RHEUMATOLOGY PROGRAMME COURSE DESCRIPTION

Code	Name of the Course Unit	Semester	In-Class Hours (T+P)	Credit	ECTS Credit
FTP158E	RHEUMATOLOGY	2	2	2	4

GENERAL INFORMATION
Language of Instruction :	English
Level of the Course Unit :	ASSOCIATE DEGREE, TYY: + 5.Level, EQF-LLL: 5.Level, QF-EHEA: Short Cycle
Type of the Course :	Compulsory
Mode of Delivery of the Course Unit	-
Coordinator of the Course Unit	Lecturer BUSENUR KARAGÖZ
Instructor(s) of the Course Unit	Lecturer BUSENUR KARAGÖZ
Course Prerequisite	No

OBJECTIVES AND CONTENTS
Objectives of the Course Unit:	The aim of this course is to provide fundamental knowledge about rheumatologic diseases and the basic mechanisms of the immune system and inflammatory processes, and to develop an understanding of rheumatologic conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.
Contents of the Course Unit:	This course covers an introduction to rheumatology, the immune system and the basic mechanisms of inflammation, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout and crystal-related arthropathies; additionally, complex regional pain syndrome, septic arthritis, osteoporosis are examined in terms of their clinical and functional effects.

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE COURSE UNIT (On successful completion of this course unit, students/learners will or will be able to)
Defines the basic classification of rheumatologic diseases and their relationship with the immune system.
Explains the inflammatory process and its role in rheumatologic diseases
Distinguishes the clinical features of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Evaluates the functional effects of fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, and complex regional pain syndrome.
Relates basic assessment and physiotherapy approaches in osteoporosis and shoulder and neck pain.

WEEKLY COURSE CONTENTS AND STUDY MATERIALS FOR PRELIMINARY & FURTHER STUDY
Week	Preparatory	Topics(Subjects)	Method
1	Reading from sources, web-based research	Introduction to Rheumatology	Narration, Discussion, Case Study
2	Reading from sources, web-based research	Introduction to the Immune System	Narration, Discussion, Case Study
3	Reading from sources, web-based research	Inflammation	Narration, Discussion, Case Study
4	Reading from sources, web-based research	Rheumatoid Arthritis	Narration, Discussion, Case Study
5	Reading from sources, web-based research	Osteoarthritis	Narration, Discussion, Case Study
6	Reading from sources, web-based research	Ankylosing Spondylitis	Narration, Discussion, Case Study
7	Reading from sources, web-based research	Fibromyalgia Syndrome	Narration, Discussion, Case Study
8	Reading from sources, web-based research	Myofascial Pain Syndrome	Narration, Discussion, Case Study
9	Reading from sources, web-based research	Systemic Lupus Erythematosus	Narration, Discussion, Case Study
10	-	MID-TERM EXAM	-
11	Reading from sources, web-based research	Sjogren’s Syndrome	Narration, Discussion, Case Study
12	Reading from sources, web-based research	Gout and Other Crystal-Related Arthropathies	Narration, Discussion, Case Study
13	Reading from sources, web-based research	Complex Regional Pain Syndrome	Narration, Discussion, Case Study
14	Reading from sources, web-based research	Septic Arthritis	Narration, Discussion, Case Study
15	Reading from sources, web-based research	Osteoporosis	Narration, Discussion, Case Study
16	-	FINAL EXAM	-
17	-	FINAL EXAM	-

SOURCE MATERIALS & RECOMMENDED READING
Hochberg, M. C., Silman, A. J., Smolen, J. S., Weinblatt, M. E., & Weisman, M. H. (Eds.). (2015). Rheumatology (6th ed.). Elsevier.
Sunzini, F., Schrepf, A., Clauw, D. J., & Basu, N. (2023). The biology of pain: through the rheumatology lens. Arthritis & Rheumatology, 75(5), 650-660.
Dokuztuğ Üçsular, F. (Ed.). (2020). Romatolojik hastalıklarda fizyoterapi ve rehabilitasyon. İstanbul Medikal Yayıncılık.
Weyand, C.M., Goronzy, J.J. The immunology of rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Immunol 22, 10–18 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-020-00816-x

ASSESSMENT
Assessment & Grading of In-Term Activities	Number of Activities	Degree of Contribution (%)	Description	Examination Method
Mid-Term Exam	1	50		Classical Exam
Final Exam	1	50		Classical Exam
TOTAL	2	100

Level of Contribution
0	1	2	3	4	5

KNOWLEDGE
Theoretical
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Defines fundamental concepts, terminology, and theoretical knowledge related to physiotherapy and rehabilitation.						5
2	Explains anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and movement sciences that form the foundation of physiotherapy practice.						5
3	Has knowledge of ethical rules, patient confidentiality, professional responsibilities, and health communication.						5
4	Plans professional duties in accordance with time management principles.						5

KNOWLEDGE
Factual
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Has knowledge of rehabilitation principles, therapeutic exercise, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, manual therapy, and other treatment modalities.					4
2	Explains the characteristics and operating principles of physiotherapy devices and related technologies.				3
3	Follows current physiotherapy practices and technologies and adopts lifelong learning awareness.				3

SKILLS
Cognitive
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Uses physiotherapy devices in accordance with safety protocols.				3
2	Performs patient recording, treatment protocol follow-up, and data management processes						5
3	Shares findings effectively and accurately within the healthcare team.						5
4	Solves problems encountered in clinical processes using analytical thinking.						5
5	Identifies physical, chemical, and biological risks and performs risk management					4
6	Applies quality control procedures and occupational health and safety rules.				3

SKILLS
Practical
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Applies basic physiotherapy assessment methods (posture analysis, gait analysis, range of motion, muscle strength testing, etc.).						5
2	Applies therapeutic exercises, electrotherapy modalities, hot–cold applications, and manual therapy techniques safely and accurately.						5
3	Shares findings effectively and accurately within the healthcare team.						5

OCCUPATIONAL
Autonomy & Responsibility
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Adheres to ethical and professional behavior principles, ensuring patient safety and confidentiality.						5
2	Displays awareness of legal regulations, patient rights, safety standards, and ethical principles.				3

OCCUPATIONAL
Learning to Learn
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Follows literature and new techniques related to professional development.				3

OCCUPATIONAL
Communication & Social
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Communicates and collaborates effectively with physiotherapists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.				3

OCCUPATIONAL
Occupational and/or Vocational
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Demonstrates professional responsibility and problem-solving skills.				3
2	Demonstrates responsibility in time management, clinical organization, and workflow planning.				3

WORKLOAD & ECTS CREDITS OF THE COURSE UNIT
Workload for Learning & Teaching Activities
Type of the Learning Activites	Learning Activities (# of week)	Duration (hours, h)	Workload (h)
Lecture & In-Class Activities	14	2	28
Preliminary & Further Study	14	2	28
Land Surveying	0	0	0
Group Work	0	0	0
Laboratory	0	0	0
Reading	14	3	42
Assignment (Homework)	0	0	0
Project Work	0	0	0
Seminar	0	0	0
Internship	0	0	0
Technical Visit	0	0	0
Web Based Learning	0	0	0
Implementation/Application/Practice	0	0	0
Practice at a workplace	0	0	0
Occupational Activity	0	0	0
Social Activity	0	0	0
Thesis Work	0	0	0
Field Study	0	0	0
Report Writing	0	0	0
Final Exam	1	1	1
Preparation for the Final Exam	1	2	2
Mid-Term Exam	1	1	1
Preparation for the Mid-Term Exam	1	2	2
Short Exam	0	0	0
Preparation for the Short Exam	0	0	0
TOTAL	46	0	104