Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content
McMaster logo

IRH Program Courses

Level II

This course is designed to introduce students to the essential knowledge and practical skills required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and healthcare professionals in health and rehabilitation settings. Students will develop their verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills through practical application with standardized clients, guest lectures and peer partnerships. Students will have the opportunity to practice their communication skills and receive feedback from peers and faculty.

  • Three hours
  • Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level II of the Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities program
  • Antirequisite(s): LINGUIST 4S03
  • Cross-list(s): None

This core inquiry course will introduce students to a variety of rehabilitation perspectives with the aim of discussing and debating different viewpoints of health, disability and functioning to acquire a range of skills, knowledge and abilities. This course will facilitate the development of life-long and self-directed learning in the context of addressing several rehabilitation and humanities issues.

  • Three hours
  • Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level II of the Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities program
  • Antirequisite(s): None
  • Cross-list(s): None

This course will introduce the knowledge, skills and application of evidence-based research and measurement theory, as it applies to rehabilitation and the humanities, including the history and evolving definition of evidence-based practice. Theories and frameworks for translating emerging evidence to practice and policy will be discussed as well as the influence of evidence-based practice and theory on health, well-being, and participation.

  • Three hours
  • Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level II of the Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities program
  • Antirequisite(s): None
  • Cross-list(s): None

This course will introduce basic statistical concepts as they apply to rehabilitation science. Students will learn how to summarize data, make inferences and interpret statistical results. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of statistics to clinical scenarios and relevant research from the field of rehabilitation science.

  • Three hours
  • Prerequisite(s): IRH 2RM3 and registration in Level II of the Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities program
  • Antirequisite(s): LINGUIST 2D03, ENVSOCTY 3MA3, HLTHAGE 2A03, POLSCI 3NN3, SOCIOL 2Z03, HTHSCI 2G03 and 2GG3
  • Cross-list(s): None

Level III

This course will include supervised, practical experience in an employment-related field of study. The site could be a long-term care facility, rehabilitation centre, hospital, community or private business. The experiential-focused practicum will be 3 units and may be completed over one or two terms.

  • Minimum of 60 hours of placement work
  • Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above in the Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities program
  • Antirequisite(s): HTHSCI 3MR6 A/B
  • Cross-list(s): None

This Level II core inquiry course is designed to further develop students’ critical thinking, problem-solving and self-directed learning skills. Building on the foundational concepts introduced in IRH 2RI3, this course will allow students to explore more complex scenarios through a rehabilitation and humanities lens. Through small-group tutorials and peer collaboration, students will enhance their abilities to investigate, analyze and synthesize information concerning various viewpoints of health, disability and function.

  • Three hours
  • Prerequisite(s): IRH 2HI3 and registration in Level III or above of the Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities program
  • Antirequisite(s): None
  • Cross-list(s): None

This course provides a broad overview of definitions and paradigms of impairment, dysfunction and disability. Attention is given to the historical and cultural development of concepts and categories of disability, critical disability theory, recent policies focused on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), as well as Indigenous reconciliation. Communication skills will also be explored using critical theory (e.g., race, disability, gerontology), where the perceptions and corresponding implications of intersectionality, rehabilitation and health on everyday life will be examined.

  • Three hours
  • Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above of the Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities program
  • Antirequisite(s): HTHSCI 3DH3
  • Cross-list(s): None

This selected topics in rehabilitation course is designed to allow for the exploration of leading-edge issues in emerging and developing areas of rehabilitation science. The specific topics will be developed in response to the needs identified by faculty together with interests from students.

  • Three hours
  • Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above in the Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities program
  • Antirequisite(s): HTHSCI 4D03
  • Cross-list(s): None

Level IV

This course will focus on the development and application of strategic thinking, problem solving and clinical understanding when it comes to entrepreneurship and commercialization in health and rehabilitation. Students will learn the business practices involved with both entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship, as well as commercialization. Key topics that will be discussed include customer segments, intellectual property and regulatory concepts, as well as cost structure, potential revenue streams and marketing. Students will learn how to turn an idea into reality with an entrepreneurial and commercialization mindset, including building and leading a team.

  • Three hours
  • Prerequisite(s): IRH 4IR3 and registration in Level IV of the Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities program
  • Antirequisite(s): None
  • Cross-list(s): None

This advanced inquiry course is designed to allow students to build on their foundational inquiry courses and encourage the continued development of their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Students will engage in self-directed exploration, peer collaboration and remain active participants in their education. This course will equip students with the knowledge, skills and mindset necessary for lifelong learning and success in their chosen field of study.

  • Three hours
  • Prerequisite(s): IRH 2HI3, IRH 3HI3 and registration in Level IV of the Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities program
  • Antirequisite(s): None
  • Cross-list(s): None

This course provides students with the knowledge, skills and abilities regarding conceptual and practical approaches to identify, design and develop innovations in rehabilitation. This course will cover evidence-informed ways to identify opportunities for innovation, including how technology, product design and services can support those living with different challenges to optimize function.

  • Three hours
  • Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level IV of the Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities program
  • Antirequisite(s): None
  • Cross-list(s): None

This course involves research under the supervision of a faculty member. This research experience will provide an understanding of clinical (rehabilitation) research. The undergraduate research course could include a review of the literature, data collection and/or analysis, as well as preparing presentations and other modes of knowledge translation.

  • Thesis
  • Prerequisite(s): IRH 2RM3, IRH 2IS3 and registration in Level IV of the Integrated Rehabilitation and Humanities program
  • Antirequisite(s): HTHSCI 4A09/4A12/4A15
  • Cross-list(s): None