Course coordinator
Dr Alana Dinsdale
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
This course provides fundamental knowledge and understanding to assess and manage client conditions involving pathology, injury and pain of the neuromusculoskeletal system. The course is based on a client-centred framework and uses an interprofessional teamwork approach. As a foundation for comprehensive and informed client assessment and management, the course covers: 1) foundations of neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy (e.g. mobility aids; orthoses; tissue pathology and repair processes; pain; the association of the skeletal and neuromuscular systems with pain, injury and pathology); and 2) the application of foundations to physiotherapy and medical management of clients with specific neuromusculoskeletal conditions (e.g. rheumatological disorders, orthopaedic conditions, vascular conditions, amputations, burn injury, spinal cord injury).
This course provides the student with fundamental knowledge and understanding to assess and manage conditions involving neuromusculoskeletal pathology, injury and pain. PHTY2101 is based on a client-centred framework, with reference to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), biopsychosocial model, and evidence-based practice model. The course uses an interprofessional approach to client assessment and management, and introduces occupational health and safety considerations important for physiotherapy practice.
Asﾠa foundation for comprehensive and informed client assessment and management,ﾠthe course covers: 1) foundations of neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy (e.g. mobility aids; orthoses; tissue pathology and repair processes; pain; the association of the skeletal and neuromuscular systems with pain, injury and pathology); and 2) the application of foundations to physiotherapy and medical management of clients with specific neuromusculoskeletal conditions (e.g. rheumatological disorders, orthopaedic conditions, vascular conditions, amputation, burn injury, spinal cord injury).
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students entering this course will have completed ANAT1012, BIOL1077, PHTY1200 and PHTY1221. In addition, ANAT1020,ﾠANAT1012, HLTH1000 and PSYC1030ﾠprovide necessary background knowledge on which to build in PHTY2101.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ANAT1012, BIOL1007, PHTY1200, PHTY1221
Restrictions
BPhty students
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- PHTY7815
This course shares teaching activities which are delivered jointly with a postgraduate course student cohort (PHTY7815).
Course contact
Lecturer
Dr Alana Dinsdale
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Natalie Collins
Tutor
Mr Damo McClymont
Miss Sarah Wilesmith
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course has three key aims:
1. Provide foundational knowledge required for physiotherapy assessment and management of clients with neuromusculoskeletal pathology, injury and pain;
2. Apply foundational knowledge to clients with specific neuromusculoskeletal conditions, across inpatient and outpatient settings; and
3. Facilitate integration of foundational and applied knowledge in developing holistic assessment and management of clients with neuromusculoskeletal pathology, injury and pain.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and its application across a range of neuromusculoskeletal conditions.
LO2.
Apply knowledge of mobility aid use and training to a diverse range of clinical conditions affecting use of one or both lower limbs and/or balance control.
LO3.
Demonstrate ethical and professional decision making and behaviour in the safe and effective prescription of mobility aids.
LO4.
Understand the different lower limb, upper limb and spinal orthoses used in the management of clients with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, and principles of orthoses use.
LO5.
Understand how tissue pathology and repair processes, as well as the bodys neuromusculoskeletal systems, are associated with and influenced by pain, injury and pathology.
LO6.
Understand the nociceptive system and pain perception, their relevance for client-centred physiotherapy assessment and management, as well as interprofessional approaches to the assessment and management of pain.
LO7.
Apply knowledge of pain to demonstrate clinical reasoning and a client-centred approach in assessing, managing and communicating with clients with neuromusculoskeletal pain.
LO8.
Understand principles of orthopaedic injuries and conditions, and their medical and physiotherapy management.
LO9.
Apply foundational knowledge of neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy to effective clinical reasoning in assessing and managing clients with specific neuromusculoskeletal conditions (e.g. rheumatological disorders, orthopaedic conditions, vascular conditions, amputation, burn injury, spinal cord injury).
LO10.
Understand the relationships between elements of neuromusculoskeletal pathology, injury and pain within a client-centred biopsychosocial framework.
LO11.
Understand the role of the physiotherapist in multi-disciplinary health management of clients with specific neuromusculoskeletal conditions.
LO12.
Effectively, efficiently and safely assess and manage clients with orthopaedic conditions of the lower limb, upper limb and spine.
LO13.
Demonstrate critical reflection on the evidence for assessment and management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, and apply the evidence in a clinical context within an evidence-based practice framework.
LO14.
Demonstrate effective, accurate and appropriate communication with clients, carers and other health practitioners in the clinical context.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-semester written exam
|
30% |
16/04/2025
Week 8 |
| Examination, Practical/ Demonstration |
End of semester practical exam
|
40% Must Pass |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
| Examination |
End of semester written exam
|
30% Must Pass |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
In-semester written exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
16/04/2025
Week 8
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05, L06, L08
Task description
The in-semester written examination will consist of multiple choice questions to test your knowledge (and application of knowledge) on foundations of neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy. This exam will examine all work covered in weeks 1-5 (inclusive) of semester. It will be an invigilated, closed book exam.
Feedback: Group feedback will be provided on Blackboard following the exam, and an exam viewing session will be available upon request to the course coordinator.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Deferred exams can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam. Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - Deferring an exam. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request. Please select "In-Semester" exam when you apply for the deferred exam on SI-net.
End of semester practical exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Examination, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 40% Must Pass
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L07, L09, L12, L13, L14
Task description
The practical examination will examine work covered in all of the course. You will have 10 minutes of perusal time, followed by two 7-minute practical stations. The two stations in the exam are:
1. Mobility aid prescription (7 minutes).
2. Assessment and/or management of a client with a neuromusculoskeletal condition (7 minutes).
Feedback: You will receive individual written electronic feedback from your examiner upon completion of the exam. Group feedback will also be provided via Blackboard. If you would like further individual feedback, this request should be in writing to the course coordinator within 14 calendar days.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
This exam is a must-pass component of the course. The pass mark for this exam is 55%, with a must pass on the safety component (P/F).Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Deferred exams can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam. Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - Deferring an exam. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request. Please select "End-semester" exam when you apply for the deferred exam on SI-net.
End of semester written exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30% Must Pass
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L13
Task description
The end-semester written examination will consist of short answer questions to test your knowledge and the application of that knowledge towards the assessment and management of clients with neuromusculoskeletal conditions. This exam will examine all work covered in the course.
Please note: Where an assessment item requires the student to "List 'x' number" of responses (for example, "List 2 potential causes" of a specified condition) only the first 'x' responses listed by the student will be assessed. Any further responses listed will not be assessed.
Feedback: Group feedback will be provided via Blackboard, and individual feedback will be received upon request to the course coordinator. Students are given the opportunity to review EOS exam papers within 21 days of grade release, and the first two weeks of the following semester. Requests must be submitted in writing to the course coordinator. End-semester written exam marks will not be released until after the release of the final grade.
Deferred exams can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam. Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - Deferring an exam. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
This exam is a must-pass component of the course. The pass mark for this exam is 55%.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Deferred exams can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam. Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - Deferring an exam. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request. Please select "End-semester" exam when you apply for the deferred exam on SI-net.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 34 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 0 - 34%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 35 -ﾠ44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 54 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 45 - 54%. A grade of 3 will be awarded to a student who achieves a final mark of 55% or higher but who does not pass the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
| 4 (Pass) | 55 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 55 - 64%ﾠandﾠhas passed the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 65 - 74%ﾠandﾠhas passedﾠthe 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 75 - 84%ﾠandﾠhas passedﾠthe 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 85 - 100%ﾠand has passed the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
Additional course grading information
Final marks falling between whole percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole percentage. Tie-breaking will be conducted using the round half up method whereby half-way values are always rounded up, meaning, for example, that 89.50% and above will be rounded to 90% and 89.49% and below will be rounded down to 89%.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This course contains ‘must pass’ assessment items, as follows: the End-semester written exam and End-semester practical exam.ﾠYou must pass these items to pass this course overall, i.e. even if your final percentage mark is 55% or higher, the individual ‘must pass’ assessment items must have been passed.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Due Times for Assessment
All assessment/exam times are scheduled in Australian Eastern Standard time. If you are not in Queensland, please ensure you take any time differences into account.
Resubmission/Resit of Assessment Itemsﾠ
A resit or resubmission of assessment items is not available for this course.
Deferred exams
Students may be eligible for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam.
Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - https://my.uq.edu.au/node/189/0#0. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From O-week To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures Lectures will be delivered by expert lecturers from within the School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences and The University of Queensland, as well as invited guest lecturers from a variety of health professions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L13 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Practical Classes A diverse range of learning activities are scheduled for the Friday practical classes. These practical classes will be delivered by experts from within The University of Queensland, as well as invited guest lecturers from a variety of industry settings. Schedules will be posted on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 10 |
Lecture |
Orthopaedic ILP The Independent Learning Packages (ILPs) provide foundational knowledge and case studies introducing orthopaedics. Learning outcomes: L05, L08, L09, L12 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.