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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2012

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2012.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2011.

303079 v.3 Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy)

BSc(Curtin) OR BSc(Hons)(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 003890C
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 4 Years

Introduction

This course provides the learning experiences to gain the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours expected of an entry level physiotherapist. It has a hybrid structure using curriculum based learning to efficiently learn foundation knowledge together with case studies and clinical practice to integrate knowledge into clinical decision making. It also emphasises evidence-based practice and encourages students in critical thinking.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Prerequisites: A least one science course 3A/3B from the following list: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biological Science, Integrated Science. Note: Physical Education Studies does not satisfy a science prerequisite

Specific Requirements

STAT is not accepted for entry to this course. Applicants for this course should refer to the Clinical Health Sciences section (see page 36) and Police Clearances (see page 5). Students are required to show evidence of having completed an Aquatic / Hydrotherapy Rescue Award, or equivalent, before completing the first year of the course. A first aid qualification (Senior First Aid Certificate or equivalent) is also required before completing first year.

Note

Participation is obligatory in laboratory classes which require appropriate disrobing when acting as clients in the peer group, and physically manipulating patients including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is assessed on an individual basis. Some students admitted to the course who have been granted recognition of prior learning may be required to undertake 309226 Clinical Anatomy and Physiotherapy Practice 250 in Study Period One.

Duration and Availability

The course is four years' full-time study.

Course Organisation

Prospective applicants are advised that the program requires full participation in laboratory classes where manual skills, including the ability to lift and support severely disabled patients independently and topics such as surface anatomy are presented. Essential learning strategies demand that all students disrobe appropriately in order to act as subjects for their peer group, have the ability to participate fully and are willing to act as subjects for their peer group and as mock patients for other students.

Professional Recognition

The Physiotherapists Act of the State of Western Australia requires that all practising physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapists Registration Board of Western Australia. This course is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and is recognised by the Physiotherapists Registration Board of Western Australia and the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Graduates are eligible for physiotherapy registration in any state or territory of Australia. Registration in New Zealand is available under the terms of the Trans-Tasman agreement. Graduates applying for licensure in the USA, UK or Canada will be required to provide details of their program of studies to the relevant bodies and sit a licensing examination.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials. In addition to the usual course expenses, students undertaking this course will be required to purchase a laboratory coat and an approved clinical uniform. They may also incur some expenses to ensure that they have completed all necessary immunizations.

Further Information

For more information about the program, contact Curtin Future Students on telephone (08) 9266 1000 email: futurestudents@curtin.edu.au or visit our website: http//www.healthsciences.curtin.edu.au.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
303084 v.1   Physiotherapy Practice 151 6.0 25.0
313391 v.2   Human Structure and Function 100 4.0 25.0
313394 v.2   Foundations for Professional Health Practice 100 4.0 25.0
313401 v.2   Functional Anatomy 100 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
312649 v.3   Indigenous Cultures and Health 130 2.0 12.5
313390 v.2   Evidence Informed Health Practice 100 2.0 12.5
313395 v.2   Health and Health Behaviour 100 3.0 25.0
313402 v.2   Introduction to Pathophysiology 100 4.0 25.0
313459 v.1   Clinical Anatomy and Physiotherapy Practice 152 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
303092 v.2   Physiotherapy Practice 251 3.0 12.5
311537 v.1   Applied Clinical Science 251 4.5 25.0
313988 v.1   Musculoskeletal Science 255 3.0 25.0
313991 v.1   Movement Science 253 4.0 12.5
7704 v.9   Anatomy and Pathology 251 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
11112 v.5   Musculoskeletal Science 252 6.0 25.0
11113 v.5   Movement Science 252 4.0 12.5
303094 v.2   Physiotherapy Practice 252 3.0 12.5
311538 v.1   Applied Clinical Science 252 5.0 25.0
7706 v.9   Anatomy and Pathology 252 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
303108 v.2   Physiotherapy Third and Fourth Year Stream 400.0
  OR  
304122 v.2   Honours Physiotherapy Stream 400.0
  400.0

#    309926 is undertaken in Study Period 1 for students entering this course with Recognition of Prior Learning

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2012 Bentley Campus Study Period 1   Y      
2012 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2012 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.