Gerontology

Subject 513-404 (2008)

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

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Equivalent of 60 hours throughout fourth year, 24 hours lectures and tutorials and self-directed learning, four weeks (28 hours per week) clinical placement
Total Time Commitment: Students will need to allow time for self-directed learning. The following hours are given as minimum requirements: 1 hour pre/post reading for lectures, 2 hours per hour of tutorial sessions and 2 hours extra per week for practical classes. Fourth year students will need to spend approximately 2 hours per day in study and at least 2 extra hours per week practising clinical skills.
Prerequisites: This subject is not available as a single subject. Students must be currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy to undertake this subject.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
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

Coordinator

A/Prof G Webb & Ms K Gould
Subject Overview:

Students should comprehend the implications of an aging population on health delivery and the community: changes occurring in normal aging, pathologies associated with aging; heterogeneity of the elderly population; multiple pathologies; multidisciplinary management teams; evaluation of physiotherapy management emphasising assessment and outcome measures; the need to identify advances in gerentology and relate these to practice. Knowledge of the role of physiotherapists and other health team members in management, agencies delivering aged care services and sources of specialised equipment is developed. The tutorial program includes balance and postural control, gait in the elderly, dementia, incontinence, aged care policy, service networks, pain in the elderly and amputees.

Assessment: Clinic: continuous clinical assessment (60%). Theory: case presentation (15%), and a written assignment of no more than 2,000 words (25%).Students must pass the clinical component in order to pass the subject.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of the subject students will:

  • Safely apply knowledge and skills of physiotherapy practice with new information about the assessment and treatment of the elderly
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients, families, carers and staff
  • Participate effectively in a team by understanding the roles of other members, in particular those of the patient, family and other health professionals
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Physiotherapy

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