Course coordinator
Associate Professor Shaun O'Leary
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
Extends physiotherapists' knowledge & clinical expertise in evidence informed musculoskeletal physiotherapy of the spine & extremities.
This course continues from PHTY7931, PHTY7932, PHTY7933 and PHTY7934 to provide an opportunity for the graduate physiotherapist to advance their theoretical knowledge and clinical skills in manipulative and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. It compliments learning activities in PHTY7941 and PHTY7942, and continues to emphasise the integration of skills and knowledge in the management of specific disorders applied in the clinical setting. The graduate is encouraged to incorporate all aspects of learning from the course into their clinical practice.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Successful completion of PHTY7931, PHTY7932, PHTY7933 and PHTY7934
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PHTY7931, PHTY7932, PHTY7933 and PHTY7934
Restrictions
MPhty students only
Course contact
Course staff
Clinical educator
Mr Tim Duffy
Mr Matthew Stewart
Ms Rebecca Tweedy
Ms Mary-Ann Litchfield
Mr Adrian Cush
Ms Jennie Wong
Charlotte Dix
Andrew Mitchell
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Full timetable information available on Blackboard.
Aims and outcomes
Develop advanced clinical skills in the management and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.
Developﾠskills and knowledge to evaluate the theoretical basis of musculoskeletal physiotherapy in a practical forum.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate sound clinical reasoning for the assessment, differential diagnoses and management of the patient with a musculoskeletal disorder of the spine and upper and lower extremities
LO2.
Demonstrate expertise in the selection and application of treatment methods for their clients.
LO3.
Demonstrate advanced communication skills when communicating with colleagues and clients.
LO4.
Demonstrate advanced problem solving abilities and goal setting for immediate management and planned outcome of treatment for restoration of the client's optimal function for work, recreation and activities of daily living.
LO5.
Demonstrate advanced practical manual handling and technical skills.
LO6.
Have an advanced understanding and awareness of total client needs, multiprofessional options available for the client and development of strategies for management.
LO7.
Demonstrate an indepth understanding of indications of when a client should be referred on to other physiotherapy, medical or health specialists for management.
LO8.
Have awareness and expertise in preventive programs for musculoskeletal health of society across the lifespan
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Placement |
Progressive Clinical Assessment
|
60% Must pass |
Block 1 17/03/2025 - 16/04/2025 Block 2 28/04/2025 - 30/05/2025 |
| Examination |
Clinical Consultation VIVAs
|
40% Must Pass |
Block 1 - Initial Consultation VIVA 14/04/2025 - 16/04/2025 Block 2 - Follow-up Consultation VIVA 26/05/2025 - 30/05/2025 |
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
Progressive Clinical Assessment
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Placement
- Weight
- 60% Must pass
- Due date
Block 1 17/03/2025 - 16/04/2025
Block 2 28/04/2025 - 30/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Students will have two ~5-week clinical placement blocks. Throughout each clinical placement block, students will be assessed on the following: Clinical Performance, Feedback Action Planning and Professional Participation and Contribution.
Clinical Performance
Students will be assessed on their performance of the following throughout their clinical placement block (~5 weeks):
- Communication and interview skills.
- Skills in conducting a physical examination.
- Skills in making diagnostic & prognostic decisions.
- Skills in applying an effective Intervention.
- Reflective Practice.
- Professionalism.
- Planning and preparation.
- Active participation in all learning activities.
Feedback Action Planning
To foster ownership and responsibility for actioning feedback on clinical performance provided by educators and peers, students will reflect on the
feedback provided on their clinical performance in the areas of: 1) Patient interview; 2) Physical examination; 3) Clinical reasoning in terms of making a
diagnosis, determining a prognosis, and management planning; 4) Application of management; 5) Evaluation of management outcomes; and 6)
Professionalism.
Professional Participation and Contribution
Students are required to demonstrate their ability to contribute to and work as part of a team with a common professional purpose. This will include planning
and preparation, communication, contribution and active participation in all learning activities.
Clinical Blocks
The dates of the 5-week clinical placement blocks are:
Block 1: Monday March 17th - Wednesday April 16th
Block 2: Monday April 28th - Friday May 30th
The Progressive Clinical Assessment will be assessed in each block, with each assessment contributing 30% (e.g., 30% for Progressive Clinical Assessment during Block 1 and 30% for Progressive Clinical Assessment during Block 2). The total Progressive Clinical Assessment for Blocks 1 and 2 must be a passing grade (60% or higher) to pass the course. The Progressive Clinical Assessment is not eligible for supplementary assessment.
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
The total Progressive Clinical Assessment for Blocks 1 and 2 must be a passing grade (60% or higher) to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
The Progressive Clinical Assessment is not eligible for extension or deferred assessment.
Clinical Consultation VIVAs
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40% Must Pass
- Due date
Block 1 - Initial Consultation VIVA 14/04/2025 - 16/04/2025
Block 2 - Follow-up Consultation VIVA 26/05/2025 - 30/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Throughout the semester, students will be examined on two clinical consultation VIVAs.
Initial Consultation VIVA (20%)
During the final week of their Block 1 Clinical Placement, students will be examined on their performance of an initial consultation with a physiotherapy patient (including assessment and treatment).
Follow-up Consultation VIVA (20%)
At the end of their Block 2 Clinical Placement, students will be examined on their performance of a follow-up treatment session (ideally 3rd session) with a physiotherapy client. Prior to this assessment, students must prepare a written report about the assessment and treatment of the patient to date in the format outlined on Blackboard.
The total mark for the two Clinical Consultation VIVAs must be a passing grade (60% or higher) to pass the course.
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
The total mark for the two Clinical Consultation VIVAs must be a passing grade (60% or higher) to pass the course.Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | Clinical notes |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
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 - 49 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 35 - 49%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 50 - 59 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 50 - 59%. A grade of 3 will be awarded to a student who achieves a final mark of 60% or higher but who does not pass the must pass assessment items noted below. |
| 4 (Pass) | 60 - 69 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 60 - 69% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
| 5 (Credit) | 70 - 79 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 70 - 79% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 80 - 89 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 80 - 89% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 90 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: cumulative percentage from all assessment of 90 - 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: a mean of 60% or higher must be achieved in the Vivas (an average of the initial viva and the follow-up VIVAs),ﾠa mean of 60% or higher must be achieved in the Progressive Clinical Assessmentﾠ(an average of the First and Second Block Progressive Clinical Assessment) and a pass must be achieved forﾠthe Professionalism and Feedback Action Planning component within the Progressive Clinical Assessment. You must pass these items to pass this course overall, i.e. even if your final percentage mark is 60% or higher the individual ‘must pass’ assessment items must have been passed.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Progressive clinical assessment is not eligible for supplementary assessment.
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.ﾠIn this course, the Viva components are eligible for consideration of the resit option if the assessment item was completed on time and achieved a Marginal Fail (i.e., Grade 3).ﾠ
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.
Students will be eligible for a maximum of one viva resit option for 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 -ﾠhttps://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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Audiovisual resources are available within the Division of Physiotherapy.
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 |
Placement |
Clinical Reasoning Forms During clinical placement, clinical reasoning forms must be completed for all clients. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L06, L07, L08 |
Placement |
Feedback Action Planning During clinical placement, feedback action planning forms must be completed. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Placement |
Clinical Practice A 10 week program of supervised clinical practice accompanies the course work. Learning outcomes: L01, 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:
- 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.