RHEUMATOLOGY PROGRAMME COURSE DESCRIPTION

Code	Name of the Course Unit	Semester	In-Class Hours (T+P)	Credit	ECTS Credit
FTP158	RHEUMATOLOGY	2	2	2	4

GENERAL INFORMATION
Language of Instruction :	Turkish
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 MUHAMMED YURTSEVEN
Instructor(s) of the Course Unit	Lecturer MUHAMMED YURTSEVEN
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, and shoulder and neck pain 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	Literature Review, Database Examination	Introduction to Rheumatology	Lecture, Discussion
2	Literature Review, Database Examination	Introduction to the Immune System	Lecture, Discussion
3	Literature Review, Database Examination	Inflammation	Lecture, Discussion
4	Literature Review, Database Examination	Rheumatoid Arthritis	Lecture, Discussion
5	Literature Review, Database Examination	Osteoarthritis	Lecture, Discussion
6	Literature Review, Database Examination	Ankylosing Spondylitis	Lecture, Discussion
7	Literature Review, Database Examination	Fibromyalgia Syndrome	Lecture, Discussion
8	Literature Review, Database Examination	Myofascial Pain Syndrome	Lecture, Discussion
9	Literature Review, Database Examination	Systemic Lupus Erythematosus	Lecture, Discussion
10	-	MID-TERM EXAM	-
11	Literature Review, Database Examination	Sjogren’s Syndrome	Lecture, Discussion
12	Literature Review, Database Examination	Gout and Other Crystal-Related Arthropathies	Lecture, Discussion
13	Literature Review, Database Examination	Complex Regional Pain Syndrome	Lecture, Discussion
14	Literature Review, Database Examination	Septic Arthritis	Lecture, Discussion
15	Literature Review, Database Examination	Osteoporosis	Lecture, Discussion
16	-	FINAL EXAM	-
17	-	FINAL EXAM	-

SOURCE MATERIALS & RECOMMENDED READING
Dokuztuğ Üçsular, F. (Ed.). (2020). Romatolojik hastalıklarda fizyoterapi rehabilitasyon (S. Şahin, Yay. Koord.; Ş. Gülköken, Grafik). İstanbul Medikal Yayıncılık.
Lane, C. Y., Lo, D., Thoma, L. M., Zhang, T., Varma, H., Dalal, D. S., Baker, T. A., & Shireman, T. I. (2023). Sociocultural and economic disparities in physical therapy utilization among insured older adults with rheumatoid arthritis. The Journal of Rheumatology, 50(11), 1414–1421. https://doi.org/10.3899/jrheum.2023-0103
Singh, J. A. (2022). Treatment guidelines in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America, 48(3), 679–689. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rdc.2022.03.005
Sosa-Reina, M. D., Nunez-Nagy, S., Gallego-Izquierdo, T., Pecos-Martín, D., Monserrat, J., & Álvarez-Mon, M. (2017). Effectiveness of therapeutic exercise in fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BioMed Research International, 2017, Article 2356346. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/2356346
van Wissen, M. A. T., van den Ende, C. H. M., Gademan, M. G. J., Teuwen, M. M. H., Peter, W. F., Mahler, E. A. M., … Vliet Vlieland, T. P. M. (2024). Effectiveness of longstanding, supervised exercise therapy compared with usual care in people with rheumatoid arthritis and severe functional limitations: A randomized controlled trial. BMJ.
van Wissen, M. A. T., van den Ende, C. H. M., Gademan, M. G. J., Teuwen, M. M. H., Peter, W. F., Mahler, E. A. M., … Vliet Vlieland, T. P. M. (2024). Physical therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis: The patients’ perspective. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 52(6), 609–618. https://doi.org/10.1080/03009742.2023.2195726

ASSESSMENT
Assessment & Grading of In-Term Activities	Number of Activities	Degree of Contribution (%)	Description	Examination Method
Mid-Term Exam	1	50		Optical (Test) Exam
Final Exam	1	50		Optical (Test) 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.
2	Explains anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and movement sciences that form the foundation of physiotherapy practice.
3	Has knowledge of rehabilitation principles, therapeutic exercise, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, manual therapy, and other treatment modalities.
4	Explains the characteristics and operating principles of physiotherapy devices and related technologies.

KNOWLEDGE
Factual
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Has knowledge of ethical rules, patient confidentiality, professional responsibilities, and health communication
2	Has knowledge of the fundamental principles and practices related to occupational health and safety and the provision of a safe working environment.
3	Follows current physiotherapy practices and technologies and adopts lifelong learning awareness.
4	Plans professional duties in accordance with time management principles.

SKILLS
Cognitive
	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.).
2	Applies therapeutic exercises, electrotherapy modalities, hot–cold applications, and manual therapy techniques safely and accurately.
3	Distinguishes normal and pathological movement patterns and interprets them at a basic level.
4	Uses physiotherapy devices in accordance with safety protocols.
5	Performs patient recording, treatment protocol follow-up, and data management processes.

SKILLS
Practical
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Applies quality control procedures and occupational health and safety rules.
2	Identifies physical, chemical, and biological risks and performs risk management.
3	Solves problems encountered in clinical processes using analytical thinking.
4	Shares findings effectively and accurately within the healthcare team.

OCCUPATIONAL
Autonomy & Responsibility
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Physiotherapy is related to the field with a basic knowledge of using a given task can be carried out independently.
2	Physiotherapy encountered in applications related to the field to solve complex and unpredictable problems can work as a team member.

OCCUPATIONAL
Learning to Learn
	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.
2	Communicates and collaborates effectively with physiotherapists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
3	Demonstrates professional responsibility and problem-solving skills.

OCCUPATIONAL
Communication & Social
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Follows literature and new techniques related to professional development.
2	Demonstrates responsibility in time management, clinical organization, and workflow planning.
3	Displays awareness of legal regulations, patient rights, safety standards, and ethical principles.

OCCUPATIONAL
Occupational and/or Vocational
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Physiotherapy related to the field of data collection, interpretation and dissemination stages of implementation and results of the social, scientific, cultural and ethical values ​​according to contribute.
2	As an individual duties, rights and responsibilities related laws, regulations, legislation and can act according to the rules of professional ethics.
3	It may work with other health care disciplines.

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	0	0	0
Preliminary & Further Study	0	0	0
Land Surveying	0	0	0
Group Work	0	0	0
Laboratory	0	0	0
Reading	0	0	0
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	0	0	0
Preparation for the Final Exam	0	0	0
Mid-Term Exam	0	0	0
Preparation for the Mid-Term Exam	0	0	0
Short Exam	0	0	0
Preparation for the Short Exam	0	0	0
TOTAL	0	0	0