HSCS 4450 Health Sciences Capstone (Capstone Course)

Designed to provide students interested in careers in health sciences with the opportunity to understand and learn how to develop important professional competencies as a foundation for practice. The capstone process will emphasize finding the best available current research and applying EBP principles. Furthermore, the capstone experience will involve researching an approved topic from the major core courses and to enhance knowledge and skills in that area. Students are expected to present their findings as part of the requirement for graduation during this course.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

HSCS 4410; Spring semester senior year (other terms with instructor permission)

Typically Offered

Demorest Campus: spring

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will conduct their own original research project, including: searching the literature, developing a research plan, selecting subjects, and data analysis.
2. Students will define evidence-based practice as it relates to allied health professions and explain the role of evidence in the decision-making process.
3. Students will develop educational healthcare programming specific to a target audience that uses appropriate multimedia tools to create a professional product.
4. Students will identify and implement strategies to educate colleagues, students, patients, the public, and other healthcare professionals about the roles, responsibilities, academic preparation, and scope of practice of athletic trainers.
5. Students will improve their interpersonal skills by interacting with others in meaningful ways.
6. Students will improve their reading and writing abilities by editing and providing peers feedback on weekly assignments.
7. Students will learn how to read research critically and evaluate it on its merits and impact on society and the field.
8. Students will systematically use databases, online critical appraisal libraries, and other resources to create and answer a relevant allied health question of interest.
9. Students will use standard criteria or developed scales (PEDro, CAT) to critically appraise the structure, rigor, and overall quality of research studies.
10. Students will write professionally; specifically, they will write and present a formal research report.