CQUniversity Unit Profile
PSIO13001 Neurological Physiotherapy 2
Neurological Physiotherapy 2
All details in this unit profile for PSIO13001 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit will build on previous coursework and provide you with the knowledge and skills required to be a graduate neurological physiotherapist working with patients with a range of neurological (including neurodevelopment) conditions across the spectrum of acute and community healthcare settings. You will develop an understanding of pathophysiology and symptomatology and conduct assessments that define impairments and limitations in the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). You will select and apply outcome measures that monitor progress and use clinical reasoning for the basis of treatment planning. The interventions you implement will be effective and evidence-based to promote recovery and independence with a patient-centred, goal-directed, and inter-professional approach.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

To enrol in this unit, you must be enrolled in the CB85 Course and have met the following pre-requisites: PSIO12004 Neurological Physiotherapy 1 MPAT12001 Medical Pathophysiology

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2025

Bundaberg
Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. In-class Test(s)
Weighting: 40%
2. Group Work
Weighting: 10%
3. On-campus Activity
Weighting: Pass/Fail
4. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Unit evaluation data, direct student feedback, self reflection, broader feedback.

Feedback

The students appreciated the opportunity to learn from physiotherapists who are actively practicing in specialised areas.

Recommendation

It is recommended to continue to look for opportunities for students to engage with physiotherapists currently working in specialised areas. (e.g., guest lectures, practical workshops, observational placements).

Feedback from Unit evaluation data, direct student feedback, self reflection, broader feedback.

Feedback

Students enjoyed the paediatric interprofessional education (IPE) experience, appreciating the different professional perspectives. However, differences in task expectations for each discipline were noted.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the paediatric interprofessional education (IPE) experience be continued with clearer and more consistent task expectations across disciplines.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Explain the pathophysiology, symptomatology, clinical course, management, and outcomes for developmental, vascular, traumatic, progressive, and degenerative neurological conditions across the lifespan.
  2. Select, apply, and interpret appropriate observational, handling, and specific assessment tools to identify functional limitations and impairments in the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and patient-centred, inter-professional healthcare practice.
  3. Demonstrate use of problem-solving and clinical reasoning for the selection and execution of evidence-based neurological rehabilitation techniques to address sensorimotor dysfunction of patients with neurological disorders.
  4. Demonstrate acceptable professional and ethical behaviours consistent with a physiotherapy practitioner.

Learning outcomes and assessment tasks have been mapped against and aligned with the Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - In-class Test(s) - 40%
2 - Group Work - 10%
3 - On-campus Activity - 0%
4 - Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Clinical Outcome Measurement in Adult Neurological Physiotherapy

Edition: 4th (2010)
Authors: Keith Hill, Sonia Denisenko, Kim Miller, Tamara Clements, Frances Batchelor and Prue Morgan
Australian Physiotherapy Association National Neurology Group
Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
ISBN: 9781875107131
Binding: Other
Prescribed

Physical Management for Neurological Conditions

5th edition (2024)
Authors: Sheila Lennon, Gita Ramdharry and Geert Verheyden
Elsevier Australia
ISBN: 9780702071744
Binding: Paperback
Supplementary

Neurological Assessment: A Clinician's Guide

Edition: 1st (2014)
Authors: Karen Jones
Churchill Livingstone
London London , England
ISBN: 9780702063022
Binding: Paperback
Supplementary

Umphred's Neurological Rehabilitation

Edition: 7th (2020)
Authors: Rolando Lazaro
Elsevier
US
ISBN: 9780323676984
Binding: Hardcover

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Sasha Job Unit Coordinator
s.job@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 10 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Professional Practice

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Group Work Assessment: group allocation 

Week 2 Begin Date: 17 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Introduction to Paediatric Physiotherapy

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Observational placements (Monday/Tuesday)

Week 3 Begin Date: 24 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Assessment of a Paediatric Patient 

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Observational placements (Monday/Tuesday)

 

Group Work Assessment: group allocation confirmed 

 

Scheduling different - class on Wednesday

Week 4 Begin Date: 31 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Atypical Development 

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Observational placements (Monday/Tuesday)

 

Group Work Assessment: IPE Moodle site available 

Week 5 Begin Date: 07 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Atypical Development 

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Hurdle 1 Due: Week 5 Friday (11 April 2025) 4:00 pm AEST

 

Vacation Week Begin Date: 14 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 21 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Assessment 

 

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

In-class Quiz 1 (Mid-term) due: Week 6 Thursday (24 Apr 2024) 9:00 am AEST

Week 7 Begin Date: 28 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

CVA

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Group Work Assessment: IPE team meeting (Ax)

 

 

Week 8 Begin Date: 05 May 2025

Module/Topic

TBI

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 12 May 2025

Module/Topic

SCI 

 

 

 

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Group Work Assessment: IPE team meeting (Rx)

 

 

Week 10 Begin Date: 19 May 2025

Module/Topic

Vestibular Dysfunction 

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Group Work (IPE) Due: Week 10 Thursday (22 May 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 11 Begin Date: 26 May 2025

Module/Topic

Progressive Neurological Conditions 

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

Scheduling different - class on Monday

 

 

 

 

Week 12 Begin Date: 02 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Assessment and Revision

 

 

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for readings and additional resources

Events and Submissions/Topic

In-class Quiz 2 (End-term) due: Week 12 Thursday (5 June 2025) 9:00 am AEST. 

 

Hurdle 2 due: Week 12 Friday (6 June 2025) 4:00 pm AEST.

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 09 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Assessment

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Practical Assessment 2 Due: this assessment will be scheduled in Review/Exam Week or Exam Week following confirmation of the centrally timetabled exam after Week 6

Exam Week Begin Date: 16 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Assessment

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Practical Assessment 2 Due: this assessment will be scheduled in Review/Exam Week or Exam Week following confirmation of the centrally timetabled exam after Week 6

Term Specific Information

Teaching Team

Bundaberg:

  • Sasha Job
    Unit coordinator, lecturer, tutor 
    s.job@cqu.edu.au 

Rockhampton:

  • Samantha Randall
    Adult modules lecturer, tutor 
    s.randall@cqu.edu.au 
  • Johanna Scully
    Paediatric modules lecturer, tutor 
    j.scully@cqu.edu.au 

Cairns:

  • James Czencz
    Lecturer, tutor 
    j.czencz@cqu.edu.au 

Assessment Tasks

1 In-class Test(s)

Assessment Title
In-class Quizzes

Task Description

In-class Quiz consists of two online quizzes worth 40% of the overall unit grade.  

  • In-class Quiz 1 (Mid-term) constitutes 20% of the overall grade and will assess content from weeks 1-5 inclusive. This quiz will consist of up to 50 questions worth 85 marks and will have a time limit of 120 minutes.
  • In-class Quiz 2 (End-term) constitutes 20% of the overall unit grade and will assess content from weeks 6-11 inclusive. This quiz will consist of up to 50 questions worth 85 marks and will have a time limit of 120 minutes.

 

Each quiz will consist of two sections. 

  • Section 1: Knowledge and understanding (35 marks)
    • Comprises 35 questions with various formats including multiple choice, true/false, drag and drop, select missing words, matching, ordering, calculations, and short answer (maximum 3-5 words).
  • Section 2: Application and analysis (50 Marks)
    • Comprises 15 long-answer questions with various formats including lists, explanations, and structured paragraphs that relate to clinical presentations, case studies, and video analysis.

 

The questions will be identical for all students, however they will be randomly generated from a question bank so that the quizzes may appear differently for each student. In-class Quiz 1 (Mid-term) and 2 (End-term) are both closed book assessments which will be supervised by a CQUniversity staff member and must be completed at the scheduled time on either the Rockhampton or Bundaberg campus. Access to all resources other than the quiz itself is prohibited (e.g. books, notes, electronic devices or websites other than the quiz itself). It is recommended that a laptop be used for this assessment, however a tablet is permitted. The use of a mobile phone is not permitted for this assessment item.

 

 

Refer to Moodle for further information and additional resources.

 

Approved Use of Generative AI

  • Restricted Resource Policy: As this is a supervised, closed-book assessment, access to Generative AI tools or any other external digital resources is not permitted.


Assessment Due Date

In-class Quiz 1 (Mid-term): Week 6 Thursday (24 Apr 2025) 9:00 am AEST. In-class Quiz 2 (End-term): Week 12 Thursday (5 June 2025) 9:00 am AEST.


Return Date to Students

Results will be accessible on Moodle within two weeks of the due date.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

Grading of Assessment
All questions will be marked numerically and an overall percentage mark awarded.

 

Late Arrival to Assessment
You should aim to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the official assessment commencement time. In the extraordinary circumstance that you are late, you will be permitted late entry to your assessment of up to 10 minutes after the official commencement time. The period of lateness will be deducted from your overall assessment time. If you are denied access to the assessment due to lateness (i.e. arriving beyond the permitted late entry period), you should make an application for an assessment extension, which may or may not be approved in line with CQU policy. If the application for an assessment extension is denied, you will receive a grade of zero percent (0%) for the assessment item. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the pathophysiology, symptomatology, clinical course, management, and outcomes for developmental, vascular, traumatic, progressive, and degenerative neurological conditions across the lifespan.
  • Select, apply, and interpret appropriate observational, handling, and specific assessment tools to identify functional limitations and impairments in the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and patient-centred, inter-professional healthcare practice.
  • Demonstrate use of problem-solving and clinical reasoning for the selection and execution of evidence-based neurological rehabilitation techniques to address sensorimotor dysfunction of patients with neurological disorders.

2 Group Work

Assessment Title
Group Work (IPE)

Task Description

Task Overview

You will participate in a structured Interprofessional Education activity with students from Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Professional Psychology, and Clinical Psychology. You will work as part of a team with these students to collaboratively develop an assessment plan and an intervention plan for a case study child. As physiotherapy students are higher in number than some disciplines, you will need to work as a united physiotherapy group within the team.

 

Each interprofessional team will ideally have three or four physiotherapy students, however physiotherapy group size will be confirmed based on the number of enrolled students. In week 1, you will be asked to select a time to meet with your interprofessional team. Based on the time you select, you will be allocated to an IPE team. This will include your group assessment task members (physiotherapy students) and students from the other disciplines. All information pertaining to IPE, including the case study and specific instructions, is located on the IPE Moodle site: https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=25938 which will be available in week 4. 

 

There are three phases associated with this task:

 

Phase 1: Assessment Planning and Interprofessional Meeting (group task)

  1. Profession Specific Assessment Planning: Watch the discipline-specific interview and complete a clinical handover template with discipline-specific recommendations for further assessment (by Friday Week 6). This assessment plan is to be developed solely with a physiotherapy lens. 
  2. Interprofessional Team Meeting: Conduct first interdisciplinary case conference. Discuss each discipline's issues of concern, goals, priorities and recommendations for assessment. As a team develop an interdisciplinary plan (template provided) for assessment (by Friday Week 7).

Phase 2: Treatment planning and interprofessional meeting (group task)

  1. Profession Specific Treatment Planning: Review discipline-specific assessment results available on Moodle and complete updated clinical handover template with discipline-specific recommendations for further intervention/treatment based on results of assessment (by Friday Week 8).
  2. Interprofessional Team Meeting: Conduct second Interdisciplinary case conference. Discuss each discipline's updated issues of concern, goals, priorities and recommendations for intervention/treatment.  As a team develop an interdisciplinary plan (template provided) for further intervention/treatment (by Friday Week 9).

Phase 3: Reflection on Interprofessional Roles (individual task)

  1. Reflection Task: After completing phases 1 and 2, each group member is required to complete a written reflection (template provided) addressing the following prompts: comparison of initial and final plans, changes and rationale, understanding of roles, and future practice (by Thursday Week 10). 

 

Group Work

Your physiotherapy group will collaborate to review discipline-specific assessments and discuss your physiotherapy role and plan. You will need to work together to present evidence-based information relating to the case study background, assessment and intervention plans, safety considerations, and resources at the case conferences. As a group, you will need to present a united physiotherapy view to collaborate more broadly with the interprofessional team and develop the interdisciplinary plans for assessment and treatment. 

 

Any group member who does not contribute equally in the agreed upon timeframe will be in breach of ethical academic practice. If this occurs, the group member will be required to have a conduct meeting with the unit coordinator with a first and final warning issued. If the conduct continues, the unit coordinator will either award the group member a grade of zero for the assessment task or request the submission of an additional 1000 word reflective assignment to be completed individually.

 

Submission Requirements

There is no strict word count for your assessment and treatment plans as the size is also dependent on the other professions. The physiotherapy component of each plan must be detailed enough that another physiotherapist could carry out the exact same plan without additional clarification. 

Assessment Plan (40%) (group submission - one submission per group)

A completed copy of your assessment plan (template provided) for the case study child that demonstrates the roles of physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, and psychology. All sections in the assessment plan must be completed in sufficient detail for another clinician/team to follow. Ensure all acronyms are explained. The assessment plan must include assessment concerns/goals/recommendations for speech pathology, occupational therapy, and speech pathology, however you will only be marked on the physiotherapy specific assessments and how these align with the broader team. The assessment plan must include three to five relevant subjective and objective measures that include both basic/informal (e.g., time, distance, assistance, MMT, ROM, observations, protective reactions) and ratified outcome measures (e.g., TGMD-3, PBS, MAS). The physiotherapy concerns, goals, and assessment recommendations will be the same for all group members (group mark). 

 

Intervention Plan (40%) (group submission - one submission per group)

A completed copy of your intervention plan (template provided) for the case study child that demonstrates the roles of physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, and psychology. All sections in the intervention plan must be completed in sufficient detail for another clinician/team to follow. Ensure all acronyms are explained. The intervention plan must include treatment concerns/goals/recommendations for speech pathology, occupational therapy, and speech pathology, however you will only be marked on the physiotherapy interventions and how these align with the broader team. The treatment plan must include three to five specific treatments (e.g., exercise parameters, manual therapy technique, dosage, frequency). The physiotherapy concerns, goals, and treatment recommendations will be the same for all group members (group mark). 

 

Goldilocks example:

  • Too vague = "balance exercises"
  • Too detailed = listing every possible activity variation
  • Just right = listing a specific ratified outcome measure "e.g. Paediatric Balance Scale" or detailing specific activity "e.g. SLS whilst throwing and catching a ball for 3 x 30secs - progressed/regressed by hand support"

 

Merge your assessment and treatment plans and submit as one PDF document. 

 

Written Reflection (20%) (individual submission - one submission per student)

Each group member is required to submit a 500-word maximum (template provided) written reflection addressing the prompts outlined below. The reflection will be different for all group members (individual mark). 

  • Comparison of initial and final plans: Compare your initial physiotherapy assessment and treatment plans with the final interprofessional team plans. What similarities and differences did you observe?
  • Changes and Rationale: Reflect on the rationale behind any changes or additions you made or did not make during the interprofessional discussions. What insights led to these modifications or lack thereof?
  • Understanding Roles: What did you learn about the roles and contributions of other health professionals during the assessment and treatment phases? How did this activity shape your understanding of the physiotherapist’s role within an interprofessional team?
  • Future Practice: How will this experience impact your future clinical decision-making and approach to interprofessional teamwork?

 

 

Refer to Moodle for further information and additional resources.

 

Approved Use of Generative AI

  • Permitted AI Use: You are permitted to use Generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT or other AI platforms) to assist with research, brainstorming, and drafting. However, critical analysis and final editing must be your own work.
  • Confidentiality and Patient Information: If you are using clinical patient information, confidentiality must be maintained at all times. Patient data must not be input into Generative AI platforms or shared with any external tools. Only de-identified or synthesised case information is permitted for educational purposes.
  • Appropriate Referencing: Any content generated or influenced by AI must be clearly referenced following the university's AI referencing guidelines. Failure to reference AI-generated content appropriately may result in academic misconduct. Please refer to CQUniversity Guidelines for Referencing Artificial Intelligence for specific instructions on how to cite AI contributions correctly.
  • Academic Integrity: You are reminded that your submission should reflect your understanding and synthesis of ideas. Over-reliance on AI-generated content may impact the quality of work and evaluation outcomes and result in academic misconduct. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Thursday (22 May 2025) 4:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Results will be accessible on Moodle within two weeks of the due date.


Weighting
10%

Assessment Criteria

Grading of Assessment

The assessment rubric for this task is based on the Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand . This quality framework is mapped against the CQUniversity Graduate Attributes and is intended to give a holistic understanding of standards expected for the assessment task. The rubrics for this assessment will be based on the following categories and weightings:

 

Group Work Component (Assessment and Treatment Plans)

  • Completeness and accuracy of documented plans (20%)
  • Identification of relevant concerns for caregiveres and team (20%)
  • Clarity and relevance of goals (including prioritisation) (20%)
  • Clarity and appropriateness of recommended assessments and/or treatments (20%)

Individual Component (Reflection)

  • Comparison of plans (10%)
  • Insights into inteprofessional collaboration and roles (10%)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
Completed assessment/treatment plan and reflection must be uploaded to Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the pathophysiology, symptomatology, clinical course, management, and outcomes for developmental, vascular, traumatic, progressive, and degenerative neurological conditions across the lifespan.

3 On-campus Activity

Assessment Title
Hurdle Assessment (P/F)

Task Description

There will be two hurdle assessments:

 

Hurdle 1 (Observational Placements)

This unit includes up to eight (8) hours of observational learning, offering you the first paediatric learning placements.

  • One placement to observe typically developing children
  • One placement to observe children with disability.

 

These observational placements will take place in locations that include child-care centres, educational facilities, and community-based events. Placements will be scheduled outside regular timetabled sessions and may include the university mid-term break week. Attendance is mandatory. 

 

Requirements

  • Complete all pre-clinical requirements prior to the clinical placement
  • Attend both observational placements in full clinical uniform with your university ID and valid blue card
  • Submit a completed one-page reflection form after your placement

 

A satisfactory grade for the observational placements (attendance and reflection submitted) is required in order to be eligible to PASS this unit. 

 

Hurdle 2 (Attendance)

A minimum attendance rate of 85% for practical and tutorial sessions is required to PASS this unit, as recommended by the Australian Physiotherapy Council and integrated into the CB85 Physiotherapy course. If there is a genuine reason for being absent, you must inform the unit coordinator as soon as possible and submit a medical certificate or other supporting documentation via email within five days of missing the session.

 

Important Notes

  • Legitimate absences, such as medical, compassionate, or exceptional circumstances, will be considered in accordance with the Assessment Policy and Procedure(5.21 and 5.22)
  • Inform your tutor and unit coordinator by email as soon as possible if you are absent
  • Submit a medical certificate or supporting documentation via email within five days of the missed session
  • You will be notified by email when you reach the 85% threshold
  • If prolonged absences exceed three sessions, a meeting with the unit coordinator and head of course is required to discuss your progression in the unit

 

Attendance rates for this hurdle will be calculated in week 12.

 

Refer to Moodle for further information and additional resources.


Assessment Due Date

Hurdle 1: Week 5 Friday 4:00pm AEST. Hurdle 2: Week 12 Friday 4:00pm AEST.


Return Date to Students

Results will be accessible on Moodle within two weeks of the due date.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
In order to be eligible to PASS the unit, you must achieve a PASS result for Hurdle 1 and Hurdle 2.

Assessment Criteria

Hurdle 1: Attendance at both placements and submission of a completed observational reflection form is required to PASS this hurdle. You must PASS this hurdle in order to be eligible to PASS the unit.

 

Hurdle 2: An attendance rate of 85% at practical and tutorial sessions is required to PASS this hurdle. If you do not meet the attendance requirement or do not submit supporting documentation within the required time frame you will not meet the requirements to PASS this hurdle. You must PASS this hurdle in order to be eligible to PASS the unit.


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline Online

Submission Instructions
Completed reflection form must be uploaded to Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate acceptable professional and ethical behaviours consistent with a physiotherapy practitioner.

4 Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)

Assessment Title
Practical Assessment

Task Description

The Practical Assessment will be in the format of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and is intended to assess your theoretical and practical application of physiotherapy assessment,  treatment, and clinical reasoning. The OSCE will be scheduled for either week 1 or week 2 of the university's examination period. The weighting of the Practical Assessment is 50% of the overall unit grade with each scenario weighted equally. All material relevant to neurological physiotherapy assessment and treatment covered in the following pre-requisite units is also examinable in the OSCE: Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice 1 (PSIO11004), Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice 2 (PSIO11003), Neurological Physiotherapy 1 (PSIO12004).

 

The OSCE will consist of two clinical scenarios: one paediatric case and one adult case. You will have a total of 30 minutes (15 minutes per scenario) to plan, discuss, and perform relevant aspects of physiotherapy assessment, treatment, and overall management. There will be no preparation time for this assessment to better reflect real clinical environments. 

 

For each clinical scenario, you will be expected to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the presenting condition including aetiology, pathophysiology and typical presentation
  • Interpret clinical notes to identify priority assessments and/or treatments
  • Identify and act upon any precautions and/or contraindications to the assessment and/or treatment
  • Communicate clearly and effectively throughout the scenario 
  • Safely and effectively apply clinical assesssment, treatment, and/or overall management techniques
  • Explain and interpret the findings of clinical asessments and/or treatments, including appropriate progression and regression  

 

You must come appropriately attired in your full clinical uniform. If you are required to act as a 'simulated patient' for another student's examination, please bring additional clothes suitable for a clinical assessment.

 

A timetable for the Practical Assessment will be published on Moodle by the end of week 12.

 

Refer to Moodle for further information and additional resources.

 

Approved Use of Generative AI

  • Restricted Resource Policy: As this is a supervised, closed-book assessment, access to Generative AI tools or any other external digital resources is not permitted.


Assessment Due Date

Practical Assessment due: this assessment will be scheduled in Review/Exam Week or Exam Week following confirmation of the centrally timetabled exam after Week 6.


Return Date to Students

Results will be accessible on Moodle within two weeks of the due date.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
You must achieve a PASS result for the PASS/FAIL component AND 50% or higher in the graded component for this assessment.

Assessment Criteria

Grading of Assessment

The assessment rubric for this task is based on the Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand . This quality framework is mapped against the CQUniversity Graduate Attributes and is intended to give a holistic understanding of standards expected for the assessment task. The rubrics for this assessment will be based on the following categories and weightings:

  • Safety/Risk Management and Professional Behaviour (PASS/FAIL)
  • Communication (20%)
  • Selection, application, and interpretation of assessment (40%)
  • Selection, application, and interpretation of treatment (40%)

Refer to Moodle for the assessment rubric.

 

 

Late Arrival to Assessment

You should aim to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the official assessment commencement time. In the extraordinary circumstance that you are late, you will be permitted late entry to your assessment of up to 10 minutes after the official commencement time. The period of lateness will be deducted from your overall assessment time. If you are denied access to the assessment due to lateness (i.e. arriving beyond the permitted late entry period), you should make an application for an assessment extension, which may or may not be approved in line with CQU policy. If the application for an assessment extension is denied, you will receive a grade of zero percent (0%) for the assessment item.

 

 

Assessment Moderation Using Video Recording

To ensure consistency and fairness in the evaluation of practical assessments, including Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE), this unit may employ video recordings as a method for assessment moderation. These recordings allow for a thorough review of student performance, providing an objective basis for feedback and grading. Assessors may review the recordings to verify the accuracy of initial assessments and to identify any discrepancies. This process also facilitates the calibration of grading standards among different assessors. By utilising video recordings, we aim to maintain high standards of assessment integrity and support continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices. More details about this process will be provided on the unit Moodle site.


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Select, apply, and interpret appropriate observational, handling, and specific assessment tools to identify functional limitations and impairments in the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and patient-centred, inter-professional healthcare practice.
  • Demonstrate use of problem-solving and clinical reasoning for the selection and execution of evidence-based neurological rehabilitation techniques to address sensorimotor dysfunction of patients with neurological disorders.
  • Demonstrate acceptable professional and ethical behaviours consistent with a physiotherapy practitioner.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?