Traditional Chinese Medicine
This is a comprehensive program including courses in English and Mandarin language, communication, Ancient Chinese philosophy, and Western biomedical sciences which are necessary for the critical understanding and development of complex Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts. The curriculum has been designed to offer an education of significant breadth and rigour within the contexts of TCM/Acupuncture fundamental theory, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical practice. Through these experiential learning activities, students will actively engage with the community.
Who Studies Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Graduates will have the requisite TCM core foundation, acupuncture competencies, critical thinking and communication skills needed to be safe, competent healthcare practitioners in an evolving health services landscape. Critical conceptual and practice skills will be developed and refined using a blend of theory, applied practice simulation and clinical experience. Students will be eligible to write the national registration exams for acupuncture practitioner in Canada. The proposed program prepares graduates to be contributing members of the TCM profession and community. With acupuncture practice management transition, acupuncture practice jurisprudence and practice study, the program will also prepare graduates to successfully create and operate their own practice facility.
Department's website: kpu.ca/health/
Graduates of the Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture will be prepared to work as acupuncture practitioners or entrepreneurs in the complementary/alternative health industry. Graduates of the Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine will be eligible to apply for licensure as a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner.
Registration in some course sections is restricted to students in particular programs. See Timetables - kpu.ca/registration/timetables - for current section information.
Visit the BC Transfer Guide - bctransferguide.ca - for information about course transfer in B.C.
ACUP 1100 4 credits
Acupuncture Fundamental Theory
Students will complete a comprehensive overview of the basic fundamental concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including its philosophy, physiology, pathology and health maintenance, to lay a solid foundation for diagnosis and other acupuncture courses.
Level: UG
ACUP 1160 4 credits
Acupuncture Biomed Foundation
Students will study ten major anatomical systems and their normal physiological functions. They will also explore organ structure and functional arrangement of each body system. Students will study the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous system in more detail.
Level: UG
ACUP 1200 4 credits
Acupuncture Diagnosis: Data Collection
This course builds on the overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) fundamental theories that guide students to recognize abnormal symptoms and signs. The course will focus on introducing students to four TCM diagnostic skills in order to collect appropriate clinical information. Students will develop communication skills in order to gather assessment data from clients in a simulation lab.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1100
ACUP 1230 6 credits
Acupuncture Meridian and Acupoint
Students will learn the pathways of qi and blood throughout the body via the main and extra meridians, focusing on the corresponding acupoints. They will study the methods to locate acupoints along the fourteen main meridians. They will watch instructor demonstrations and perform hands-on practice in the lab. Students will study each acupoint function and clinical indication and significance, as well as detailed instruction on points that require special care when needling.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1100
ACUP 1260 3 credits
Acupuncture Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology
This course will provide students with a basic understanding of the biochemical principles that govern the body metabolisms, and an introduction to different pathogenic microorganisms and the immune system. Students will learn the fundamentals of organic and cellular chemistry, focusing on metabolism of glucose, lipids and proteins. They will identify structures, classification, functions and properties of various molecules which are essential in the many mechanisms of the human body. Students will also learn various pathogenic microorganisms and their properties that are capable of causing diseases in humans.They will explore the cellular and humoral immune responses to infectious diseases, and the ways to prevent these infections, focusing on vaccination, sterilization, and disinfection.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1160
ACUP 1340 2 credits
Acupuncture Safety
Students will learn basic disinfection protocol and how to maintain safety in clinical practice, focusing on needling acupoints which are close to internal organs, arteries, nerves and brain stem. They will learn how to recognize emergency situations in the clinical setting and provide appropriate referral to other healthcare professionals for continuity of patient care. Students will study how to prevent and manage potential errors and complications during treatments.
Level: UG
Co-requisite(s): ACUP 2130
ACUP 2100 2 credits
Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine History and Classics
This course will present a comprehensive overview of the origin of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including its history, philosophical root and theoretical formation. It focuses on the establishment of TCM theory and acupuncture fundamentals. Students will be introduced to the TCM classics including their formation, conceptual and theoretical viewpoints and medical significance.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1100
ACUP 2130 3 credits
Acupuncture Therapy II
Students will continue to learn how to apply basic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, diagnostic methods, meridian and acupoint theory for disease treatment by using acupuncture and moxibustion techniques. They will study the principles of acupuncture prescription and treatment protocols. Students will learn the treatment of TCM internal diseases focusing on respiratory, nervous, and genitourinary systems, infectious, psychiatric, gynecological and pediatric diseases.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1330
Co-requisite(s): ACUP 1340
ACUP 2150 2 credits
Acupuncture Communication and Ethics
The purpose of this course is to introduce significant aspects of communication skills to enable Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture (TCM) practitioners to establish and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with their clients and collegial relationships with the healthcare community. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic relationships, interviewing techniques, communication skills, ethics and client empowerment.
Level: UG
ACUP 2160 2 credits
Acupuncture Western Medical Diagnosis (Imaging and Lab Testing)
This course will provide knowledge about Western diagnosis, the interpretation of common laboratory tests and imaging procedures to enhance clinical decision making which integrates Chinese and Western medicine perspectives.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1360
ACUP 2170 2 credits
Acupuncture Pharmacology
This course is to introduce students to basic pharmacology and the action of some common Western drugs in the body. Students will learn various classes of commonly used drugs, action mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic uses, adverse effects and possible contraindications to acupuncture including Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1260
ACUP 2180 3 credits
Acupuncture Practicum (Supervised I)
Students will continue to develop interview skills with clients focusing on gathering information based on four Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic methods and identifying patterns based on related theories. Students will make preliminary diagnosis with clinical supervision. Students will learn how to propose an acupuncture prescription and perform the treatment under supervision.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1180 and ACUP 1330
ACUP 2181 4 credits
Acupuncture Practicum (Supervised I)
Students will continue to develop interview skills with clients focusing on gathering information based on four Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic methods and identifying patterns based on related theories. Students will make preliminary diagnosis with clinical supervision. Students will learn how to propose an acupuncture prescription and perform the treatment under supervision.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 2331
ACUP 2200 2 credits
Acupuncture Taiji/Qigong
Students will learn the fundamental concepts of Taiji Quan, focusing on short form of the Yang style Taiji Quan. They will learn basic steps and movements of each form. Students will study and practice freestyle Qigong and learn how to master and cultivate one’s own qi through coordinating slow flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing, and calm meditative state of mind.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1100
ACUP 2220 2 credits
Advanced Acupuncture
Students will learn advanced ancient acupuncture and moxibustion techniques such as Ziwu Liuzhu acupuncture therapy and the eight methods of the mystic turtle. They will study and practice modern, unique acupuncture and moxibustion techniques, focusing on specialized techniques of several acupuncture masters.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1320
ACUP 2230 3 credits
Acupuncture Case Study
Students will be presented with a variety of complex clinical cases focusing on internal medicine disease, gynecological disorders, pediatric disease, musculoskeletal, integumentary and sensory system disorders. They will determine Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture (TCM) diagnosis, etiology and pathogenesis, differentiation of syndrome, principle treatment, acupuncture prescription and appropriate delivery method.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 2130
ACUP 2240 3 credits
Acupuncture Tuina (Chinese style massage)
Students will learn fundamental Tuina theories, clinical procedures and common manipulation techniques. They will study different techniques in combination with meridian and acupoint theory. Students will learn the application of acupressure/Tuina techniques for soft tissue injuries such as those of the knee joint, cervical, lumbar spine and limbs in a simulated lab setting.
Level: UG
ACUP 2280 4 credits
Acupuncture Practicum (Supervised II)
Students will master interviewing skills with clients focusing on gathering information based on four Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic skills. They will identify patterns, diagnose and propose an acupuncture prescription. Students will apply acupuncture techniques with supervision to treat clients.
Level: UG
ACUP 2300 2 credits
Acupuncture Musculoskeletal Management
Students will study Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice principles and treatment methods in conditions related to musculoskeletal injury. They will learn physical examination procedures, differential diagnosis and treatment protocols. Students will also study the special physical examination of the vertebrae, hip joints and four extremities.
Level: UG
ACUP 2301 4 credits
Acupuncture Diagnosis: Pattern Recognition
Students will build on knowledge from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnosis Data Collection course to learn health disorder pattern identification and differentiation based on TCM theories. They will learn clinical case analysis and make TCM diagnosis in a simulated laboratory setting.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1200
ACUP 2320 3 credits
Acupuncture Practice Transitions
Students will learn how to practice as an acupuncturist and comprehensively review the theoretical and practical knowledge. Students will review documents provided by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia as well as the Pan-Canadian acupuncture licensing exam files, in preparation for their licensing exam.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 2230
ACUP 2321 3 credits
Acupuncture Technique
Students will learn filiform needling techniques including methods of manipulation, reinforcement and reduction, needle angles, insertion depth and preparation techniques. They will study moxibustion, cupping and specialized needling techniques such as scalp and ear acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cutaneous and intra-dermal needling. Students will study the clinical indications, contraindications and precautions for each technique. Students will practice techniques in a simulated laboratory setting.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1230
ACUP 2331 3 credits
Acupuncture Therapy I
Students will study the application of basic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, diagnostic methods, meridian and acupoint theory, as well as acupuncture skills for disease treatment by using acupuncture and moxibustion. They will study the principles of acupuncture prescription and treatment protocols. Students will be introduced to Chinese internal medicine. This course will include recognition of emergency clinical situations.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1230
ACUP 2340 2 credits
Acupuncture Practice Management and Regulation
Students will learn how to establish and manage a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic. They will explore business planning, marketing, record keeping, and confidentiality and privacy standards. Students will also learn legal aspects and scope of TCM practice, practice standards and professional ethics.
Level: UG
ACUP 2341 2 credits
Acupuncture Safety
Students will learn basic disinfection protocol and how to maintain safety in clinical practice, focusing on needling acupoints which are close to internal organs, arteries, nerves and brain stem. They will learn how to recognize emergency situations in the clinical setting and provide appropriate referral to other healthcare professionals for continuity of patient care. Students will study how to prevent and manage potential errors and complications during treatments.
Level: UG
Co-requisite(s): ACUP 2130
ACUP 2360 2 credits
Acupuncture Shiliao and Nutrition
Students will learn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diet principles, focusing on the nature of food and their properties, taste, indications and contraindications in prevention and treatment of disease. They will study different functional recipes including food composition properties. Students will learn Western nutritional principles, focusing on how to identify, demonstrate safe food handling, preparation, cooking, as well as describe a healthy diet.
Level: UG
ACUP 2361 2 credits
Acupuncture Introduction to Pathology
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to pathophysiological processes, underlying cellular and organ function, as well as their relationship to diseases. Students will study the pathogenesis of disease.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1260
ACUP 2380 4 credits
Acupuncture Practicum (Supervised III)
Students will consolidate learning in order to plan and implement appropriate acupuncture treatments. They will follow up on clients' conditions as well as make referrals as needed. They will present select clinical cases to their peers. Students will practice analytic skills for determining diagnoses, treatment modalities, duration and methods.
Level: UG
ACUP 3200 2 credits
Acupuncture Taiji/Qigong
Students will learn the fundamental concepts of Taiji Quan, focusing on short form of the Yang style Taiji Quan. They will learn basic steps and movements of each form. Students will study and practice freestyle Qigong and learn how to master and cultivate one’s own qi through coordinating slow flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing, and calm meditative state of mind.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ASIA 1210
ACUP 3220 2 credits
Advanced Acupuncture
Students will learn advanced ancient acupuncture and moxibustion techniques such as Ziwu Liuzhu acupuncture therapy and the eight methods of the mystic turtle. They will study and practice modern, unique acupuncture and moxibustion techniques, focusing on specialized techniques of several acupuncture masters.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 2321
ACUP 3230 3 credits
Acupuncture Case Study
Students will be presented with a variety of complex clinical cases focusing on internal medicine disease, gynecological disorders, pediatric disease, musculoskeletal, integumentary and sensory system disorders. They will determine Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture (TCM) diagnosis, etiology and pathogenesis, differentiation of syndrome, principle treatment, acupuncture prescription and appropriate delivery method.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 2130
Attribute: F2A8
ACUP 3240 3 credits
Acupuncture Tuina (Chinese style massage)
Students will learn fundamental Tuina theories, clinical procedures and common manipulation techniques. They will study different techniques in combination with meridian and acupoint theory. Students will learn the application of acupressure/Tuina techniques for soft tissue injuries such as those of the knee joint, cervical, lumbar spine and limbs in a simulated lab setting.
Level: UG
ACUP 3280 4 credits
Acupuncture Practicum (Supervised II)
Students will master interviewing skills with clients focusing on gathering information based on four Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic skills. They will identify patterns, diagnose and propose an acupuncture prescription. Students will apply acupuncture techniques with supervision to treat clients.
Level: UG
ACUP 3300 2 credits
Acupuncture Musculoskeletal Management
Students will study Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice principles and treatment methods in conditions related to musculoskeletal injury. They will learn physical examination procedures, differential diagnosis and treatment protocols. Students will also study the special physical examination of the vertebrae, hip joints and four extremities.
Level: UG
ACUP 3320 3 credits
Acupuncture Practice Transitions
Students will learn how to practice as an acupuncturist and comprehensively review the theoretical and practical knowledge. Students will review documents provided by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia as well as the Pan-Canadian acupuncture licensing exam files, in preparation for their licensing exam.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 3230
ACUP 3340 2 credits
Acupuncture Practice Management and Regulation
Students will learn how to establish and manage a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic. They will explore business planning, marketing, record keeping, and confidentiality and privacy standards. Students will also learn legal aspects and scope of TCM practice, practice standards and professional ethics.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 3280
ACUP 3360 2 credits
Acupuncture Shiliao and Nutrition
Students will learn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diet principles, focusing on the nature of food and their properties, taste, indications and contraindications in prevention and treatment of disease. They will study different functional recipes including food composition properties. Students will learn Western nutritional principles, focusing on how to identify, demonstrate safe food handling, preparation, cooking, as well as describe a healthy diet.
Level: UG
ACUP 3380 4 credits
Acupuncture Practicum (Independent)
Students will consolidate learning in order to plan and implement appropriate acupuncture treatments. They will follow up on clients' conditions as well as make referrals as needed. They will present select clinical cases to their peers. Students will practice analytic skills for determining diagnoses, treatment modalities, duration and methods.
Level: UG
TCME 4100 3 credits
Herbology
Students will learn the basic theory of Chinese herbal medicine. They will learn the characteristics and functions of commonly used herbs, and how they are used to treat a variety of conditions. Students will study the concept of toxicity of herbs and safe dosage ranges as well as related precautions, contraindications and side effects. They will be required to identify herbs that are designated as toxic or restricted under Canadian regulations.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1100
TCME 4110 3 credits
TCM Terminology
Students will learn commonly used TCM terms in Chinese, and understand the meaning of those terms from medical Language perspective. They will learn how read and write Chinese characters commonly used in Chinese medicine, specifically important concepts, herb and formula names, the names of plants parts, body parts, numbers and colors. They also will learn how to pronounce the names of commonly used TCM Herbs and formulas in Chinese.
Level: UG
TCME 4120 3 credits
Herbal Formula I
Students will learn the compositions, actions, indications, main therapeutic applications and modifications of each commonly used herbal formula. They will also learn the difference between formulas, syndrome differentiations, and treatment strategies. They will learn how formulas are composed and the principles behind them. They will study precautions and contraindications, dosages as well as preparation and administration for each of the major patent Chinese herbal formulae.
Level: UG
Co-requisite(s): TCME 4100
TCME 4180 2 credits
Supervised Practice IV
Students will continue to practice how to interview a new patient focusing on taking information based on four Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic skills and identifying patterns based on TCM theories. They will learn how to make a tentative diagnosis that is verified by the clinical supervisor. Students will observe how to propose herbal prescriptions and prepare the formulas for clients under the supervision of clinical instructor.
Level: UG
Co-requisite(s): TCME 4120
TCME 4220 3 credits
Herbal Formula II
Students will learn the compositions, actions, indications, main therapeutic applications and modifications of each commonly used herbal formula. They will also learn the difference between formulas, syndrome differentiations, and treatment strategies. They will learn how formulas are composed and the principles behind them. They will study precautions and contraindications, dosages as well as preparation and administration for each of the major patent Chinese herbal formulae.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): TCME 4100
TCME 4240 3 credits
TCM Gynecology
Students will learn the basic fundamentals of the female reproductive system and the physiology related to menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation. They will study the etiology, pathogenesis, signs and symptoms for common gynecological, obstetric diseases. Students will learn how to make TCM diagnoses and formulate treatment plans for common gynecological diseases. Students will study the methods of evaluating any contraindications and potential complications when using Chinese herbal medicine and identifying conditions which may require referral for Western medicine diagnosis and treatment.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): TCME 4120
TCME 4250 3 credits
TCM Internal Medicine I
This course builds on the courses of TCM diagnosis and herbal formulas. Students will learn how to identify clinical signs and symptoms in the common internal diseases (Nei Ke Bing). They will learn how to make a TCM diagnosis, formulate a treatment principle plan for each disease and provide necessary advice for clients. Students will study the methods of evaluating any contraindications and potential complications when using Chinese herbal medicine and identifying conditions which may require referral for Western medicine diagnosis and treatment.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): TCME 4120
TCME 4260 3 credits
TCM Pediatrics & Five Sense Organ Diseases
Students will learn the etiology, pathogenesis, main signs and symptoms of common pediatric (Er Ke) and Five Sense Organ Diseases (Wu Guan Ke). They will learn how to identify causes, pathology, and syndromes to make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan using herbal formula selection. Students will study the methods of evaluating any contraindications and potential complications when using Chinese herbal medicine and identifying conditions which may require referral for Western medicine diagnosis and treatment.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): TCME 4120
TCME 4280 2 credits
Supervised Practice V
This course is the continuance of TCME 4180 Supervised Practice IV. Students will further study how to interview a new patient, focusing on taking information based on four traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostic skills and identifying patterns based on TCM theories. They will learn how to make a tentative diagnosis that is verified by the clinical supervisor. Students will learn how to propose herbal prescriptions and prepare the formulae for clients under the supervision of clinical instructor.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): TCME 4180
TCME 4330 3 credits
Advanced Case Analysis
This advanced theory course builds on the overview of TCME 4250 and TCME 4280. Using a writing intensive process, students will analyze and diagnose clinical cases including treatment with herbal formulae from TCM classics. Students will learn academic writing by employing appropriate rhetorical modes and applying effective writing strategies to complete written work. Students will improve their compositional skills and deepen their case analysis skills through frequent writing assignments and timely feedback.
Level: UG
TCME 4340 2 credits
TCM Dermatology & External Medicine
Students will learn the etiology, pathogenesis and main signs and symptoms for common dermatological disorders (Pi Fu Ke), and External Diseases (Wai Ke). They will learn how to identify causes, pathology, and syndromes to make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan using herbal formula selection. Students will study the methods of evaluating any contraindications and potential complications when using Chinese herbal medicine and identifying conditions which may require referral for Western medicine diagnosis and treatment.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): TCME 4250
TCME 4350 3 credits
TCM Internal Medicine II
This course is the continuance of TCME 4250 TCM Internal Medicine I. Students will further study making a TCM diagnosis, formulating a treatment principle plan for each disease and providing necessary advice for clients. Students will continue to learn the methods of evaluating any contraindications and potential complications when using Chinese herbal medicine and identifying conditions which may require referral for Western medicine diagnosis and treatment.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): TCME 4250
TCME 4370 3 credits
Herbalist Practice Transitions
This course builds on integrated knowledge acquired in TCME 4250 TCM Internal Medicine I and TCME 4240 TCM Gynecology. Students will learn how to analyze a clinical case from simple to complex presentations. They will also reflect and review all the knowledge they have learned in previous courses, and to get ready for the TCM Practitioner licensing examinations.
Level: UG
Co-requisite(s): TCME 4350
TCME 4380 2 credits
Supervised Practice VI
This course is the continuance of TCME 4280 Supervised Practice V. Students will further develop the skills of interviewing a patient, documenting information based on four traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostic skills and identifying patterns based on TCM theories. They will learn how to make a tentative diagnosis that is verified by a clinical supervisor. Students will learn how to propose herbal prescriptions and prepare the formulae for clients under the supervision of clinical instructor. Students will study the methods of evaluating any contraindications and potential complications when using Chinese herbal medicine and identifying conditions which may require referral for Western medicine diagnosis.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): TCME 4280
TCME 4480 8 credits
Supervised Practice VII
This elective course is for those students who wish to enhance their practice or who require additional education to meet the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists (CTCMA) registration requirements. Students are placed with a preceptor in the KPU Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Clinic or a privately run TCM clinic. Students will integrate previous learning from the program and advance their professional practice in a TCM clinic setting. They will increase competence, autonomy and confidence across the professional and practice standards of Traditional Chinese Medicine in preparation for their role as a Traditional Chinses Medicine Practitioner. This 360-hours clinical experience will be completed within the semester, start dates may vary. Note: The learning experience may include weekends, holidays and rotating shifts. Students will be required to provide their own transportation to and from the clinical placement. Seminar debriefing may also be included on campus.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): TCME 4380
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