Foundation Physiotherapy Sciences

Subject PHTY90096 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 175 hours lectures, tutorials, practicals and seminars over a 16 week semester.
Total Time Commitment:

260 Hours.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

None.

Contact

Assoc Prof Chris Briggs/Dr Simon Murray

Dept of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Medical Building
The University of Melbourne
Cnr Grattan and Royal Parade
Victoria 3010 Australia

Tel: (03) 13 MELB
Fax: (03) 9347 5219

Subject Overview:

This subject will provide physiotherapy students with a general conceptual and evidence-based background in foundational biomedical sciences that underpin physiotherapy clinical practice and research. It will build on and integrate assumed areas of knowledge in the disciplines of anatomy and physiology and introduce students to the underlying principles of biochemistry, pharmacology and pathology in the areas of cardio-respiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological sciences. Students will be expected to apply this knowledge in appropriate cases as a basis for developing clinical reasoning and decision-making skills in physiotherapy practice. The subject will be completed with an integration of body systems around complex problems.

Objectives:

Learning outcomes:


Element 1: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice

  • Integrate knowledge of structure and function of human anatomy and underlying physiological principles with musculoskeletal, cardio-respiratory and neurological systems.
  • Apply an understanding of the cardio-respiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological systems in healthy subjects, to common mechanisms of injury and pathology leading to impairment and dysfunction.
  • Identify how relevant aspects of pharmacological interventions impact on musculoskeletal, cardio-respiratory and neurological systems.
  • Consolidate knowledge in foundation sciences by participating in seminar discussions that connect the curriculum.


Element 2: Evidence in Physiotherapy

  • Review the development of research and evidence in applied physiology, applied anatomy, pathology and pharmacology that underpin the clinical practice and theoretical basis of physiotherapy practice.
  • Document experimental observation, data processing and interpretation and clinical problem solving related to principles of body structure and function.


Element 3: Health in Context

  • Apply biomedical science knowledge to substantiate clinical reasoning and clinical decision making in physiotherapy practice.
  • Apply biomedical science knowledge of body structure and function to a variety of healthcare contexts.
Assessment:
  • Mid Semester Quizzes: 2 x 1 hour Quiz - (during the semester approximately weeks 6 and 10) (25%).
  • Practical exam - (end of semester) (15%).
  • Written Examinations: 2 x 2 hour written papers (end of semester) (50%).
  • Problem Based Learning tutor assessment: criterion based assessment (due at end of semester) (10%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

By the completion of this subject, students will have had the opportunity to develop the following generic skills:

  • The ability to problem solve in the areas of biomedical sciences;
  • Self directed learning as the basis of lifelong learning skills;
  • Time management in order to use their study time effectively.
Related Course(s): Doctor of Physiotherapy

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