| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-02-01 | - |
| 2025-02-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at the University of Adelaide equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to assess and manage a wide range of health conditions. The program emphasizes real-world experience through over 750 hours of work-based training and offers a choice between research and industry streams in the final year. Graduates are eligible for a variety of career opportunities in physiotherapy, research, education, and healthcare management.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at the University of Adelaide equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to assess and manage a wide range of health conditions. With a strong emphasis on real-world experience, the program involves over 750 hours of work-based training in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and sporting organizations.
Objectives:
- Develop high-level knowledge and skills in human anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology.
- Acquire proficiency in clinical assessment and management of patients with cardiothoracic, musculoskeletal, and neurological disorders, as well as developmental disorders.
- Foster safe patient handling practices and patient education.
- Inculcate an understanding of broad public health issues.
- Emphasize evidence-based, patient-centered care.
Outline:
Program Content and Structure:
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) is a four-year, full-time program that comprises the following components:
- First Year: Introduction to physiotherapy principles, body movement, professional practice, anatomy, physiology, public health, and health research.
- Second Year: Detailed applied anatomy, principles of physiotherapy management, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.
- Third Year: Specialized practice principles, including gender- and age-specific needs, clinical assessment, and management of clients with various conditions.
- Fourth Year: Continued clinical placements, research or industry stream specialization, major project, and advanced physiotherapy practice.
Course Schedule and Module Descriptions:
Level I
Semester 1:
- Biosciences for Human Health A
- Communication in Professional Practice
- Evidence-Based Practice in Allied Health 1
- Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice
Semester 2:
- Biosciences for Human Health B
- Foundations of Health and Wellbeing
- Physiotherapy Exercise Prescription and Activity
- Clinical Biomechanics of Human Movement
Level II
Semester 1:
- Evidence-Based Practice in Allied Health 2
- Anatomy of Lower Limb and Trunk
- Physiotherapy Across the Lifespan
- Applied Physiotherapy Practice A
Semester 2:
- Pathophysiology for Allied Health
- Anatomy of Upper Limb, Head, and Neuroscience
- Pharmacology Essentials for Physiotherapy
- Applied Physiotherapy Practice B
Level III - Industry Honours Stream
Semester 1:
- Paediatric, Pelvic & Women's Health Physiotherapy
- Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Practice
- Neurological Physiotherapy Practice
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice
Semester 2:
- Person-Centered Physiotherapy Practice
- Managing Complexity in Clinical Settings
- Physiotherapy Clinical Practice A
- Physiotherapy Simulation-based Clinical Practice
Level IV - Industry Honours Stream
Semester 1:
- Managing Chronic Conditions
- Physiotherapy Clinical Practice B
- Physiotherapy Clinical Practice C
- Advanced EBP in Physiotherapy
Semester 2:
- Physiotherapy Clinical Practice D
- Advanced Physiotherapy Practice (6 units)
- Physiotherapy Clinical Practice E
Level III - Research Honours Stream
Semester 1:
- Paediatric, Pelvic & Women's Health Physiotherapy
- Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Practice
Semester 2:
- Person-Centered Physiotherapy Practice
- Managing Complexity in Clinical Settings
- Physiotherapy Clinical Practice A
- Allied Health Research Project Planning
Level IV - Research Honours Stream
Semester 1:
- Managing Chronic Conditions
- Physiotherapy Clinical Practice B
- Physiotherapy Clinical Practice C
- Allied Health Honours Research Project
Semester 2:
- Physiotherapy Clinical Practice D
- Physiotherapy Clinical Practice E
- Allied Health Honours Research Project (6 units)
Assessment:
Assessment Methods and Criteria:
Assessment in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) utilizes a combination of formative and summative approaches, including:
- Essays
- Case studies
- Tests
- Oral presentations
- Practical assignments
- Tutorial participation
- Structured clinical assessments
- Written examinations
- Research projects
Teaching:
Teaching Methods and Faculty:
The program is delivered through a blend of face-to-face and online methodologies. Teaching is conducted by registered practicing physiotherapists and experienced academic staff.
Unique Approaches:
- Strong emphasis on practical, hands-on experience through extensive work-based training.
- Access to state-of-the-art training facilities and simulation suites.
- Collaborative learning with key complementary disciplines, including speech pathology and occupational therapy.
- Opportunity to choose between research and industry streams in the final year, allowing students to specialize in either research or practical application of physiotherapy principles.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths and Opportunities:
Graduates of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) are eligible for a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Physiotherapist in various settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sporting organizations, and aged care facilities.
- Researcher in academic or industry settings, focusing on developing new knowledge in physiotherapy.
- Educator in physiotherapy or related fields.
- Health policy advisor or advocate.
- Business owner or manager in the physiotherapy industry.
