Courses

Below you will find the current course offerings listed by semester and then alphabetically by department. Students and Faculty should log in to workday.simmons.edu and view the live course listings for the current semester. The current semester listings below are updated weekly. If you have any questions about these courses, please contact the Registrar's Office at or 617-521-2111.

Spring 2024 Course Schedule

Last Updated: 03/29/2024 11:02AM

Doctorate of ABA

DABA 625 - Advanced Functional Assessment and Analysis

The overriding goals of this course are for doctoral students to demonstrate comprehension and application of structural, functional, and branch analysis and the evaluation and synthesis of stimulus control methodologies to determine the controlling factors of behavior. Students will demonstrate competency with the experimental analysis of behavior methodologies to determine the function of behavior across a variety of complex behaviors by reading, discussing, and presenting assigned and self-selected experimental papers. Areas covered include the functional analysis of behaviors associated with mental health disorders, mood disorders, substance use, disordered eating, and other complex behaviors. Students must design and present a hypothetical research prospectus in which a functional analysis of complex behavior is conducted.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
OL01 2024/01/16 - 2024/05/07
Tuesday
6:00PM - 9:30PM
Simone Palmer
4
TBD

DABA 630 - Experimental Analysis of Behavior

The purpose of this course is to review data from experimental studies using both nonhuman and human animal participants providing the discovery and fundamental properties of the principles of behavior constituting applied behavior analysis. Additionally, we will focus on the theoretical conceptualizations and interpretations of behavior in light of these data and principles. Topics covered include respondent conditioning, operant conditioning, positive and negative reinforcement, conditioned reinforcement, schedules of reinforcement, choice and preference, stimulus control, escape and avoidance, punishment, delay discounting, operant/respondent interactions, and molar/molecular conceptualizations. Finally, as an overriding purpose we will define and explore the scientific strategies and tactics of experimental analysis; single-subject design, visual analysis, parametric analysis, and steady-state baseline logic.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
OL01 2024/01/18 - 2024/05/09
Thursday
6:00PM - 9:30PM
Ronald Allen
4
TBD

DABA 640 - Scholarly and Professional Activity

The purpose of this course is to teach doctoral students to disseminate behavior analytic research and clinical practice. Students will learn about the publication process, as they write and prepare a manuscript to submit for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The manuscript may fall into one of the following categories: (1) research article (i.e., data-based empirical study or meta-analysis), (2) a literature review or discussion paper, or (3) a tutorial. Students will also create a PowerPoint presentation that may be used at a professional conference. This is a consent only class. Students must submit their research question for approval one month prior to the start of class. If working on a research article, students must have a completed data set of publishable data �" the data must have been collected using acceptable measurement systems, there must be IOA data for at least 25% of all sessions and preferably treatment fidelity data for at least 25% of sessions, and a functional relation must be demonstrated or appropriate statistical analyses must be completed. If the data set is not complete prior to the first day of class, but the research has been approved, data must be completed by week 5 of the course to meet the course deadlines.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
OL01 2024/01/17 - 2024/05/08
Wednesday
6:00PM - 9:30PM
Ronald Allen
4
TBD

DABA 690 - Dissertation

This course occurs in a small group seminar format, once a week for an hour, although individual meetings with one�s advisor may occur outside of this schedule. The purpose is to prepare students for the design, development, writing and defense of their dissertation proposal and formal dissertation. Because this course occurs in a small group format, students will be at different stages of the dissertation process. For example, some students may be formalizing and operationalizing their research question whereas others may be preparing for their dissertation defense. As a consequence, the doctoral students who are further along in the process advise and provide support for those students just starting out. Students are assigned to a Dissertation Lab during their first or second semester in the program, and enroll in and attend Dissertation Lab each semester thereafter, while taking other doctoral-level courses. Although students will develop and defend their dissertation proposal while taking other doctoral-level courses, all required coursework must completed prior to one defending their actual dissertation. If a student completes 12 credits of DABA 690without writing and defending their dissertation, they must enroll in DABA 699 Extension until they have successfully completed and defended their dissertation.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
OL01 2024/01/18 - 2024/05/09
Thursday
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Ronald Allen
1
TBD
OL02 2024/01/18 - 2024/05/09
Thursday
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Judah Axe
1
TBD
OL03 2024/01/22 - 2024/05/06
Monday
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Gretchen Dittrich
1
TBD
OL04 2024/01/18 - 2024/05/09
Thursday
4:30PM - 5:30PM
Philip Chase
1
TBD
OL05 2024/01/22 - 2024/05/06
Monday
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Russell Maguire
1
TBD
OL07 2024/01/22 - 2024/05/06
Monday
4:30PM - 5:30PM
Kylan Turner
1
TBD

DABA 699 - Dissertation Extension

This is an extension of the dissertation lab. If a student completes 12 credits of DABA 690 without writing and defending their dissertation, they must enroll in DABA 699 Extension until they have successfully completed and defended their dissertation. Note: DABA 699 extension is a 0-credit course, but carries a 1-credit tuition fee.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
OL01 2024/01/18 - 2024/05/09
Thursday
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Ronald Allen
TBD
TBD
OL02 2024/01/18 - 2024/05/09
Thursday
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Judah Axe
TBD
TBD
OL03 2024/01/22 - 2024/05/06
Monday
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Gretchen Dittrich
TBD
TBD
OL04 2024/01/18 - 2024/05/09
Thursday
4:30PM - 5:30PM
Philip Chase
TBD
TBD
OL05 2024/01/22 - 2024/05/06
Monday
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Russell Maguire
TBD
TBD
OL07 TBD TBD
Kylan Turner
TBD
TBD

Doctor of Physical Therapy

DPT 613 - Professional Seminar

The professional seminar for this semester has been designed to continue some discussion threads from previous professional seminars (DPT 612) and Integrated Clinical Experiences, and elaborate on those concepts in order to prepare for your upcoming full-time clinical experience and future as a physical therapist. Discussion topics will help you continue to develop clinical competency and professional identity. In the first part of the semester, course content focuses on increasing awareness of professionalism and developing professional identity. In the second half of the semester we will focus our presentations to help you understand your role and responsibilities, as you begin to prepare for your initial clinical experience. In addition, you will participate in a simulation lab experience with a focus on home care and working as part of an inter-professional team. All of these activities are designed to help you continue with professional development, and feel prepared, informed and confident in your abilities as you enter into your first full time clinical experience. Integrated Clinical Experiences (ICEs) will also be included within the course. Each student will be assigned to an ICE for 1 day a week for 5 weeks. Experiences will be primarily in either an outpatient orthopedic setting, or home care with the VNA.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 2024/01/22 - 2024/05/06
Monday
3:00PM - 3:50PM
Rachel Verrill
1
Main Campus

DPT 623 - Movement Science II

In this course, students continue to explore normal human movement. Emphasis is on biomechanics, joint structure and function, muscle physiology and muscle activity. Students explore the complex interaction between systems that produces normal human movement, and consider how movement is affected by pathological conditions. Students will further develop regional human anatomy knowledge of the lower quarter for integration into clinical examination and intervention skills. Laboratory activities provide students the opportunity to apply anatomical and biomechanical knowledge to clinical examination techniques for further comprehension of the lower extremity and lumbopelvic spine. Laboratory activities focus on analysis of normal muscle and joint function through observation, palpation, examination, case study analysis, gait analysis, and application of biomechanical principles to daily activities.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 2024/01/19 - 2024/05/10
Friday
8:00AM - 10:20AM
Joanne Rivard (Malerba)
3
Main Campus

DPT 623L - Movement Science II Lab

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 2024/01/19 - 2024/05/10
Friday
10:30AM - 12:20PM
Joanne Rivard (Malerba)
TBD
Main Campus

DPT 633 - Concepts and Skills in Physical Therapy II

Students learn and apply concepts and skills that are basic to the practice of physical therapy. Students learn how patients and clients move within their environments, and practice teaching and assisting them with the applicable skills. The semester includes lecture, laboratory, and discussion. There is an emphasis on developing professional behaviors and communication skills as well as hands-on skills.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 2024/01/17 - 2024/05/08
Wednesday
8:00AM - 10:20AM
Joanne Rivard (Malerba)
3
Main Campus

DPT 633L - Concepts and Skills in Physical Therapy II Lab

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 2024/01/17 - 2024/05/08
Wednesday
10:30AM - 12:20PM
Joanne Rivard (Malerba)
TBD
Main Campus

DPT 653 - Evidence Based Practice II

This course builds on learning from DPT 652 and integrates learning from DPT 762. Students determine and write clinically-applicable and answerable questions that relate to diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions for patients with musculoskeletal problems. Using questions as a base, students implement literature searches and critically appraise the articles found based on the search. Students discuss the credibility of the research, including issues of bias, confounding, statistical significance and clinical importance. Emphasis is on discussion of the strength of the evidence and its relevance to the management of their patient. Students build a library of CATs related to management of patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 2024/01/18 - 2024/05/09
Thursday
3:00PM - 4:50PM
Amitabh Dashottar
2
Main Campus

DPT 673 - Frameworks of Physical Therapy: Musculoskeletal II

This course is a continuation of DPT 672. Students expand their knowledge and repertoire of physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and management skills for a broader variety of musculoskeletal problems and more complex patient cases.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 2024/01/22 - 2024/05/06
Monday
8:00AM - 11:50AM
Justin Jones
7
Main Campus

DPT 673L - Frameworks of Physical Therapy: Musculoskeletal II Lab

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 2024/01/18 - 2024/05/09
Thursday
8:00AM - 11:50AM
Justin Jones
TBD
Main Campus

DPT 713 - Professional Seminar

The professional seminar for this semester has been designed to build upon the first full-time clinical experience, as well as discussions from previous professional seminars. The emphasis is on re-visiting the PT Code of Ethics and core values as seen through the perspective of the clinical environment to further continue to help define professional identity. To support further professional development students will be asked to complete the first three APTA Professional Modules We will also work on relaxation/meditation skills in patient education for managing acute and chronic stress. In developing the skills necessary for including mindfulness and meditation in patient education, students will also gain personal health benefits from these practices. As a complement to meditation in managing stress and chronic pain, we will also explore other stress management tools such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to gain awareness of the influence of perception, thoughts and beliefs on health and behavior change. Integrated Clinical Experiences (ICEs) will also be included within the course. Each student will be assigned to an ICE for 1 day a week for 4 or 5 weeks. These experiences will focus on developing skills in management of patients primarily in a general inpatient setting.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 2024/01/17 - 2024/05/08
Wednesday
3:00PM - 3:50PM
Jenna Powers
1
Main Campus

DPT 743 - Principles of Practice Management

This course introduces students to the nature and functions of general business organizations, including physical therapy practices that are stand-alone or within larger institutions. Emphasis is on understanding the fundamental management functions such as marketing, operations, human resource management, finance and accounting, and how they apply to physical therapy practice management. Students work to improve skills in teamwork. Effective oral and written communications are stressed.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 2024/01/17 - 2024/05/08
Monday, Wednesday
12:00PM - 1:20PM
Todd Herrmann
3
Main Campus

DPT 753 - Research Seminar: Systematic Review

This is the fourth course in the research sequence of this curriculum, for students who opt for, and selected for systematic review. This course is effectively part I of the capstone research course. This is an advanced course focused on the critical review of the scientific literature, building upon content from DPT 652, DPT 653, and DPT 752. The critical review of the literature will be on a topic directly pertaining to physical therapy (e.g. diagnosis, intervention, education, etc.). The course design is to foster collaborative investigation, critique, and writing leading toward dissemination.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 2024/01/22 - 2024/05/06
Monday
10:00AM - 10:50AM
Justin Beebe
1
Main Campus

DPT 763 - Research Seminary: Faculty Directed Research I

This is the alternative fourth course in the research sequence, for students who opt for, and selected, for faculty directed research. This course is effectively part I of the capstone research course. This is an advanced course in research methodology and design, which builds upon DPT 652, DPT 653, and DPT 752. Students complete projects begun during Year II, as designated by the faculty advisor. The course design is to foster collaborative research activities leading toward dissemination.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 2024/01/22 - 2024/05/06
Monday
11:00AM - 11:50AM
Justin Beebe
1
Main Campus

DPT 783 - Frameworks for Physical Therapy: Nuromuscular I

Throughout the semester, students develop and apply theoretical frameworks for physical therapy clinical decision-making from a developmental systems perspective, recognizing the changes across the life span. Students learn and apply child development, psychosocial aspects of disease and disability, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, epidemiology, and pathology to the medical, surgical, pharmacological, psychological, and physical therapy management of individuals with neuromuscular disorders. They develop competence in physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of a plan of care. Teaching and learning methods include lecture, laboratory activities, patient cases, small group self-directed, problem-based tutorials, and integrated clinical experiences. Includes lecture and laboratory sessions.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 2024/01/16 - 2024/05/09
Tuesday
9:00AM - 10:50AM

Thursday
11:00AM - 2:00PM
Stacey Maguire
7
Main Campus

DPT 783L - Frameworks for Physical Therapy: Nuromuscular I Lab

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 2024/01/16 - 2024/05/07
Tuesday
12:00PM - 3:50PM
Stacey Maguire
TBD
Main Campus

DPT 792 - Clinical Experience II

Students apply knowledge and skills in patient/client management in a health care setting, and learn to address the physical therapy needs of actual patients and clients under the supervision of a physical therapist. The experience requires students to be in the clinical setting for approximately 40 hours per week for 12 weeks.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 TBD TBD
Matthew O'Rourke
5
TBD

DPT 793 - Clinical Experience III

Students apply knowledge and skills in patient/client management in a health care setting, and learn to address the physical therapy needs of actual patients and clients under the supervision of a physical therapist. The experience requires students to be in the clinical setting for approximately 40 hours per week for 12 weeks.

Section Section Dates Time Instructor Credits Location
01 TBD TBD
Elizabeth Murphy
5
TBD
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