Course Descriptions

Prerequisite courses: The completion of prerequisite courses (with a passing grade) may be necessary before registration in subsequent courses. Requests for exceptions from prerequisite courses require the written approval of the appropriate faculty member offering the course prior to registration.

Format:

Course Title 
REQUIRED  (Identifies those courses required of all students in this program.)

Prerequisites
Credits
Description

C501 Introduction to Research I: Research Methods
REQUIRED
1
This course addresses the essentials of research. Focus will be on the formulating and planning stages of a research study, including: framing a research problem; determining the supporting knowledge; identifying a theory base; developing a research question; and selecting an appropriate study design strategy. The parts of a research proposal will be introduced, as well as methods of reporting and disseminating study findings.

C502 Introduction to Research II: Biostatistical Thinking and Reasoning
REQUIRED
1
This course includes topics on general statistical concepts such as: basic probabilistic notions; measurement issues, including sources of variation, types of measurement error (e.g. chance, systematic) and strategies for minimizing measurement error; data description and exploration, the importance of appropriately summarizing data; and the role of statistical methods, in general, in the scientific research process.

C503 Introduction to Research III: Critical Appraisal of Literature
REQUIRED
1
Students will develop the skills to find and make sense of research evidence. Course content includes the anatomy of a research article; the levels of evidence in clinical research; and guidelines to assess the validity and significance of different types of clinical research studies. The aim of the course is to enable students to perform quick but effective reviews of clinical journals and understand the importance of becoming informed consumers of the clinical literature.

C504 Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management I
REQUIRED
1
In this practical course, students will learn statistical computing skills, including: use of SPSS; data entry methods including quality control and assurance issues; creating new data files; accessing and editing existing files; storing data files (e.g. confidentiality of patient/subject data); copying/pasting across software applications; and conversions of data file types. Students will be introduced to literature search software, including Current Contents, Cocharane Database, search engines for Medline and CINAHL, and reference manager software. (See also A570)

C505 Bioethics I
REQUIRED
2
This course will provide the student an overview of the issues involved in modern day bioethical debate. By using a case-based approach, students will gain knowledge about the multitude of issues they will confront both in clinical practice and in the discharge of duties related to clinical research. The course will use an approach that examines issues that are beyond the general scope of chiropractic practice, but in doing so the student will be able to synthesize information and begin to apply principles of bioethics to their daily professional activities.

C506 Bioethics II
REQUIRED
1
This course will focus on the ethical, institutional, and scientific issues related to integrity in the design and conduct of clinical research. Topics include informed consent, IRBs, proper handling of data, data integrity, conflict of interest and DSMBs.

C507 Scientific Writing
REQUIRED
2
The elements of scientific writing will be presented in an experiential setting. It covers types of scientific articles, including case reports, review articles, and research reports. Students will peer review one another's written work. Instruction will be provided on writing in a clear and comprehensive manner for particular target audiences. Discussions will be included on ethical issues in authorship.

C508 Presentation Skills
REQUIRED
2
The course will offer instruction in an experiential setting on skills necessary for effective presentation of scientific information, including presentation of data, use of PowerPoint for presentations and other practical issues.

C509 Introduction to Statistical Graphics and Data Management II
REQUIRED
Prerequisites: C504 or equivalent or consent of the instructor
2
This course will emphasize the importance of using statistical graphics for exploration as part of data analysis, as well as develop skills in using SPSS and other statistical graphics software to produce appropriate figures for presentations and manuscripts. Issues in creating, manipulating and storing data files will also be further explored, and the use of relational databases, such as MS Access, will be introduced. (See also A572)

C510 Research Proposal Development
REQUIRED
2
This course will provide instruction on each phase of proposal development, from framing the specific aims and developing appropriate methodology to performing the literature review and formatting references. Examples of successful proposals will be used and students will also learn about the peer review process for research proposals.

C511 Collaboration and Team Building in Clinical Research
REQUIRED
1
The importance and essential features of interdisciplinary collaboration in CAM clinical research will be presented and participants will gain experience in building the team approach necessary for accomplishing clinical research projects, particularly in CAM research where team members have diverse professional and academic backgrounds. (offered as an intensive two-day workshop)

C520 Grant Writing Skills
REQUIRED
Prerequisites: C510 or equivalent or consent of the instructor
1
Course discussions will consider sources of Federal funding, particularly NIH; components of a grant proposal; project budgets; issues in developing successful proposals; revisions and resubmissions. Participants may bring their own proposals to the workshop for small-group discussion. (Offered as an intensive three-day workshop)

C521 Survey of Chiropractic Research
REQUIRED
2
The history of research related to chiropractic and CAM will be presented, as well as important issues affecting CAM professions’ research productivity. Faculty with expertise in various topics will lecture and lead discussions, including state-of-the-art reports on chiropractic-related clinical trials, health services research, and clinically-oriented biomechanics and neuroscience research.

C522 Principles of Epidemiology
REQUIRED
3
This course is focuses on epidemiologic concepts and methods, including the design of descriptive and analytic studies, application of epidemiology to public health and chiropractic research and practice, and communication and dissemination of epidemiologic findings. Course content includes: types and comparisons of epidemiologic studies including observational studies and clinical trials; evaluating validity, causal relations, chance, bias, confounding and interaction; applying biologic concepts and measures of disease occurrence; and assessing the validity and reliability of diagnostic and screening tests. (Univ. of Iowa/CoPH,)

C523 Clinical Epidemiology
2
The focus of the course is to introduce participants to clinical research by expanding basic epidemiologic concepts to evaluate and study clinical practice. The course will include concepts, methods and examples of clinical measurement, clinical diagnosis, risk, prognosis, study design, biological markers, clinical trials, decision analysis, meta-analysis, and intro. to health services research.

C524 Outcomes Research
2
This course is offered every spring,. It covers issues from the conceptual underpinnings and collection of valid outcomes data to the use of outcomes data in clinical care and population-based care management. The intricacies of research methodology and health-related quality of life assessment is examined. (Univ. of Iowa/CoPH,)

C526 Intervention & Clinical Trials
3
This course covers the design and analysis of Phase I-III clinical trials. Topics include: choice of study population and endpoints; choice of study design; sample size estimates; randomization and masking; patient recruitment; data collection and quality control; data monitoring committees; data analysis; and the interpretation and reporting of results. (Univ. of Iowa/CoPH)

C530 Biostatistics I
REQUIRED
Prerequisites: C504 or equivalent or consent of the instructor.
3
The course includes: general statistical concepts; study designs and sampling schemes; both graphical and numerical descriptive statistics; statistical methods (both estimation and hypothesis testing; parametric and non-parametric) for one-group, two-group and multi-group designs; and sample size and power considerations for designed experimental studies. Assignments include the critical review of research articles as well as analysis of real datasets using SPSS, followed by written, tabular and graphical presentation of the results with interpretation. (See also A571)

C531 Biostatistics II: Linear Regression
REQUIRED
Prerequisites: C502 and C530 or equivalent or consent of the instructor.
1
This course includes: notation and terminology; simple and multiple linear regression techniques, including linear regression with one independent variable, building the regression model (selection of independent variables, diagnostics, remedial measures and validation) and the ability to interpret the results of regression analysis. Assignments involve analysis of real datasets, followed by written, tabular and graphical presentation of the results with interpretation. (See also A574)

C532 Biostatistics II:ANOVA and Regression Modeling
REQUIRED
Prerequisites: C531 or equivalent or consent of the instructor
2
Course includes: transformations; specific statistical designs, including randomized block, stratified and nested designs; methods for analyzing observational data, such as two-way and multi-way analysis of variance (ANOVA): analysis of covariance: non-parametric approaches: and further regression topics, including polynomial regression and logistic regression. Assignments involve analysis of real datasets, followed by written, tabular and graphical presentation of the results with interpretation. (See also A575)

C543 Proprioceptive Mechanisms Utilized by the Vertebral Column
2
This course will focus on proprioceptive mechanisms that contribute to the control of posture and movement and applying this understanding to the vertebral column and the effects of spinal manipulation on the vertebral column. Clinical research papers that have investigated postural control of the vertebral column will facilitate exploration into the rationale for these research studies and interpretation of the findings.

C544 Mechanisms of Chronic Back Pain
2
This course will focus on neuroanatomical pathways and neuroscience concepts concerning pain perception, with an emphasis on chronic back pain. Special attention will be given to clinical studies that examine the effects of spinal manipulation on chronic back pain. Contemporary clinical studies will be used to demonstrate research strategies and experimental methods that are used in neurological back pain research.

C545 Clinical Biomechanics
3
This is a combined lecture and laboratory course that emphasizes the biomechanics of the human body with clinical application. The topics covered are measurements in biomechanics, biomechanics of the spine, electromyographic activity, human response to sudden load, biomechanics of injury and rehabilitation, biomechanics of manual therapies, biomechanics of sports activities, biomechanics of postural sway, and biomechanics of gait and lower extremity orthotics. This course draws heavily on recent literature and laboratory experience.

C546 Ergonomics
Prerequisites: consent of instructor
2
This course will focus on techniques to prevent pain and disability during daily work activities. Topics will include analysis of sitting and standing work stations, lifting, cumulative trauma disorders and guidelines from the National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Special projects and case studies involving local industry will be addressed relative to work place design. (See also A582)

C550 Seminar
REQUIRED
0
Issues in clinical research design and conduct CAM research methodologic issues with particular emphasis on chiropractic and other manual CAM therapies will be presented in a lecture/discussion format.

C620 Independent Study (Experimental Clinical Studies)
Prerequisites: consent of instructor
1-3*
Independent Study courses are offered with the approval of the Graduate Council. These courses permit the student to explore a narrow area of clinical research, which are not normally offered as part of the curriculum.

C640 Independent Study (Neuroscience)
Prerequisites: consent of instructor
1-3*

C650 Independent Study (Biomechanics)
Prerequisites: consent of instructor
1-3*

C660 Research Practicum I
REQUIRED
2-3*
The Practicum is a mentored clinical research experience in which the student will gain experience in: conducting a literature search and developing a written summary; collecting data from patients (interview, diagnostic tests, etc); handling data (organize, key-enter, code); computing descriptive statistics; and assisting in preparing reports and presentations. This experience is linked to a clinical research project conducted by a faculty mentor.

C661 Research Practicum II
REQUIRED
2-3*
The Practicum is a mentored clinical research experience in which the student will gain experience in: framing a research question and developing testable hypotheses; conducting a search and writing a literature review for a research proposal; identifying or developing appropriate data collection forms/instruments; writing a research proposal; taking responsibility for conducting the study; analyzing the results; and submitting a publishable paper on the results of that study. In this Practicum, under close supervision by a mentor, the student will produce a research proposal, conduct original research, analyze results and produce a publishable report of that clinical research.

* Registration may vary within the range specified.

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