PTY5107 Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
PTY5107 Musculoskeletal 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
- Exam 60%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before PTY5107
Corequisites
Pass these before, or take them in the same semester.
After PTY5107
7 units list PTY5107 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
- PTY5106Foundations of 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 will focus on the knowledge and skills required for physiotherapy assessment and management of clients with musculoskeletal conditions. The theoretical features of pathology and pathophysiology are applied to musculoskeletal conditions involving the spine, upper limb and lower limb. The legal and ethical concepts of clinical practice are introduced, in addition to strategies to identify risk to self and others. Knowledge of the science of pain and person-centred strategies for management of pain are applied to clinical cases and contemporary theories of learning introduced. Preparation activities precede weekly practical, skills and simulation sessions. Clinical application is introduced in a case based learning format. Weekly practical sessions and simulation sessions ensure there are multiple opportunities for skills practice and feedback. Additional theoretical content is covered in interactive lectures, workshops and tutorials.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Peninsula | Blended |
Assessment
- Professional Practice Portfolio (1500 words and three video submissions)PortfolioCompetency hurdle20%
- Case-based learning (CBL) performance (12 written learning issues of approximately 300 words each)ProjectCompetency hurdle20%
- Application of Knowledge - musculoskeletal physio theory (2x45 mins tests + 2 hr 10 mins exam)ExaminationCompetency hurdle30%
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (48 minutes including reading time)DemonstrationCompetency hurdle30%
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
Apply legal and ethical concepts to healthcare practice.
- 2
Employ reflection and self-evaluation to support the development of professional skills as a beginning-level practitioner.
- 3
Appraise and apply effective communication strategies with clients and colleagues in a simulated clinical environment.
- 4
Implement risk minimisation strategies ensuring safe physiotherapy practice for self and others.
- 5
Synthesise knowledge of pathophysiology, biomechanics and anatomy to perform evidence-informed musculoskeletal assessment and management.
- 6
Apply principles of pain science in the assessment and management of person-centred physiotherapy practice.
- 7
Exhibit evidence based clinical reasoning in the management of clients with musculoskeletal conditions.
Workload and teaching
- Assessments-
- Tutorials132 hours
- Lectures-
6-7 hours of lectures and seminars, 8-9 hours of tutorials including case-based learning, clinical skills and simulation sessions, and 10 hours of self-directed activity expected each week
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Mr Michael Storr
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Peter Nicklen
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PTY5107?
None, but you must take PTY5106 before or alongside it.
What can I take after PTY5107?
PTY5107 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 7 units, including PTY5106, PTY5108, PTY5109, PTY5201, PTY5202 and PTY5205. Those lead on to 13 units in all.
When is PTY5107 offered?
In 2026, PTY5107 runs in Semester 2 at Peninsula.
Does PTY5107 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.