Course coordinator
Mr Damo McClymont
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
Focus on developing professional competencies in areas of assessment, clinical reasoning, diagnosis & treatment selection relating to the physiotherapy management & prevention of musculoskeletal pain, injury & conditions of the lower limbs.
The course will provide students with the knowledge, communication, clinical reasoning and practical skills to manage clients with musculoskeletal pathologies of the lower limb. The course uses lectures, seminars, practical classes, problem-based learning casesﾠand tutor and peer feedback to deliver material. Themes addressed in this course include the recognition and physical manifestations of lower limb pathologies (including osteoarthritis, muscle injuries, ligamentous injuries, bony stress injuries and tendinopathies); the clinical reasoning process in assessment, diagnosis, physiotherapy treatment options, rationales and treatment selection;ﾠ and the role and scope of the physiotherapist as part of the multi-disciplinary team. Generic information, including biomechanical analyses of static and dynamic postures, joint examination, ligamentous stress tests, muscle testing and neuromuscular functionﾠwill be covered for lower limb musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, specific needs of specialty areas of sport, work, overuse, poor use and inflammatory and degenerative conditions will be explored. Students will develop the communication and practical skills needed to safely and competently assess and treat clients with lower limb musculoskeletal disorders, to predict and evaluate outcomes and to develop programs for promotion of good musculoskeletal health for the prevention of injury and re-injury to the lower limb.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students entering this course must have completed the following courses: PHTY7802 and PHTY7803.ﾠThese courses provide necessary specific background knowledge and skills which are built on in PHTY7811.ﾠIt is also assumed that students have sound anatomical knowledge of the lower limb.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PHTY7802 +PHTY7803
Restrictions
MPhtySt
Course contact
Lecturer
Mr Damo McClymont
Tutor
Mr Damo McClymont
Course staff
Tutor
Mr Henry Hamilton
Mr James Jansz
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
1. Understand the current research base regarding specific musculoskeletal pathologies and conditions of the lower limb pertaining to acuteﾠinjury, repetitive use, inflammatory and degenerative conditions as acquired through sport, work, recreation or ageing. 2. Understand the scope of medical investigations, diagnoses and management of lower limb musculoskeletal presentations. 3. Effectively perform physiotherapy assessment and management techniques and procedures for clients with lower limb musculoskeletal injuries or conditions. 4. Be able to use clinical reasoning and reflection on scientific evidence to effectively plan and implement the physiotherapy assessment, diagnosisﾠand treatment for clients with lower limb musculoskeletal injuries or conditions.
5. Develop skills to effectively, accurately and appropriately communicate with clients, carers and other health practitioners in the clinical context. 6. To synthesise and analyse complex information to develop a diagnosis and physiotherapy management plan for a client with a lower limb injury or pathology.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Knowledge - Understand the pathologies, clinical presentation, scope of medical investigations, and inter-disciplinary management of a range of lower limb musculoskeletal conditions.
LO2.
Psychomotor skills - Perform and record an effective and efficient interview of a client with a lower limb condition, and their carer where appropriate.
LO3.
Psychomotor skills - Effectively and efficiently perform and record a range of assessment techniques and outcome measures for the lower limb.
LO4.
Psychomotor skills - Effectively and efficiently perform and record a range of safe physiotherapy interventions for treatment and prevention, specific to a client with a lower limb injury.
LO5.
Psychomotor skills - Effectively and efficiently prescribe evidence-based exercise to clients with a lower limb injuries and pathologies from initial injury to return to sport/work/function.
LO6.
Understanding/Clinical reasoning - Interpret information from the patient interview to develop a physical examination plan and diagnostic hypotheses, and use results of the
physical examination to confirm/negate this.
LO7.
Understanding/Clinical reasoning - Synthesise and analyse assessment findings and current research to design a management plan for a client with a lower limb condition.
LO8.
Understanding/Clinical reasoning - Justify a physiotherapy intervention based upon clinical assessment, client goals and understanding of the literature.
LO9.
Understanding/Clinical reasoning - Evaluate the effectiveness of your physiotherapy intervention.
LO10.
Evidence-based practice - Source, interpret, apply and reflect on research/evidence to improve understanding and inter-disciplinary management of lower limb musculoskeletal conditions.
LO11.
Evidence-based practice - Apply scientific evidence about lower limb pathologies and their assessment and management in a clinical context.
LO12.
Reflection - Critically reflect on your management of clients with lower limb injuries and development strategies for self-improvement.
LO13.
Reflection - Effectively provide constructive feedback to peer learners and suggest strategies to improve their practice.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration, Role play/ Simulation |
In-Semester Practical Exam
|
15% |
3/04/2025 10:00 am |
| Examination |
In-semester written exam
|
20% |
Week 7 |
| Examination, Practical/ Demonstration |
End of Semester Practical Exam
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Examination period |
| Examination |
End of Semester VIVA exam
|
35% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Examination period |
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 Practical Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
3/04/2025 10:00 am
Task description
This practical exam will examine your ability to conduct effective and efficient components of a patient interview and physical examination on a patient with a lower limb injury/condition. Your exam will consist of the following two stations:
1. Patient interview.
2. Physical examination skills.
This exam will be conducted face-to-face, on-campus (St Lucia).
Artificial Intelligence: 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.
Feedback: You will receive individual written electronic feedback following the exam. If you would like further feedback, this request should be in writing to the course coordinator. Additional feedback will be provided within 14 calendar days.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
In-semester written exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Week 7
Task description
The in-semester written exam will examine lecture and tutorial material from week 1 through week 5 of the course. The exam will be based on clinical cases. You will be given a number of client cases and you will be asked a series of questions about each case.
This exam will be conducted face-to-face, on-campus (St Lucia) and is a closed-book invigilated exam.
Artificial Intelligence: 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.
Feedback: Written and oral group feedback will be provided by the course coordinator. Requests for individual feedback must be submitted to the course coordinator.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time 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.
End of Semester Practical Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Examination, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Examination period
Task description
This exam will examine work covered in all of the course. You will receive 15 minutes of perusal followed by two practical exam stations:
1. Assessment and/or treatment of a client with a lower limb injury injury.
2. Treatment of a client with a lower limb injury.
Each station will be approximately 7 minutes long.
This exam will be conducted face-to-face, on-campus (St Lucia).
Artificial Intelligence: 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.
Feedback: You will receive individual written electronic feedback following the exam. If you would like further feedback, this request should be in writing to the course coordinator. Additional feedback will be provided within 14 calendar days. End-semester practical exam marks will not be released until after the release of the final grade.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this assessment item to pass the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 15 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.
End of Semester VIVA exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Examination period
Task description
This exam will examine work covered in all of the course. You will receive 15 minutes of perusal followed by two oral exam stations. The oral exam stations will discuss your management of two different client cases with lower limb injuries/conditions. Each station will be approximately 7 minutes long.
This exam will be conducted face-to-face, on-campus (St Lucia).
Artificial Intelligence: 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.
Feedback: You will receive individual written electronic feedback following the exam. If you would like further feedback, this request should be in writing to the course coordinator. Additional feedback will be provided within 14 calendar days. End-semester practical exam marks will not be released until after the release of the final grade.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this assessment item to pass the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 15 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
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 ﾠ0 - 34%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment ofﾠ 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 ofﾠ 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 ﾠ55 - 64% ﾠandﾠ 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 ﾠ65 - 74% ﾠandﾠ 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 ofﾠ 75 - 84%ﾠ andﾠ 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 ofﾠ 85 - 100% ﾠandﾠ 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%.
This course contains ‘must pass’ assessment items, as follows:ﾠEnd of semester practical exam andﾠEnd of semester VIVA exam. You 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 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, there are no items eligible for consideration of the resubmission/resit option.
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.
Additional learning resources information
Lecture notes, tutorial notes, skills videos and practical class manuals will be available on the course 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
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures The lectures will be delivered by Sports and Exercise or Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists with expertise in the management of lower limb injuries/conditions. The lectures provide information to develop understanding of pathology, assessment and treatment of patients with lower limb injuries and conditions. Lectures will be pre-recorded and available for you to view online. Refer to Blackboard for detailed schedule. |
Tutorial |
Tutorials The tutorials in this course use problem-based learning activities to develop clinical reasoning in the management of lower limb injuries and conditions. Refer to Blackboard for detailed schedule. |
|
Practical |
Practical classes In the practical classes, you will practice the practical skills in the course under the supervision of and with feedback from physiotherapy tutors. These classes will also contain standardised patient activities for you to integrate your skills and reasoning into a clinical context. Refer to Blackboard for detailed schedule. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Recommended readings There are recommended readings and accompanying study guides to increase your understanding of injuries and conditions affecting the lower limb. Refer to Blackboard for details. |
|
Clinical Hours |
Observational clinical placement Students will undertake an observational clinical placement experience in the UQ Musculoskeletal and Sports Injury Clinic (MSSI). The aim of this learning activity is to provide students with an introductory experience working with physiotherapy clients in a private physiotherapy practice. Refer to Blackboard for details. |
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.