N/A

In this module you will develop your understanding of foundation sciences and the principles which underpin physiotherapy practice. The aim of the module is to introduce you to the principles of assessment which you will apply across core areas of physiotherapy practice: musculoskeletal, neurology and cardiorespiratory. You will develop practical skills involved in analysis of movement and engage in critical discussions relating to the use of outcome measures in clinical practice. As well as developing practical examination skills, including palpation and measurement skills, you will develop your interpersonal skills, with consideration for the values and behaviours expected of a health care professional.

Emphasis in this module is on developing your professionalism and practical assessment skills to enable you to practice within your scope of practice as a physiotherapist in a safe, ethical and professional manner, giving attention to consent, confidentiality, and record keeping. In addition to developing your practical skills you will be develop your critical understanding of the foundational sciences which underpin physiotherapy assessment (anatomy, biomechanics and human movement analysis). Within the module you will have the opportunity critique sources of evidence to inform your clinical reasoning in order to reach a working diagnosis. You will be introduced to the roles of the professional and regulatory bodies and reflect on your learning within the module. The content of the module may include the following topics:
Anatomy and physiology
• Motor control
• Introduction to key neurophysiological concepts (neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, ageing and degeneration)
• Biomechanics and tissue mechanics
• Palpation skills of anatomical landmarks
• Movement analysis including gait analysis
• Inflammation and healing
• Pain Mechanism
• Respiratory care
Practical skills
• Theory and concepts of clinical examination/assessment
• Palpation skills of anatomical landmarks
• Application of clinical examination and assessment
• Development of communication skills and examination skills
• Development of handling skills
Research and education
• Development of skills in critical evaluation and synthesis of evidence in literature
• Evidence based outcome measures
Professional skills
• Roles of professional and regulatory bodies
• Professionalism and values
• Professional behaviour, documentation
• Reflective practice
• Life-long learning
• Safety

LO1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the foundation sciences of normal human anatomy and physiology, and relate these to normal human movement and function across the life-span considering factors influencing individual ability and health status.
LO2: Synthesise knowledge and principles of anatomy, biomechanics, applied exercise science and ergonomics and apply principles to the analysis of human movement and function.
LO3: Critically justify and demonstrate the application of assessment approaches, giving consideration to the theories and evidence base underpinning the principles of assessment and measurement, within a physiotherapy context.
LO4: Critically discuss the values, behaviours and knowledge required of a health care professional, including knowledge of HCPC standards of conduct, performance and ethics and the need the to keep skills and knowledge up to date for career-long learning to apply in a practical setting.
LO5: Critically appraise information gathered from a range of sources and adopt a systematic approach to clinically reasoning in order to reach a working diagnosis.
LO6: Critically reflect on practice in order to evaluate and enhance your own learning.