Outline

Overview

This is the first of 2 capstone units in the Doctor of Physiotherapy. In this unit of study students will individually develop a protocol for a research or professionally focused project. Students will work closely with their supervisor who will guide them in developing their protocol and commencing their project. Students will attend seminars and workshops designed to further their project’s progress and to improve their critical analysis and scientific writing skills. Students will also explore the ethical conduct of research and professionally focused projects as relates to their proposed project.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	PHTY6502
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Joshua Zadro, joshua.zadro@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Peer or expert observation or supervision	AT4: Supervisor Evaluation. Supervisor evaluation of student performance.	0%	Ongoing	N/A.	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	AT1: Quiz 1 on Week 1-3 Seminars + PHTY6502 Research Methods Content Online quiz	0%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Mar 2026	15 minutes.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	AT2: Capstone Project Protocol. Written project protocol.	0%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Jun 2026	2000 words.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	AT3: Ethical considerations in human research. Written assignment reflecting on ethical scenarios.	0%	Week 12 Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 May 2026	500 words.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Week 4, Online Quiz: This online quiz assesses students' understanding of key concepts in research methods and design, integrating knowledge from the research methods module in PHTY6502 and early content in PHTY7500.

Week 8, Capstone Project Protocol: This assessment task involves students collaboratively developing a comprehensive written project protocol in a group.

Week 12, Ethical Considerations in Human Research: This assignment is designed to develop students' ability to identify and critically reflect on ethical issues in human research, using the principles and guidance outlined in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025).

Week 15, Supervisor Evaluation: This evaluation will assess students' communication, organisational skills, and professional behaviour from the perspective of their project supervisor.

Assessment criteria

Students are required to enrol in both PHTY7500 (Semester 1) and PHTY7503 (Semester 2) as these units are paired and designed as an integrated learning experience. In line with principles for programmatic assessment for learning that are applied throughout the degree, a single result (Satisfied Requirements/Failed Requirements) will be awarded at the end of the year, reflecting performance across both units. Further details regarding the progression rules for these units are available on the Unit of Study Canvas site.

Result Name	Mark Range	Description
Satisfied requirements	50 - 100	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to a satisfactory standard. Please see the Progression Rules for PHTY7500 on the Learning Management System for further information.
Failed requirements	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard. Students have received a grade of Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory in one or more themes of physiotherapy practice.

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.

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:

For submitted works, a progressive deduction in the grading standard will be applied for each calendar day after the due date. The quiz must be completed by the due date. Incomplete quizzes will be graded as "Unsatisfactory".

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 02	Introduction to capstone projects; Ethics and governance.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	Use of AI in research and research writing.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Ethical considerations for research with minority groups and disadvantaged people; Ethical consideration for research with First Nations people.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	Discussions on ethical scenarios.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Consumer involvement in research; QI projects and the research project continuum.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	Literature searching.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Writing a literature review; Writing a project protocol – including project questions and methods.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	Using EndNote.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Drop-in sessions for advice on methods and protocol.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 07	Drop-in sessions for advice on methods and protocol.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	Drop-in sessions for advice on methods and protocol.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 09	Planning data collection for quantitative and qualitative research.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	Introduction to basic statistics and SPSS.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	Introduction to basic statistics and SPSS.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	Introduction to basic statistics and SPSS.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Introduction to Nvivo for qualitative research.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	Introduction to Nvivo for qualitative research.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Explaining your project to a lay audience.	Seminar (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend 80% of seminars in this unit of study unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School, or Professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School, or Professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate seminar attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 80%.

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of tutorials for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School, or
Professor most concerned. 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%. Under exceptional circumstances, swapping to alternate tutorials on one-off occasions is possible only by prior agreement with the unit of study coordinators. However, this may be limited if the tutorial is already at capacity or if there are no other tutorials available.

Students are expected to independently engage in all flexible online learning activities in this unit of study and to be prepared for all in-person sessions. Engagement with flexible online learning
activities is monitored.

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

Required readings are available in the PHTY7500 Canvas website.

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. LO1. Plan and develop a research or professionally focused project proposal through collaboration with a supervisor, peers, and research team.
LO2. LO2. Appraise and reflect on their project with respect to appropriate project design and the principles of responsible research conduct.
LO3. LO3. Effectively communicate and explain to stakeholders the value of the project for advancing healthcare.
LO4. LO4. Manage the project effectively and professionally to meet the deadlines and deliver the objectives.

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 - 1.4. 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 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 3.3. deal effectively with actual and potential conflict in a proactive and constructive manner 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 4.4. proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice 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. 8.B. knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice including evidence-based practice
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 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 4.2. 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 4.4. proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice 4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action 5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice 6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others. 6.2. seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting 8.B. knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice including evidence-based practice
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 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 4.2. 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 4.4. proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice 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. 6.2. seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting
	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 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 3.3. deal effectively with actual and potential conflict in a proactive and constructive manner 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 4.4. proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice 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. 6.2. seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting

Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
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
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
3.3		deal effectively with actual and potential conflict in a proactive and constructive manner
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
4.4		proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice
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.
6.2		seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting

Responding to student feedback

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

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students must be able to fulfil the list of Inherent Requirements stated in this document (https://www.sydney.edu.au/content/dam/students/documents/enrolment/course-requirements/inherentrequirements/
physiotherapy-inherent-requirements.pdf).

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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)

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

PHTY7500: Advanced Reasoning: Capstone Projects

Semester 1, 2026 [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)

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