Overview

This unit extends anatomical and biomechanical knowledge of the musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory systems. Students will utilise anatomy and biomechanical principles to assess human movement during functional tasks and perform key physiotherapy assessments.

Requisites

Prerequisites

Rules

Pre-requisite
Admission into MA-PHYS - Master of Physiotherapy 

OR

MA-PHYS1 - Master of Physiotherapy 

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
04-August-2025
02-November-2025
Last self-enrolment date
17-August-2025
Census date
31-August-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
19-September-2025
Results released date
09-December-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Identify components of the musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory systems and analyse relationships between different anatomical components and their functions
  • Apply anatomical, radiological and biomechanical knowledge to perform and explain physiotherapy assessments
  • Explain key biomechanical principles and perform measurement techniques in the context of assessing human movement
  • Appraise and interpret the clinical significance of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory systems

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Activity Type Activity Total Hours Number of Weeks Hours Per Week Venue Type and Activity Detail
Live Online Lecture 24 12 weeks 2  
On-campus Lab 36 12 weeks 3 Tutorial
Specified Activities Various 42 12 weeks 3.5 Activity, Quiz readings, Problem-based learning, Discussion board
Unspecified Activities Independent Learning 48 12 weeks 4 Independent study, Assignment, Examination preparation
Total Hours: 150 Total Hours (per week): 12.5  

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Practical and Oral Examination Individual  30%  1,2,3,4
Quiz Individual  40%  1,2,3,4 
Test Individual  30%  1,2,4

Content

  • The structure and function of the bones, ligaments, fascia, muscles, nerves and circulatory system of the upper and lower quadrant 
  • Anatomy and biomechanical assessments of human movements and functional tasks 
  • Joint osteo- and arthro-kinematics
  • Technology and interface with kinematics and applied anatomy 
  • Clinical significance of anatomical structures and their relationship to injury 
  • Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Verbal communication
  • Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Communicating using different media
  • Graduate Attribute – Teamwork Skills: Collaboration and negotiation
  • Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Information literacy
  • Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Technical literacy

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.