NC.PTA040 - Physiology Review for Movement Professionals - Ashley Bakhaj

Introduction

My name is Dr. Ashley, and I’ll be your instructor for this course. I am passionate about helping students build a strong foundation in human anatomy and understand how it applies to real-life movement and function.

My journey into healthcare began after a personal experience with scoliosis as a child, which sparked my interest in the human body. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Cal State Northridge and later completed my Physical Therapist Assistant training, and my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Southern California (USC).

I currently work in acute care at Northridge Hospital, where I treat patients with a wide range of medical conditions. This experience allows me to bring real-world clinical examples into our course. I look forward to supporting your learning and helping you succeed!

Course Description

This course is a review of key physiological principles related to human movement and rehabilitation. It is designed for students who have previously completed physiology with a lab and need a refresher for program readiness.

Topics include:

• Cellular and tissue physiology and homeostasis
• Skeletal muscle function and adaptation
• Neuromuscular control and motor performance
• Cardiovascular and respiratory responses to exercise
• Energy systems and fatigue
• Endocrine and metabolic regulation
• Lifespan physiology
• Application of physiology to movement and rehabilitation scenarios

What to Expect in this Course

Students should expect a fast-paced, 5-week online asynchronous course that requires consistent engagement.

Weekly Workload:

• Approximately 8–12 hours per week due to the condensed format and course expectations
• Includes lectures, readings, assignments, and quizzes

Technology Requirements:

• Access to Canvas for all course materials and submissions
• Reliable internet connection
• Computer with a web browser (Chrome recommended)
• Word processing software (Word or Google Docs)

Course Activities Include:

• Weekly assignments and quizzes
• Participation-based activities
• A comprehensive final exam

Students should plan to log into Canvas multiple times per week to stay on track.

Types of Assessments

Students will be assessed through:

• Online quizzes
• Weekly homework assignments
• Participation activities
• Final exam (comprehensive)

Textbook Information

Required Text (Free):
Anatomy and Physiology 2e (2022) by Betts, JG et al.
Available through OpenStax: https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e

All required materials are available online at no cost.

Other Relevant Course Information

This is a non-credit refresher course intended for students preparing for PTA/OTA programs or other movement-related careers. 

This course is fully online and asynchronous, requiring strong time management and self-discipline. 

Students must log into Canvas at the start of the course and complete required orientation activities to avoid being dropped.

Late assignments are not accepted unless arrangements are made in advance.

Tips for Success:

• Stay consistent—this is a short and fast-paced course
• Focus on understanding relationships between structures, not just memorization
• Reach out early if you need help—I’m here to support you

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: 05/20/2026 Sub#: 2047 Sub ID: 214953