Subjects and their descriptions

Discipline:

Topics: Scientific Argumentation and Teaching Didactics – 4 credits

Course description

This discipline covers three main contents: scientific philosophy, logic, and presentation of scientific arguments. The course seeks to provide the conceptual bases for the criticism of knowledge, particularly scientific knowledge, its methods, and processes. Key concepts in informal logic are addressed to allow for the identification of the structure and purpose of arguments, as well as argumentative fallacies. The discipline activities are designed to develop abilities in oral presentations (didactics for lectures and classes) and in writing scientific arguments. These activities aim to provide students with a deeper grasp of their research projects and their contribution to the production of scientific knowledge.

Discipline:

Advanced Movement and Muscular Function Analysis – 5 credits

Course description

This discipline is designed to present, discuss, and perform three-dimensional biomechanical analyses of human movement (kinematics and kinetics), as well as  analyze muscular function, namely kinesiological surface electromyography and isokinetic dynamometry. It aims to develop the understanding of how the equipment used for these analyses works, and how measurements may be obtained with this equipment. It is also designed to qualify students to perform biomechanical and muscular function analyses, and to apply, in a critical manner, these analyses to the study of human motor and functional performance, contributing to the development of research projects.

Discipline:

Development and analysis of measurement instruments – 4 credits

Course description

Presenting and discussing the process of development, transcultural adaptation, and investigation of the measuring properties of instruments commonly used in the rehabilitation area, including the appropriate statistical analyses. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between the conceptual models and the validity of measurement instruments, as well as on the development and critical analysis of methodological studies.

Discipline:

Ecological Approach to Perception-Action – 4 credits

Course description

This discipline will provide students with an introduction to the ecological approach that underlies the perception-action phenomenon. The discipline emphasizes the relationship between this approach and the rehabilitation area, and it will address theoretical aspects, research techniques and empirical findings in the perception and action area. Classic textbooks and articles will be used in the study of these topics. This course is organized in seminars in order to allow for a greater involvement of students in the discussion topics.

Discipline:

Human Function and Dysfunction Models – 4 credits (3P and 1D)

Course description

This discipline is designed to identify and understand the conceptual models that represent human functionality and disability. It is also designed to analyze the relationship between clinical outcomes and research topics in the rehabilitation field with these models' structures and assumptions.

Discipline:

Master's seminar – 2 Credits

Course description

This discipline is designed to provide students with experience in the different stages of research project development, beginning with the development of the scientific question and the investigation methods, and ending with the individual defense of the research project by each student before a review board, consisting of two faculty members or researchers. This experience aims to develop the students' ability to prepare the project argumentation, as well as to defend it orally.

Discipline:

Neuroscience and Rehabilitation – 3 credits

Course description

Explore and provide an in-depth view of relevant topics in the neuroscience area regarding rehabilitation, in an attempt to contribute to a better understanding of the nervous system’s functions and dysfunctions, as well as to provide a neuroscientific basis of intervention in rehabilitation.

Discipline:

Ph.D. seminars – 2 credits

Course description

Analyze great theoretical topics that support the scientific investigation process and contemporary questions that pervade the researcher's work. Present and discuss individual research projects.

Discipline:

Research ethics – 2 credits

Course description

This discipline focuses on the ethical aspects involved in research with human subjects. It includes the discussion of ethical values and good research practices, as well as the understanding of the effective guidelines and standards, from the research project concept to the scientific publication.

Discipline:

Research Methodology I – 4 credits

Course description

Study of the scientific investigation process (research project structure, development of the scientific question, search for information) and of the elements in each stage, as well as the basic characteristics of the most common outlines in health and rehabilitation research. This course also includes the advanced and critical study of descriptive and exploratory outlines and is expected to provide the tools for the student to perform the critical reading of scientific articles and to develop a research project with the appropriate methodology.