PHTY20040 Musculoskeletal III: The Spine

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module builds upon previous musculoskeletal-related modules and will introduce students to the biopsychosocial assessment and management of musculoskeletal disorders of the spine in adults. Students will develop the ability to undertake a safe, thorough clinical assessment of the spine and select and implement appropriate physiotherapy management interventions. Students will develop and integrate their theoretical and practical knowledge within a framework of clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice and safety.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of spinal functional anatomy.
2. Describe and carry out an appropriate clinical interview for adults with spinal disorders, pain and dysfunction based on the biopsychosocial model, sound clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.
3. Describe and carry out an appropriate clinical examination of the neuro-musculoskeletal system of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine based on the biopsychosocial model, sound clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.
4. Describe the aetiology, pathology, clinical presentation, and management of adults with spinal disorders, pain and dysfunction based on the biopsychosocial model, sound clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.
5. Demonstrate a range of treatment approaches for the management of spinal disorders, pain and dysfunction based on the biopsychosocial model, sound clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.
6. Practice in a compassionate, professional, safe, and ethical manner that recognises and respects societal, cultural and linguistic diversity.


Indicative Module Content:

This module consists of learning about the functional anatomy of the spine and the pathology, assessment, and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of the spine. This learning is set within a biopsychosocial/evidence-based practice framework. This module will develop the clinical knowledge and reasoning with which to prepare students for clinical placements during which they will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge when assessing and treating patients with spinal pain and dysfunction, and to do so in a safe, competent, respectful and evidence-based manner.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

90
Lectures

16
Practical

22
Total

128
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures and practical classes taught according to competency-based teaching and learning methods; via didactic lectures and interactive practical sessions incorporating case- and clinical simulation-based learning and discussion. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
ANAT10110 - Clinical Human Anatomy I, ANAT20010 - Anatomy III, PHTY10040 - Funct Anatomy & Kinesiology, PHTY10100 - Physio Practice I(Clinic Ed I)

Co-requisite:
PHTY20050 - Exercise Programming, PHTY20070 - Musculoskeletal I, PHTY20140 - Physio Pract II(Clinic Ed II)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Participation in Learning Activities: Performance and practice of practical assessment and treatment techniques. Engagement in case study discussions and simulated clinical assessments. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10

 No
Practical Skills Assessment: Practical assessment of clinical skills at 2 timepoints in the module (on lumbar and cervical spine). Week 5, Week 10 Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes

50

 Yes
Exam (In-person): Short answer quiz. Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Formative feedback on the practical skills component of this module will be provided to you throughout the module based on peer and lecturer/clinical tutor observations during practical sessions.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Caitriona Cunningham Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Catherine Doody Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Frank Kenny Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Cliona O'Sullivan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer