Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
Understanding of the musculoskeletal pathologies of the cervical and thoracic spines and craniomandibular region, the clinical reasoning process for diagnosis and physiotherapy treatment options to treat clients with pain and dysfunction, to develop prevention programs and assist return to work.
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. Areas covered will include the physical manifestations of cervical, thoracic and upper quadrant disorders, differentiation of cervical versus other origins of neck pain, 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 of 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 coded courses prior to the semester.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PHTY7815, PHTY7821
Restrictions
MPhtySt
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- PHTY3260
Lectures and tutorials are shared with PHTY3260.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Alana Dinsdale
Tutor
Mr Tim Duffy
Ms Gabrielle Versace
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. Develop 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 multi-professional management or those arising from other causes not relevant to physiotherapy managementﾠ
6. Applying specific practical techniques in the areas of musculoskeletal physiotherapy and specificﾠexercise 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 skills necessary for life long learning, critical appraisal of new management methods and the judgementﾠto 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 system.
LO2.
Explain the principles and practice of clinical reasoning as applied to physiotherapy management 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 communication with government, health insurance and legal professions.
LO6.
Demonstrate proficient and safe application of specific practical techniques in the areas 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 new management methods 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)
|
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 8am on Tuesdays. |
| Examination |
In-Semester Practical Exam
|
20% |
28/08/2024
Individual exam schedule will be published on the Blackboard. |
| Examination |
In-Semester Theory Exam (Inspera)
|
30% |
17/09/2024 8:00 am |
| Examination |
End of Semester Practical Examination (School-based)
|
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 8am on Tuesdays.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Four (4) online quizzes worth 2% each will provide you with feedback on your understanding of key concepts presented in this course, in preparation for the mid-semester examination. Quiz 5 worth 12% will cover content from week 9 onwards. Quizzes will be open for 1 week and students must complete all quizzes by the due date. See Blackboard for due dates for individual quizzes. The combined value of the quizzes comprises 20% of the theory content of the course.
Inspera Assessment will be used for this assessment in PHTY7822. Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, and where to go for support, will be provided via Blackboard during 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 schedule will be published on the Blackboard.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Case based practical exam to demonstrate practical skill competencies and 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
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.
Task description
Multiple choice and short answer clinical scenario/problem-based question written examination that will require you to apply the material covered in lectures, required readings and practical classes.
Please note 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 PHTY7822.
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.
Task description
Problem-solving and practical examination (case based) worth 30%. This exam will be conducted in the exam period.
Practical examination is a MUST PASS component of the course.
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) 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 PHTY7822 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 Exam
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 PHTY7822. 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
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lecture series |
Practical |
Management techniques for cervicothoracic region Practical sessions from Week 1 to Week 13, except for Week 6. |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 12 |
Practical |
TMJ, headache, Integrated management |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 12 |
Problem-based learning |
Management of neck pain patients |
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.