Outline

Overview

This unit is the second of two capstone units. Students will complete a supervised research-based or professionally focused project. Students will work closely with their supervisor who will guide them in undertaking their project and writing a project report in the style of a journal article or professional report. Students will learn a broad range of skills related to research and quality improvement projects, including developing skills in advanced clinical reasoning, critical thinking and innovation, along with written and oral communication and presentation skills. The unit will culminate with a student-led showcase event where students will present their projects to peers and staff.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	PHTY7500
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Joshua Zadro, joshua.zadro@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Marina De Barros Pinheiro, marina.pinheiro@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Milena Simic, milena.simic@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	AT5: Question and Answer of presentation You will be assessed on your ability to respond to questions from academic staff and peers	0%	Formal exam period Due date: 26 Nov 2026 at 09:00	3 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	AT6: Supervisor Evaluation As part of your capstone project, your supervisor will evaluate your conduct in carrying out your project.	0%	Formal exam period Due date: 26 Nov 2026 at 13:00	Throughout the capstone project	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	AT4: Capstone Presentation Present your project in an oral scientific presentation format at a project symposium day. This presentation is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the research or quality-improvement project, and answer questions.	0%	Formal exam period Due date: 26 Nov 2026 at 09:00	7 minutes presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Dissertation or thesis	AT3: Capstone dissertation Complete an individual written report summarising your project, including literature, project aim, methods, results, and discussion within broader physiotherapy and health sciences context. Due Sunday Week10/Week14 depending on which 5-block placement	0%	Progressive	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	AT1: Explaining your project to a lay au You are required to produce a 3-minute social media style video (e.g. Instagram, TikTok) in which you explain your capstone project to a lay audience.	0%	Week 02 Due date: 16 Aug 2026 at 23:59	3 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	AT2: Peer feedback on writing Assignment: Peer feedback on writing	0%	Week 05 Due date: 06 Sep 2026 at 23:59	200 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Week 2: Video assignment explaining project importance to a lay audience

Week 5: Peer feedback on writing

Week 10/14 (depending on if a clinical placment is in October): Capstone Dissertation

Week 16: Project presentation, and Q&A response

Week 16: Supervisor assessment of skills in communication, collaboration, professional behaviour across the semester

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
Satisfactory requirements	N/A	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have been met to a satisfactory standard. Please see the Progression Rules for PHTY7503 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:

For submitted works, a progressive deduction in the grading standard will be applied for each calendar day after the due date.

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
Formal exam period	Drop-in session for advice and feedback on presentation (week 15)	Demonstration (2 hr)
Formal exam period	Capstone seminars, including keynote speech and individual capstone seminar presentations	Seminar (5 hr)
Week 01	1. Relevance of capstones to future careers (panel discussion Q&A) 2. Practical tips for capstone success	Seminar (2 hr)
	Drop-in session: project pitch practice	Demonstration (2 hr)
	Revision of writing rules and referencing	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 02	3. Writing the title and abstract/executive summary 4. Writing the introduction and methods	Seminar (2 hr)
	Exemplar analysis of an introduction, methods and abstract, and using checklists to assess the completeness of abstract reporting	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Review of academic writing guidelines and reporting checklists	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 03	5. Presenting results: narrative, data, tables and figures 6. Making graphical abstracts	Seminar (2 hr)
	Practice making figures and tables	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Finish preparation section of text for peer review activity	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 04	In class peer feedback on writing activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	General guidance information on editing	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 05	7 and 8. Panel Discussion Insights from experience: the writing process unpacked (and how to beat writers block, which sections to write first, tips for style and structure)	Seminar (2 hr)
	"Shut-up and write": using the pomodoro technique to prepare a section of writing for the peer review activity	Tutorial (2 hr)
	General guidance information on writing results and making tables and figures	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 06	9 and 10. Writing the discussion with critical integration of literature	Lecture (2 hr)
	Exemplar analysis of a discussion and starting your own	Tutorial (2 hr)
	General guidance information on writing the discussion	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 07	Drop-in session for advice and feedback on writing	Demonstration (2 hr)
Week 07	General guidance on how to make a seminar presentation	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 08	11 and 12. Developing your story and designing your slides	Seminar (2 hr)
	Drop-in session for advice and feedback on writing or presentation	Demonstration (2 hr)
	General guidance on how to make a seminar presentation	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Seminar presentations – delivery and handling question time	Seminar (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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 PHTY7503 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. Demonstrate engagement in reflective, professional, and collaborative project practice to deliver project objectives.
LO2. Analyse and interpret information and data in line with the project protocol and communicate these professionally and reflectively with the supervisor/project team.
LO3. Effectively and professionally communicate and explain the outcomes of the project to the stakeholders and peers.
LO4. Present the project findings explaining the significance and impact of the results in relation to the project aims.

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 - 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 3.3. deal effectively with actual and potential conflict in a proactive and constructive manner 4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge 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 7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member 7.2. lead others effectively and efficiently within relevant professional, ethical and legal frameworks
	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 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 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 - 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 4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge 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 - 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 4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge 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 the unit will be offered, so no closing the loop statements are available.

Additional information

N/A

Additional costs

N/A

Site visit guidelines

N/A

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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHTY7503: Advanced Reasoning: Capstone Seminars

Semester 2, 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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links