Outline

Overview

This unit of study comprises of four modules: physiotherapy considerations related to sex, gender and health; people requiring complex biopsychosocial management, with an emphasis on mental health, cultural capability and trauma-informed care; advanced management of chronic pain and complex musculoskeletal presentations; and physiotherapy management of skin, wounds and related complex cases. The sex, gender and health module will explore the role of physiotherapy in health conditions related to gender and will incorporate assessment and management of pelvic floor disorders, as well as ante and post-natal physiotherapy. The biopsychosocial module explores the presentation, management and physiotherapy considerations for people from different cultural backgrounds, including considerations for trauma informed care and care of people with mental health conditions. The advanced management of chronic pain module will extend student’s knowledge about the physiotherapy management of chronic pain as well as more complex musculoskeletal health presentations and will involve complex cases such as complex regional pain syndrome and multiple co-morbidities. The final module will explore physiotherapy management of patients with burns, amputations and in palliative care and will include care of skin, wounds and oedema in these patients. Alongside further developing skills in clinical reasoning and evidence-based clinical care, students will learn to provide inclusive and affirming care that is culturally safe and addresses physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs across diverse and complex patient populations and healthcare settings.

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	Bronwen Ackermann, bronwen.ackermann@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Susan Coulson, susan.coulson@sydney.edu.au
	Tania Gardner, tania.gardner@sydney.edu.au
	Victoria Watson, victoria.watson@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s)	Natalie Allen, natalie.allen@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
Practical exam	A3 Final exam Prac viva: Interactive oral and practical exam based on a case study from the modules in the unit.	0%	Formal exam period	15 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group assignment Presentation: sex, gender and health	0%	Week 07	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	AT1 Weekly quizzes Knowledge and problem-based quizzes	0%	Weekly	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

AT1, Weekly Quizzes: Weekly quizzes enable students to assess their own understanding, identify knowledge gaps and enhance their grasp of the course material

AT2, Group presentation on a topic related to sex, gender and health

AT3, Interactice oral/practical exam based on case studies of patients with a combination of complex heath concerns selected from the topics covered in the unit

Assessment criteria

Students are required to enrol in both PHTY7502 (Semester 1) and PHTY7505 (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	N/A	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to a satisfactory standard. Please see the Progression Rules on the Learning Management System for further information.
Failed requirements	N/A	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:

All weekly quizzes must be submitted 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	1. Trauma informed care 2. Caring with context: care of First Nations people, including perinatal care	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	Case study discussions • Trauma informed care • Cultural competency	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Mood and chronic pain: perspectives of a pain psychologist 2. Living with chronic pain	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	Pain sensitivity testing and assessment skills with case based reasoning	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Pelvic assessment: Women’s and men’s pelvic floor disorders 2. The role of pelvic floor in ‘core’ stability	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	Foundations of pelvic health assessment, differences between male and female pelvic anatomy, respiratory and abdominal screening	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	1. Labour, birth and antenatal care 2. Women’s health	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	Physiotherapy in pregnancy - Antenatal and post-natal education and exercise classes Changes during the stages of pregnancy, labour and birth	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Men’s pelvic and gender health issues	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Mens’ health, post-surgical pelvic floor assessment and management.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	1. Skin integrity, wound and scar management 2. Burns	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	Skin integrity, wound and scar management Soft tissue techniques	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Physiotherapy management of amputees	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 09	Amputees – management from pre-op to rehab	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	MSK master class - spine	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	MSK applied case studies of more complex conditions including the spine	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	1. TMJ assessment and management 2. Facial nerve palsy assessment and management	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	Complex case studies involving temporomandibular disorders and facial nerve palsy physiotherapy rehabilitation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	MSK master class – lower extremity	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	MSK applied lower limb case studies in complex conditions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	MSK master class – upper extremity complex cases	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 13	MSK applied upper limb case studies including complex conditions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	1. and 2. Putting it all together – complex case studies	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Interactive and supervised exam practice	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of seminars and tutorials 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 set additional assessment tasks at their discretion where attendance is lower than 80%.

Under exceptional circumstances, swapping to alternate tutorials on
one-off occasions is possible by prior agreement with the unit of study coordinator. However, this may be limited if the tutorial session is already at capacity or if there are no other tutorial session 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.

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. Demonstrate professional skills, including effective and context-sensitive communication, ethical decision-making, and reflective practice, in the management of complex patient presentations, with increasing independence and initiative.
LO2. LO2. Apply and integrate foundational and advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and biomechanics, to assess and manage individuals presenting with complex health conditions, including those related to sex and gender, mental health, chronic pain and skin and wound conditions.
LO3. LO3. Design and justify evidence-based physiotherapy for individuals with complex and multifaceted care needs by integrating advanced clinical reasoning with inclusive and culturally safe practices across diverse healthcare settings.
LO4. LO4. Demonstrate the ability to deliver patient-centred care that addresses the physical, emotional and psychosocial needs of individuals with complex health conditions, while critically reflecting on the profession’s role in advancing health equity, trauma-informed practice and social accountability – including in relation to LGBTQIA+ populations and other marginalised groups.
LO5. LO5. Discuss the role of interdisciplinary teams to optimise outcomes for individuals with complex and chronic conditions, including those requiring palliative care.

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 1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life 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 3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions 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 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 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 - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 4.2. evaluate their learning needs, engage in relevant continuing professional development and recognise when to seek professional support, including peer review 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
	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 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 3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions 4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge 4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action 5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice 5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice 6.2. seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting 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
	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 1.4. 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 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 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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making 3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others 4.5. 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 7.2. lead others effectively and efficiently within relevant professional, ethical and legal frameworks 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.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.

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

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

PHTY7502: Physiotherapy Advanced Clinical Practice

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

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