Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
The course will provide students with knowledge and understanding for the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions including the lumbar spine, pelvis and persistent pain using a biopsychosocial framework.
The course will provide students with knowledge and understanding for the assessment and management of the patient with musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine and pelvis using a biopsychosocial approach in addition to managing individuals with persistent musculoskeletal pain more broadly.
Learningﾠactivities and assessment throughout the course are aimed to specifically build confidence and competence in being able to effectively manage musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine and pelvis within a framework of evidence based practice.
The course has a focus on the clinical reasoning process in the assessment and diagnosis of conditions, and physiotherapy management options. Students will develop the communication and practical skills needed to assess a patient with a low back and/or pelvic pain condition competently and safely. They will be able to effectively and safely manageﾠpatients with lumbar spine and pelvic musculoskeletal conditions, to evaluate outcomes as well as develop interventions including exercise, manual therapy, patient education and self-management and this will extend to persistent pain more broadly. Students will be able to contribute actively in practical classes using case based learning and group activities. The multidisciplinary nature of care of managingﾠconditions will be discussed and the physiotherapist’s role and responsibilities in the health care team as well as other professionals will be explored. Students will also be informed consumers and analysers of literature pertaining to the broad topic of musculoskeletal low back and pelvic conditions and persistent pain.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students have knowledge from all 1st and 2nd Year Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons) courses previously completed.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ANAT2012, PHTY2101, PHTY2110
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PHTY3110
Restrictions
BPhty(Hons) students only
Course contact
Course coordinator
Mr Stephen West-Newman
Course staff
Lecturer
Mr Stephen West-Newman
Mr Damo McClymont
Mr Michael Hsu
Miss Sarah Wilesmith
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
1. Research, identify, and describe the biopsychosocial foundations of lumbar spine and pelvic conditions.
2. Develop a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment approach for musculoskeletal presentations of the lumbar spine and pelvis.
3. Enhance communication skills for effective interactions with clients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
4. Develop critical thinking within the clinical reasoning process, including the interpretation and analysis of assessment findings for the effective evaluation and treatment of lumbar spine, pelvic and persistent pain conditions.
5. Generate hypotheses for lumbar spine, pelvic and persistent pain conditions to identify those that are outside the scope of physiotherapy management or require multidisciplinary management.
6. Use shared decision making and clinical reasoning to select appropriate interventions for lumbar spine, pelvic and persistent pain conditions.
7. Apply patient education, self-management, manual and manipulative therapy, and exercise therapy for those with lumbar, pelvic, and persistent pain conditions.
8. Understand and operate within an evidence-based framework of healthcare, emphasising accountability and responsibility to clients and the healthcare team.
9. Develop skills necessary for lifelong learning, including the critical appraisal of new management methods and the ability to integrate research-based practices into physiotherapy management plans.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate knowledge of the biopsychosocial factors underpinning musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and persistent pain conditions.
LO2.
Understand the scope of medical investigations, diagnosis, and management of musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and persistent pain.
LO3.
Communicate effectively and apply clinical reasoning in the physiotherapy assessment of patients with musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine and pelvis and those with persistent pain.
LO4.
Identify and evaluate approaches suitable for planning the management of clients with musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine and pelvis and persistent pain.
LO5.
Apply physiotherapy techniques specifically related to the management of lumbar spine and pelvic musculoskeletal conditions and management of persistent pain.
LO6.
Understand the role of physiotherapists in the multidisciplinary management of musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine and pelvis and persistent pain.
LO7.
Critically analyse and utilise research and other media related to musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine and pelvis and persistent pain.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-Semester Theory Exam
|
25% Must Pass |
8/09/2025 9:00 am |
| Performance, Project, Role play/ Simulation |
Patient management task
|
10% Must Pass |
22/09/2025 9:00 am |
| Examination |
End of Semester Theory Exam
|
30% Must Pass |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
| Examination |
End of Semester Case Based Practical Examination
|
35% Must Pass |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
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 Theory Exam
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25% Must Pass
- Due date
8/09/2025 9:00 am
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
You will answer a series of short answer case-based questions that relate to lecture and practical class material up to the date of the exam.
Please note: Where an assessment item requires the student to "List 'x' number" of responses, only the first 'x' responses listed by the student will be assessed. Any further responses listed will not be assessed.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this item to pass the courseExam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open book examination - any written or printed material is permitted; material may be annotated |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Patient management task
- Hurdle
- Team or group-based
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Performance, Project, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 10% Must Pass
- Due date
22/09/2025 9:00 am
Task description
7 minute video case to role-play your patient education management
To be completed in groups of up to 4 students from your cohort. If you prefer, you can complete this assessment as an individual, however you will need to have someone play the part of the patient.
You can select one of 5 patient cases or design your own.
You can choose your audience, ie the patient and the severity of their symptoms and how they respond or act.
The focus is on your management plan and the content you are delivering and how appropriate this is for the patient or audience.
Consider what is MOST important to cover with the patient or audience in the given time
Some videos may be selected to be provided for the wider group to aid in patient management knowledge and skills, but consent will be sought.
Students will upload their video assignment to the Blackboard course site.
Please save a screen shot showing success of your assignment submission. You are required to upload this screenshot as a second document with your submitted assignment as per the assignment instructions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this item to pass the courseSubmission guidelines
Students will upload their video assignment to the Blackboard course site.
Instructions will be provided in lectures and on blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Theory Exam
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30% Must Pass
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
Task description
A one hour written exam that includes short and long answer questions related to patient cases.
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.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this item to pass the courseExam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator 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.
End of Semester Case Based Practical Examination
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35% Must Pass
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Secure.
Task description
Students are examined in a practical examination performing assessment and treatment techniques for a lumbar spine/pelvis presentation that are based on patient cases practiced during the semester.
Practical examinations will be scheduled on-campus in a face-to-face format, during the central examination period.
In this course the recording of an assessment (oral/practical) performance has been waived, a record of student performance will be taken by other means such as audio recording or detailed written notes that can be referred to if a remark is required at a later date.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this item to pass the courseExam details
| Planning time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 20 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | You can bring written material from perusal time into the exam to refer to |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
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 - 44% |
| 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 one (or more) of 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% and has passed all of 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% and has passed all of the '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% and has passed all of the '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% and has passed all of 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 89.5% 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. You must pass ALL assessmentﾠitems to pass this course overall, i.e. even if your final percentage mark is 55% or higher each individual ‘must pass’ assessment items must have been passed.
Practical examinations will be scheduled on-campus in a face-to-face format, during the central examination period. As this is dependent on Australian Government guidelines for COVID-19 at the time, this is subject to change.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Resubmission/Resit of assessment items
The School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences supports the concept of resubmission or resitting of failed assessment items in specific and defined circumstances. In this course, the Mid Semester TheoryﾠExam and Video Patient Management Task components are eligible for consideration for the resit/resubmissionﾠoption if the assessment item was submitted/completed on time.ﾠ
After resit/resubmission, the maximum result is a pass mark for that assessment component. Students who are granted a resit/resubmission for an assessment item and do not attend on/submit by the scheduled date will not be permitted to reschedule the assessment/granted an extension.
Students will be eligible for a maximum of ONEﾠresubmission or resit optionﾠfor 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.
Submitting assessment in Blackboard and Turnitin
When assessment is submitted throughﾠBlackboardﾠyou will receive a confirmation page as a digital receipt.ﾠThis information will also be sent to your student e-mail account.ﾠPlease ensure you keep this email.
When assessment is submitted throughﾠTurnitinﾠyou will receive a confirmation page displaying “Submission Complete!” and can then proceed to download your digital receiptﾠfrom yourﾠAssignment inbox.ﾠIt is suggested that you save a copy of the receipt for your personal records.
Instructions on how to submit assignments through Blackboard and Turnitin are available at:ﾠhttps://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-assessment. Please review this information so you understand how to successfully submit your assessment items.
ﾠLearning 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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
RECOMMENDED READING:
ﾠ
Specific readings pertaining to aspects of the course will be published on blackboard
ﾠ
PHTY2220 Recommended Journals
Journal of Musculoskeletal Science and Practice
Australian Journal of Physiotherapy
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy
Spine
Clinical Biomechanics
Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain
Pain
The Clinical Journal of Pain
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Websites
Australian Clinical Practice Guidelines – Managing acute-subacute low back pain
https://www.clinicalguidelines.gov.au/portal/1978/managing-acute-subacute-low-back-pain
Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/clinical-care-standards/low-back-pain-clinical-care-standard
New Zealand Acute Low Back Pain Guide
http://www.acc.co.nz/PRD_EXT_CSMP/groups/external_communications/documents/guide/prd_ctrb112930.pdf
NHMRC evidence-based management of acute musculoskeletal pain
https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines-publications/cp94-cp95
NICE national institute for health and care excellence - low back pain in adults: early management - November 2016
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG59
ﾠ
Chronic Pain Australia
http://chronicpainaustralia.org.au
ﾠ
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 Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
PHTY2220 Lecture Series |
Practical |
PHTY2220 Practical Class Series |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: