Students

PHTY8100 – Applied Sciences for Physiotherapy A

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Joel Fuller
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75T, Level 5
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Lecturer, Tutor
Kate Bellamy
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75T, Level 5
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Course Director
Vidya Lawton
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75T, Level 5
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Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to DPT
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit will build upon your assumed knowledge with a focus on exercise science and the cardiorespiratory system in the context of physiotherapy. You will examine the physiological responses and adaptations to inactivity, physical activity and exercise training. Comparisons in exercise response and adaptations to training will be made in healthy individuals and those with impairments in cardiorespiratory fitness. You will acquire skills in exercise testing and exercise prescription required for physiotherapy practice and key components of a comprehensive cardiorespiratory assessment. You will use assessment findings to identify common cardiorespiratory impairments and you will be introduced to the management of these impairments.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Explain the principles of exercise testing and the range of physiological responses to exercise and exercise training in different population groups including healthy individuals and those with common health conditions. (Scientist and Scholar)
  • ULO2: Competently select, perform and interpret tests commonly used in physiotherapy practice to assess exercise capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals who are either active or sedentary as well as those with common health conditions. (Clinical Practitioner)
  • ULO3: Design and progress an evidence-based person-centred exercise program that considers the client's impairments, goals and preferences, as well as their social, behavioural and cultural background. (Clinical Practitioner)
  • ULO4: Competently perform a cardiorespiratory assessment and link assessment findings to common impairments of the respiratory system. (Clinical Practitioner)
  • ULO5: Demonstrate safe and effective treatment of common cardiorespiratory impairments (Clinical Practitioner).

General Assessment Information

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.

All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor.

Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure.

To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of all the learning outcomes (including demonstrating competency of learning outcomes across both upper and lower limb regions), meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn.

Hurdle Assessment

The PHTY8100 Mastery Register is a hurdle assessment task. A hurdle assessment is defined as an assessment task mandating a minimum level of performance as a condition of passing the unit in which it occurs. Students are required to achieve 60% completion of the Mastery Register by the due date to successfully complete the unit. A student who has obtained a SNG over 50, yet failed the hurdle assessment, fails the unit. Please see Macquarie University's assessment policy for more information about hurdle assessment tasks. Should you fail to meet the requirements of the Mastery Register by the assessment due date, one supplementary opportunity will be provided to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for this assessment. Should you still not meet a pass standard a Fail (Hurdle) grade will be awarded, as indicated by a FH grade upon your transcript.

Extensions for Assessment Tasks

Applications for assessment task extensions may be considered for short-term, unexpected, serious, and unavoidable circumstances affecting assessment. Applications must be submitted via https://connect.mq.edu.au/s/. For further details please refer to the Special Considerations Policy. You can also find out more on the MQ Student Portal at the following link: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/special-consideration Should you encounter any personal issues or concerns in regard to health and wellbeing during your studies you can also gain personal support and advice on campus. Please see the following link for further information: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/personal 

Late Submissions

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE MARK) will be applied each day an assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.

For example:

Number of days (hours) late

Total Possible Marks

Deduction

Raw mark

Final mark

1 day (1-24 hours)

100

5

75

70

2 days (24-48 hours)

100

10

75

65

3 days (48-72 hours)

100

15

75

60

7 days (144-168 hours)

100

35

75

40

>7 days (>168 hours)

100

-

75

0

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Integrated clinical simulation examination 30% No Week 7
Quiz 30% No Week 11
Mastery register 0% Yes Week 13
Clinical simulation exam and viva 40% No Exam Period

Integrated clinical simulation examination

Assessment Type 1: Clinical performance evaluation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 30%

 

You will undertake an integrated clinical simulation exam involving practical skill application and viva. The assessment is related to content delivered up to the end of the week prior to the assessment.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain the principles of exercise testing and the range of physiological responses to exercise and exercise training in different population groups including healthy individuals and those with common health conditions. (Scientist and Scholar)
  • Competently select, perform and interpret tests commonly used in physiotherapy practice to assess exercise capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals who are either active or sedentary as well as those with common health conditions. (Clinical Practitioner)
  • Design and progress an evidence-based person-centred exercise program that considers the client's impairments, goals and preferences, as well as their social, behavioural and cultural background. (Clinical Practitioner)

Quiz

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 30%

 

You will complete a quiz on unit content delivered up to the end of the week prior to the quiz.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain the principles of exercise testing and the range of physiological responses to exercise and exercise training in different population groups including healthy individuals and those with common health conditions. (Scientist and Scholar)
  • Competently select, perform and interpret tests commonly used in physiotherapy practice to assess exercise capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals who are either active or sedentary as well as those with common health conditions. (Clinical Practitioner)
  • Design and progress an evidence-based person-centred exercise program that considers the client's impairments, goals and preferences, as well as their social, behavioural and cultural background. (Clinical Practitioner)
  • Competently perform a cardiorespiratory assessment and link assessment findings to common impairments of the respiratory system. (Clinical Practitioner)

Mastery register

Assessment Type 1: Clinical performance evaluation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 8 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

The mastery register for PHTY8100 is a list of key skills in which competence is considered to be a requirement for the assurance of quality physiotherapy practice for registration. You must demonstrate a minimum level of competence in these skills as a condition of passing this unit by achieving 60% completion of the mastery register in order to successfully complete the unit.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Competently select, perform and interpret tests commonly used in physiotherapy practice to assess exercise capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals who are either active or sedentary as well as those with common health conditions. (Clinical Practitioner)
  • Competently perform a cardiorespiratory assessment and link assessment findings to common impairments of the respiratory system. (Clinical Practitioner)
  • Demonstrate safe and effective treatment of common cardiorespiratory impairments (Clinical Practitioner).

Clinical simulation exam and viva

Assessment Type 1: Clinical performance evaluation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 28 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 40%

 

You will complete a clinical simulation exam involving practical demonstration of cardiorespiratory assessment and treatment and viva.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain the principles of exercise testing and the range of physiological responses to exercise and exercise training in different population groups including healthy individuals and those with common health conditions. (Scientist and Scholar)
  • Competently select, perform and interpret tests commonly used in physiotherapy practice to assess exercise capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals who are either active or sedentary as well as those with common health conditions. (Clinical Practitioner)
  • Design and progress an evidence-based person-centred exercise program that considers the client's impairments, goals and preferences, as well as their social, behavioural and cultural background. (Clinical Practitioner)
  • Competently perform a cardiorespiratory assessment and link assessment findings to common impairments of the respiratory system. (Clinical Practitioner)
  • Demonstrate safe and effective treatment of common cardiorespiratory impairments (Clinical Practitioner).

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of online and face to face learning activities, including readings, online modules, videos, lectures, simulation and small group tutorials. Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.

Recommended Readings

This unit does not have any textbooks that are essential for you to purchase.

Recommended readings for this unit are accessible through Leganto.

The following text will be a useful resource and available in the library reserve and as an e-book. Recommendations about specific readings from these and other resources (such as research papers, books, websites and videos) will be listed on iLearn.

The following exercise physiology text is strongly recommended. Copies will be held in library reserve and also available as an e-book.

Technology Used

Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require you to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device. If you do not own your own laptop computer, you may borrow one from the university library.

To participate optimally when off campus you will need to have access to a reliable internet connection to retrieve unit information and at times to complete assessment tasks via iLearn.

Assumed knowledge

This unit assumes that you have comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

Unit Schedule

A detailed outline of the topics covered on a weekly basis can be found in the Unit Timetable available on the iLearn website within the Unit Information section.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

A new integrated clinical performance assessment will replace a previous quiz assessment. This new assessment will provide students with an opportunity to receive early feedback on their clinical skills and improve student preparedness for clinical practice. Four additional practical classes have been added to the scheduled learning activities to provide further opportunities for students to develop their practical skills in preparation for the clinical performance evaluation, clinical simulation exam, clinical units in next semester, and subsequent clinical placements. 

Inclusion and Diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

Professionalism

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded, however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.


Unit information based on version 2025.02 of the Handbook