, explain and/ or critique complex and unpredictable matters. | 3, 7 |
| Autonomy and responsibility |
| can take responsibility for developing innovative and advanced approaches to evaluating and manag- ing complex and unpredictable work procedures and processes, resources or learning | |
| can manage technical, supervisory or design processes in unpredictable, unfamiliar and varying contexts | |
| can work creatively and/or effectively as an individual, in team leadership, managing contexts, across technical or professional activities | 5, 6, 13 |
| can express an internalized, personal view, and accept responsibility to society at large and to socio-cultural norms and relationships | 10, 14 |
| Role in context |
| can function with full autonomy in technical and supervisory contexts and adopt para-professional roles with little guidance | 5, 8 |
| can take responsibility for the setting and achievement of group or individual outcomes and for the management and supervision of the work of others or self in the case of a specialization in field of work or discipline | 13 |
| can participate in peer relationships with qualified practitioners and lead multiple, complex groups | 6, 12 |
| can take responsibility for managing the professional development and direct mentoring of individuals and groups | 13, 14 |
| Self-development |
can self-evaluate and take responsibility for contributing to professional practice, and undertake regular professional development and/ or further learning
| 4 |
| can manage learning tasks independently and professionally, in complex and sometimes unfamiliar learning contexts | 8 |
| can contribute to and observe ethical standards | 11 |
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the B.Sc. Physiotherapy program can work as physiotherapists in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, child development centers, senior citizens centers, sports and fitness centers, schools/ universities, industries and communities. They may also serve as educators, administrators, researchers and consultants. Graduates have the opportunity to work in the UAE or aboard, to pursue graduate studies, and to become involved in research activities.
Program Overview
Physiotherapy is a health care profession in the field of rehabilitation that promotes optimal health in individuals of all ages. Physiotherapists are qualified to provide preventive and therapeutic services which aim at restoring function and preventing disability arising from disease, trauma or injury. The University of Sharjah offers a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in physiotherapy (BSc.PT).
The program is designed to meet the goals of the Department of Physiotherapy. A student undertaking this program
should complete a total of 138 credit hours distributed as follows:
| BSc. in Physiotherapy |
| | UR | CR | PR | Total |
| Mandatory Credits | 15 | 24 | 90 | 129 |
| Elective Credits | 9 | - | - | 9 |
| Total | 24 | 24 | 90 | 138 |
I. University Requirements
The list of the University required courses and their descriptions are presented in the introductory pages of this bulletin.
II. College Requirements
The list of the College required courses and their descriptions are presented in the introductory pages of the College of Health Sciences section in this bulletin.
III. Program Requirements
This component consists of 90 credit hours of mandatory courses listed in the table below.
| Course # | Title | CrHrs | Prerequisites |
| 0502265 | Introduction to Radiology | 2 | - |
| 0503253 | Pathophysiology | 3 | 0500160 |
| 0503262 | Clinical Pharmacology | 3 | 0503253 |
| 0505250 | Therapeutic Modalities | 3 | 1430107; Co: 0505254 |
| 0505251 | Biomechanics and kinesiology (1) | 2 | 0500160; Co: 0505254 |
| 0505252 | Histology | 1 | 0500150; Co: 0503253 |
| 0505253 | Therapeutic Exercise | 3 | 0500160; Co: 0505254 |
| 0505254 | Anatomy (1) | 4 | 0500160 |
| 0505260 | Physiotherapy for Respiratory and Cardiovascular Conditions | 4 | 0503253; Co: 0505261 and 0505264 |
| 0505261 | Clinical Practice for Respiratory and Cardiovascular Conditions | 2 | Co: 0505260, 0505262 |
| 0505262 | Assessment in Physiotherapy | 2 | 0505254; Co: 0505265 |
| 0505263 | Biomechanics and kinesiology (2) | 3 | 0505251; Co: 0505265 |
| 0505264 | Exercise Physiology | 2 | 0503253; Co: 0505260 |
| 0505265 | Anatomy (2) | 4 | 0505254 |
| 0505350 | Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions (1) | 4 | 0505265; Co: 0505352, 0505351 |
| 0505351 | Physiotherapy for Medical and Surgical Conditions | 2 | 0505260; Co: 0505352, 0505350 |
| 0505352 | Clinical Practice for Musculoskeletal (1) and Medical /Surgical Conditions | 5 | Co: 0505350 and 0505351 |
| 0505353 | Neurosciences | 2 | 0505265 |
| 0505354 | Orthotics and Prosthetics | 2 | 0505265 |
| 0505360 | Physiotherapy for Neurological Conditions | 4 | 0505353; Co: 0505362 |
| 0505361 | Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions (2) | 4 | 0505350; Co: 0505362 |
| 0505362 | Clinical Practice for Neurological and Musculoskeletal (2) Conditions | 5 | Co: 0505360 |
| 0505450 | Physiotherapy for Pediatrics | 4 | 0505353; Co: 0505452 |
| 0505451 | Physiotherapy for Obstetrics and Gynecology | 2 | 0505351; Co: 0505452 |
| 0505452 | Clinical Practice for Pediatrics / Obstetrics and Gynecology | 4 | Co: 0505450 and 0505451 |
0505460 | Physiotherapy for Geriatrics | 2 | 0505360; 0505361; Co: 0505461 |
| 0505461 | Integrated Physiotherapy Clinical Practice | 6 | 0505452; Co: 0505460 and 0505462 |
| 0505462 | Selected Topics in Physiotherapy | 3 | Co: 0505461 |
| 0505463 | Research Project | 3 | 0500450 |
Study Plan
The Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy encompasses 138 credits hours that are spread over eight semesters and can be completed in four years. The following distribution of courses by semester facilitates student's normal progres- sion through the study plan.
| Year 1, First Level (Freshman), Semester 1 , Fall (16 Credits) |
| Course # | Course Title | CrHrs | Prerequisite |
| 0201102 | Arabic Languages | 3 | |
| 0202121 | English for Medical Sciences | 3 | |
| 0500150 | Biology | 4 | |
| 0500161 | Introduction to Health Sciences | 2 | |
| 1426155 | General Chemistry for Health Sciences | 4 |
|
| Year 1, First Level (Freshman), Semester 2, Spring (17 Credits) |
| Course # | Course Title | CrHrs | Prerequisite |
| 0104100 | Islamic Culture | 3 | |
| 1411100 | Introduction to Information Technology | 3 | |
| 0500160 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 | |
| 1430107 | General Physics for Health Sciences | 4 | |
| | University Requirements E (1) | 3 |
|
| Year 2, Second Level (Sophomore), Semester 3, Fall (19 Credits) |
| Course # | Course Title | CrHrs | Prerequisite |
| 0503253 | Pathophysiology | 3 | |
| 0505250 | Therapeutic Modalities | 3 | |
| 0505251 | Biomechanics and kinesiology (1) | 2 | |
| 0505252 | Histology | 1 | |
| 0505253 | Therapeutic Exercise | 3 | |
| 0505254 | Anatomy (1) | 4 | |
| | University Requirements E (2) | 3 |
|
| Year 2, Second Level (Sophomore), Semester 4 ,Spring (19 Credits) |
| Course # | Course Title | CrHrs | Prerequisite |
| 0502265 | Introduction to Radiology | 2 | |
| 0505260 | Physiotherapy for Respiratory and Cardiovascular Conditions | 4 | |
| 0505261 | Clinical Practice for Respiratory and Cardiovascular Conditions | 2 | |
| 0505262 | Assessment in Physiotherapy | 2 | |
| 0505263 | Biomechanics and kinesiology (2) | 3 | |
| 0505264 | Exercise Physiology | 2 | |
| 0505265 | Anatomy (2) | 4 |
|
| Year 3, Level 3 (Junior), Semester 5, Fall (18 Credits) |
| Course # | Course Title | CrHrs | Prerequisite |
| 0505350 | Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions (1) | 4 | |
| 0504252 | Biostatistics | 3 | |
| 0505351 | Physiotherapy for Medical / Surgical Conditions | 2 | |
| 0505352 | Clinical Practice for Musculoskeletal (1) and Medical /Surgical Conditions | 5 | |
| 0505353 | Neuroscience | 2 | |
| 0505354 | Orthotics and Prosthetics | 2 | |
| Year 3, Level 3 (Junior), Semester 6, Spring (16 Credits) |
| Course # | Course Title | CrHrs | Prerequisite |
| 0503262 | Clinical Pharmacology | 3 | |
| 0505360 | Physiotherapy for Neurological Conditions | 4 | |
| 0505361 | Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions (2) | 4 | |
| 0505362 | Clinical Practice for Neurological and Musculoskeletal (2) | 5 | |
| Year 4, Level 4 (Senior), Semester 7, Fall (16 Credits) |
| Course # | Course Title | CrHrs | Prerequisite |
| 0500450 | Introduction to Research | 3 | |
| 0505450 | Physiotherapy for Pediatrics | 4 | |
| 0505451 | Physiotherapy for Obstetrics and Gynecology | 2 | |
| 0505452 | Clinical Practice for Pediatrics / Obstetrics and Gynecology | 4 | |
| | University Requirements E (3) | 3 | |
| Year 4, Level 4 (Senior), Semester 8,Spring (17 Credits) |
| Course # | Course Title | CrHrs | Prerequisite |
| 0505460 | Physiotherapy for Geriatrics | 2 | |
| 0505461 | Integrated Physiotherapy Clinical Practice | 6 | |
| 0505462 | Selected Topics in Physiotherapy | 3 | |
| 0505463 | Research Project | 3 | |
| University Requirements E (4) | 3 |
|
Course Description
Courses offered by the Physiotherapy program are designated (0505ABC) where ABC represents the year, term and sequence as described in the College Section.
Core Courses
Descriptions of the core courses are given below.
| 0505250 | Therapeutic Modalities | (2-3-0:3) |
Prerequisite: 1430107 - General Physics for Health Sciences; Co-requisite: 0505254 - Anatomy (1)
This course is designed to introduce the students to the scientific and clinical principles involved in the use of physical agents (modalities) in client assessment and treatment. The course focuses on thermal, light, sound, electrophysiological, and mechanical agents used by physical therapists to treat clients, and explores the physics, physiology, and clinical aspects of commonly used modalities. The lab component includes practice and working knowledge in the use of therapeutic modalities to ensure the students acquire the skills to be able to safely apply them to clients during their clinical placement.
|
| 0505251 | Biomechanics and Kinesiology (1) | (2-0-0:2) |
Prerequisite: 0500160 - Human Anatomy and Physiology; Co-requisite: 0505254 - Anatomy (1)
This course includes principles of biomechanics and kinesiology as they relate to human motions. Analysis of structure and function of bones, joints, and muscles, and their individual and combined contribution to human movement in general and analysis of the upper limb movements in particular will be presented in this course.
|
| 0505252 | Histology | (1-0-0:1) |
Prerequisite:
0500150, Biology; Co-requisite: 0503253 – Pathophysiology
This course examines the structure and function of the human body based on microscopic examination of the tissues. Special emphasis is placed on organ systems most directly impacted by the practice of physiotherapy. The course will cover basic tissues of the body; cell, epithelium, connective tissue, cartilage, bone, muscular tissue, nervous tis- sue, blood and immune system, circulatory system, lymphoid tissue, skin and its appendages.
|
| 0505253 | Therapeutic Exercise | (2-3-0:3) |
Prerequisite: 0500160 - Human Anatomy and Physiology; Co-requisite: 0505254 - Anatomy (1)
Students will acquire knowledge of concepts and practice related to therapeutic exercise and interventions, including passive, active and resistive range of motion, strengthening programs, stretching exercises, mobilization techniques for the extremity joints, relaxation exercises and gait training. Students will also learn the proper and safe movement of patients between surfaces, including body mechanics, bed mobility, and transfer training. Students will develop and write home programs, design exercise programs for therapeutic purposes, and critically analyze interventions. It also includes a lab component in which the student will practice skills related to the therapeutic exercise.
|
| 0505260 | Physiotherapy for Respiratory and Cardiovascular Conditions | (3-3-0:4) |
Prerequisite: 0503253 - Pathophysiology; Co-requisite: 0505261 - Clinical practice for Respiratory and Cardiovascular Conditions; 0505264 - Exercise physiology
Lecture/laboratory course designed to introduce students to the care of clients with cardiovascular/respiratory disorders. Students acquire knowledge on the roles and functions of physiotherapists as related to cardio-respiratory conditions. Topics include clinical exercise testing, exercise prescriptions, and clinical practice guidelines for management of clients who require long term cardiovascular/respiratory care.
|
| 0505261 | Clinical Practice for Respiratory and Cardiovascular Conditions | (0-0-6:2) |
Co-requisite: 0505260 - Physiotherapy for Respiratory and Cardiovascular Conditions & Assessment in Physiotherapy - 0505262
Students practice in selected clinical facilities to integrate knowledge, skills and professional behaviors into clinical practice with clients of all ages with cardiovascular and/or respiratory conditions, or general fitness related health issues.
|
| 0505262 | Assessment in Physiotherapy | (1-3-0:2) |
Prerequisite: 0505254 - Anatomy (1); Co-requisite: 0505265 - Anatomy (2)
This course will introduce the students to basic Assessment in Physiotherapy as related to various body systems, in- cluding the use of special equipment (including ROM evaluation, Manual Muscle testing, etc.)
|
| 0505263 | Biomechanics and Kinesiology (2) | (3-0-0:3) |
Prerequisite: 0505251 - Biomechanics and Kinesiology (1); Co-requisite: 0505265 - Anatomy (2)
This course includes analysis of the spine and lower limb movements in the context of biomechanics, kinesiology and ergonomics. Human posture and gait will be also discussed.
|
| 0505264 | Exercise Physiology | (1-3-0:2) |
Prerequisite: 0503253 - Pathophysiology; Co-requisite: 0505260 - Physiotherapy for Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disorders Lecture / laboratory course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the physiological responses that occur during exercise. Particular attention will be given to the acute and chronic responses of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and metabolic systems during exercise, their integration and regulation. |
| 0505350 | Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions (1) | (3-3-0:4) |
Prerequisite: 0505265 - Anatomy (2); Co-requisite: 0505352 - Clinical Practice for Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions (1), 0505351 - Physiotherapy for Medical and Surgical Conditions
This course is the first of 2 musculoskeletal courses, and it aims to introduce students to the basic concepts of musculoskeletal dysfunction. At this point students will be introduced to the causes, pathologies and clinical features associated with acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions of the upper and lower limbs. Using this knowledge, communication skills and clinical reasoning skills, students will be expected to start to develop clinical assessment proficiency and an ability to manage patients/clients with musculoskeletal dysfunction of the upper and lower limbs.
|
| 0505351 | Physiotherapy for Medical and Surgical Conditions | (1-3-0:2) |
Prerequisite: 0505260 - Physiotherapy for Respiratory and Cardiovascular Disorders; Co-requisite: 0505352 - Clinical Practice for Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions (1), 0505350 - Physiotherapy for Medical and Surgical Conditions.
Lecture/laboratory course provides an overview of common medical disorders with an emphasis on conditions encountered in physiotherapy. Student understanding of altered structural and physiological adaptation processes and how they apply to physiotherapy assessment and treatment, with special attention to physiotherapy approaches for clients in ICU and following surgeries Topics include: role in common metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity etc.) post operative physiotherapy and management for burn clients.
|
| 0505352 | Clinical Practice for Musculoskeletal Conditions (1) and for Medical and Surgical Conditions | (0-0-15:5) |
Co-requisites: 0505350 - Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions (1); 0505351 - Physiotherapy for Medical and Surgical Conditions.
Students practice in selected clinical facilities to integrate knowledge, skills and professional behaviors into clinical practice with clients of all ages with acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions of the upper and lower limbs, common medical and surgical conditions encountered in physiotherapy.
|
| 0505353 | Neuroscience | (2-0-0:2) |
Prerequisite: 0505265 - Anatomy (2)
This course covers concepts in cell and molecular neurosciences, principles of systems neurosciences, and fundamentals of the development of the nervous system. It also gives students a broad appreciation of the various subdivisions, nuclear groups, and axon tracts in the human brain and spinal cord. Functional aspects of neurosciences are explored through examples of common neurological clinical problems in order to provide a solid foundation for planning therapeutic interventions. Students will be introduced to electrodiagnostic techniques.
|
| 0505354 | Orthotics and Prosthetics | (1-3-0:2) |
Prerequisite: 0505265 - Anatomy (2)
This course provides an analysis of contemporary upper and lower-limb orthotic and prosthetic components and trunk orthoses, including the biomechanical principles upon which the designs are based. Topics include the static and dynamic evaluation of clients fitted with orthoses and prostheses. Recent trends in early prosthetic management of clients with amputation will be included. The role of the physiotherapist as part of the rehabilitation team in select- ing orthotic and prosthetic devices will be examined briefly. The laboratory will include practical tutorials on splinting, casting and fitting.
|
| 0505360 | Physiotherapy for Neurological Conditions | (3-3-0:4) |
Prerequisite: 0505353 - Neuroscience; Co-requisite: 0505362 - Clinical Practice for Neurological and Musculoskeletal Conditions (2)
Students acquire knowledge on the roles and functions of physiotherapists as related to patients/ clients with neurological conditions. This course and its lab focuses on Physiotherapy, assessment diagnosis, and functional intervention for clients with central and peripheral neurological conditions with consideration for acute to rehabilitation management including palliative care. Students also acquire competencies in task analysis of activities of daily living (ADL) and in the application of relevant therapeutic modalities.
|
| 0505361 | Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions (2) | (3-3-0:4) |
Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions (2) (3-3-0:4) Prerequisite: 0505350 - Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions (1); Co-requisite: 0505362 - Clinical Practice for Neurological and Musculoskeletal (2) Conditions. Students will build on their previous musculoskeletal knowledge to include more complex and chronic pathologies as well as vertebral disorders and sports injuries. Students should have the opportunity to perform independent as- assessments and demonstrate the ability to plan treatment. |
| 0505362 | Clinical practice for Neurological and Musculoskeletal (2) Conditions | (0-0-15:5) |
Prerequisite: None; Co-requisites: 0505360 - Physiotherapy for Neurological Conditions; 0505361 - Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions (2).
Students practice in selected clinical facilities to integrate knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors into real life clinical situations under supervision for clients with central and peripheral neurological conditions and complex musculoskeletal conditions (vertebral disorders and sports injuries).
|
| 0505450 | Physiotherapy for Pediatrics | (3-3-0:4) |
Prerequisite: 0505353 - Neurosciences; Co-requisite: 0505452 - Clinical Practice for Pediatrics/Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Students acquire knowledge on the roles and functions of physiotherapists as related to pediatric patient/ client, from the neonate through the school-aged child till adolescence. Congenital, orthopedic, respiratory, and neuromuscular disorders, as well as oncology and burns to be discussed. Special evaluation and treatment techniques will also be included. Practical tutorials and guidance will be given.
|
| 0505451 | Physiotherapy for Obstetrics and Gynecology | (3-3-0:4) |
Prerequisite: 0505352 - Physiotherapy for Medical and Surgical Conditions; Co-requisite: 0505452 - Clinical Practice for Pediatrics/ Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Students acquire knowledge on physiotherapy evaluation and treatment of the common gynecological and obstetric conditions. Care of pregnant women will be stressed. Practical tutorials and guidance will be given.
|
| 0505452 | Clinical Practice for Pediatrics / Obstetrics and Gynecology | (0-0-12:4) |
Prerequisite: None; Co-requisite: 0505451, Physiotherapy for Obstetrics and Gynecology; 0505450 - Physiotherapy for Pediatrics.
Students practice in selected clinical facilities to integrate knowledge, skills and professional behaviors into clinical practice with clients from the neonate through the school-aged child till adolescence. Physiotherapy evaluation and treatment methods are performed on clients with common pediatric disorders and injuries. Also, students practice physiotherapy evaluation and treatment methods of common gynecological conditions, normal and abnormal pregnancy and labor, common obstetric injuries and pre and postnatal care.
|
0505460 | Physiotherapy for Geriatrics | (1-3-0:2) |
Prerequisite: 0505360, Physiotherapy for Neurological Conditions & 0505361, Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions (2); Co-requisite: 0505461, Integrated Physiotherapy Clinical Practice.
Students will gain knowledge and skill in applying assessment and treatment principles related to representative conditions common in older adults. Changes in various body systems and psychosocial factors with aging will be included in addition to the theories of aging.
|
| 0505461 | Integrated Physiotherapy Clinical practice | (0-0-18:6) |
Prerequisite: 0505452 - Clinical Practice for Pediatrics/Obstetrics and Gynecology; Co-requisite: 0505460 - Physiotherapy for Geriatrics; 0505462 - Selected Topics in Physiotherapy.
Students practice in selected clinical facilities to integrate knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors into real life clinical situations under supervision and deals with clients with a variety of disorders utilizing all the knowledge gained throughout the program.
|
| 0505462 | Selected Topics in Physiotherapy | (3-0-0:3) |
Prerequisite: None; Co-requisite: 0505461 - Integrated Physiotherapy clinical practice.
The course will cover selected topics of interest within physiotherapy like current trends in physiotherapy, introduc- tion of other allied and alternative therapies, professional and psychosocial issues, physiotherapy administration and management and critical evaluation of physiotherapy literature using an evidence-based approach.
|
| 0505463 | Research Project | (3-0-0:3) |
Prerequisite: 0500450 Introduction to Research.
This course encourages a systematic understanding of the published literature in a defined subject area of the student's choice within the field of or relevant to physiotherapy. Having critically reviewed the literature the student formulates a research question and produces appropriate and feasible research proposal. Finally, the student will implement that information in performing and reporting a small research. At the end of the course, the students will perform a research poster presentation.
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