Overview

This unit consolidates and extends students’ knowledge of neuroscience, biomechanics and contemporary evidence to safely and effectively assess, treat and manage people with neurological presentations from diverse backgrounds. This unit further develops clinical reasoning skills based on the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model and utilising evidence-based outcome measures and interventions. The unit outlines the role and scope of neurological physiotherapy in the inter-disciplinary setting.

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
Date Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
03-March-2025
01-June-2025
Last self-enrolment date
16-March-2025
Census date
31-March-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
24-April-2025
Results released date
08-July-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate and synthesise current research evidence underpinning assessment and intervention of common neurological presentations
  • Select, perform and justify appropriate and safe physiotherapy assessments for people with neurological presentations
  • Apply effective clinical reasoning to analyse and explain the findings of assessments and produce prioritised problem lists and person-centred goals relevant to people with neurological presentations
  • Safely perform, evaluate and justify evidence-informed and person-centred physiotherapy interventions for people with neurological presentations within inter-disciplinary contexts
  • Interpret and effectively communicate clinical information to clients, caregivers and inter-disciplinary team members from diverse backgrounds to enhance understanding, inclusivity, and engagement in the therapeutic process

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Activity Type Activity Total Hours Number of Weeks Hours Per Week
Live Online Lecture 24 12 weeks 2
On-campus Lab 24 12 weeks 2
On-campus Lab 12 6 weeks 2
Specified Activities Various 54 12 weeks 4.5
Unspecified Activities Independent Learning 36 12 weeks 3
Total Hours: 150 Total Hours (per week): 13.5

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Assignment Individual  30%  1,2,5 
Practical and Oral Examination Individual  30%  1,2,3,4,5 
Practical Examination Individual  40%  2,3,4,5

Content

  • Neuroscience and introduction to common neurological presentations
  • Physiotherapy evidence-based assessment and intervention for common neurological presentations
  • Outcome measures and goal-oriented framework for assessment and evaluation
  • Therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy techniques for people with common neurological presentations
  • Introduction to technologies that support assessment and intervention for common neurological presentations
  • The role of physiotherapy as part of an inter-disciplinary team in the management of people with neurological presentations
  • Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Verbal communication
  • Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Communicating using different media
  • Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies  1 – Information literacy

Study resources

Reading materials

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