Unit Outline

This unit extends physiotherapy practice knowledge and skills to apply with clients who present with complex neurological conditions. The focus is on your ability to identify appropriate assessments and perform these in simulated settings, as well as the selection and performance of relevant physiotherapy interventions. Advanced clinical reasoning skills, the use of an evidence-based approach, and their application within rehabilitation practice settings will be developed.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

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


1	Critically evaluate and apply the evidence base that supports the physiotherapy assessment and management of common neurological conditions.
2	Select, conduct, and interpret simulated client assessments and treatments of people with neurological conditions.
3	Demonstrate professional conduct and consistent adherence to legal, professional, ethical standards, codes and guidelines in the development of skills for the delivery of client-centred physiotherapy practice with people with neurological conditions.
4	Provide advanced, safe, client-centred physiotherapy clinical care for people with neurological conditions.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Co-requisite	CXA756 Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Practice

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Practical Examination	See the MyLO site for the due date	0 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Written Examination	See the MyLO site for the due date	50 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Clinical Reasoning Viva	See the MyLO site for the due date	50 %	LO1, LO2, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Practical Examination

Task Description:

The Practical Examination assesses your foundational competence and safety in a simulated clinical environment. You are required to demonstrate the integration of technical skills, clinical reasoning, and professional communication at a level appropriate for a student commencing clinical placement. This task functions as a high-stakes safety check to ensure you are prepared to be entrusted with patient care under standard supervision.

This is a hurdle task that must be successfully completed to pass the unit.

Task Length:

30 minutes

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

0 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate the safe, effective, and fluent performance of prioritised physiotherapy examination and treatment techniques.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
2	Justify the selection and adaptation of techniques in real-time based on patient presentation and best-practice guidelines.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
3	Accurately interpret assessment findings to determine clinical significance and reason the safe progression of the intervention.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
4	Facilitate safe and respectful care through structured communication, informed consent, and professional rapport with the patient.	LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 2: Written Examination

Task Description:

The written assessment component comprises two examinations, one in the middle of the semester (20%) and one in the last week of semester (30%), totalling 50% of the unit grade. These exams utilise a variety of question formats, including multiple-choice (MCQ) and open-ended items, to assess knowledge and clinical application.

Task Length:

180 minutes total (mid-semester: 60 min, end-semester: 120 min)

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Interpret the relationship between pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical presentation to explain the functional impact of specific clinical conditions.	LO1
2	Apply structured reasoning to case-based data to identify primary clinical drivers and formulate appropriate diagnostic hypotheses.	LO1, LO2, LO4
3	Justify the selection of assessment and management strategies based on current evidence-based practice and pharmacological considerations.	LO1
4	Recognise and interpret "red flags," contraindications, and precautions within complex clinical vignettes to ensure patient safety.	LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 3: Clinical Reasoning Viva

Task Description:

The Clinical Reasoning Viva assesses your ability to synthesise clinical data, prioritise patient needs, and justify your management plans using evidence-based practice. This task measures your ability to pivot and adapt your reasoning when presented with new clinical information or red flags in a simulated environment.

Task Length:

Up to 30 minutes

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Synthesise complex clinical data to formulate a prioritised, biopsychosocial clinical hypothesis linked to relevant pathological processes.	LO1, LO2
2	Critically justify clinical decisions, including examination priorities and management strategies, using a contemporary, evidence-based rationale.	LO1, LO2, LO4
3	Demonstrate responsive clinical reasoning by adapting management plans and risk assessments in real-time when presented with new clinical data or "pivots."	LO1
4	Communicate clinical reasoning and management plans using structured, respectful, and accessible language tailored to the patient and interprofessional team.	LO2, LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.