Foundation Physiotherapy Sciences

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

340 Hours.

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

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.

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.

• 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%).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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.