Overall Course Design
**Curriculum Design Centered on "Occupational Function"**
**Curriculum Content**:
The overall curriculum design is based on the core values and beliefs surrounding "occupational function," emphasizing the importance of occupational activities in improving individuals' quality of life. The curriculum spans five key areas: basic sciences, basic medicine, foundational occupational therapy, professional occupational therapy and specialty areas, and clinical medicine. Each of these areas is designed with the goal of promoting functional independence in daily life. For example, foundational occupational therapy and professional occupational therapy courses focus on equipping students with the skills to use occupational activities to enhance patients' functions and adaptability in daily life, which is the core value of occupational therapy.
**Internship and Observational Courses**:
The arrangement of clinical observation and internship courses also reflects the core values of occupational therapy. Starting from the second year, students participate in observational courses, and in their fourth year, they undertake a 36-week clinical internship. Throughout these stages, students have the opportunity to apply the occupational therapy principles in real clinical settings. Through internships in major medical centers, community centers, and schools in the Kaohsiung area, students experience and apply the core values of occupational therapy, helping patients achieve functional independence and an enhanced quality of life in various environments.
**Teaching Methods**:
The teaching methods in the program also center around the core values of "occupational function," combining theoretical instruction with practical application. Through case studies, role-playing, and activity design, students not only learn the theoretical foundations of occupational therapy but also gain hands-on experience in applying these theories to create meaningful occupational activities that address patients' functional challenges.
**Specialized Electives and Focus Areas**:
The curriculum offers specialized electives and focus areas such as pediatric occupational therapy, school-based occupational therapy, geriatric occupational therapy, and community occupational therapy. These specialized courses further enhance the application of the core values of "occupational function" across different populations. The goal is to equip students with advanced skills in occupational therapy, allowing them to more effectively help patients from diverse backgrounds and needs improve their quality of life.
**Conclusion**:
Overall, the curriculum design at the Department of Occupational Therapy at I-Shou University revolves around the core value of "occupational function." From theory to practice, it comprehensively nurtures students to become professional occupational therapists capable of promoting holistic health and quality of life through occupational activities.