Disability, Occupation, and Participation Science (DOPS) is a unique interdisciplinary field of study that advances the understanding of person (micro), activity (meso), and social (macro) level factors of disability, occupation, and participation. The emphasis area focuses on the functioning of humans through the lifespan to execute tasks, roles and activities (occupations) within a given context and environment, to support their meaningful, satisfying and purposeful participation in daily life. We recognize the experience of disability or disease as a social phenomenon reflecting the person/environment interaction, and value research that includes community engagement and reflects the voices of all stakeholders, including people with disabilities, their family members, and their health care providers. Students are mentored by faculty who are experts in developing, refining and testing evidence-based practices and/or investigating the fundamental components that inform the development of evidence-based rehabilitation practices.
Core Curriculum
The DOPS emphasis area requires 18 credit hours of coursework outside of other program requirements. The research completed by DOPS faculty encompasses a wide range of theories, scientific methods, and populations. Thus, these DOPS core courses, selected from departments and institutes across the University of Florida, address advanced methodologies, and application of theories and concepts foundational to Disability, Occupation, and Participation in society and across the lifespan. Below is a list of suggested coursework appropriate for the emphasis area. Students should also consult with their primary mentor and supervisory committee to select the most applicable coursework for their program of study.
Research Methodology for Disability, Occupation, and Participation
- EDF 6436: Theory of Measurement (3 credits)
- PHC 6193: Qualitative Data Analysis (3 credits)
- PHC 6700: Social & Behavioral Research Methods (3 credits)
- OTH 6151: Applied Research in Driver Rehabilitation Therapy (online) (4 credits)
- PHC 6022: Design & Conduct of Clinical Trials (3 credits)
- PHC 6937: Community Based Participatory Research (3 credits) (special topics class)
- GMS 6829: Longitudinal Research Design (2 credits)
- PHC 6053: Regression Methods for the Life Sciences (3 credits)
- ANG 5420: Social Network Analysis
- EDF 6471: Survey Design and Analysis in Educational Research (3 credits)
Theory and Application for Disability, Occupation, and Participation
- OTH 6150: Foundations, Models, and Theory of Driver Rehabilitation (online) (3 credits)
- RSD 6930: Disability, Occupation, and Participation Journal Club (1 credit)
- OTH 6152: Independent study 1: Driver Rehabilitation Research (online) (1 credit)
- OTH 6153: Screening, Assessment, Evaluation and Intervention in Driver Rehabilitation (online) (3 credits)
- OTH 6154: Independent study 2: Driver Rehabilitation Research (online) (2 credits)
- OTH 6156: Seminars in Driver Rehabilitation Therapy (online) (3 credits)
- OTH 6157: Mentoring in Driver Rehabilitation Therapy (3 credits)
- RSD 6710: Motor Control: Translating from Fundamental Research to Rehabilitation Practice (3 credits)
- EEX 6099: Social Perspectives on Disability (3 credits)
- CLP 7934: Cognitive and Affective Basis of Behavior (special topics)
- GMS 6483: Theories of Aging (online) (3 credits)
- GMS 6715: Healthy Aging: Behavioral and Clinical Outcomes (online) (3 credits)
- DEP 6059: Aging and the Human Brain (3 credits)
- GEY 6646: Issues and Concepts in Gerontology (3 credits)
- EEC 7666: Theory and Research in Early Childhood Studies (3 credits)
- FYC 6230: Theories of Family Development, Systems and Change (3 Credits)
- PHC 6534: Trauma Informed Approaches for Individuals, Communities, and Public Health
- PHC 6403: Adolescent Risk
- FYC 6020: Principles of Family, Youth and Community Science (3credits)
- FYC 6224: Resilience and Positive Youth Development (3 credits)
- GMS 6835: Health Outcomes Research for Children