Musculoskeletal Interventions 1 PG (11985.1)

Required texts

Prescribed Text

Other Supplementary References:

(All available library, short term loan 3hrs or 7 days)

Dutton M, 2012, "Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention", 3rd Ed. McGraw-Hill. 0071474013 Call number RD734.D88 2008

Dutton 2011, "Dutton's Orthopaedic Survival guide: Managing Common conditions", McGraw-Hill. 007171510

A. Franklyn-Miller, E. Falvey, P. McCrory and P. Brukner, 2011, "Clinical Sports Anatomy" McGraw-Hill ISBN: 9780070285552

Magee DJ, 2008, Orthopaedic Physical Assessment 5th Edition. Saunders.Call number RD734.M34 2008

Refshauge K. and Gass E. 2004, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, 2^nd ed. Butterworth Heinemann Call number RC925.5.M88 2004

Kendall, F. 2005,  Muscles Testing and Function with Posture and Pain, 5^th Ed. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Call number RM701.M87 2005

J. W. Read and J. M. Anderson, 2007 "Atlas of Imaging in Sports Medicine" McGraw-Hill . 2^nd Ed RC1211.A53 1998

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

Fundamental Principles Exam

Canvas based quiz, supervised on campus.  Students will receive a paper case but will input their answers directly into Canvas.  This exam is electronically marked and moderated.

Viva 1 

Part A: Practical examination in the lab environment, notes to be handed back to the examiner on the day. Marked by individual assessors and moderated by a second assessor if required.

Part B: Reflection and treatment reserach task to be submitted via Canvas, a draft can be self-checked using Turnitin. 

Viva 2  

Practical examination in the lab environment, notes to be handed back to the examiner on the day. Marked by individual assessors and moderated by a second assessor if required

Special assessment requirements

Any personal requirements that may affect assessment items are to be discussed with the Unit Convener before the end of week 2 of semester. Reasonable Adjustment plans will be enacted as per the plan. 

Supplementary assessment

There will not be a supplementary assessment offered in this unit.

Moderation:

The Discipline of Physiotherapy adheres to the University of Canberra’s policies on moderation.

The assessment standards for this unit will remain consistent across all modes and loctions of delivery. Whether the unit is undertaken online, in-person, or at different campuses, students will be evaluated according to the same academic criteria and expectations. 

Assessment will be moderated to ensure that judgments of students’ performance are consistent, transparent, reliable and valid. Moderation of practical vivas may be achieved by co-marking in person and/ or using a recorded video of a performance. If you require further information on how the assessment tasks of this unit are moderated please see the Unit Convener and further information is available on Canvas.

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Learner engagement

Students are expected to follow this weekly routine to stay on track and succeed in the unit:

1. Attend or watch/ listen to weekly pathology lecture to understand key concepts

2. Watch the recorded lecture(s)

3. Complete readings to gain a deeper understanding of assessment and treatment principles

4. Prepare for tutorials by watching skills videos prior to grasp basic techniques

5. Attend practical classes ready to participate, dressed in suitable clothing

5. Complete reflective tasks and available quizzes each week

6. Collaborate with peers, practice skills in small groups outside of class

7. Monitor Canvas announcements for any schedule changes or updates related to the unit.

Participation requirements

This unit includes participatory components that are essential for meeting the professional learning outcomes required by the Australian Physiotherapy Council.

Students are expected to:

• Watch lectures and complete readings.
• Attend both practical sessions each week as these are essential for mastering unit content and preparing for assessments. 
• Rehearse and revise weekly. 

Practical classes are designed to help students integrate theoretical knowledge into a functional, clinical context. These sessions provide opportunities to develop palpation and physical assessment skills, interpret findings, and propose diagnoses.

During practicals, students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with professional healthcare practice. This includes obtaining informed consent before physical contact, appropriately draping sensitive areas, and always maintaining respectful communication.

Where appropriate and if comfortable, students may be asked to expose certain body regions to facilitate observation and assessment of musculoskeletal structures. Individuals who wear bras are encouraged to bring a sports bra or singlet that allows access to the upper back region, and all students should bring a pair of shorts. Wearing suitable clothing supports a professional learning environment built on mutual respect, confidence, and safety.

If you have a pre-existing condition or injury, experience difficulty performing a skill, or sustain an injury during the semester, you are encouraged to speak with the Unit Convener. Open communication will help ensure your safety and support your learning experience.

Use of Recording Devices and Privacy

To maintain safety, hygiene, and privacy in practical classes, mobile phones must be switched to silent mode before the start of each session. The use of cameras, video recorders, or any other recording devices is strictly prohibited unless explicit permission has been granted by both the Unit Convener and all individuals being recorded.

Any student found recording another person without consent will be asked to leave the class. The recordings will be confiscated and deleted, and the matter will be referred to the Head of Discipline.

All academic work, including case studies and reflective pieces should be written with care to protect the privacy of others. This includes avoiding the use of names or identifying details of fellow students, staff, or clients/ patients you have seen.

This approach helps create a respectful and safe learning environment for everyone, and supports the development of professional habits that are essential in clinical practice.

Available Help

Please refer to the Canvas page for available support services, specific to this unit.

Throughout your physiotherapy studies, you may encounter clinical scenarios or learning experiences that feel emotionally or academically challenging.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or simply need someone to talk to, support is available through the Student Wellbeing team, offering free and confidential assistance across social, emotional, academic, and financial areas.

Drop-in hours: Monday to Friday from 10am - 4pm in Student Central

Wellbeing Pop Ups: Every Wednesday from 10.30am - 12.30pm

Location: Student Centre, Building 1

Email: wellbeing@canberra.edu.au

Required IT skills

Students are expected to possess basic IT skills to successfully engage with the course requirements. These include the ability to:

• Navigate Canvas and be able to complete the online assessment by week 4
• Watch online lectures
• Download skills videos and practical notes
• Download, install and use the Physitrack exercise program
• Complete word processing for the Viva 1 reflection task
• Interact with library searching skills

In-unit costs

There are no mandatory in-unit costs for students.  Clinical uniform is preferred for Viva assessments, however alternative professional attire may be worn. It is not anticipated that students will have additional costs other than those normally accrued in the pursuit of study (stationary, printing).

Work placement, internships or practicums

N/A

• Semester 2, 2025, On-campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (225332)
• Semester 2, 2024, On-campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (220980)
• Semester 2, 2023, On-campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (220979)