Skip to main content
Start of main content.

PHTY71-401: Foundations of Physiotherapy

Description

This subject will establish the foundation for the remaining subjects in the program.    Historical and contemporary healthcare and health workforce issues will be discussed with reference to individual, local, national, and international perspectives.  Professional standards and ethics and medico-legal responsibilities of physiotherapists will be explored.  Students will develop an understanding of the generic physiotherapy approaches to preventative care and management of clients in order to maximise outcomes.  Communication skills relevant to health practitioners will be developed and practised, and a client-centred approach to practice will be emphasised whilst students develop an awareness of cultural differences.  An evidence based approach to physiotherapy practice will be introduced, and skills relevant to locating, evaluating, and applying pertinent clinical evidence to client assessment and management will be developed.  Students will review and advance their anatomical and physiological knowledge relevant to physiotherapy clients and the role of pharmacology in patient management.  Clinical areas of workplace health and safety, manual handling, infection control, and clinical record keeping will be discussed, and appropriate clinical skills developed.  The role of the physiotherapist in primary health care and future challenges of extended-scope practice will be explored.  There will be an emphasis throughout this subject on physiotherapy management across the lifespan encouraging respect for individuality and diversity.

Subject details

Type: Postgraduate Subject
Code: PHTY71-401
EFTSL: 0.250
Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine
Semesters offered:
  • May 2024 [Non-Standard Offering]
Credit: 20
Study areas:
  • Health, Biomedical, and Sport Sciences
Subject fees:
  • Commencing in 2023: $11,740.00
  • Commencing in 2024: $11,980.00
  • Commencing in 2025: $12,220.00
  • Commencing in 2023: $12,640.00
  • Commencing in 2024: $13,400.00
  • Commencing in 2025: $14,020.00

Learning outcomes

  1. Derive the quality of an information source using the principles of evidence-based practice.
  2. Apply allied health workplace health and safety measures (notably infection control and manual handling), when dealing with clients.
  3. Relate the roles and responsibilities of health professionals in the Australian healthcare system with specific regard to physiotherapists.
  4. Apply the anatomy of the body systems with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological systems, and anatomical knowledge to principles of physiotherapy assessment.
  5. Compare anatomical, physiological, cognitive, and biomechanical variations associated with normal aging across the lifespan.
  6. Apply an inclusive, culturally responsive, and client-centred model to practice as a student physiotherapist.
  7. Apply communication and clinical interview skills to obtain a client history, including informed consent.
  8. Explicate the acquisition and modification of movement skills.
  9. Apply basic physiotherapy soft tissue treatment techniques on a client safely and effectively.
  10. Apply electrotherapy modality theory and demonstrate its use on a client safely and effectively.

Enrolment requirements

Requisites:

Pre-requisites:

There are no pre-requisites

Co-requisites:

Assumed knowledge:

Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.

Restrictions: This subject is not available to
  • Study Abroad Students

This subject is not available as a general elective. To be eligible for enrolment, the subject must be specified in the students’ program structure.

Subject dates

  • Non-Standard Offering
    Enrolment opens: 17/03/2024
    Semester start: 13/05/2024
    Subject start: 13/05/2024
    Cancellation 1: 21/05/2024
    Cancellation 2: 22/05/2024
    Last enrolment: 19/05/2024
    Withdraw - Financial: 28/05/2024
    Withdraw - Academic: 06/06/2024
    Teaching census: 27/05/2024
Non-Standard Offering
Enrolment opens: 17/03/2024
Semester start: 13/05/2024
Subject start: 13/05/2024
Cancellation 1: 21/05/2024
Cancellation 2: 22/05/2024
Last enrolment: 19/05/2024
Withdraw - Financial: 28/05/2024
Withdraw - Academic: 06/06/2024
Teaching census: 27/05/2024