Independent Project

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

On-campus meetings with subject coordinator and/or supervisor, off-campus placement

Approximately 60 hours of self-directed learning is recommended for this subject.

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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 is directed towards building specialized knowledge and skills that will complement existing and developing expertise. It provides students with the opportunity to experience the research process by conducting a research project. Students choose a topic in an area that will complement their field of work and carry out a project which includes research proposal and design, analysis of data and writing a research report in journal format. The project applies the knowledge and skills acquired in PHTY 90075 Academic Writing Skills and Critical Enquiry as students investigate a practical clinical problem.

Each student will devise their elective project in conjunction with the subject coordinator prior to the beginning of semester.

This subject aims to provide:

• Enhanced knowledge and a broader perspective of physiotherapy practice,
• The opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in PHTY 90075 Academic Writing and Critical Enquiry
• The opportunity to investigate a facet of physiotherapy practice

For the professional placement

A piece of written work of 5,000 words that is informed by the professional development placement or area of interest. This work may comprise an essay that details how physiotherapy might expand into a non-clinical area of practice or how a subject area such as health care management; leadership; marketing or other non clinical topic might be incorporated into physiotherapy practice.

One of the following

1. a case presentation related to the professional development placement (1000 words)
2. a set of practice guidelines or information booklet designed for professional/public market about the chosen professional development elective topic area (1000 words)

For the research project

• Research proposal of 800-1000 words (20%) due in week 4 of semester 2
• Research project report of 5,000 words due end of semester 2 (80%) in journal format

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students will have developed the following generic skills:

• Abilities in goal setting, self-evaluation, and reflective practice
• Enhanced their leadership skills
• An increased willingness to explore new ideas and value the creation of new knowledge and transfer this knowledge into their clinical practice
• A capacity for self-directed learning and the motivation for life-long independent learning
• Enhanced knowledge and a broader perspective of physiotherapy practice
• An appreciation of the role of multi-disciplinary professionals in patient care
• Ability to reflect on physiotherapy practice and its position in the wider community

Students are required to consult with the subject coordinator to develop their timetable for this subject