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PHTY30320

Academic Year 2025/2026

Advanced Musculoskeletal (PHTY30320)

Subject:
Physiotherapy
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Public Hlth, Phys & Sports Sci
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Caitriona Cunningham
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will introduce students to the evidence-based biopsychosocial assessment and management of neuromusculoskeletal disorders of the cervical and lumbar spine and pelvis and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Approaches to pain management will include the role of the multidisciplinary team, pain management programmes, mindfulness based interventions and exercise. Pain in specific pain populations will include pain in younger and older people, and will include complex pain presentations. Pain management will be considered within the context of a compassionate biopsychosocial model of health and illness. Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate, select and implement appropriate physiotherapy management interventions based on clinical reasoning, principles of evidence-based practice and safety.

Mapped to CORU SoP: 1.1-1.12, 1.15-1.17, 2.1-2.4, 2.6, 2.9, 2.12-2.15, 3.1-3.10, 3.14, 5.1-5.8, 5.10-5.21, 5.23, 5.24, 5.26-5.28

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate appropriate and safe handling skills to enable skilled testing and evidence based treatment of specified musculoskeletal conditions
2. Demonstrate clinical reasoning skills to critically evaluate, plan and adapt appropriate evidence based biopsychosocial management strategies for musculoskeletal dysfunction
3. Be able to assess the pain experience and recognise the need for a whole person and biopsychosocial approach to comprehensive evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic pain
4. Discuss pain assessment and management strategies for specific populations and including complex pain presentations
5. Demonstrate a knowledge of the functional anatomy of the pelvis and temporomandibular joint
6. Demonstrate a holistic and compassionate approach to patient care
7. Practice in a professional, safe and ethical manner that recognise and respect cultural and linguistic diversity

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Small Group

20
Autonomous Student Learning

94
Total

126

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures and clinical skills practical teaching including case-based learning

AI/Academic Integrity:
Staff may utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) during the programme to support teaching and learning and it will be clearly indicated if and when AI is used. Students are prohibited from representing work as their own that they did not write, code or create. Submission of AI-generated content to this module by a student without explicit permission and attribution is not allowed and it may reflect unacceptable professional behaviour. This may result in the initiation of a student disciplinary procedure in accordance with the “University Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Exclusions:

Module suitable for BSc Physiotherapy students only


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
PHTY20010 - Musucloskeletal 2 Lower Limb, PHTY20040 - Musculoskeletal 3: The Spine, PHTY20070 - Musculoskeletal 1 Upper Limb

Co-requisite:
PHTY30110 - Clinical Exercise, PHTY30470 - Clinical Education 1, PHTY30480 - Clinical Education 2


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Closed book written exam End of trimester
Duration:
1 hr(s)
 Graded No
45
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Weekly participation in practical clinical skills laboratories Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10 Graded No
10
 No
Practical Skills Assessment: In course practical assessment Week 5, Week 10 Graded No
45
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Reading lists and references provided for each lecture

Name Role
Dr Fiona Curran Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Brona Fullen Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mrs Alison Brennan Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 09:00 - 09:50
Spring Small Group Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Small Group Offering 2 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Small Group Offering 3 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
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