Outline

Overview

This unit of study provides a framework for exploring the role of physiotherapy in the prevention of chronic disease and injury. This includes the importance of physical activity to prevent obesity and chronic disease, physical activity and exercise in the context of healthy ageing, falls prevention and preventing/managing incontinence. Instruction on the use of walking aids and manual handling techniques to prevent injury is also included. Students will examine the social determinants of heath and disease and will apply health promotion models and develop communication skills including health coaching and motivational interviewing to facilitate health-enhancing behaviour change in a range of populations and settings.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	PHTY1024 and HSBH1003
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Edward Gorgon, edward.gorgon@sydney.edu.au
Guest lecturer(s)	Rowena Forsyth, rowena.forsyth@sydney.edu.au
Guest lecturer(s)	Wing Kwok, venisa.kwok@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Kerry Peek, kerry.peek@sydney.edu.au
	Edward Gorgon, edward.gorgon@sydney.edu.au
	Lina Goh, lina.goh@sydney.edu.au
	Sonia Cheng, sonia.cheng@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Mohammad Fauzan Bin Maideen, mohammad.fauzan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Creative assessment / demonstration	A6: Digital health Telehealth video submission	35%	Formal exam period Due date: 15 Jun 2025 at 17:00	5 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	A5: Modified physical activity plan Submission of a modified physical activity plan	10%	Formal exam period Due date: 15 Jun 2025 at 17:00	One A4 page
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	A1: Motivational interviewing questions - #Early Feedback Task #Early Feedback Task - Submission of questions for motivational interviewing	5%	Week 03 Due date: 14 Mar 2025 at 17:00	Less than one A4 page
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	A2: Motivational interviewing - initial assessment Video submission	35%	Week 07 Due date: 11 Apr 2025 at 17:00	5 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	A3: Physical activity plan Submission of a 4-week physical activity plan	5%	Week 07 Due date: 11 Apr 2025 at 17:00	One A4 page
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	A4: Manual handling/walking aids competency In-class practical assessment of manual handling skills	10%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2025 at 15:00	5 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Students will complete the following assessment tasks for this unit of study:

Motivational interviewing questions (early feedback task)
Motivational interviewing video submission of an intital assessment to discuss physical activity with a peer patient
Submission of a 4-week physical activity plan
In-class demonstration of competency in manual handling and prescription of walking aids (barrier task)
Submission of a modified physical activity plan
Digital health assignment to teach the physical activity plan to a peer patient.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

One mark deduction for each day that an assignment is late (including the upload of the manual handling workbook)

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.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Introduction to the unit of study, 2. Role of prevention in the Australian healthcare system	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Prevention case study	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	1. Principles of health promotion, 2. Health coaching in physiotherapy including introduction to motivational interviewing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Peer-patient.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	1. Physical activity promotion by physiotherapists, 2. Evidence to support a population health approach to reduce sedentary behaviours	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Motivational interviewing and coaching skills	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	1. Measuring physical activity, 2. Nicotine addiction and smoking cessation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Motivational interviewing and coaching skills	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	1. Prevention and management of obesity, 2. Cardiovascular disease prevention	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Designing physical activity programs	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	1. Self-management support to prevent chronic illness progression, 2. Evidence based practice: qualitative research - patient experience of prevention	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Evidence based practice: Critical appraisal	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	1 & 2. Prevention of injury by safe manual handling	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Manual handling	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	1. & 2. Prevention of injury by use of walking aids	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Walking aids	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	1. Women’s health and physiotherapy, 2. Identification and screening for incontinence in women	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Manual handling and walking aids	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	1. Development of preventative health programs for older people, 2. Falls injury prevention	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Falls screening	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	1. Role of digital health in prevention in health care, 2. Role of digital health in prevention in physiotherapy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Telehealth	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	1. & 2. Prevention and management of diabetes	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Manual handling and walking aids competency assessment	Practical (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of tutorials for this unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Program Director or Head of Discipline.

Additional assessment items may be set where attendance is lower than 80%. Under exceptional circumstances, swapping to alternate tutorials on one-off occasions is possible only by prior agreement with the Unit of Study Coordinators. Class numbers may be limited by available tutorial capacity.

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

Prescribed readings for tutorial activities will be provided via Canvas.

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. Describe and appraise the role of prevention in the Australian healthcare system
LO2. Describe, apply and evaluate the principles of health promotion
LO3. Demonstrate the use of digital health in preventative health
LO4. Demonstrate skills in motivational interviewing and health coaching using peer-patient role play for a variety of health issues (including creation of a simulated physiotherapist-patient consultation video assignment)
LO5. Demonstrate role playing skills as a physiotherapist in promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour with a peer-patient
LO6. Demonstrate skills in the measurement of physical activity (including critical appraisal of tools to measure physical activity)
LO7. Describe, apply and evaluate the principles of physical activity for adults and older adults
LO8. Demonstrate skills in the assessment, evaluation and management of falls risk
LO9. Demonstrate skills in the critically appraisal of qualitative research
LO10. Demonstrate and assess competency in safe manual handling using peer-patient role play
LO11. Demonstrate and assess competency in the safe, efficient prescription and use of walking aids using peer patient role play

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 - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 8.B. knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice including evidence-based practice
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life
	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
	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 1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life
	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 3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions 7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
	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 3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions 7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
	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 1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life
	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 1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life
	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 7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life 7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member

Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1		Physiotherapy practitioner
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
3.2		record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
6.2		seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting
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.B		knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice including evidence-based practice
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

Responding to student feedback

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

Changes were made on the assessment items for this unit in 2024 to include an early feedback task per University policy. Changes were also made to streamline the sequencing of content delivery of some lectures and tutorials. Please note that there is a barrier assessment task for this unit as well as attendance requirements.

Additional information

More information about this unit of study can be found on Canvas for enrolled students.

Student Administration Manual on the Faculty of Health Sciences

Work, health and safety

WHS requirements for manual handling and walking aid tutorials will be provided in class.

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

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

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

PHTY2060: Preventative Health Care

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

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