Physiotherapy 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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.

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

Physiotherapy 1 is the first component of a series of integrated subjects which will continue through Semesters 1 to 4.

The objectives for Semester 1 are to develop an understanding of the theory and practice of physiotherapy within three themes: communication skills, human movement and clinical practice.

Content areas include mechanics of human movement, therapeutic techniques, mechanics of lifting, motor skill learning, types of muscle action, and the mechanical and physiological factors affecting the contribution of a muscle to a functional activity. These will all include aspects across the life span. Students will be introduced to the structure of physiotherapy practice, ethical responsibilities to patients, colleagues and the community, health belief models, communication and interviewing skills. The clinical skill development will be undertaken in a context of professional practice and will incorporate appropriate experiential teaching and learning paradigms. Students must show evidence of having satisfactorily completed a Senior First Aid Level 2 (or equivalent) course prior to commencing Physiotherapy 3.

Assignment due mid-semester (10%); end-of-semester written examination up to two hours (40%); end of semester practical examination (40%), PBL tutor assessment (5%), Prac tutor assessment (5%).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• improve their communication skills in appropriate scientific and professional language
• integrate knowledge of physical, biological, medical and behavioural sciences
• learn about and experience work in a health care environment
• develop skills in information seeking, evaluation and retrieval
• develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking and self-directed learning