PTY5106 Foundations of physiotherapy
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
PTY5106 Foundations of physiotherapy is a level 5, 12-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Peninsula. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 7 units, leading on to 13 units in all.
- Credit points
- 12
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Peninsula
- Assessment
- No exam
- 5 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before PTY5106
Corequisites
Pass these before, or take them in the same semester.
After PTY5106
7 units list PTY5106 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
- PTY5107Musculoskeletal physiotherapyNo reviews yetCoreq
- PTY5108Neurological physiotherapyNo reviews yet
- PTY5109Cardiorespiratory physiotherapyNo reviews yet
- PTY5201Integrated practiceNo reviews yet
- PTY5202Clinical practice 1No reviews yet
- PTY5205Clinical essentials ANo reviews yet
- PTY5206Clinical practice ANo reviews yet
Overview
This unit introduces the four themes of the physiotherapy course, facilitating integration of prior science and theoretical learning into the context of physiotherapy. The attributes of the physiotherapy profession, and its role in the broader health care system are introduced with an analysis of the diverse interpretations of health, the biopsychosocial model and determinants of health. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts of health and wellbeing and the influence of culture, family and connection to country in health practice are explored. Anatomy, biomechanics and kinesiology theory are applied to normal and abnormal movement and exercise prescription and health promotion principles are studied. The multi-dimensional nature of pain and underpinning theory are introduced. A health enhancement program emphasises strategies for facilitating personal health and wellbeing and the research theme applies evidence based practice to clinical questions. Self-directed preparation activities precede weekly applied anatomy and exercise practical sessions and additional theoretical content is covered in interactive lectures, workshops and tutorials. You participate in work integrated learning visits to facilitate early exposure to the practice of physiotherapy in clinical settings.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Peninsula | Blended |
Assessment
- Exercise prescription and program design case study ( 15 mins and up to 1,000 words)Presentation25%
- Determinants of Health presentation (20 min group presentation)Presentation20%
- Program of Health Enhancement (2,000 words)Written25%
- Applied Anatomy Assessments (quizzes x 2, oral assessment 40 mins)DemonstrationCompetency hurdle30%
- Professional Practice Portfolio (up to 1,000 words) (Pass/Fail)PortfolioCompetency hurdle-
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Evaluate service delivery models within Australian healthcare systems and explain the roles and responsibilities of members of the healthcare team.
- 2
Practice ethical and professional conduct consistent with physiotherapy practice thresholds as a beginning-level practitioner.
- 3
Justify evidence-informed strategies to improve personal and community determinants of health that promote sustainable health outcomes.
- 4
Analyse and compare health and health promotion frameworks across individual, cultural, and population contexts.
- 5
Analyse the influence of culture and connection to country on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ concepts of health and wellbeing to inform culturally safe practice.
- 6
Adapt professional communication and collaborative practice to diverse contexts through reflexive evaluation and improvement of personal performance.
- 7
Apply knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the limbs and spine to common conditions encountered in physiotherapy practice.
- 8
Design and implement evidence-based, safe exercise interventions for individuals with a range of health conditions and activity levels.
- 9
Appraise levels of research evidence, study design and sources of bias that inform person-centred physiotherapy care.
- 10
Analyse health-related data by executing quantitative analysis to investigate comparisons and associations between variables.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials150 hours
- Seminars24 hours
On-campus: 3-4 hours of lectures and seminars, 11-12 hours of tutorials including clinical skills, research and applied anatomy sessions, and 10 hours of self-directed activity expected each week
Off-campus: You are also required to attend two work-integrated learning placement days over the duration of the semester.
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Ms Jess Lindstrom
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Sophie Paynter
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PTY5106?
None, but you must take PTY5107 before or alongside it.
What can I take after PTY5106?
PTY5106 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 7 units, including PTY5107, PTY5108, PTY5109, PTY5201, PTY5202 and PTY5205. Those lead on to 13 units in all.
When is PTY5106 offered?
In 2026, PTY5106 runs in Semester 2 at Peninsula.
Does PTY5106 have an exam?
No. PTY5106 has 5 assessment tasks and no exam.