Units: Physiotherapy

PHTY101 Anatomy and Physiology of the Neuromusculoskeletal System A
This unit is designed to take the student unfamiliar with the human body in both anatomy and physiology to a basic level of understanding of muscles, bone, joints nerves and neural control. The introduction to this system is designed to introduce the physiotherapy student early to one of the main systems with which physiotherapists work. Assessment includes laboratory based and written examinations.

PHTY111 Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice
This course is aimed at introducing students to the concept of a profession. Issues such as patients' rights, ethics and professionalism are included. The concept of disability is introduced. The course aims to help those entering a "helping" profession to develop their ability to empathise and crystalise their concept of caring. Formal tuition in verbal and non-verbal communication is included. The concept of "individual differences" is explored. Basic terminology used in the description of human movement is covered. Students are introduced to simple movement observation and analysis. Soft tissue manipulation using therapeutic massage is covered in this unit as a foundation for developing competency in tissue palpation, manual handling and therapeutic intervention. Unit material is presented to students in three blocks. Assessment includes practical and written examinations.

SS125 Molecular and Cell Biology for Physiotherapists
Similarities and differences between eukaryotic cells, prokaryotic cells and viruses. Structure and functions of biological molecules. Nutrition, metabolic processes and energy transformations. Principles of molecular genetics. Infection control and the immune system

PS100 Developmental Psychology
This unit introduces students to the psychology of human development through the lifespan, including major developmental achievements, challenges and problems faced during infancy, childhood, adolescence and old age. Students learn how social scientists study human behaviour using observation, surveys, questionnaires, naturally occurring events and well-designed experiments. Students are expected to draw upon biography, current Australian and overseas research reports and psychological texts. There is also opportunity to reflect upon personal developmental choices and directions. 

PHTY102 Anatomy & Physiology of the Neuromusculoskeletal System B
Pre-Requisite: PHTY101 (Anatomy & Physiology of the Neuromusculoskeletal System A)
This unit is designed to entrench and reinforce detail from PHTY101 to sustain the pace and growth and understanding of the neuromuscular system integrated with in-depth functional and applied anatomy of the musculoskeletal system.

BMS103 Anatomy & Physiology of Body Systems
Prerequisites SS115, SS125
This unit has been designed to complement other units in human anatomy and physiology that are offered in the first year of the Physiotherapy program. In this unit, students will explore aspects of the gastrointestinal systems, as well as understand the structure and function of the endocrine, sensory phenomena of sight, hearing, taste, smell and balance. A problem based format will be used. Assessment will include practical reports, tutorial exercises, an essay and written exam.

PHTY122 Movement Sciences for Physiotherapy
Pre-Requisite: Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice
This unit is aimed at providing the student with a sound knowledge of kinesiology, which forms a basis for physiotherapy diagnosis and treatment. The importance of applying anatomical knowledge is emphasised. Topics covered include observation and analysis of movement of the head, neck, trunk, upper limbs and lower limbs; observation and analysis of basic functional tasks, theory and practice of passive movement, manual muscle testing, joint range measurement, exercise planning and teaching, methods of training for strength, power and endurance, methods of relaxation training as well as various exercise techniques including free exercise, isometrics, apparatus assisted and resisted exercise (suspension, weights, pulleys etc), isokinetics and hydrotherapy. Unit material is presented to students in five blocks: Assessment includes practical and written examinations.

PHTY123 Biophysics for Physiotherapy
Pre-Requisite:  PHTY 101
The unit will assist students to develop a conceptual understanding of physical principles as they relate to movement and therapy. The subject will also provide students with knowledge and understanding of the physical and electrophysical principles that relate to mechanical and electrophysical agents in physiotherapy. Students will be introduced to a selection of such agents and be provided with the opportunity to experience and apply different forms of energies used by physiotherapists, thus enhancing their practical skills in a group/team-based learning environment. Assessment includes practical and written examinations.

ET100 Ethics: Deciding what is Good and what is Right (Core Unit)
In the moral traditions of both East and West, ethics is concerned with three interrelated things: what we value as 'Good' or 'Bad'; what we regard as 'virtuous' or 'vicious' behaviour, or character; and what we define by rule as 'Right' or 'Wrong' to protect ourselves and society from harm and to promote the health and well-being of the community. The unit introduces you to the themes and methods of Ethics as an academic discipline; but the emphasis in the unit is on practical skills in sound ethical decision-making and critical examination of current moral issues.

PHTY201 Biomechanics in Rehabilitation
Pre-Requisites: PHTY 101, PHTY 102, PHTY 111, PHTY 122
This unit is designed to provide continous study of musculoskeletal and nervous systems in relation to their function and dysfunction in human movement incorporating a biomechanical focus. It includes a review of the mechanical properties of bone, ligaments and tendons, and neural and muscle tissue. Revision of gross anatomy and functional musculoskeletal anatomy of the limbs and trunk are also included. Biomechanical analysis of posture and locomotion and their changes throughout the lifespan are also covered. Finally, students will learn the biomechanics of functional activities such as running, jumping, swimming and throwing and relate these activities to dysfunction. Assessment includes essay and written examinations.

PHTY202 Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Sciences I
Pre-Requisites: PHTY 101, PHTY 102, BMS 103, SS125
This unit will examine the structure and functioning of the Cardiorespiratory System. The control, regulation and responses of the cardiorespiratory system will be examined.in resting states and as a consequence of exercise and diseased conditions. Pharmacology relating to physiotherapy in general will also be examined during the final 6 contact teaching hours of this unit. Assessment includes written examinations.

PHTY210 Physiotherapy: An Applied Science
Pre-Requisites: PHTY 111, PHTY 122
This course is aimed at providing the student with core knowledge of the physical manifestations of pathologies that underlie impairments managed by Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy treatment options and rationales, the clinical assessment and clinical reasoning process and principles of treatment selection. Topics covered include exploring and treating tissue damage, adaptive tissue changes, motor control and movement dysfunction and pain. This knowledge forms the beginnings of clinical competencies in the assessment, diagnosis and clinical management of individuals presenting with these problems. Unit material is presented to students in five blocks. Assessment includes both practical and written examinations.

PHTY211 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (Lower Limb)
Pre-requisite: PHTY 111, PHTY 122
The unit will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the musculoskeletal pathologies of the lower limb, the physical manifestations of such pathologies, the clinical reasoning process in clinical assessment and diagnosis, physiotherapy treatment options, rationales and treatment selection. Generic information, including biomechanical analyses of static and dynamic postures (eg gait), joint examination and specific ligamentous stress testing, muscle and motor control will be covered for lower limb musculoskeletal disorders. Students will develop the communication and practical skills needed to competently assess and safely and effectively treat clients with lower limb musculoskeletal disorders, to predict and evaluate outcomes as well as develop programs for promotion of good musculoskeletal health for the prevention of injury or the prevention of recurrence of injury to the lower limb. Unit material is presented to students in four blocks. Assessment includes both practical and written examinations.

PHTY213 Medical Sciences for Physiotherapy
Pre-Requisites PHTY 111, PHTY 122
This unit will introduce students to the concept of disability and rehabilitation. It will provide students with background knowledge of the pathology underlying various conditions treated by physiotherapists. Areas addressed will include the concept of disease; inflammation; soft tissue trauma; joint pathology; infection and infectious diseases; lung pathology; circulatory disturbances; pathological basis of brain trauma and disease; atrophy and hypertrophy of muscles; metabolic disease; neoplasia; pathology of old age and complications of drug therapy, as well as radiological imaging and its interpretation and the orthopaedic management of postural abnormalities, arthritis and fractures. Unit material is presented to students in three blocks. Assessment includes written examinations.

PHTY204 Research Methods for Physiotherapists
This unit is offered to give a practical introduction to statistics, data analysis and report writing to prepare students to be able to critically analyse the literature. Lectures and tutorials will be provided, supported with some independent learning material. Assessment includes written examinations.

PHTY221 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (Upper Limb)
Pre-Requisites: Year 1 Physiotherapy Program, PHTY 201, PHTY 210, PHTY 211, PHTY 213
The unit will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the musculoskeletal and integumentary pathologies of the upper limb, the physical manifestations of such pathologies, the clinical reasoning process in clinical assessment and diagnosis, physiotherapy treatment options and rationales for treatment selection. Skills will be developed in biomechanical analysis of static and dynamic postures (eg. shoulder girdle and influences on upper limb function), joint examination and specific ligamentious stress testing, examination of muscles and motor control relevant to clinical issues involved in upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Specific needs associated with sport, work, overuse, poor use and inflammatory and degenerative conditions will be explored. Students will develop the communication and practical skills needed to competently assess and safely and effectively treat clients with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders, burns or following plastic surgery or orthopaedic surgery, to predict and evaluate outcomes as well as develop programs for promotion of good musculoskeletal health for the prevention of injury or the prevention of recurrence of injury to the upper limb. Course material is presented to students in five blocks.

PHTY223 Physiotherapy in Paediatrics and Gerontology
Pre-Requisites: At least one year of Physiotherapy program
This unit will provide the student with core knowledge of neurosensory motor and musculoskeletal development or posture and movement from infancy through childhood, changes which occur during menarche and pregnancy and in persons of increasing age. The student will gain competencies in assessment, identifying changes that are within or outside the expectations of normal, interpretation of client data and differential diagnoses of problems of posture and movement. Topics covered in this course will include: normal and signs of abnormal motor development ; the family and the child with a disability; assessment of posture and movement through childhood; paediatric orthopaedics and physiotherapy management of orthopaedic conditions including arthritic conditions, haemophilia and sport injuries in children; women's health in respect to physiology of menarche and stages of pregnancy; sport, diet and osteoporosis in adolescence and through the lifespan; essential medical care in pregnancy; parturition-labour and delivery, physiotherapy ante-natal classes and management during pregnancy, physiotherapy ante-natal classes and management during pregnancy; physiotherapy management of incontinence in women and men and physiotherapy management post surgical mastectomy and principles and practice of assessment in adults. Course material is presented to students in five blocks.

PHTY224 Clinical Education 1
Pre-Requisite: All academic content up to Year 2, Semester 2
The aim of this unit is to provide an opportunity for students to develop a broad understanding of the provision of physiotherapy services in a variety of health care settings. We will endeavour to develop in students the physiotherapy competencies that flow from integration of knowledge and the application of problem solving strategies and technical skills in the management of a wide range of clinical problems where physiotherapy intervention is appropriate. The unit aims to provide students with competencies in the physiotherapy clinical management of patients presenting with simple Musculoskeletal conditions including peripheral joint, muscle and neural pain and those conditions post-orthopaedic surgery or fracture requiring rehabilitation. Students may work in hospitals, the community, with children, adults or in aged care. Communication development is an integral part of this unit. In addition, the emphasis of the placement is on patient handling, on aspects of examination, on analysis of information gained from the examination and on the implementation of a treatment program. Under supervised practice conditions in the real world and using a cognitive-apprenticeship model, students will develop skills in assessment, analysis of data, clinical reasoning and treatment planning, program execution and evaluation appropriate to the specific area of practice.

PHTY311 Musculoskeletal  Physiotherapy (Spinal I)
Pre-Requisite: At least two years Physiotherapy coursework
The unit will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the musculoskeletal pathologies of the lumbar spine and pelvis as well as the classification of non- specific low back pain, the physical manifestations of lumbar and pelvic disorders, differentiation of back pain from non musculoskeletal disorders, the clinical reasoning process in clinical assessment and diagnosis, physiotherapy treatment options, rationales and treatment selection. Generic information, including biomechanical analyses of static and dynamic postures, segmental joint examination, examination of the nervous system, muscle and motor control will be covered for lumbar and pelvic musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, specific needs of speciality areas of work and ergonomics, sport, overuse, poor use and inflammatory and degenerative conditions will be explored, as will be behavioural issues of chronic low back pain. Students will develop the communication and practical skills needed to competently assess and safely and effectively treat clients with lumbar spine and pelvic musculoskeletal disorders, to predict and evaluate outcomes as well as develop programs for promotion of good musculoskeletal health for the prevention of injury or the prevention of recurrence of injury to the lumbar spine and pelvis. The multidisciplinary nature of care of disorders will be discussed and the physiotherapist's role and responsibilities in the health care team will be explored. Unit material is presented to students in three blocks. Assessment includes practical and written examinations.

PHTY313 Physiotherapy in Paediatrics and Gender Health
Pre-Requisites: At least two years Physiotherapy coursework
This unit will provide the student with knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of physiotherapy planning, intervention and management of problems and conditions associated with abnormal structure or function experienced by infants and children and persons of increasing age. It will provide also an overview of basic psychiatric concepts of practical reference in the clinical situation and medical paediatrics and child health. Topics in this unit will include: Principles of practice of physiotherapy in development and neurology, medical paediatrics, Paediatrics and psychiatry, psychiatry and older people, physiotherapy principles and practice of in the aged, balance throughout the lifespan, and clinical problem solving in intervention paediatriacs and geriatrics. Unit material is presented to students in six blocks, via lectures and practical classes. Assessment includes practical and written examinations.

PHTY314 Rehabilitation for the Neurosciences
Pre-Requisites: At least two years Physiotherapy coursework
This unit includes theory lectures as to respiratory and cardiac conditions and surgical procedures for all abdominal, thoracic and cardiac surgery. There are lectures and practical classes involving, assessment, including the principles of history taking, observation, palpation, auscultation, x-ray reading, ECG reading, lung function tests and interpretation of pathology tests. Practical classes and lectures are given for instruction in the theory, rationale and competent execution of all physiotherapy treatment interventions for clients of all ages. Tutorials are held to enable a problem solving approach in formulation of treatment plans. Course material is presented to students in two blocks.

PH100 Introduction To Philosophy - The Quest for Wisdom (Core Unit)
In PH100 we study some of the central themes of philosophy - the nature of the good life, the nature of knowledge and the nature of being human - by examining each semester a variable range of influential thinkers in the western philosophical tradition from the ancient world to the twentieth century. Students are encouraged to reflect on these fundamental questions and to examine their own beliefs. They increase their cultural literacy by exploring how these great philosophers have influenced western culture. The study of these thinkers exposes students to different styles of thinking, requiring them to develop skills in critically evaluating different arguments.

TH101 Introduction to Theology
Pre-Requisite: Nil
This is a compulsory core unit It seeks to introduce students to the rich inheritance of the Catholic Theological Tradition. The major biblical and systematic themes of Catholic Theological reflection are introduced. Students will acquire the critical academic skills necessary for the subsequent pursuit of serious theological study. Lectures, seminars, tutorials: 3 hrs per week.

PHTY301 Evidence Based Physiotherapy
Pre-Requisite: PHTY 204
The aim of this course is to provide undergraduate students within Physiotherapy departments with the ability to critically analyse research, formulate research designs, and understand the ethical and practical implications of conducting research. Emphasis will be placed on research in the clinical setting.

PHTY321 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (Spinal II)
Pre-Requisites: At least two years Physiotherapy coursework
The unit will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the musculoskeletal pathologies of the cervical and thoracic spines and craniomandibular region, the physical manifestations of cervical, thoracic and upper quadrant disorders, differentiation of cervical versus other origins of conditions such as headache, dizziness and face pain, the clinical reasoning process in clinical assessment and diagnosis, physiotherapy treatment options, rationales and treatment selection. Generic information, including biomechanical analyses of static and dynamic postures of the upper quadrant, cervical and thoracic segmental joint examination, examination of the nervous system, muscle and motor control will be covered for the cervical and thoracic and craniomandibular disorders, to predict and evaluate outcomes as well as develop programs for promotion of good musculoskeletal health for the prevention of injury or the prevention of recurrence of injury to the cervical and thoracic spines. The multidisciplinary nature of care of disorders will be discussed and the physiotherapist's role and responsibilities in the health care team will be explored. Unit material is presented to students in three blocks, through lectures and practical sessions. Assessment includes practical and written examinations.

PHTY322 Physiotherapy in Healthcare and Management Systems
Pre-Requisite At least two years Physiotherapy coursework
The unit covers :
(a) The physiotherapist's unique role in the health service system. Topics on the organization and delivery of health services, particularly physiotherapy services, in Australia and Western Australia; factors influencing delivery of service; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care issue; illness behaviour in multicultural Australia and type of service e.g. hospital vs community; urban vs rural.
(b) Management issues and impact on physiotherapy service delivery. Group based self-directed learning in which different groups focus on a number of management issues in a variety of physiotherapy service systems including hospital, private practice, nursing homes; funding and budgeting; occupational health and safety; information technology and physiotherapy service as well as the role of various health professionals including occupational therapy, speech pathology and social work.
(c) Student learning in clinical practice. Students are introduced to the clinical education process in physiotherapy, knowledge of the characteristics of the effective learning environment, influence of learning styles, assessment procedures and the skills to optimally facilitate their own and others learning. It continues to address knowledge and practice of appropriate professional and ethical behaviour in 'learning' and 'treating' interactions. Assessment includes oral presentations and written examinations.

PHTY325 Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Sciences II
Pre-Requisites: At least two years Physiotherapy coursework
Content includes a knowledge of a variety of neurological disorders and their management, assessment procedures to define impairments following neurological disorders, theories of clinical reasoning and their application to the client with a neurological disorder, management procedures and their application to specific neurological conditions and outcome measurement. Skills in assessment, analysis, problem solving, treatment planning with appropriate handling and other technical selections and applications, along with outcome measurement will be developed to ensure competency prior to graduation as a physiotherapist. An understanding of the need for appropriate written records and statistical information will be developed. An awareness of the role of other members of the health care team will also be fostered. Unit material is presented to students in six blocks, through lectures and practical classes.

PHTY326 Clinical Education II
Pre-Requisites: All academic content up to Semester 2, Year 3
The unit aims to provide students with core competencies in the Physiotherapy clinical management of patients presenting within a wide range of community based/primary care settings or specialist settings in a secondary or tertiary hospital where the emphasis is on lifespan issues. Examples include hydrotherapy, aged care, community centres, domiciliary units such as Silver Chain, community based paediatric units and/or educational centres and women's health units. Under supervised practice conditions in the real world and using a cognitive-apprenticeship model, students will develop skills in assessment, analysis of data, treatment planning, execution and evaluation, appropriate to the area of practice. The requirement exists to integrate all relevant knowledge and skills from the earlier years of the undergraduate program so extension can occur. The unit promotes caring attitudes and facilitates the development of ethical and professional behaviours necessary for effective practice as a physiotherapy clinician.

PHTY412 Clinical Education - Neurosciences
Pre-Requisites: All academic content up to Semester 1, Year 4
The unit aims to provide students with core competencies in the physiotherapy clinical management of patients requiring long term rehabilitation following stroke, traumatic brain injury, amputation or other orthopaedic surgery/trauma and neurological disorders. Under supervised practice conditions in the real world and using a cognitive-apprenticeship model, students will develop skills in assessment, analysis of data, clinical reasoning, treatment planning, program execution and evaluation, appropriate to the area of practice. The requirement exists to integrate all relevant knowledge and skills from the earlier years of the course so extension can occur. The unit promotes caring attitudes, interaction with team members and facilitates the development of ethical and professional behaviours necessary for effective practice as a physiotherapy clinician.

PHTY422 Clinical Education - Musculoskeletal
Pre-Requisites: All academic content up to Semester 1, Year 4
The unit aims to provide students with core competencies in the Physiotherapy clinical management of patients, presenting within a primary care model to physiotherapists as first contact practitioners. There is an emphasis on the management of musculoskeletal conditions, in particular joint and soft tissue injuries incurred during sport and/or those conditions presenting at speciality musculoskeletal clinics. There is an extension to the workplace in the prevention and management of overuse syndromes. The requirement exists to integrate all relevant knowledge and skills from the earlier years of the course so extension can occur. Under supervised practice conditions in the real world and using a cognitive-apprenticeship model, students will develop skills in assessment, analysis of data, treatment planning, and execution and evaluation of programs, appropriate to the area of practice. The unit promotes caring attitudes and facilitates the development of ethical and professional behaviours necessary for effective practice as a physiotherapy clinician.

PHTY432 Clinical Education - Acute Care
Pre-Requisites: All academic content up to Semester 1, Year 4
The unit aims to provide students with core competencies in the Physiotherapy clinical management of patients presenting within the acute care areas of a hospital with an emphasis on orthopaedic conditions resulting from disease, trauma or surgery. Options exist for the emphasis to be on acute cardiorespiratory care in specialist surgical units or in Intensive Care facilities or in other specialist acute care areas such as burns. Under supervised practice conditions in the real world and using a cognitive-apprenticeship model, students will develop skills in assessment, analysis of data, treatment planning, program execution and evaluation, appropriate to the area of practice. The requirement exists to integrate all relevant knowledge and skills from the earlier years of the course so extension can occur. The unit promotes caring attitudes and facilitates the development of ethical and professional behaviours necessary for effective practice as a physiotherapy clinician.

PHTY442 Clinical Education - Lifespan
Pre-Requisite: All academic content up to Semester 1, Year 4
The unit aims to provide students with core competencies in the Physiotherapy clinical management of patients presenting within a wide range of community based/primary care settings or specialist settings in a secondary or tertiary hospital where the emphasis is on lifespan issues. Examples include hydrotherapy, nursing home care, community centres, domiciliary units such as Blue Nurses, community based paediatric units and women's health units. Under supervised practice conditions in the real world and using a cognitive-apprenticeship model, students will develop skills in assessment, analysis of data, treatment planning, execution and evaluation, appropriate to the area of practice. The requirement exists to integrate all relevant knowledge and skills from the earlier years of the undergraduate program so extension can occur. The course promotes caring attitudes and facilitates the development of ethical and professional behaviours necessary for effective practice as a physiotherapy clinician.

PHTY452 Complex Cases and Professional Issues
Pre-Requisite: All academic content up to Semester 2, Year 4
The aim of this unit of study is to enable students to develop their skills in analysing and planning the management of clients with complex and/or multi-system problems. Students are required to integrate material from the core areas of musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, neurological physiotherapy and physiotherapy across the lifespan. The unit involved in-depth discussion of a small number of studies in tutorial/practical sessions. Case studies will be changed each year, developed in consultation with expert clinical educators, to accommodate the wide range of complex cases encountered in clinical practice. It will be an opportunity for students to debrief after their intensive clinical education program and to expand their knowledge and skills in targeted areas. In addition, there will be a final series of lectures and tutorials addressing issues related to medical ethics, complex medico-legal cases and other professional issues of interest to the students. Lectures will provide extra information to the cases under discussion.

Honours Program

Year 3:
PHTY 302 Evidence Based Physiotherapy and Research Processes
The aim of this course is to provide undergraduate students within Physiotherapy departments with the ability to critically analyse research, formulate research designs, and understand the ethical and practical implications of conducting research. Emphasis will be placed on research in the clinical setting. Assessment will include oral presentation and written examinations.

Year 4:
PHTY 402 Research Project (Honours)
This unit aims to enhance students' ability to:
Identify and pose a research question
Make a critical analysis of the literature relevant to the research project
Design and conduct an investigation in a systematic and scientific manner
Conduct appropriate analysis of the data collected
Draw logical conclusions from the research findings
Communicate results clearly by way of a research manuscript suitable for publication in a scientific journal of the student's discipline.