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PTY533 - Physiotherapy Practice 4 (Lifespan)

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Physiotherapy

Credit Points

Unit Level

600

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Must have passed 3 units in (PTY311, PTY512, PTY513)

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

In this unit students will learn about the scientific approach and evidence-based practice related to the delivery of preventative and rehabilitative physiotherapy services across the lifespan in selected populations and settings. Students will become aware of the changes that occur from infancy through to maturity in neuromotor, musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary development and will address issues related to physiotherapy intervention in children with potential dysfunction in those systems, with an emphasis on problem solving relevant clinical scenarios via an approach of clinical reasoning. In considering the older population, students will explore strategies to maintain and improve the health of older people and to support them within their community if they do develop illness or disease. Specifically, they will look at topics such as falls screening and prevention and the coordination of health, social and other services to assist older people.

This unit has requirements for attendance at synchronous activities.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Critically review scientific knowledge and connect this to the disease mechanism, pathophysiology and pharmacology across the lifespan
2.	Apply a systematic approach to client centred care that integrates knowledge and evidence and includes: assessment, interpretation of information, treatment planning, goal setting and evaluation of outcome
3.	Develop, justify and implement effective physiotherapy assessment and intervention skills across the lifespan.
4.	Critically evaluate research and clinical guidelines that inform assessment and physiotherapy intervention across the lifespan
5.	Critically reflect on the attributes required of health professionals working across the lifespan in line with the shared professional Code of Conduct and Physiotherapy practice thresholds in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Annotated bibliography (500 words)	10%	1,2
2.	Online Cultural Responsiveness Training (6 hours) (Hurdle)	P/F	2,3,5'
3.	Critical Review (1500 words)	45%	1,2,3,4
4.	Viva Voce (30 mins) (Hurdle)	45%	1,2,3,4,5

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	INT-3	Internal	Casuarina Campus	ITV,OLR	View

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ITV: This unit will be delivered/part-delivered intensively in this teaching period rather than over the full semester.

OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2026 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2026 Incidental Fees (PDF)