Outline

Overview

This unit of study is designed to prepare the student for practice in the area of paediatric physiotherapy. Emphasis is given to students developing anunderstanding of typical development and the potential influences upon a child's development. The student will develop understanding of the changes which occur from infancy to maturity in the neuro-motor, musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary body systems, and the impact of congenital or acquired conditions causing dysfunction in one or more of these systems. The emphasis of the teaching approach will be on clinical and ethical reasoning within the WHO ICF-CY (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Children) to promote health and well-being for children within a family-centred practice framework. Paediatric clinical scenarios are designed to promoteself-directed learning in order to problem-solve assessment and management strategies for children with dysfunction, and/or are at risk of poor health and well-being. The approach will also emphasise the role of physiotherapy within broader health care teams and services to prepare students for the variety of health care settings andcontexts in which paediatric physiotherapists may work. The unit is designed to facilitate students to integrate prior learning from other units of study with the content of this unit.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	PHTY3081 and PHTY3082 and PHTY3087
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Mohammad Fauzan Bin Maideen, mohammad.fauzan@sydney.edu.au
Guest lecturer(s)	Barbara Lucas, barbara.lucas@sydney.edu.au
	Holly Baxter, holly.baxter@sydney.edu.au
	Kristy Rose, kristy.rose@sydney.edu.au
	Stephanie Robinson, stephanie.robinson@sydney.edu.au
	Kate Thompson, kate.t@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Mohammad Fauzan Bin Maideen, mohammad.fauzan@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Alison Chivers, alison.chivers@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
Supervised exam ?	Final written exam mutiple choice and short response questions	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Developmental Milestones table Create a developmental motor skills table from birth to 5 years of age.	0%	Week 03 Due date: 10 Mar 2025 at 23:59	Using supplied template
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Gross Motor Skill (GMS) Activity Design Template submission Design a GMS activity following a provided template.	20%	Week 10 Due date: 11 May 2025 at 23:59	Activity Design Template submission
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Evidence-based Practice Assignment Report on a chosen paper to answer a paediatric prognosis question	20%	Week 13 Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59	Using supplied template and rubric
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Developmental Milestones Table: Create a developmental motor skills table from birth to 5 years of age using supplied template.
Gross Motor Skill Activity Template submission: Design a gross motor skill (GMS) activity for preschoolers following a provided template (group activity).
Evidence-based Practice Assignment: Report on a chosen paper to answer a paediatric prognosis question (group activity).
Final written exam: This 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) 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:

There will be a penalty for late submissions. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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	Typical Motor Development and Review of Motor Control in Children	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Assessment in Paediatric Physiotherapy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Paediatric Physiotherapy Assessment Tasks Q&A	Lecture (0.5 hr)
Week 03	Evidence Based Practice - Prognosis in Paediatric Physiotherapy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Developmental Coordination Disorder 2. Down Syndrome	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Typical Development in Infants and Young Children	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Physiotherapy and Neonatology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Developmental and Motor Assessment in Infants and Young Children	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Paediatric Physiotherapy in Cerebral Palsy: Introduction, Evidence and Interventions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Paediatric Physiotherapy Assessment Tasks Q&A	Lecture (0.5 hr)
Week 08	Paediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions in Neonates and Infants	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Clinical Reasoning: The Child with Cerebral Palsy	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Paediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions in Children and Adolescents	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy in Paediatrics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Lower Limb Alignment Issues in Children	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Paediatric Physiotherapy in Neuromuscular Disorders: Evidence and Intervention	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Aquatic Physiotherapy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Paediatric Tests and Case Scenarios	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Paediatric Physiotherapy in Acquired Brain Injury: Evidence and Intervention	Lecture (2 hr)
	Unit of Study Consolidation and Final Exam Preparation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Case Studies	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of online or face to face tutorials for an 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 coordinator. Class numbers may be limited by available tutorial capacity.
Required materials: Week 10 tutorial requires exposure of the lower limbs. Please wear/ bring shorts to this class.

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’s reading list system, available on the PHTY3084 Canvas site.

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. solve relevant paediatric clinical problems accessing appropriate resources and using a process of clinical reasoning
LO2. demonstrate an understanding of typical growth and development from birth to adolescence
LO3. discuss the occurrence of variations in typical development and possible reasons for these
LO4. understand gross motor skill development in children 0-5 years and appreciate milestone development in other relevant domains
LO5. describe the potential impact of atypical development on the skeletal, respiratory and neurological systems
LO6. identify the potential psychosocial impact of illness, disease and/or disability on a child, their family and the community
LO7. Compare and select physiotherapy interventions based on the best evidence available and identify how the intervention would be managed and evaluated
LO8. describe a plan of management for a paediatric problem that also recognises the potential role of other health practitioners.

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 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 3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions 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.E. competence to practise as a physiotherapist autonomously as well as a member of an interprofessional team in relevant clinical situations
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 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.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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions 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.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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 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.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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions 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.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
	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 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
	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 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
	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 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

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
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
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.E		competence to practise as a physiotherapist autonomously as well as a member of an interprofessional team in relevant clinical situations
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.

- Refinement of the assessment marking rubric for the Activity Template and EBP Assignment - Allude the Activity Template assessment task to real world clinical situations via its potential use in future paediatric clinical settings - Specific and timely feedback for formative assessment tasks - Streamlining of tutorial readings

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 strongly encourages the use of Canvas Discussion Boards to address any student queries related to the PHTY3084 content and assessment tasks. Detailed information will be announced on 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

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHTY3084: Paediatric Physiotherapy

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links