Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Course 427-AA (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Year and Campus: 2008
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Undergraduate

Contact

School of Physiotherapy, Tel: 8344 4171, Email: physio-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
Course Overview:

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy course is a four-year course recognised by the Physiotherapy Registration Board of Victoria and by mutual recognition in other states of Australia. It prepares graduates to work in health care settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, prviate practice, rehabilitation centres, patients' homes, schools, extended care facilities, sports venues, aged care centres, industrial and commercial premises, nursing homes, psychiatric centres and educational institutions.

Studies include a strong basis of integrated physical, biological, medical, behavioural and physiotherapy clinical sciences. Students are required to participate in practical studies of human physioloyg, anatomy, kinesiology and physiotherapy techniques. This requires partial disrobing and acting as 'therapist' and 'patient' to learn by observation.

Physiotherapy is a physically demanding profession which requires for its practice the development of a range of precise physical skills. Clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for health education and the compentent assessment, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with movement and physical disorders and disabilities from a wide range of ages and backgrounds are developed.

Objectives:

Objectives of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy course are:

  • to provide graduates with an integrated knowledge of physical, biological, medical and behavioural sciences;
  • to provide graduates with the clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for the competent assessment, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with physical disorders and disabilities;
  • to provide graduates with a capacity for problem solving and self-directed learning and the motivation for life-long independent learning;
  • to provide graduates with a capacity to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues and members of other health professions in diverse cultural and geographical settings;
  • to provide graduates with an understanding of professional responsibility and ethical principles in relation to individuals and the community, both locally and internationally;
  • to provide graduates with an appreciation of the dynamics of their profession by fostering a willingness to adapt practice to reflect advances in medial and physiotherapy science as well as changes to current health care and social policies; and
  • to produce graduates whose qualification is registerable by the Physiotherapists' Registration Boards of Australia and recognised internationally
Subject Options:

First Year

Clinical studies commence alongside theoretical and practical studies. Students are allocated to a teaching hospital of the University of Melbourne for clinical studies which they attend one afternoon a fortnight. First-year studies focus on the practice of physiotherapy, the principles of biological science and relevant body systems.
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.50
Semester 2
25

Second Year

The study of physiotherapy clinical sciences and practice continues and subjects which integrate the basic sciences relevant to physiotherapy are undertaken. Students learn through problem-based learning exercises, lectures and practical classes. A one-week clinical placement in a clinical teaching hospital is also completed.
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
25
Semester 2
25

Third Year

Emphasis is placed on the discipline specific subjects of cardiorespiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, with the major elements of these subjects conducted in the clinical schools of the University of Melbourne. Theoretical studies are also undertaken in these and other areas relevant to physiotherapy. A global elective is undertaken at the end of the year and this may be in a facility overseas, interstae or in rural Victoria.
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

Fourth Year

Students extend their clinical skills by undertaking further clinical studies in neurological, cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Paediatrics, gerontology and further elective studies are also completed.
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Year Long
12.50
Year Long
6.25
Entry Requirements: Minimum prerequisites for entry to the physiotherapy course are VCE English (any), chemistry, and one of mathematical methods, specialist mathematics or physics (or equivalent). Selection is based upon a combination of the applicant's ENTER, performance in the prerequisite subjects, and performance in an undergraduate medical admissions test (UMAT).
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Further Study:

Many physiotherapists undertake further study and the School offers a variety of coursework and research programs at postgraduate level. These programs allow graduates to either specialise in clinical practice or research, or broaden their clinical experience and knowledge. Graduates also pursue further study in a wide range of disciplines outside physiotherapy that complement their physiotherapy skills.

The Master of Physiotherapy by Coursework may be undertaken in the following specialist clinical fields: Cardiorespiratory, Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Paediatrics, Sports and Women's Health and Pelvic Floor. A General stream is also available. The School also offers a number of postgraduate certificates and the Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy. Research Higher Degrees at PhD and Masters level are also available.

Graduate Attributes: None
Links to further information: http://www.physioth.unimelb.edu.au/programs/ugrad/index.html
Notes:

Applicants for the B.Physiotherapy are required to submit a Level 2 First Aid certificate prior to commencing second year.

Organisations that host clinical placements require that you have obtained a police check regarding your suitability to undertake such placements. If you are an enrolled student, or a prospective student, you are advised that you are required to obtain, and pay for, police checks prior to commencing and during your course.

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