Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

OCS 1000 - Seminar in OT Practice

Credit(s): 2 Credits

Humans as Occupational Beings is a course specifically designed for the freshman student with a declared major in Occupational Therapy, as well as, the student interested in learning more about the profession. Exploring the complex construct of occupation facilitates insight into the innate need for occupational engagement (meaningful activity), the effect of occupational deprivation, and the application of occupational balance and justice to individuals, communities, and populations.

Attributes: UUC:Ignite Seminar

OCS 1010 - Doing, Being, Becoming, and Belonging: Exploration of Self Through Occupation

Credit(s): 2 Credits

This course will guide students interested in occupational therapy as a profession through reflection on the occupations of their past, present, and future through the lens of doing, being, becoming, and belonging. Students will explore occupations of their past, and how they have formed the foundation of who they are as students at Saint Louis University. Students will consider their current occupations related to academics, college life, work, and leisure, and how these reflect their values, support well-being, and promote growth. Finally, students will explore the field of occupational science and the profession of occupational therapy. They will reflectively discern if occupational therapy is the career path they wish to pursue. This course fulfills the requirement for Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation.

Prerequisite(s): CORE 1500<sup>*

*</sup> Concurrent enrollment allowed.

Attributes: UUC:Self in Contemplation

OCS 3120 - The Study of Occupation

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to occupational science. It focuses on the individual meaning of occupation. Patterns of occupation are examined as well as subjective dimensions of occupational experience. Students will learn to describe occupation using more specific terminology, including habits, routines, rituals, identity, motivation and individual time use. Students will also study an occupational science leader and reflect on the evolution of their research and interests related to the study of occupation. OCS 3120, 3220, and 3320 are taken together. There is a 24 hour shared ACSE (Applied community service experience) across these courses.

OCS 3220 - Contexts of Occupation

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is an overview of the temporal, spatial, and socio-cultural contexts of occupation as a basis for design of the therapeutic contexts of intervention.

OCS 3320 - Development of Humans as Occupational Beings

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course explores the development of human occupation across the lifespan from an occupational science perspective. The course begins by outlining the domains of occupational science and occupational therapy to provide a foundation for the semester’s work. We will analyze theoretical approaches to development, learning, and behavior across the lifespan. We will examine occupations across categories of play, leisure, and work, and we will understand the ways in which life transitions influence occupation. We will critically examine the link between occupation and wellbeing, including whether occupations are always “good”, and will end the course by synthesizing our occupational science knowledge.

OCS 3520 - Occupation and Health

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course explores the reciprocal relationship between occupation and health from its historical origins through theoretical conceptualization and reviews the literature supporting the health benefits of occupational engagement.

OCS 3720 - Occupational Justice

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course introduces the theoretical and philosophical concepts of occupational justice and explores the right of humans as occupational beings to engage in a variety of meaningful, balanced, and inclusive occupations.

Attributes: Cultural Diversity, Urban Poverty - Health Care, Urban Poverty - Immigration

OCS 3820 - Practical Applications in Occupational Science

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course explores career pathways and opportunities for occupational scientists through professional roles, skills, and practical data applications.

OCS 4620 - Clinical Conditions and Phenomenology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course addresses various physical and clinical conditions and their impact on the lived experience.

OCS 4980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Independent project within the Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department. Course objectives will be identified through student and faculty consultation. (Offered Fall, Spring and Summer)

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5020 - Professional Development I

Credit(s): 1 Credit

Professional Development Seminars (PDS) (MOT 5020, 5030, 5040) are a sequential progressive series of seminars throughout the professional level curriculum, the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) I and II years. These courses focus on socialization to the profession through fieldwork, interprofessional experiences, and professional development/service activities. This course will focus on the following topics: ethics, effective communication and conflict management, social justice and inclusion, health literacy, continuing competency expectations for occupational therapists, occupational therapy role development, and preparation for fieldwork education.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5030 - Professional Development II

Credit(s): 1 Credit

Professional Development Seminars (PDS) (MOT 5020, 5030, 5040) are a sequential progressive series of seminars throughout the professional level curriculum, the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) I and II years. These courses focus on socialization to the profession through fieldwork, interprofessional experiences, and professional development/service activities. This course will focus on the following topics: ethics, effective communication and conflict management, social justice and inclusion, health literacy, continuing competency expectations for occupational therapists, occupational therapy role development, and preparation for fieldwork education.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5040 - Professional Development III

Credit(s): 1 Credit

Professional Development Seminars (PDS) (MOT 5020, 5030, 5040) are a sequential progressive series of seminars throughout the professional level curriculum, the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) I and II years. These courses focus on socialization to the profession through fieldwork, interprofessional experiences, and professional development/service activities. This course will focus on the following topics: ethics, effective communication and conflict management, social justice and inclusion, health literacy, continuing competency expectations for occupational therapists, occupational therapy role development, and preparation for fieldwork education.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5150 - Kinesiology

Credit(s): 0 or 3 Credits

This course will study human motion with the emphasis on understanding movement in the context of occupational performance. Students will analyze the movement needed to complete an activity, determine body structures and function responsible for completion of the task, and adapt or modify the activity or context to allow participation. This class forms a basis for evaluation of musculoskeletal movement and strength needed for future courses and clinical application. Lab included.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5170 - Neuroscience in Occupational Therapy

Credit(s): 4 Credits

This course will address the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological bases of sensory perception, emotion, cognition and learning, and movement that are foundational to occupation performance. Disorders that affect the nervous system resulting in impaired functional ability will also be discussed, including management and evaluation techniques utilized by occupational therapy.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5200 - Clinical Conditions & Phenomenology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course will address how disability from traumatic or chronic illness disrupts occupational patterns and the role of occupational therapy in returning individuals to quality of life experiences.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5250 - Policy & Administration

Credit(s): 2 Credits

This course explores policy and service delivery systems relevant to the practice of occupational therapy, the role of occupational therapy in these systems, and how these systems are influenced by legislation, regulation, and reimbursement practices. Principles of program planning and management, utilization of resources, and quality improvement within occupational therapy are discussed, as well as the influence of health care trends on the delivery of occupational therapy services with regard to an individual, group, organization, or environmental context.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5260 - Problem-Based Learning in Occupational Therapy

Credit(s): 2 Credits

Small groups work with a faculty facilitator in a problem-based learning approach to developing clinical reasoning, teamwork, and professional behavior skills. Case studies will allow participants to explore personal, environmental, occupational, and ethical issues across the lifespan, and to apply a variety of frames of reference to evaluation and intervention. Students will be encouraged to explore and evaluate their knowledge and attitudes relative to a variety of clinical, social, and policy issues. An emphasis on independent, lifelong learning and generating solution to complex problems will be evident throughout the course.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5300 - Fundamentals of OT Practice

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course introduces the learner to fundamental, contemporary foundations of occupation therapy practice, with a continuous focus on meaningful occupation as both a means and an outcome of therapy. The history of the profession and its evolution through a succession of paradigm shifts is explored. Professionalism within occupation therapy is emphasized, the domain and process of occupational therapy and the therapeutic use of self. Professional language and documentation are introduced and practiced.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5350 - Theoretical Foundations of Occupational Therapy

Credit(s): 3 Credits

Students in this course will understand the nature and components of a scientific theory, and how theories relate to clinical application as frames of reference, and ways to evaluate the worth of any theory. A variety of theories that inform contemporary occupational therapy practice and paradigm will be reviewed and applied through beginning clinical reasoning. Students will understand the fundamental concepts and language of each theory reviewed, the population and practice settings typically addressed, examples of evaluation and intervention approaches supported by each theory, and examples of research that has tested aspects of each theory.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5400 - Occupational Therapy for Adults with Physical Dysfunction

Credit(s): 0 or 4 Credits

This course introduces students to assessment, treatment planning, and the use of clinical reasoning to develop skilled intervention strategies for adult clients with physical dysfunction issues. The course will mainly focus on occupational therapy evaluation and treatment in traditional practice settings, including but not limited to acute care, inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing facilities, and home health. Rehabilitative and compensatory strategies will be discussed and practiced throughout the course. Lab activities, case studies, live clients, and community experiences will support lecture materials. Lab included.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5410 - Occupational Therapy in Mental Health

Credit(s): 0 or 3 Credits

This course prepares students to engage in holistic occupational therapy practice in a wide array of intervention settings and with clients of many ages who have psychiatric and behavioral disorders. Students will practice and demonstrate proficiency in professional, therapeutic communication skills that are basic to competent practice with colleagues, clients, and the public. Students will develop an understanding of psychosocial concerns and needs that are common to clients in a wide array of practice settings, and ways to evaluate and meet their needs through occupational therapy methods. This course will focus on assessment, treatment planning, and use of clinical reasoning to develop intervention strategies for adult client conditions. Compensatory and adaptive approaches to psychosocial and psychiatric dysfunction will be explored through case studies and community experiences. Lab included.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5450 - Occupational Performance & Assessment of Children and Youth

Credit(s): 0 or 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the occupational performance of infants, children, and adolescents. It focuses on occupational conceptual models and how occupational therapists use theory to guide practice. The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework is used to guide the study of the domain of OT as it relates to the transaction of person-environment-occupation. The physical, psychological/emotional, cognitive/neurological and sociocultural determinants of occupation will be explored. Assessments are introduced that analyze infant, child, and adolescent occupational performance and behavior. Lab required.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5460 - Occupational Therapy with Aging Adults

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course builds upon the foundation of occupational science and occupational therapy services to prepare students to engage in holistic occupational therapy practice in a wide array of intervention settings across the lifespan. Students will develop an understanding of conceptual models for community-based practice in a variety of areas including: community mental health, primary care, transition pre-post incarceration and military, primary and secondary prevention of chronic conditions, public health, and community mobility. This course will build off of previous knowledge and apply it to community-based settings for holistic practice.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5480 - Occupational Therapy & Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

Credit(s): 2 Credits

This course focuses on the evaluation and treatment of upper extremity dysfunction from an occupational therapy perspective. This lecture/lab combination covers nerve and muscular/orthopedic issues throughout the upper extremity with an emphasis on the wrist and hand. Multiple orthotics are fabricated in the lab portion of this course. Lab included.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5490 - Applied Research I

Credit(s): 1 Credit

Building upon learning from research courses in the undergraduate curriculum, Applied Research I is an introductory course focusing on the application of scholarly inquiry and appreciation of evidence based practice in the Occupational Therapy profession.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5500 - Applied Research II

Credit(s): 1 Credit

This course provides opportunities for OT students to apply evidence-based research concepts in a practice setting. An integrative approach in class is utilized to 1) support students exploration of problems and needs presented in the practice setting, 2) facilitate the discovery of research questions and approaches that relate directly to the needs of the OT academic and practice setting, and 3) promote the successful development of projects that relate directly to the practice environment.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5550 - Occupational Therapy for Adults with Neurological Dysfunction

Credit(s): 0 or 3 Credits

This course is designed to provide students with the therapeutic reasoning to evaluate and treat adults with occupational performance deficits resulting from neurological illnesses and impairments. Building on theories and concepts from prior coursework, students will learn to assess, remediate, habilitate, and rehabilitate, deficits impacting occupational performance and participation. The final product will be the students' understanding of the OT process and best practice in OT, evidenced by the completion of an OT evaluation & development of individualized OT intervention plans that identifies the process for returning a client to their most independent level of function within their environment. Lab included.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5560 - Occupational Therapy and Community Practice

Credit(s): 0 or 3 Credits

This course builds upon the foundation of occupational science and occupational therapy services to prepare students to engage in holistic occupational therapy practice in a wide array of intervention settings across the lifespan. Students will develop an understanding of conceptual models for community-based practice in a variety of areas. This course will focus on assessment, treatment planning and use of clinical reasoning to develop intervention strategies for adult client conditions. Compensatory and adaptive approaches will be explored through case studies and community experiences. Lab included.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5600 - Occupational Therapy with Infants and Children

Credit(s): 0 or 4 Credits

Assessment, treatment planning and use of clinical reasoning to administer assessments and develop intervention strategies for infant, child and adolescent client conditions. Compensatory and adaptive approaches to psychosocial, and physical dysfunction will be explored through case studies and community experiences. Lab included.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5650 - Applied Research III

Credit(s): 1 Credit

Building upon the foundation established in Applied Research I and II, this course focuses on knowledge, skills, and attitudes in qualitative scholarly inquiry processes in the Occupational Therapy profession.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5660 - Applied Research IV

Credit(s): 1-6 Credits

Building upon the foundation established in the previous Applied Research courses, this seminar course lays additional groundwork for an entry-level occupational therapy practitioner’s appreciation of the role of scientific inquiry in the field. Students complete a significant portion of their master’s project, which is related to their faculty mentor’s scholarship.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5700 - Advanced Fieldwork I

Credit(s): 6 Credits

This practicum course engages students in a supervised, 12‐week Level II Fieldwork experience. Level II Fieldwork is an integral part of occupational therapy education that facilitates the transition from the didactic curriculum to the clinical setting. During this course, students will have the opportunity to apply OT knowledge in a clinical setting, develop clinical reasoning through reflective practice, refine professional behaviors, apply ethical standards to clinical cases, and ultimately, develop entry‐level OT skill.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5750 - Advanced Fieldwork II

Credit(s): 3 Credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)

This practicum course engages students in a supervised, 12-week Level II Fieldwork experience. Level II Fieldwork is an integral part of occupational therapy education that facilitates the transition from the didactic curriculum to the clinical setting. During this course, students will have the opportunity to apply OT knowledge in a clinical setting, develop clinical reasoning through reflective practice, refine professional behaviors, apply ethical standards to clinical cases, and ultimately, develop entry-level OT skill.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.

MOT 5980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Independent project within the Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department. Course objectives will be identified through student and faculty consultation. Offered every semester.

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.