Outline

Overview

The unit builds upon the material covered and the skills learned during PHTY1023. It continues the context of physiotherapy professional practice on issues and practices in healthcare delivery affecting physiotherapists. As pain and muscle weakness are among the main complaints of most people seeking physiotherapy management, understanding and providing interventions to address these symptoms will be a focus. These interventions include, but are not limited to, patient education and exercise prescription. Several patient case studies will be introduced, and tools enabling students to find and determine current evidence for potential therapeutic interventions specific for these case studies will be provided and practiced. At the end of the unit, the students will be expected to be able to devise appropriate treatment plans for these simple case studies. The importance of communication, documentation and respect for cultural differences in profession practice is continued throughout this unit.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BIOS1168 and PHTY1023
Corequisites ?	BIOS1169 and (EXSS1029 or EXSS2030)
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	High School Physics
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Claire Hiller, claire.hiller@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Alison Harmer, alison.harmer@sydney.edu.au
	Fereshteh Pourkazemi, fereshteh.pourkazemi@sydney.edu.au
	Tom Gwinn, tom.gwinn@sydney.edu.au
	Susan Coulson, susan.coulson@sydney.edu.au
	Debra Shirley, debra.shirley@sydney.edu.au
	Jane Grayson, jane.grayson@sydney.edu.au
	Claire Hiller, claire.hiller@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Record+)	Final Written Exam Written exam with MCQs, Short/LongAQs covering all the content taught.	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Practical exam Clinical skills assessment	30%	Formal exam period	20 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
In-semester test (On-campus supervised)	Mid-Semester Exam RE students online. CC students to do BringYourOwnLaptop test in class.	20%	Week 07 Due date: 12 Sep 2022 at 09:00	50 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

Mid Semester Exam: Multiple-choice and short-answer problem-based questions covering the content taught in weeks 1-6;

Final Written Exam: Multiple-choice, multiple-answer, and short-answer problem-based questionsconvering all the content taught in Sem2.

Final Pracitcal Exam: Skill-based assessment of basic treatment skills taugh during weeks 8-12.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. Students must attempt all assessments.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties for submitted assessments will be applied according to the University Assessment Procedures 2011. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. The penalty will be calculated by first marking the work, and then subtracting 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded. The marker may elect to, but is not required to, provide feedback on such work. For the Mid-semester and Final Written Exams (ProctorU Review+), the exam must be attempted and finished within the allocated time. Exams submitted later than the allocated time will have 20% of mark deduction penalty. For the Final Practical Exam, the exam must be attempted at the allocated time. If you arrive late to your exam and your allocated time has passed, you will not be assessed and it is marked AF. If you do not finish your exam within your allocated time, marks will be deducted depending on the remaining content of your assessment.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Intro to PHTY1024; 2. EBP: Locating the Evidence, Evaluating Internal Validity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	EPB: Locating the evidence, Evaluating Internal Validity	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	1. EBP Evaluating Trials of Treatment Efficacy 2. Introduction to Osteoarthritis (1)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	EBP: Evaluating trials of treatment efficacy	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Introduction To Osteoarthritis (2); 2. Introduction To Rheumatology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Presentation of Case Studies 2. Planning assessments for case studies;	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Electrophysical agents for pain management	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Interpreting Assessment Findings Planning treatments for case studies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Muscle mechanics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Safe application of electrophysical agents	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	1. Foundations of exercise prescription 2. Exercise to improve physical performance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Exercise prescription	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Q & A session	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Clinical Reasoning	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Exercise prescription	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Introduction to Manual Therapy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Introduction to manual therapy: massage	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Pain A	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Introduction to Manual Therapy: Mobilisations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Pain B	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Case studies of patients with acute and chronic pain. Introduction to pain management techniques	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Pain C	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Principles of exercise prescription for patients with chronic pain	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	1. Legislation, informed consent, record keeping; 2. Professional boundaries in physiotherapy practice	Lecture (2 hr)
	Self-assessment and peer assessment of therapeutic skills	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Extra hours allocated to provide guidance in a form of Q&A and discussion to assist students in preparation for the final exam.	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend/watch all online lectures prior to the tutorial in this unit of study. Students are also required to attend all online and face to face tutorials, in their allocated timetable only. There is no recorded tutorial. If the student fails to attend a minimum of 80% of tutorials for the unit of study, the Dean, Head of School, or Professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate tutorial attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 80%.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Dutton M. Introduction to Physical Therapy and Patient Skills, 2014

Access here: http://accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com/book.aspx?bookid=465

Prentice W E, Quillen W S, Underwood F. Therapeutic Modalities in Rehabilitation. 4th ed, 2011

Access here: http://accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=465&sectionid=40195339

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. explain the protective legislation, the need for informed consent, and professional boundaries that apply to physiotherapy practice
LO2. explain the pathology and clinical presentation of common conditions presenting to physiotherapists, such as chronic pain, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory arthritis
LO3. prescribe (teach) exercises using the principles of exercise prescription
LO4. plan for, and safely treat a person with a musculoskeletal condition, using a selected range of therapeutic skills, including the use of electro-physical agents (EPA) and manual therapy (e.g., soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation)
LO5. explain types of pain and their management
LO6. define and apply evidence-based practice (EBP) to physiotherapy practice and patient-centred care
LO7. demonstrate critical reflection skills in physiotherapy contexts.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines 2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours 2.3. recognise the need for, and implement, appropriate strategies to manage their physical and mental health and resilience 6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making 3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others 6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making 1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life 2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines 2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours 3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others 3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions 4.1. assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice 4.2. evaluate their learning needs, engage in relevant continuing professional development and recognise when to seek professional support, including peer review 4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge 6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making 1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life 2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines 2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours 3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others 3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions 4.1. assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice 4.2. evaluate their learning needs, engage in relevant continuing professional development and recognise when to seek professional support, including peer review 4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge 5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice 6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making 2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours 3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others 3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions 4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge 4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action 5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice 5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice 6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others. 7.2. lead others effectively and efficiently within relevant professional, ethical and legal frameworks
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making 3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others 4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge 6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others 4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge 6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.

Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.1		plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.2		involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
1.4		advocate for clients and their rights to health care
2.1		comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
2.2		make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
3.1		use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
4.1		assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice
4.3		efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
5.1		engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
7.1		organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
8.A		knowledge of relevant anatomy, physiology, pathology, other biomedical sciences relevant to human health and function, and psychosocial and other determinants of health encompassing cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological and other body systems within the context of physiotherapy and best available research evidence
8.B		knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice including evidence-based practice
8.C		knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice with clients across the lifespan, from birth to end of life care, who present with one or more problems such as pain and/or impairment or dysfunction contributing to impairment, activity limitations and participation restriction
8.D		knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice across acute, rehabilitation and community practice in a range of environments and settings
8.F		knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice in health promotion and facilitation of client self-management strategies to enhance their health and well-being

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The changes made in this unit are due to the impacts of Covid-19. These include: 1) having online lectures 2) having the first weeks of tutorials online (50%) 3) Replacing the Mentored Clinical Placement and its relevant assessment by a mid-sem online exam (20%).

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Once the face-to-face classes are commenced, all students should carefully follow the health advice and comply with requirements of Covid-safe practice.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHTY1024: Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice B

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect