PTA-120 - Clinical Kinesiology - David N. Pevsner, PT, DPT

Introduction

Welcome to PTA 120 – Clinical Kinesiology!

Hi everyone, and welcome to Clinical Kinesiology! Think of this course as the “action” part of everything you’ve already learned about the body. We’ll take the bones, joints, and muscles you know so well and see how they work together in motion—whether that motion is subtle, powerful, or somewhere in between.

Movement doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s shaped by the person doing it, the task at hand, and the environment around them. We’ll explore those connections while keeping things clear and practical, focusing on 3D movements and how to turn that knowledge into effective, task-based interventions for real patients. And yes—we’ll make it fun and keep the Relentlessly Positive energy flowing the whole way through!

Here's a short video about this course...

Course Description

This course examines the kinesiology and anatomy of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems, with an emphasis on musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology, arthrokinematics, static and dynamic movement systems and associated clinical applications. 

What to Expect in this Course

About 108 hours of prep work and homework are estimated to be needed to complete the course, or about 7 hours per week, plus the 3 hours of lecture and 4 hours of lab per week in the corequisite course, PTA 120L.  A portable computer with a webcam is needed to access all of the course materials, for exams, and for lab. 

Methods of instruction may include:

• Lecture and live/simulated demonstrations
• Focused readings from textbooks and medical literature
• Audiovisual media and simulations
• Case histories, case studies

Types of Assessments

There are 4 exams during the semester as well as a comprehensive final exam.  These go along with skill checks and lab practical exams in PTA 120L. Written exams are given via Canvas in class and are proctored using the Honorlock Chrome browser extension so that you get used to taking proctored exams in preparation for taking the National Physical Therapy Examination after graduation.

Textbook Information

The textbooks for the course are:

1. Samuels V.  Foundations in Kinesiology + Digital Lab Manual (2nd ed).  ISBN: 9781719649902
2. Clarkson HM. Musculoskeletal Assessment (4th ed). ISBN: 9781975229481

Textbooks for most PTA Program classes can be obtainted through the Campus Bookstore and may be available in a bundle at a significantly reduced cost to the student.  Many PTA courses, including this one, make heavy use of the digital materials only available through the publisher's website when you purchase a new book.  In this course, used books won't give you access to all of the materials you need.

Two other amazing resources will be available to you at no cost to you:
PhysioU, an online teaching platform: www.physiou.health and a Gray Institute membership: www.grayinstitute.com/membership.

Other Relevant Course Information

Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date listed in Canvas.  All course assignments must be turned in on time and must be college-level work.  Late assignments are not accepted unless by prior arrangement with the instructor.

Artificial Intelligence is a mandatory part of my class.  AI language models, such as ChatGPT, may be used for any assignment with appropriate citation, unless I state otherwise. Examples of citing AI language models are available at: libguides.umn.edu/chatgpt. You are responsible for fact checking statements composed by AI language models.  Use of AI without citation will be considered plagiarism and unprofessional conduct (Please refer to the PTA Student Handbook under "Academic Honesty.")
 

Etiquette:  Your instructors and fellow students wish to foster a safe learning environment.  All opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse.  You are encouraged to comment on, question, or critique an idea but you are not to attack the person presenting it.  Our differences will add richness to this learning experience.  Please consider that sarcasm and humor can be misconstrued, especially in online interactions, and generate unintended disruptions. Working as a community of learners, we can build a polite and respectful course ambience.  I expect professionalism and college level work to be the mode of operation in this class at all times.  This includes all written communication. 

Email.  Email is my preferred mode of communication.  Please use the Canvas messaging system…it’s secure. You may also use regular email, just keep in mind that email systems are not 100% secure.  I will respond to all written communication within 24 hours.  I check my email often and typically respond promptly.  However, please allow an entire day before emailing me again on the same question or issue.  This class will also have a moderated discussion forum for you to post questions that you may have.  If several students message me privately about something that, say, I didn't cover clearly in class, I may post the answer in the forum on Canvas so everyone can benefit before our next class session (while maintaining student privacy!).
 

Please write all messages in Canvas and/or e-mails using standard English following an appropriate professional format.  This format includes a salutation and a closing and “PTA 120” as subject line.  This subject line is necessary only when you use regular email.  If you email me within Canvas, your subject line should relate to the content of your email.

Phone.  You are welcome to call me although the preferred communication is through email.  If you call and I don't answer, please leave a message and I’ll return your call.  Please make your message short and leave me your phone number and a good time to call.  I will call you back.

Office Hours:  Follow this link to reserve a time to meet with me during my office hours:  Dr. Dave's Office Hours

It's great to have you on board!  Let's go!

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/16/2025 Sub#: 1960 Sub ID: 200407