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Course profile

Physiotherapy Specialties: Musculoskeletal IIB (Cervical and Thoracic Spine) (PHTY3260)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Health & Rehab Sci School

This course will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the musculoskeletal pathologies of the cervical and thoracic spines and craniomandibular region, the physical manifestations of cervical, thoracic and upper quadrant disorders, differentiation of cervical versus other origins of condition such as headache, dizziness and face pain, the clinical reasoning process in clinical assessment and diagnosis, physiotherapy treatment options, rationales and treatment selection.

This courseᅠprepares students toᅠmanage patients with neck disorders and deals with the prevention of neck pain, using a biopsychosocial approach informed by the latest research evidence base. The course will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the musculoskeletal pathologies of the cervical and thoracic spines and craniomandibular region, the physical manifestations of cervical, thoracic and upper quadrant disorders, differentiation of cervical versus other origins of conditions such as headache, dizziness and face pain, the clinical reasoning process in clinical assessment and diagnosis of the patient with a neck disorder, physiotherapy treatment options, rationales and treatment selection.ᅠThe course includes theoretical and practical information, including biomechanical analyses of static and dynamic postures of the upper quadrant, cervical and thoracic segmental joint examination, examination of the nervous system, muscle and motor controlᅠfor the cervical and thoracic spines and craniomandibular systems.ᅠIn addition, the specific needs of specialty areas in sport, overuse, sub-optimal functional use, as well as inflammatory and degenerative conditions will be explored, as will behavioural featuresᅠassociated with cervical pain. Students will develop the communication and practical skills needed to competently assess and safely and effectively treat clients with cervical, thoracic and craniomandibular disorders, to predict and evaluate outcomes as well as develop programs for promotion of good musculoskeletal health for the prevention of injury or the prevention of recurrence of injury to the cervical and thoracic spines.ᅠThe multidisciplinary nature of care of disorders will be discussed and the physiotherapist’s role and responsibilities in the health care team will be explored.

Course requirements

Assumed background

All PHTY courses prior to this semester.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

PHTY3120

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

PHTY3210, PHTY4110

Restrictions

BPhty

Jointly taught details

This course is jointly-taught with:

  • PHTY7822

Shared lectures and tutorials.

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Tutor

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

The purpose of the course is to develop the student’s knowledge, attributes and skills in:

1. Researching, identifying and describing pathological conditions of the cervical, thoracic and craniomandibular regions.

2. Performing a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment of a clinical presentation of the cervical, thoracic and craniomandibular regions.

3. Developing communication skills for effective interaction with clients, families and other health professionals and for communication with government, health insurance and legal professions.

4. Developing clinical reasoning skills involving interpretation and analysis of assessment findings necessary for effective assessment and treatment of cervical, thoracic and craniomandibular conditions.

5. Differential diagnosis of cervical, thoracic and craniomandibular conditions to identify those requiring multiprofessional management orᅠthose arising from other causes not relevant to physiotherapy management.

6. Applying specific practical techniques in the areas of musculoskeletal physiotherapy and specficᅠexercise prescription used in the management of cervical, thoracic and craniomandibular disorders, as well as the prevention of injury and reinjury.

7. Understanding and working in an evidence based framework of health care, accountability and responsibility to the client and the health care team.

8. Developing the necessary skills for life long learning, critical appraisal of new management methods and the judegment to incorporate new research based practices into physiotherapy management plans.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Identify, describe and appraise the literature on pathological conditions of the cervical, thoracic and craniomandibular musculoskeletal and sensorimotor systems.

LO2.

Explain the principles and practice of clinical reasoning as applied to physiotherapy for cervical, thoracic and craniomandibular disorders.

LO3.

Apply skills to perform a competent physiotherapy assessment of any cervical, thoracic spine and craniomandibular musculoskeletal clinical presentation.

LO4.

Identify conditions requiring multi-professional management or those arising from other causes not relevant to physiotherapy management within your assessment.

LO5.

Demonstrate effective communication skills to successfully interact with clients, families and other health professionals and for clear communication with government, health insurance and legal professions.

LO6.

Demonstrate proficient and safe application of specific practical techniques in the area of musculoskeletal physiotherapy and specific exercise for the management and prevention of upper quadrant disorders.

LO7.

Demonstrate the application of evidence based health care, accountability and responsibility to the client and health care team

LO8.

Recognise the skills necessary for future professional development, critically appraising management approaches and using judgement to incorporate new research-based practices into physiotherapy management plans

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Quiz Computer based online quizzes (Inspera)
  • Identity Verified
  • Online
20%

Quiz 1 (2%) 31/07/2024 - 6/08/2024

Quiz 2 (2%) 14/08/2024 - 20/08/2024

Quiz 3 (2%) 28/08/2024 - 3/09/2024

Quiz 4 (2%) 11/09/2024 - 17/09/2024

Quiz 5 (12%) 16/10/2024 - 22/10/2024

The online quizzes close by 8 am on Tuesdays.

Examination In-Semester Practical Exam
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
20%

28/08/2024

Individual exam schedules will be published on the Blackboard.

Examination In-Semester Theory Exam (Inspera)
  • Identity Verified
  • Online
30%

17/09/2024 8:00 am

Examination End of Semester Practical Examination (School-based)
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
30% (MUST PASS)

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Individual exam schedules will be published on the Blackboard.

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

Computer based online quizzes (Inspera)

  • Identity Verified
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
20%
Due date

Quiz 1 (2%) 31/07/2024 - 6/08/2024

Quiz 2 (2%) 14/08/2024 - 20/08/2024

Quiz 3 (2%) 28/08/2024 - 3/09/2024

Quiz 4 (2%) 11/09/2024 - 17/09/2024

Quiz 5 (12%) 16/10/2024 - 22/10/2024

The online quizzes close by 8 am on Tuesdays.

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L07

Task description

Four (4) on-line quizzes worth 2% each will provide you with feedback on your understanding of key concepts in preparation for the In-Semester examination and Quiz 5 worth 12% will complete the theory covered from week 9. Each quiz will be open for one week, students must successfully complete all quizzes by the due date. The combined value of the quizzes comprises 20% of the theory component of the course. 

Inspera Assessment will be used for this assessment in PHTY3260. Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, and where to go for support, will be provided via Blackboard during the semester.

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Extension is NOT available for this assessment.

In-Semester Practical Exam

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Examination
Weight
20%
Due date

28/08/2024

Individual exam schedules will be published on the Blackboard.

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L02, L03, L05, L06

Task description

Case-based practical exam to demonstrate practical skill competencies and their interpretation. Students will be asked to demonstrate selected practical techniques and interpretation of findings in a clinical context. 

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) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Exam details

Planning time no planning time minutes
Duration 10 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

In person practical examination

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

In-Semester Theory Exam (Inspera)

  • Identity Verified
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
30%
Due date

17/09/2024 8:00 am

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L07, L08

Task description

Multiple choice questions and short answer clinical scenario / problem based questions written examination that will require you to apply the material covered in lectures, required readings and practical classes.

Please note that where an assessment item requires the student to "List 'x' number" of responses (for example, "List 4 contraindications" to a specified technique) only the first 'x' responses listed by the student will be assessed. Any further responses listed will not be assessed.

 

Inspera Assessment will be used for this assessment in PHTY3260. 

 

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

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

Not invigilated

Submission guidelines

Online exam

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

End of Semester Practical Examination (School-based)

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Examination
Weight
30% (MUST PASS)
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Individual exam schedules will be published on the Blackboard.

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08

Task description

Problem-solving and practical examination (case based) worth 30%. This exam will be conducted in the exam period.

The practical examination is a MUST PASS component of the course. 

Practical assessment 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) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

You must pass this Practical Exam to pass PHTY3260 overall.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 15 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

In person practical examination.

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 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 the 'must pass' assessment items 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 the 'must pass' assessment items 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 the 'must pass' assessment items 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 the 'must pass' assessment items 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, as follows:ᅠEnd of Semester Practical Exam, combined Theory Exam components (In-Semester Exam and Online Quizzes).ᅠ

You must pass theseᅠitemsᅠto 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

Use of Generative AI in Assessments

Assessment tasks in this course evaluate students' abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.


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 In-semester Theory Examination is eligible for consideration of the resit option if the assessment item was completed on time.

After resit, the maximum result is a pass mark for that assessment component. Students who are granted a resit for an assessment item and do not attend on the scheduled date will not be permitted to reschedule the assessment.


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 -ᅠhttps://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 the assessment is submitted throughᅠBlackboardᅠyou will receive a confirmation page as a digital receipt. This information will also be sent to your student e-mail account. Please ensure you keep this email.

When the 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.


Submitting assessment in Inspera

Inspera Assessment may be used in PHTY3260. The assessment item(s)ᅠcould include a non-invigilated/invigilated on-campus andᅠdigital assessmentᅠand students in this course will complete/submitᅠthese assessmentsᅠusing their own device. Details about Inspera Assessment including an introduction to Inspera functionality and where to go for support are available https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/assessments-inspera. Further information will be provided on the Blackboard site for this course, and practice opportunities will be available throughout the semester.

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.

Additional learning resources information

Lecture notes, course manual, required journal articles and videos will be available on the Blackboard site.

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

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 13
(22 Jul - 27 Oct)

Lecture

Lecture series

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L07, L08

Practical

Management techniques for cervicothoracic region

Practical sessions from Week 1 to Week 13, except for Week 6.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08

Multiple weeks

From Week 10 To Week 12
(30 Sep - 20 Oct)

Practical

TMJ, headache, Integrated management approaches

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08

Multiple weeks

From Week 11 To Week 12
(07 Oct - 20 Oct)

Problem-based learning

Management of neck pain patients

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08

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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.