513-110 Physiotherapy 1

Physiotherapy 1 is the first component of a series of integrated subjects which will continue through Semesters 1 to 4.

The objectives for Semester 1 are to develop an understanding of the theory and practice of physiotherapy within three themes: communication skills, human movement and clinical practice.

Content areas include mechanics of human movement, therapeutic techniques, mechanics of lifting, motor skill learning, types of muscle action, and the mechanical and physiological factors affecting the contribution of a muscle to a functional activity. These will all include aspects across the life span. Students will be introduced to the structure of physiotherapy practice, ethical responsibilities to patients, colleagues and the community, health belief models, communication and interviewing skills. The clinical skill development will be undertaken in a context of professional practice and will incorporate appropriate experiential teaching and learning paradigms. Students must show evidence of having satisfactorily completed a Senior First Aid Level 2 (or equivalent) course prior to commencing Physiotherapy 3.

Assignment during semester (10%), end-of-semester examination up to two hours (60%), practical examinations, presentations and skills examinations (25%), tutors assessment (5%), clinical attendance (hurdle requirement).