Course coordinator
Dr Georgina Clutterbuck
Course overview
- Study period
- Summer Semester, 2024 (25/11/2024 - 08/02/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- 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 fundamental knowledge relating to professional issues and communication in physiotherapy. Students will gain an understanding of the foundations of therapeutic movement and electrotherapeutic modalities and will gain clinical skills in soft tissue manipulation and task analysis.
This course introduces students to the profession of physiotherapy. As the first course of the Graduate Entry Masters program, it covers essential, fundamental knowledge and skills of physiotherapy practice including patient rights, ethics, communication, diversity, professionalism, typical development, fundamentals of movement analysis and practical physiotherapy skills.
Communication
Formal learning activities target verbal and non-verbal communicationﾠtoﾠassist those entering the “helping” profession of physiotherapy to develop their ability to empathise, communicate effectively and show caring in professional contexts.
Frameworks and conceptsﾠ
Students will be introduced to the concepts of client and family centred practice, multidisciplinary practice, individual differences and disability and the ICF framework.ﾠ
Cultural Competence
Students will explore cultural diversity and begin to understand cultural considerations in physiotherapy practice.ﾠ
Movement Analysis
Students will learn the basic terminology used in the description of human movement and learn to conductﾠsimple movement observation, analysis and measurement.
Practical Skills
Students will develop skills in soft tissue manipulation. In this course, therapeutic massageﾠis used as an avenue to develop competency in tissue palpation, manual handling and therapeutic intervention. Students will be introduced to the theory behind a selection of electrophysical agents in physiotherapy and have the opportunity to experience and apply these withﾠan emphasis on familiarisation and safety.
Typical Development
Students will participate in a digital learning module which explores typical development across infancy, childhood and adolescence. Students willﾠexplore the implications of development across systems on physiotherapy management throughout the lifespan in a multidisciplinary context.ﾠ
Course requirements
Restrictions
MPhtySt students
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Georgina Clutterbuck
Tutor
Mr Damo McClymont
Mrs Louise Lindsay
Dr Karime Andrade Mescouto
Miss Sarah Wilesmith
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note that the timetable for this course is available on Blackboard as per advice received from the School.
Aims and outcomes
- To introduce students to the profession of physiotherapy and explore the current scope of physiotherapy in Queensland and Australia, recognising the importance of Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds.
- To introduce students to patient rights, cultural diversity and professional ethics.
- To introduce concepts of disability and the impact of disability on peoples lives.
- To introduce students to the clinical skills of communication, observation, palpation and soft tissue massage as used in physiotherapy for diagnosis and treatment.
- To introduce students to the study of therapeutic movement and the role of the physiotherapist as an enabler of movement.
- To introduce students to the concept and components of a healthcare team.
- To initiate student understanding of client/patient and family-centred care.
- To introduce students to the place of research in physiotherapy.
- To introduce students to the study of electrotherapeutic agents.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
understand the scope and practice of physiotherapy
LO2.
accept the importance of an ethical approach to physiotherapy practice
LO3.
appreciate that the physiotherapist is a professional healthcare provider who cares for and about their patients/clients
LO4.
be aware of the impact of disability, psychosocial factors and cultural diversity from the perspectives of both the client and the physiotherapist
LO5.
recognise the importance and relevance of good communication skills in the practice of physiotherapy
LO6.
appreciate the significance of the range of individual differences in the human population and their effects on normal movement and tissue texture
LO7.
use appropriate terminology to describe aspects of human movement and therapeutic skills
LO8.
understand the scientific background of analysis of movement and importance of appropriate measurement for research and clinical outcomes
LO9.
observe and accurately record basic features of posture in a systematic manner
LO10.
apply basic soft tissue manipulation techniques such as therapeutic massage in a proficient manner
LO11.
handle and position patients with safety, comfort, convenience and awareness of posture of both the physiotherapist and patient
LO12.
be able to (1) link the theoretical aspects of physics with the practical components of electrotherapy, (2) understand the basic functions and mechanisms of mechanical apparatus and electrophysical agents used in physiotherapy and (3) observe the effects of electrophysical agents in normal tissue in order to begin to understand the therapeutic effects of these agents
LO13.
apply basic physiotherapy assessment and treatment modalities safely, with respect to both the client and physiotherapist
LO14.
understand basic learning processes and the importance of assuming responsibility for their own learning, as well as appreciate the value of reflection as a process to increase learning
LO15.
appreciate the role of research as a foundation for the practice of physiotherapy
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Soft tissue mobilisation practical exam
|
20% (Must pass) |
17/12/2024 |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Electrotherapy practical exam
|
20% (Must pass) | |
| Examination |
Final Theory Exam - All content
|
60% (Must pass) |
19/12/2024 |
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
Soft tissue mobilisation practical exam
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20% (Must pass)
- Due date
17/12/2024
Task description
During this practical examination students will be assessed on their ability to communicate as well as safely and effectively apply soft tissue techniques. All practical skills and theoretical knowledge from the course pertaining to soft tissue mobilisation will be examinable.
You will be examined for 10 minutes (5 minutes each for 2 seperate techniques) Exam questions will be case-based and examples will be provided during the soft tissue mobilisation practical classes and on blackboard.
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. This means that if you do not pass this exam, you will not pass the course, regardless of your overall grade. The overall pass mark for this assessment task is 55%. You must also pass the pass/fail safety and professionalism criteria to pass the exam.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Deferred and supplementary examinations will take place in the central deferred and examination week for summer semester. Please see the academic calendar for information.
Electrotherapy practical exam
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20% (Must pass)
Task description
During this practical examination you will be required to safely and effectively apply an electrophysical agent. All practical skills and theoretical knowledge from the course relating to the electrotherapy module will be examinable. This practical examination will be conducted as a role play in which you will apply an electrophysical agent to a student acting as a client. The examination will consist of 1 x 10 minute station.
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. This means that if you do not pass this exam, you will not pass the course, regardless of your overall grade. The overall pass mark for this assessment task is 55%. You must also pass the pass/fail safety and professionalism criteria to pass the exam.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Deferred and supplementary examinations will take place in the central deferred and examination week for summer semester. Please see the academic calendar for information.
Final Theory Exam - All content
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60% (Must pass)
- Due date
19/12/2024
Task description
This written examination will be held in-person, online in the final week of class time prior to the Christmas break. It will cover all content taught in PHTY7802, including professional issues in physiotherapy, communication, analysis of movement, gait, soft tissue mobilisation, child development and electrotherapeutic agents. The exam will run for a total of 130 minutes.
This exam is a must-pass component of the course and is worth 60% of the overall course grade. The pass mark for this exam is 55%.
UQ uses the assessment tool, Inspera Assessment, in this course. Inspera Assessment provides additional functionality to complement the existing suite of digital learning tools at UQ with a greater range of question types and accessibility provisions. Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, and where to go for support, will be provided via Blackboard during semester. You MUST bring an appropriate device (per Blackboard instructions) to complete the exam. Failure to review the information regarding device requirements may result in being unable to complete the exam, resulting in a fail grade.
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. This means that if you do not pass this exam, you will not pass the course, regardless of your overall grade. The overall pass mark for this assessment task is 55% PLUS at least 55% on the cultural safety component within this exam. If you receive <55% overall, or <55% in the cultural component, you will not pass the exam, and thus will not pass the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 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 and supplementary examinations will take place in the central deferred and examination week for summer semester. Please see the academic calendar for information.
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 all must pass assessment items. |
| 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 passedﾠthe 'must pass' assessment item. |
| 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 passedﾠthe 'must pass' assessment items. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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 itemsﾠas follows: Soft Tissue MobilisationﾠPractical Exam, Electrophysical Agents Practical Exam and TheoryﾠExam. You must pass these items to pass this course overall. i.e., even if your final percentage mark is 55% or higher, you must also pass the individual ‘must pass’ assessment items to pass the course.
Practical / station examinations
Students will be required to perform various tests, and treatmentsﾠin a series of practical examinations. The emphasis in these examinations is on the EFFECTIVE and SAFE PERFORMANCE of these procedures, although examiners will also question students about the theory underlying this. Please note, any breach of patient safety or professionalism during the course of the practical examination will result in an automatic fail of the examination.
Practical assessments will be scheduled on-campus in a face-to-face format.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary assessment will be considered where the student receives a grade of 3 (i.e., 45-55%) AND they have failed no more than two of the three assessment items. This examination will be designed to meet the learning outcomes relevant to the failed assessment item/s. It will be conducted in the summer semester supplementary/deferred examination period.
Additional assessment information
Deferred Examsﾠcan be requested for all assessment items in this course. As soon as you are aware that you will need to defer your exam submit a ‘deferred examination request’ through mySI-net and email your course coordinator to make them aware of your situation. You can save this application and come back to it at any time. Applications should be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
Students may be eligible for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. In the case of exceptional and unavoidable circumstances, your application must include supporting evidence. Your request will be assessed based on the evidence you provide when you apply. Here's some general advice:
- Supporting evidence should be in written English (or translated by a ﾠNAATI-accredited translator).
- Statutory declarations are only allowed when you can't obtain the required supporting evidence (e.g. a police report, road service report etc.)
- Keep original copies of your supporting evidence for at least 6 months. If you fail to produce the original documents, your deferred exam application may be refused or overturned.
If you cannot provide evidence of exceptional and unavoidable circumstances, you may choose to apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. You are only eligible to receive one discretionary deferred exam during your physiotherapy degree.
Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for a deferring an exam is listed on the my.UQ website ﾠDeferring an exam - my.UQ - University of Queensland
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.
Own copy required
You'll need to have your own copy of the following reading resources. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Book |
Fundamentals of musculoskeletal assessment techniques
by Palmer; M. Lynn; Epler; Marcia E. - 1998 Edition: 2nd Publisher: Lippincott ISBN: 9780781710077 |
Additional learning resources information
Lecture notes, practical videos and any required journal articles 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.
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.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: