Physical Therapy
Physical therapists participate in the evaluation of the capabilities and disabilities of their patients. They administer treatments to alleviate pain, correct or minimize deformity, and improve the general health of the patient. The physical therapist develops a treatment program which may involve teaching the patient to gain strength or better coordination of movement; or administering forms of heat, cold, ultrasound or massage.
The need for physical therapists is critical, but professional physical therapy programs are highly selective. A student may be admitted to some professional programs after two years (64 credits) and after three years (96 credits) but most students will attend Northwestern for four years, graduating with a B.A. degree before entering a 2-3 year physical therapy professional program. A student may select any major but the following pre-professional courses must be completed.
Kinesiology department homepage
Recommended courses:
Biology elective (4 credits)
Mathematics elective (3-5 credits)
Psychology electives (12 credits)
BIO 115SN - General Biology: Molecular and Cellular Biology
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) An introduction to molecular and cellular biology, with an examination of the processes common to living organisms and an introduction to the diversity of life, emphasizing unicellular organisms. This introduction will provide students with a basic understanding of macromolecules, cell structure and function, respiration and photosynthesis, the cell cycle, meiosis, genetics, mechanisms of evolutionary change, and Christian perspectives on evolutionary biology. Prerequisite: Combined Math + Science ACT of at least 44, sophomore standing, or permission of instructor.Note: Three lectures and 3 hours of laboratory work per week. A fee is associated with this course.
MAT 116QR - Statistics for the Natural and Social Sciences
(3 credits) (NWCore option under Quantitative Reasoning) This course is designed to introduce topics in probability and statistics with an emphasis on problems in the sciences. We will study discrete and continuous distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, p-values, correlation, and simple linear regression. There will be three main sections in this course, examining descriptive statistics (the nature of data and how to summarize it), basic probability concepts (the mathematical study of uncertainty), and inferential statistics (making claims or decisions based on one or more sets of data). Prerequisite: ACT math score of 20 or above (SAT 510 or above), ALEKS placement exam score of 46 or above, concurrent enrollment in MAT100, or permission of instructor. Note: Students may receive credit for only one course among MAT116QR, MAT117QR and MAT208QR.
PHY 111SN - General Physics I
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) This is the first in a two-course algebra-based sequence. Topics include kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, energy, momentum, gravity, atomic physics, thermodynamics, and simple harmonic oscillations. Prerequisite: C- or higher in MAT109QR, ACT math score of 24 or better (SAT 570 or above), or consentof the department chair.Note: There is a laboratory component to this course.
PHY 112 - General Physics II
(4 credits) This is the second in a two-course algebra-based sequence. Topics include electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, electromagnetism, and optics. Prerequisite: successful completion of PHY111SN with a grade of C- or better,or consent of department chair. Note: There is a laboratory component to this course.
Choose one sequence:
BIO 121 - Introduction to Human Anatomy
(4 credits) An introduction to the anatomical structures of the human body. The focus of the course will be on structures of: cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. The systems studied will include (but not necessarily limited to) integument, bone, skeletal system (including joints), muscle, cardiovascular, nervous, lymphatic, endocrine, respiratory, renal, reproductive and gastrointestinal. Concurrent requisite: CHE101 or 111.Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week as well as lab practical examinations using either dissected organs from an animal source or A.D.A.M. interactive anatomy. Does not count toward a biology major or minor. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 122 - Introduction to Human Physiology
(4 credits) An introduction to the physiology of the human body. The focus of the course will be on homeostasis and the function of: biomolecules, cells and tissues, organs and organ systems. The contribution of each of the following organ systems to physiologic homeostasis will be examined: nervous, muscle, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, renal, reproductive and gastrointestinal. Prerequisite or Concurrent requisite: CHE101SN or CHE108SN or CHE111.Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week which will emphasize the measurement of organ system function. Does not count toward a biology major or minor. A fee is associated with this course.
or
BIO 221 - Human Anatomy
(4 credits) A study of the gross structure of the systems of the human body. Prerequisite: BIO102SN, 115 or permission of instructor.Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
BIO 222 - Human Physiology
(4 credits) A study of the mechanisms by which the human body functions. Emphasis will be given to nerve and muscle function, and thereafter to hormonal control and the integrated systems that allow for respiratory, digestive, excretory and reproductive activities. Prerequisites: BIO102SN or 115 and CHE101SN, 102 or CHE111, 112 or permission of instructor.Note: Includes 3 hours of lab per week. A fee is associated with this course.
Choose one sequence:
CHE 101SN - College Chemistry
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Science and the Natural World) This course is an introduction to inorganic chemistry, with an emphasis on the health sciences. It is well suited for students whose programs require one year of chemistry.Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Open to all students. A fee is associated with this course.
CHE 102 - College Chemistry
(4 credits) An introductory course in organic and biological chemistry. The content is especially suited to meet the needs of students whose programs require only one year of chemistry. Prerequisite: CHE101SN.Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
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CHE 111 - General Chemistry
(4 credits) An introductory course in chemistry that emphasizes physical and inorganic concepts, problems and calculations. Topics include chemical reactions, stoichiometry, properties of gases, thermochemistry, theories of atomic structure, and chemical bonding. The general chemistry sequence (Chemistry 111 and Chemistry 112) is recommended for students with good math / science preparations who intend to proceed to advanced courses in chemistry, the biological sciences or engineering. Prerequisites: high school chemistry and ACT math score of at least 24 (SAT 570 or above). Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
CHE 112 - General Chemistry
(4 credits) A continuation of Chemistry 111. Topics covered include kinetics, thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, acid-base chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Prerequisite: CHE111 or consent of the instructor.Note: Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. A fee is associated with this course.
