2019-2020 Samford University Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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Public Health - Doctoral NOTE: See the Graduate Public Health section or the DrPH program tables for links to additional courses required for the doctor of public health.
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PHLT 799 - Integrative Experience (3-6)
This course is the culminating experience of the DrPH, in which students will synthesize and apply their competencies to a project consistent with advanced practice designed to influence programs, policies, or systems addressing public health in their chosen area of concentration. The Integrative Experience project may be a research project or it may be a project that translates research into practice (e.g., a new implementation of best-practice guidelines, financial or policy analyses to formulate policy or public health recommendations, application of knowledge in a new setting). All Integrative Experience projects must include an evaluation component and a student reflection paper. Grading is pass/fail. Prereq: PHLT 606 . Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
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Respiratory Care |
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RCMS 510 - Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology (3)
Introduces the physiologic and pharmacologic basis of cardiopulmonary medications. Preparation, calculation of dosages and mixtures, and general principles of pharmacology will be covered followed by an in-depth discussion of bronchoactive drugs and drug groups related to the cardiopulmonary system such as neuromuscular blocking agents, central nervous system depressants, cardiovascular agents, and diuretics. Offered: Fall.
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RCMS 512 - Cardiopulmonary Physiology and Pathophysiology (4)
In-depth study of cardiac and pulmonary anatomy and physiology, including the procedures commonly used to evaluate these systems. Topics include function of the respiratory system; ventilation mechanics; gas transport in the blood; regulation of breathing, circulation, blood flow and pressure, cardiac output; common pathophysiology etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. The heart-lung relationship and clinical applications will be emphasized. Specific pulmonary medicine topics include: obstructive and restrictive disorders, neoplastic lung disease, disordered breathing, cardiovascular disorders, neurologic and neuromuscular disorders, shock, trauma, sepsis, near drowning, burns, smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide poisoning, drug overdose, renal failure, acute G.I. disturbances, and post-operative respiratory care. Offered: Fall.
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RCMS 520 - Respiratory Care Principles (3)
The history of the profession, the principles of chemistry, physics, and infection control as they apply to respiratory care, as well as respiratory care procedures are presented. Principles of applying respiratory care to patients, indications, hazards, contraindications, and evaluation of therapy are addressed. Modes of care include medical gases, humidity/aerosol therapy, aerosol medications, positive pressure breathing, incentive spirometry, expiratory resistance, postural drainage and percussion/vibration. Noninvasive monitoring techniques including oximetry, transcutaneous monitoring, capnography, and simple pulmonary function testing will be included. Review of clinical analyzing devices, patient safety, recordkeeping, and an introduction to patient assessment, respiratory pharmacology, and evidence-based care. Offered: Fall.
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RCMS 524 - Patient Assessment and Disease Management (3)
Fundamentals of respiratory assessment will be covered to include review of existing data in the patient record, patient history, physical examination, oximetry, blood gases, respiratory monitoring, pulmonary function assessment, laboratory studies, chest and upper airway radiographs, ventilation/perfusion scans, bedside EKG interpretation, and cardiovascular monitoring. Respiratory care management of chronic/extended diseases and conditions will be practiced with special emphasis on chronic intermittent obstructive lung disease (asthma), chronic obstructive lung diseases, restrictive lung diseases, and heart failure. Offered: Fall.
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RCMS 526 - Assessment, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics Lab (3)
Students will gain hands-on experience with respiratory care equipment. Students select, assemble, and check equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness. Equipment malfunctions and actions to correct malfunctions will also be covered. Equipment will include oxygen-delivery devices, humidifiers, aerosol generators, pressure ventilators, gas delivery, metering and analyzing devices, percussors, vibrators, environmental devices, manometers, gauges, and vacuum systems. Maintenance of artificial airways, fiber optic bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, chest tube maintenance, and arterial blood gas sampling will also be discussed. Basic life support will be covered to include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, manual ventilation, endotracheal intubation, airway care, and administration of respiratory medications. Offered: Fall.
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RCMS 528 - Clinical Observation I (1)
Students will observe and critique competencies related to respiratory care procedures in general medical and surgical floors. Introduces students to clinical respiratory care procedures. Topics include: introduction to the clinical affiliate, patient assessment, medical gas therapy, aerosol therapy, incentive spirometry, positive pressure breathing, chest physiotherapy, and airway care. Offered: Fall.
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RCMS 529 - PFT and Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics (3)
An overview of the various areas comprising cardiopulmonary diagnostics to include normal and abnormal pulmonary function and related technology. The student will learn how to perform, interpret, and evaluate various pulmonary function studies. In addition, the student will learn the operation and maintenance of pulmonary function and gas analysis equipment. Other topics include 12-lead ECG interpretation, nutritional assessment, sleep disorders and testing, stress and exercise testing, metabolic testing, and non-invasive cardiology. Prereqs: RCMS 512 and RCMS 524 . Offered: Spring.
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RCMS 530 - Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care (3)
The processes of growth and development relating to respiratory care from the fetus to the adolescent will be discussed. This course relates physiologic function to respiratory care including assessment, evaluation, and treatment. Topics include: fetal growth and development, neonatal growth and development, fetal assessment, fetal evaluation, neonatal assessment, neonatal evaluation, neonatal respiratory care, neonatal pathology, pediatric pathology, pediatric assessment, pediatric respiratory care, and mechanical ventilation of the neonatal and pediatric patient. Prereqs: RCMS 512 and RCMS 524 .
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RCMS 532 - Critical Care and Mechanical Ventilation I (3)
Provides instruction in the theory, set-up, operation and maintenance of mechanical ventilators and related equipment, including noninvasive ventilators. Topics include: mechanical ventilator theory, ventilator operation, ventilator maintenance and troubleshooting. Provides instruction on all phases of adult critical care and continuous mechanical ventilation. The history of mechanical ventilation, modes of mechanical ventilatory support, implementation, monitoring, ventilator weaning and discontinuance will be covered. Advanced critical care techniques for invasive and non-invasive patient monitoring will be covered. Hemodynamic monitoring will include arterial pressure monitoring, central venous and pulmonary artery catheters, and cardiac output measurement. Non-invasive monitoring techniques such as oximetry, capnography, and ECG monitoring will be included. Prereqs: RCMS 520 and RCMS 526 .
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RCMS 534 - Introduction to Research (2)
This course will introduce the student to clinical research methods and review concepts involved in descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics covered include overview of the research process, literature review, research hypothesis, research designs, sample selection, measurement methods, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics. Offered: Summer.
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RCMS 536 - Critical Care Lab (3)
Students will gain hands-on experience with respiratory care equipment used in the critical care setting. Students select, assemble, and check equipment for proper function, operation and cleanliness. Equipment malfunctions and actions to correct malfunctions will also be covered. Equipment will include specialized oxygen-delivery devices (high flow), critical care and specialized mechanical ventilators, advanced monitoring and therapy devices. Special procedures associated with the care of patients receiving mechanical ventilation and arterial monitoring and sampling will also be discussed. Advanced life support will be covered and practiced with simulated critical-care patient scenarios. Prereq: RCMS 520 and RCMS 526 . Offered: Spring.
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RCMS 538 - Clinical Practice I (5)
This course provides students the opportunity to further develop both basic and advanced skills required in the intensive care of the respiratory patient. Topics include: patient assessment, medical gas therapy, aerosol therapy, incentive spirometry, positive pressure breathing, chest physiotherapy; airway care using nasal, endotracheal, tracheal tubes; initiation of mechanical ventilation, patient stabilization and monitoring, evaluation of hemodynamic variables, bronchial hygiene, evaluation for weaning, endotracheal intubation, extubation, arterial line sampling, arterial puncture, blood gas analysis, and non-invasive monitoring. The students will also begin rotations in pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy observation, long-term care, and pediatric care. Prereq: RCMS 510 and RCMS 528 . Offered: Spring.
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RCMS 548 - Clinical Practice II (5)
This course provides an opportunity to acquire clinical experience in the intensive care of neonatal and pediatric patients. Topics include: patient assessment, medical gas therapy, aerosol therapy, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, airway care, initiation of mechanical ventilation, patient stabilization and monitoring, evaluation of hemodynamic variables, bronchial hygiene, evaluation for weaning, endotracheal intubation, monitoring (invasive and non-invasive), labor and delivery assistance, and transport. Students are also given the opportunity to further develop their adult critical care skills. Prereq: RCMS 538 . Offered: Summer.
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RCMS 640 - Critical Care and Mechanical Ventilation II (3)
Advanced mechanical ventilation techniques, including advanced concepts in adult and neonatal mechanical ventilators, transport, and homecare; overview of advanced mechanical ventilation techniques, such as high frequency oscillation, NAVA, tracheal gas insufflation, and partial liquid ventilation. Prereq: RCMS 532 . Offered: Summer.
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RCMS 642 - Clinical Seminar I (3)
Case presentations are required to integrate clinical and theory. Review of respiratory care with an emphasis on problem solving and decision making. Practice board credentialing examinations will be administered for CRT and RRT examination preparation. Current issues relevant to respiratory care will be explored to include new treatments and technologies, and issues related to professional development and practice. Prereqs: RCMS 640 . Offered: Fall.
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RCMS 644 - Research Project I (1)
Guided activities to develop an appropriate research question and research methodology for completion of the required research requirements. This course also includes an introduction to basic testing and/or procedures used in basic sciences research, such as gene arrays, assays, and cell cultures. Prereq: RCMS 534 . Offered: Fall.
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RCMS 646 - Advanced Critical Care Lab (1)
Students will gain hands-on experience with advanced respiratory care equipment used in the critical care setting. Students select, assemble, and check equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness. Equipment malfunctions and actions to correct malfunctions will also be covered. Equipment will include critical care and specialized mechanical ventilators, advanced monitoring and therapy devices. Special procedures associated with the care of patients receiving mechanical ventilation and arterial monitoring and sampling will also be discussed. Advanced life support will be covered and practiced with simulated critical-care patient scenarios. Prereq: RCMS 536 .
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RCMS 648 - Clinical Practice III (6)
This course provides an opportunity to advance students’ clinical experience in neonatal and pediatric respiratory care in the areas of patient assessment and monitoring (invasive and non-invasive), mechanical ventilation, ECMO, airway care, labor and delivery assistance, and transport. Students will also have an opportunity for reinforcement of adult intensive care, greater participation in critical care procedures, and assisting physicians and other clinicians with advanced procedures. In addition, students are provided with opportunities for assisting with pulmonary rehabilitation and sleep disorders testing. Prereq: RCMS 548 . Offered: Fall.
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RCMS 650 - Clinical Seminar II (3)
Case presentations are required to integrate clinical and theory. Emphasis will be placed on decision-making and problem-solving as they relate to neonatal and pediatric respiratory care. Current issues relevant to the neonatal and pediatric respiratory care will be discussed. Review of respiratory care will continue as it pertains to the certified (CRT) and registry (RRT) credentialing examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Successful completion of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) SAE self-assessment registry examinations are required in order to meet course requirements. Prereq: RCMS 642 . Offered: Spring.
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RCMS 654 - Research Project II (1)
Guided activities to investigate an appropriate research question, completion of data collection, and analysis for completion of the required program research requirements. Investigation will occur through participation in small teams. Prereq: RCMS 644 .
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RCMS 656 - Management and Education (3)
An introduction to basic principles and techniques used in respiratory care education. Topics include: patient education, in-service education, course design, objectives, lesson plan development, learning activities, use of media, presentation development, testing, and evaluation. Management principles and problems as they relate to respiratory care and the management of the department, hospital, service organization, and health programs will be discussed. Offered: Fall.
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RCMS 658 - Clinical Practice IV (6)
This course provides an opportunity to complete remaining clinical competencies and obtain additional exposure to clinical areas. Elective clinical rotations may be experienced as available. Students will also have an opportunity for reinforcement of adult intensive care, greater participation in critical care procedures, and assisting physicians and other clinicians with advanced procedures. Greater interaction with physicians and other health care practitioners is expected in this final clinical. Prereq: RCMS 648 . Offered: Spring.
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RCMS 660 - Critical Thinking and Professionalism (1)
This capstone course is designed to help students unify the knowledge obtained throughout the program and practice applying it to challenging scenarios that require ethical decision-making and wisdom to determine professional conduct. Effective communication and interpersonal skills will be practiced in a variety of live scenarios. Prereq: RCMS 656 . Offered: Spring.
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Social Work |
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SOWK 501 - Foundations of Social Work (3)
This course provides students with an introduction to the social work profession. The course emphasizes theories of human behavior and the social environment. The course also includes content on the integration of faith and social work practice, fields of social work practice, and professional identity. Offered: Fall.
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SOWK 502 - Social Work Practice I: Individuals and Families (3)
This course provides students with an overview of social work practice and introduces students to the Generalist Intervention Model (GIM) (Kirst-Ashman and Hull, 2009), a planned change model that divides direct social work practice into seven categories or stages: 1) Engagement, 2) Assessment, 3) Planning, 4) Implementation, 5) Evaluation, 6) Termination, 7) Follow up. The Practice I course applies the GIM to social work practice with individual clients and families. Offered Fall.
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SOWK 503 - Human Rights, Social Justice, and Social Work Ethics (3)
This course introduces students to the values that serve as a foundation for professional social work practice. The course incorporates a human rights perspective that emphasizes the dignity and worth of all people, as well as a social justice perspective that prioritizes the importance of equitable and just social structures. The course also introduces students to professional social work values, as exemplified in the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics, as well as various legal and regulatory codes. Students are also trained to recognize and resolve ethical dilemmas. Offered: Fall.
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SOWK 504 - Social Welfare Policy (3)
This course examines the historical and philosophical foundations of the modern welfare state, and explores current social welfare policy issues. The course examines social welfare policy from a global perspective by comparing US social welfare policy approaches to approaches utilized in other nations. The course also prepares students to engage in effective policy analysis and advocacy.Offered: Fall.
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SOWK 505 - Field Placement I (3)
This course involves a 200-hour field placement at a social service agency, as well as a one-hour per week field placement seminar. Field Placement I emphasizes development of advanced generalist social work practice skills. Offered: Fall.
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SOWK 506 - Social Work Research (3)
This course introduces students to both qualitative and quantitative approaches to social science research. Course content includes the development of research questions and problems, the selection of a methodological approach appropriate for the research problem, hypothesis formation, research design, instrumentation, sample selection, data collection, data analysis, and the presentation of results and findings. The course also includes content related to research ethics and protection of research participants. Offered: Spring.
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SOWK 507 - Social Work Practice II: Families and Groups (3)
This course builds on the Social Work Practice I course (SOWK 502 ) by applying the Kirst-Ashman and Hull (2009) Generalist Intervention Model (GIM) (engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, termination, and follow up) to social work practice with families and groups. Prereq: SOWK 502 . Offered: Spring.
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SOWK 508 - Social Work Practice III: Communities and Organizations (3)
This course builds on the Social Work Practice I course (SOWK 502 ) by applying the Kirst-Ashman and Hull (2009) Generalist Intervention Model (GIM) (engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, termination, and follow up) to social work practice with communities and organizations. Prereq: SOWK 502 . Offered: Spring.
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SOWK 509 - Diversity and Multicultural Social Work Practice (3)
This course introduces students to the various dimensions of human diversity and discusses the links between minority status and oppression and disenfranchisement. The course emphasizes culturally sensitive social work practice. An anti-oppressive practice approach is used to frame multicultural social work practice. Offered: Spring.
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SOWK 510 - Field Placement II (3)
This course involves a 200-hour field placement at a social service agency (which typically takes place at the same field placement site as Field Placement I, SOWK 505 ), as well as a one-hour per week field placement seminar. Field Placement II emphasizes continued development of advanced generalist social work practice skills. Prereq: SOWK 505 . Offered: Spring.
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SOWK 550 - Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment (3)
This elective course examines various substances of abuse and provides training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of substance abuse disorders. Offered: As needed.
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SOWK 551 - Congregational Social Work (3)
This elective course examines the church congregation as a context for social work practice, identifying the roles and skills necessary for effective practice. This course examines congregational social work practice in the context of the church’s historical role in social service provision and current practices in church social work. Special emphasis is given to missions partnerships as both an expression of and a tool for congregational social work. Offered: As needed.
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SOWK 552 - Global Poverty: Responses across Cultures (3)
This course examines poverty in various non-Western cultures and covers the nature, scope, and distribution of poverty; definitions of poverty; common characteristics of the poor; as well as cultural traditions and folkways which contribute to the problem. This course also examines social welfare/social work responses, and faith-based models in addressing the problems of global poverty. Offered: As needed.
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SOWK 553 - Family Policy (3)
This elective course examines the relevance of government and business policies to the lives of children and families. The course also prepares students to assess the influence of policies using criteria drawn from social work and related fields. Offered: Spring and Summer, on rotation.
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SOWK 554 - Disaster Preparedness and Response (3)
This course provides a multi-disciplinary perspective on disaster preparedness and response utilizing an all-hazards approach in working with vulnerable populations. It provides an overview of current thoughts on emergency planning, as well as local, state, and federal response networks and organizations. Students acquire fundamental knowledge of responding to disaster victims including sheltering, mass care, case management, psychological first aid, and crisis intervention. Offered: Spring and Summer.
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SOWK 555 - Service Learning in Tanzania (3)
This course is designed to expose social work students to international work, specifically human development issues in a remote part of Tanzania (Ukerewe and Musoma). It offers an opportunity to collaborate with other helping and healthcare professionals from both the U.S. and Tanzania. Through service-learning, students will learn to apply skills gained during their core coursework to real-world issues of the Ukerewe and Musoma people and will learn how to collaborate with their peers, as well as community members, to develop practical solutions to an agreed-upon identified challenge. Offered: Summer.
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SOWK 556 - Camp of Champions: Counseling Foster Youth (3)
This course is an innovative approach to teaching about attachment and trauma counseling with youth in general and foster children in particular. This course includes a four-day training, from 8:00am to 4:00pm, followed by a three-day camp with the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home: Camp of Champions. Offered: Summer.
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SOWK 557 - Social Work with Refugee and Migrant Populations (3)
This course examines specific issues and challenges related to refugee and migrant populations in the U.S. and throughout the world. These issues and needs are analyzed via the social work knowledge base, however other
approaches will be considered. Offered: Spring and Summer.
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SOWK 558 - Clinical Practice with Children and Families (3)
This course will examine clinical practice with children, families, and couples. Students will learn interventions targeted towards these three populations. Additionally, this course will study the impact of trauma in these populations and how to treat in a clinical social work setting. Offered: Spring and Summer.
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SOWK 590 - Special Topics in Social Work (3)
This elective course explores a unique aspect of the social work profession that is not the focus of an existing course. Topics are selected based on faculty and/or student interest. Offered: Spring and Summer, on rotation.
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SOWK 599 - Independent Study (MSW Program) (1-3)
This elective course provides students the opportunity to explore a topic of interest under the direction of a faculty member. The course also offers students an opportunity to participate in research projects under the direction of a faculty member. Prior to the beginning of the independent study experience, the student taking the course and the faculty member supervising it must agree upon an individualized plan of study. The course may be configured to award one, two, or three credits, based on the workload associated with the individualized plan. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
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SOWK 600 - Advanced Standing Seminar (3)
This course links the knowledge and skills gained during students’ undergraduate social work education to advanced, master’s-level social work practice. The seminar provides a review of essential Foundation Sequence content areas, with a special focus on social work research in order to prepare students to participate in the Advanced Research Seminar (SOWK 601) in the Concentration sequence. The seminar also provides students with an orientation to the distinctive aspects of the Samford MSW Program. Prereq: Advanced Standing status. Offered: Summer.
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SOWK 601 - Advanced Research Seminar (3)
This course prepares students to design a research project in collaboration with a community-based organization or group. Students develop a research project designed to address the needs of a social service organization or community group. Each student produces a research proposal and an internal review board proposal by the end of the course. The course instructor serves as a consultant to students and assists them in developing a rigorous and realistic research project. Offered: Fall.
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SOWK 602 - Models and Theories of Clinical Social Work Practice (3)
This course reviews the primary theories used for clinical practice and also reviews empirical support for each theory. The course also presents an integrative model wherein practitioners select theories based on client needs and utilize multiple theories simultaneously, as necessary due to client needs. Offered: Fall and Summer.
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SOWK 603 - Models and Theories of Global Community Development (3)
This course reviews the primary theories used for community development work by macro-level social work practitioners. The course also examines the appropriateness of theoretical models for use in the cross-cultural practice contexts in which community development work often takes place. Offered: Fall and Summer.
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SOWK 604 - Psychopathology (3)
This course examines the various types of mental illness and trains students in DSM-5 diagnosis. The course also examines alternative diagnostic models (including the International Classification of Diseases or ICD), criticism regarding the development and utilization of the DSM, and ethical issues related to diagnosing mental health conditions. Offered: Fall.
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SOWK 605 - Current Issues in Global Community Development (3)
This course examines specific issues and problems related to community development in the US and throughout the world. These issues and needs are analyzed via the social work knowledge base. Offered: Fall.
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SOWK 608 - Field Placement III (Clinical Social Work Concentration) (3)
This course involves a 250-hour clinical field placement, as well as a one-hour per week field placement seminar. Field Placement III emphasizes development of advanced clinical social work practice skills. Offered: Fall.
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SOWK 609 - Field Placement III (Global Community Development Concentration) (3)
This course involves a 250-hour community development field placement, as well as a one-hour per week field placement seminar. Field Placement III emphasizes development of advanced community development practice skills. Offered: Fall.
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SOWK 610 - Applied Research Project (3)
During this course, students conduct the research project that was designed during the Advanced Research Seminar course (SOWK 601 , which is typically completed during the previous semester). The course focuses on data collection, data analysis, interpretation of results, and presentation of findings. The instructor serves as a mentor and consultant for the various research projects. Prereq: SOWK 601 . Offered: Spring.
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SOWK 611 - Clinical Specialization Seminar (3)
This course requires students to identify a clinical social work subfield as an area of specialization and to develop further expertise related to their chosen subfield. Prereq: SOWK 602 and SOWK 604 . Offered: Spring.
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SOWK 612 - Global Community Development Specialization Seminar (3)
This course requires students to identify a community development subfield as an area of specialization and to develop further expertise related to their chosen subfield. Prereq: SOWK 603 and SOWK 605 . Offered: Spring.
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SOWK 613 - Field Placement IV (Clinical Social Work Concentration) (3)
This course involves a 250-hour clinical field placement (which typically takes place at the same field placement site as Field Placement III, SOWK 608 ), as well as a one-hour per week field placement seminar. Field Placement IV emphasizes continued development of advanced clinical social work practice skills. Prereq: SOWK 608 . Offered: Spring.
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SOWK 614 - Field Placement IV (Global Community Development Concentration) (3)
This course involves a 250-hour community development field placement (typically at the same site as Field Placement III, SOWK 609 ), as well as a one-hour per week field placement seminar. Field Placement III emphasizes continued development of advanced community development practice skills. Prereq: SOWK 609 . Offered: Spring.
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SOWK 615 - Faith Perspectives on Social Work Practice (3)
This course examines the role of religion and spirituality in social work practice. The following topics are examined in the course: the role of spirituality and religion in the establishment of the social work profession, the profession’s historical and current relationship to religion and spiritualty, understanding religion/spirituality as a metanarrative for some clients, use of spiritual interventions, empirical support for spiritual interventions, toxic faith, spirituality/religion as a protective factor, areas of religious/spiritual tension in social work practice, potential ethical dilemmas related to faith integration, spiritual/religious perspectives on clinical social work, and faith-based approaches to community development. Offered: Fall and Summer.
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SOWK 665 - Policy Analysis and Advocacy (3)
This advanced graduate policy analysis and advocacy course prepare students to be competent professionals who can utilize advanced policy analytic tools such as cost-benefit analysis (CBA), cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), archival analysis, program evaluation methods, theoretical frameworks, macroeconomics tools, and data analytics for policy formulation, analysis, evaluation and advocacy. This course builds on previous introductory graduate-level courses that provided a historic and panoramic view of social welfare and public (health) policy issues. The course also introduces students to the ethics of policy making, policy analysis software (e.g., Policy Maker 4 TM ), advocacy software/applications (such as Muster), types of policy decisions (technical, value and mixed), paradigm or typologies of public policy, and basic vs. researched analysis. Other skillsets to be developed include policy analysis principles, perspectives in public policy analysis (rationalist, technician, incrementalist, and reformist), and the policy analysis process to address an array of social or public health problems in a matrix of policy settings.
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Speech Language Pathology |
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SLPA 500 - Introduction to Clinical Practicum in Speech Language Pathology (2)
This course is intended as a preparatory knowledge and skills course as first-year M.S. SLPA students learn about clinical placements and skills that are required for entry into clinical courses. Students will be introduced to clinical writing, professionalism training, and skill-based rationale during the course. Additionally, students will learn and demonstrate basic skill competencies as they move toward their first clinical practicum. Grading is pass/fail. Prereq: Admission into the M.S. program and completion of 25 hours of observation in supervised clinicals. Offered: Summer.
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SLPA 501 - Beginning Clinical Practicum (1)
This beginning clinical practicum begins in the second semester of the student’s graduate program. The student will be asked to apply theoretical concepts gained in academic coursework to assess, diagnose, and provide appropriate evidence-based treatment for individuals with speech, language, cognitive, hearing, and swallowing disorders. Students will further their clinical knowledge and skill base while working with patients in a variety of settings. This practicum is designed to assist the clinician with beginning to develop competencies defined by ASHA in the Knowledge and Skills document (KASA). Grading is pass/fail. Prereq: Admission into the M.S. program and completion of 25 clinical clock hours of supervised observation experiences. Offered: Fall.
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SLPA 502 - Clinical Practicum (1)
This clinical practicum begins in the third semester of the student’s graduate program. The student will be asked to apply theoretical concepts gained in academic coursework to assess, diagnose, and provide appropriate evidence-based treatment for individuals with speech, language, cognitive, hearing, and swallowing disorders. Students will further their clinical knowledge and skill base while working with patients in a variety of settings. This practicum is designed to assist the clinician with continuing to develop competencies defined by ASHA in the Knowledge and Skills document (KASA) as their clinical breadth and depth is expanded with varied clinical populations. Grading is pass/fail. Offered: Spring.
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SLPA 503 - Neuroscience for Speech Language Pathologists (3)
The introduction to neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuroscience as the foundation for diagnosis and treatment related to speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders. Offered: Fall.
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SLPA 504 - Research Methods in Speech Language Pathology (2)
The study of research questions and methodologies utilized in speech-language pathology that include how to read, understand, and critically evaluate research in the literature. Offered: Summer.
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SLPA 505 - Practical Application of Speech Science (2)
Focused study on the speech/vocal mechanism, speech production, and acoustics of speech. Hands-on applications utilizing everyday technological equipment will be addressed for use in clinical practice settings. Offered: Fall.
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SLPA 506 - Language Disorders: Birth through Age 5 (3)
Prevention, assessment and evidence based treatment techniques will be introduced for children birth through five years. Emphasis will be placed on utilizing critical thinking, analysis, and the importance of evidence-based and culturally appropriate practice when working with children and their families. Offered: Summer.
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SLPA 507 - Autism Spectrum Disorders (2)
This course will provide an overview of the characteristics and etiology of autism spectrum disorders. Students will develop skills and strategies for communication, language assessment, and intervention for this population. Major emphasis will be placed on speech, language, communication, and behavior of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Guidelines for assessment and intervention will be provided, including decision-making for the selection of a communication system, including but not limited to augmentative and alternative communication, functional assessment of challenging behavior, and structured teaching and environmental supports for effective learning. Team-based approaches will be incorporated into this course. Offered: Fall.
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SLPA 508 - School Age Language and Literacy Disorders (4)
Prevention, assessment, and evidence-based treatment techniques will be introduced for school-age children. Special emphasis will be provided for assessment and intervention strategies for children with language, learning, and literacy disorders. In addition, multicultural factors will be included. Offered: Spring.
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SLPA 509 - Articulation and Phonological Disorders (4)
Etiology, symptomatology, evaluation, and evidence-based treatment techniques for all speech sound disorders including consideration of cultural and linguistic differences. Offered: Summer.
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SLPA 511 - Prevention & Diagnosis of Speech, Language, & Cognitive Disorders (2)
This course will provide the student with knowledge and skills in the areas of prevention and diagnostics for speech, language, and cognitive disorders across the lifespan. Emphasis will be on administration, analysis and interpretation of assessments for differential diagnosis and intervention planning. Offered: Fall.
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SLPA 512 - Counseling Strategies in Speech Language Pathology (2)
This course will provide principles and methods of counseling for persons with various communication disorders. Students will learn basic counseling and critical thinking skills to use when working with patients and families. A special emphasis of the course will be to enable students to improve their own personal coping strategies and stress when working with clients and families and the emotion that coexists within these stressful environments. Offered: Fall.
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SLPA 521 - Clinical Phonetics (4)
This course focuses on the study of the production and perception of speech sounds, with emphasis on the description and classification of speech sounds. Introduction and training with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the symbols used to transcribe speech, is conducted. Transcription practice will include both normal and disordered speech. Offered: Fall.
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SLPA 522 - Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech & Hearing Mechanism (4)
A comprehensive course that provides the learner with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the systems that support communication and swallowing. Emphasis is placed on the complex coordination of the respiratory, phonatory, resonatory, articulatory, auditory, and neurological systems required for speech, language, hearing, and swallowing. Offered: Fall.
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SLPA 523 - Development of Language in Children (4)
The study of the development of language in children including theoretical constructs and beliefs that guide practitioners in working with children. Neuroplastic principles will be discussed as students examine case studies. Offered: Spring.
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SLPA 524 - Principals of Audiology (3)
The introduction to the science of hearing as it relates to communication; also included are basic instrumentation skills for the screening and evaluation of hearing. Offered: Fall.
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SLPA 525 - Rehabilitation Audiology (3)
The study of the techniques utilized in the habilitation/rehabilitation of hearing including amplification, cochlear implants, speech sound training, and auditory training. Offered: Spring.
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SLPA 526 - Clinical Methods in Communicative Disorders (4)
This hands-on course will introduce the SLPA student to the therapeutic management of patients with developmental and/or acquired disorders. The skills required for treating persons with specific disorders will be discussed and students will become familiar with steps in the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders. The student will learn how to complete written documentation, understand dialectal differences, collaborate with other professionals, and collect and evaluate data through case studies and observation of patients. Offered: Fall.
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SLPA 567 - Exploring Medical Missions (2)
An introduction to medical missions aimed at understanding the need to provide medical care among the world’s underserved communities, the roles and responsibilities of various healthcare providers, and how to serve Jesus Christ by providing spiritual and physical healthcare with an emphasis on global healthcare. The course will be aimed at understanding the social, emotional, and cultural needs of specific patient populations, and providing patient care, medicine, and spiritual guidance to the less fortunate. Students in any non-pharmacy degree program in the College of Health Sciences may enroll in this interprofessional course. Course is taught online. Cross-listed with PHRX 467. Offered: Spring.
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SLPA 601 - Clinical Practicum (1)
This specialty clinical practicum is in the fourth semester of the student’s graduate program. The student will be asked to apply theoretical concepts gained in academic coursework to assess, diagnose, and provide appropriate evidence based treatment for individuals with speech, language, cognitive, hearing, and swallowing disorders. Students will be assigned “specialty” clinical rotations in the Birmingham area as students will be on campus during this semester. Students will further their clinical knowledge and skill base while working with patients in a variety of complex settings. This practicum is designed to assist the clinician with continuing to develop competencies defined by ASHA in the Knowledge and Skills document (KASA) as their clinical breadth and depth is expanded with varied clinical populations. Grading is pass/fail. Offered: Summer.
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SLPA 602 - Clinical Practicum (2)
This initial clinical externship is in the fifth semester of the student’s graduate program. The student will be asked to independently apply theoretical concepts gained in academic coursework to assess, diagnose, and provide appropriate evidence-based treatment for individuals with speech, language, cognitive, hearing, and swallowing disorders. Students will conduct their more extensive externship in varied healthcare facilities, schools, and private clinics. Students will continue to further their clinical knowledge and skill base while working with patients in a variety of complex settings. This practicum is designed to assist the clinician with continuing to develop competencies defined by ASHA in the Knowledge and Skills document (KASA) as their clinical breadth and depth is expanded with varied clinical populations. Grading is pass/fail. Offered: Fall.
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SLPA 603 - Clinical Practicum (2)
This final clinical externship is in the last semester of the student’s graduate program. The student will be asked to independently apply theoretical concepts gained in academic coursework to assess, diagnose, and provide best-practice evidence-based treatment for individuals with speech, language, cognitive, hearing, and swallowing disorders. Students will conduct their extensive externship in varied healthcare facilities, schools, and private clinics. Students will continue to further their clinical knowledge and skill base while working with patients in a variety of complex settings. This practicum is designed to assist the clinician with continuing to develop and refine competencies defined by ASHA in the Knowledge and Skills document (KASA) as their clinical breadth and depth is expanded with varied clinical populations. Grading is pass/fail. Offered: Spring.
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SLPA 604 - Evaluation & Treatment of Aphasia in Adults (3)
The focused study of language disorders in adults including the neurological bases, differential diagnosis, prevention, and efficacious treatment strategies for persons with aphasia including augmentative and alternative communication strategies. Offered: Spring.
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SLPA 605 - Voice & Resonance Disorders across the Lifespan (3)
This course includes a focus on the clinical aspects of voice and cleft palate and the etiological factors that contribute to these disorders. Diagnostic skills and therapeutic methods will be discussed for both aspects of voice and resonance with practical applications of evidence-based treatment provided. Offered: Fall.
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SLPA 606 - Motor Speech Disorders (3)
This course covers the anatomic, physiologic, and neurological correlates of dysarthria and apraxia across the lifespan. Assessment and treatment strategies will be discussed with a specific focus on augmentative and alternative communication. Offered: Summer.
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SLPA 607 - Medical Aspects of Speech Language Pathology (2)
This course will be offered as an interprofessional course with nursing students and other health care majors. The focus of the course will be to introduce the student learner to the world of healthcare in terms of medical abbreviations, pharmacology, communication within healthcare environments, and ethical considerations. The student will also be exposed to computer simulation patients where they will experience hands-on care with tracheotomies, ventilators, oral and non-oral communication tools, respiration, and swallowing. Offered: Summer.
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SLPA 608 - Dysphagia in Pediatrics & Adults (3)
The study of the sequence of events for normal swallowing in pediatrics and adults. This course will also include the congenital and acquired swallowing disorders along with their neurological and anatomic bases, the differential diagnosis of various swallowing disorders, and treatment techniques that are evidence-based. Offered: Summer.
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SLPA 609 - Cognitive-Communicative Disorders in Adults (3)
This course will focus on the pathophysiology of acquired brain injuries and the neuroanatomical correlates of the cognitive and communicative impairments associated with brain injury in pediatrics, adolescents, and adults. Particular attention will be given to treatment strategies, using the World Health Organization guidelines for functional outcomes, as they relate to return to school and/or work for the survivor of ABI. Offered: Fall.
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SLPA 610 - Fluency Disorders across the Lifespan (3)
The course provides a critical analysis of the constitutional, developmental, and environmental theories of stuttering, differential diagnosis and prognosis of disfluent speech, and the treatment of disfluent speech across the lifespan. This will include knowledge in related areas necessary to treat this multidimensional disorder holistically, i.e. counseling, family involvement, approaches to relaxation and mindfulness training. Offered: Fall and Spring.
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SLPA 611 - Professional Trends in Speech Language Pathology (2)
This course will introduce current professional topics to students studying speech-language pathology which will impact their career, such as licensing, credentialing, political endeavors, ethics, and others. Offered: Spring.
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SLPA 612 - Capstone Seminar (2)
A capstone course will be required as the exit criteria for all graduate students in speech-language pathology. Students will be required to complete a portfolio that will document their overall learning sequence related to knowledge and skills. Students will be required to present their findings to faculty/staff at two points during matriculation. Offered: Spring.
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World Languages & Cultures |
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WLAC 511 - Spanish for the Health Sciences (2-3)
This course provides acquisition of medical terminology and practice of language skills for a range of health sciences, including nursing, nutrition & dietetics, pharmacy, and social work, for students with little or no prior knowledge of Spanish. Offered: Spring.
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