Outline

Overview

This unit of study will introduce students to the knowledge, skills and clinical decision making processes necessary for effective assessment and treatment of patients across the age spectrum with acute and chronic respiratory and cardiac dysfunction. In particular, students will evaluate the patho-physiological and functional consequences of surgery (abdominal, thoracic and cardiac); infective, inflammatory; restrictive; and obstructive pulmonary disorders, and coronary artery disease. Additionally, this unit will develop the student's knowledge of exercise and aims to apply the principles of exercise testing, prescription and training to patients who have cardiac and pulmonary limitations and other co-morbidities to exercise. Students will learn the practical skills and develop treatment strategies to effectively manage respiratory problems.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BIOS1170 and (EXSS1029 or EXSS2030) and PHTY1024 and (EXSS2027 or EXSS3061)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Christina Darwell, christina.darwell@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Tiffany Dwyer, tiffany.dwyer@sydney.edu.au
	Marita Dale, marita.dale@sydney.edu.au
	Sonia Cheng, sonia.cheng@sydney.edu.au
	Jessica Walsh, jessica.walsh@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Written exam Written exam (short answer and MCQ)	35%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Practical viva examination (treatment skills) Oral and practical skills assessment	25%	STUVAC	20 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Online spirometry and lung volume quiz Online quiz (MCQ)	0%	Week 03 Due date: 20 Aug 2025 at 23:59	No time limit	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical test ?	Practical viva examination (assessment skills) Oral and practical skills assessment	15%	Week 07	15 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Online chest x-ray quiz Online quiz (short answer and MCQ)	10%	Week 07 Due date: 16 Sep 2025 at 09:00	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Case study written assignment Written assignment completed in pairs	15%	Week 11 Due date: 26 Oct 2025 at 23:59	400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = 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

Online chest X-ray quiz: This online quiz is completed on Canvas, as an invigilated in-class assessment. There will be a series of short answer questions relating to a case study, including a short medical history and chest x-ray, plus some multiple choice questions not related to the case study.
Online spirometry and lung volume quiz: This online quiz is completed in Canvas as an out of class quiz. The quiz is to ensure you understand the basics of lung function testing and interpretation.
Practical viva examination (assessment skills): Demonstration of practical assessment skills on a simulated patient with questions related to theoretical content. These skills will include observation/palpation, auscultation and spirometry.
Case study written assignment: This assignment is completed in pairs. Students are required to use clinical reasoning to interpret the assessment findings, determine the patient’s respiratory impairments, choose appropriate physiotherapy interventions, estimate the effect of those interventions, and develop a plan for future treatment.
Practical viva examination (treatment skills): Demonstration of practical treatment skills on a simulated patient with questions related to theoretical content.
Written exam: This written exam will cover all material covered in lectures, tutorials, and essential readings as referred to in lectures and tutorials.

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)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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. Assessment and clinical reasoning 1: an introduction to cardiopulmonary physiotherapy; 2. Health condition: restrictive disorders of the respiratory system	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Assessment: observation and palpation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Health condition: obstructive disorders of the lung; 2. Assessment: measurement of lung function: spirometry and lung volumes	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Assessment: auscultation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Health condition: normal mucociliary clearance and infective disorders of the lung; 2. Health condition: suppurative disorders of the lung	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Assessment: pulmonary function tests	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Evidence-based physiotherapy interventions: to improve secretion movement 1; 2. Evidence-based physiotherapy interventions: to improve secretion movement 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Assessment: history taking and assessment case studies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	1. Impairment: consequences of low lung volumes on gas movement; 2. Evidence-based physiotherapy interventions: to improve gas movement	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Evidence-based physiotherapy interventions: strategies to improve gas movement and treatments for difficulty clearing secretions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	1. Impairment: effects of anaesthesia and surgery on lung function; 2. Clinical reasoning 2: interpretation of assessment findings and selection of interventions applied to a surgical case study	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Evidence-based physiotherapy interventions: treatments for excessive secretions 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	1. Clinical reasoning 3: interpretation of assessment findings and selection of interventions applied to a medical case study; 2. Evidence-based interventions: oxygen therapy and devices	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Evidence-based physiotherapy interventions: treatments for excessive secretions 2 (selecting and combining interventions)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	1. Health condition: respiratory load, disordered mechanics of breathing and COPD; 2. Health condition: Dyspnoea and COPD	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Interventions: clinical reasoning and implementation of appropriate interventions specific to a case study 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	1. Impairment: pulmonary rehabilitation 1: limitations to exercise in patients with lung disease; 2. Assessment: pulmonary rehabilitation 2: assessment of exercise capacity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Interventions: clinical reasoning and implementation of appropriate interventions specific to a case study 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	1. Activity: pulmonary rehabilitation 3: exercise prescription; 2. Health condition: cardiovascular disease	Lecture (2 hr)
	1. Health condition: heart failure; 2. Activity: cardiac rehabilitation: adaptations to training	Lecture (2 hr)
	Assessments and Interventions: exercise testing and prescription for patients with respiratory conditions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	1. Activity: exercise for cardiopulmonary patients with comorbidities 1; 2. Activity: exercise for cardiopulmonary patients with comorbidities 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Assessments and Intervention: exercise testing and prescription for patients with cardiovascular disease	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Revision: practice of treatment skills	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum 80% of tutorials for a unit of study, unless granted exemption from 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 coordinator. 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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Essential textbook

Main E and Denehy L (2016) Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy: Adults and paediatrics (5th ed). Edinburgh: Elsevier.

Recommended textbook

Hough (2014) Physiotherapy in Respiratory and Cardiac Care: An evidence-based approach (4th ed). Andover: Cengage Learning.

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. demonstrate sound clinical reasoning to determine patient problems (by interpretation of assessment findings), establish treatment goals, and using evidence-based practice, determine and implement safe and effective physiotherapy interventions for patients with cardiorespiratory problems
LO2. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive, and client-centred physiotherapy assessment of a patient with a cardiorespiratory problem (including history taking, observation, palpation, auscultation, chest X-ray interpretation, and spirometry)
LO3. communicate effectively to develop trust and rapport with patients
LO4. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings and outcomes in the medical record, to the patient and other health professionals
LO5. interpret exercise data from patients with cardiovascular or respiratory disease, prescribe evidence-based exercise training for patients with cardiovascular or respiratory disease, and explain the effects of exercise training for these patients
LO6. describe the pathophysiological and functional consequences of surgery and anaesthesia, infective, inflammatory, and restrictive respiratory conditions, and airflow limitation, on the respiratory system
LO7. describe the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and its related co-morbidities.

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 - 1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making 2.1. 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 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 2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines 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 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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines 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
	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 2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines 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 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 - 1.3. 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 4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 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 4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge

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
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
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
4.3		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
5.2		engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
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.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.E		competence to practise as a physiotherapist autonomously as well as a member of an interprofessional team in relevant clinical situations

Responding to student feedback

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

PTRCCA was reviewed highly by most students, with an average score of 4.64 out of 5; the highest scores were for satisfaction with the quality of the teachers (4.64 out of 5), the work being intellectually rewarding (4.68 out of 5), assessment tasks which challenged learning (4.80 out of 5) and access to valuable learning resources (4.68 out of 5). Changes that were made in 2024: In response to feedback we negotiated with the Simulation Team to facilitate independent practice sessions prior to practical exams in Weeks 7 and 14. We introduced online marking to facilitate timely and detailed feedback for the Week 7 practical exam. What changes we plan to make to PTRCCA in response to feedback: Unfortunately none of the theoretical or practical skills content can be removed from PTRCCA as they are essential elements of physiotherapy and required for registration as a physio in Australia. All the PTRCCA content needs to be covered before starting the second CP unit of study in UG3 (PHTY3087). We realise there is significant content in Weeks 11 and 12. This has been designed to allow for Week 13 to be solely for revision without delivering new content particularly as there is no Stuvac for this unit. We will review the practice questions for the CXR quiz and ensure they are of the same complexity as the quiz.

Additional information

Teacher consultation guidelines: Please note that correspondence will only be answered if students use their university email address. You are encouraged to divert your university email address to alternate accounts and to check it regularly. Consultation is by appointment only.

This unit of study may require you to attend a teaching activity timetabled in teaching venues installed with the University’s Clinical Recording and Observation System (CROS) in the Susan Wakil Health Building. Students should be aware of the privacy and information management implications of this system. For more information, please refer to the University’s Privacy Statement.

Canvas

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)

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHTY2062: PT in Respiratory and Cardiac Conditions A

Semester 2, 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)

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links