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PHTY41120

Academic Year 2026/2027

Neurology Foundations (PHTY41120)

Subject:
Physiotherapy
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Public Hlth, Phys & Sports Sci
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Laura McMahon
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module introduces the student to physiotherapy practice in neurology and develops skills in the assessment and early management of adult and paediatric disorders of the nervous system. The module covers common pathological conditions of the central nervous system and their clinical manifestation. The neuroanatomy, dissection tutorials and applied physiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems covered will allow students to comprehensively distinguish between central and peripheral pathology, relate pathology in the central nervous system and reports of common investigations to the clinical presentations of neurological conditions in paediatric and adult populations, where relevant.

The module introduces the student to the required physiotherapy skills in the assessment and management of adult neurological disorders, adhering to infection control, safety standards, best practice guidelines including consent to the assessment and/or treatment. Basic exploration of the scientific evidence that underpins practice is provided. Early clinical reasoning skills and risk analysis, together with an understanding of the role of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), will be developed to equip students with skills that help to formulate treatment programmes for a wide range of neurological conditions. Confidentiality with respect to patient information and in the context of the MDT is addressed.

Neurological pharmacology and orthotics / splinting relevant to neurological conditions are integrated into the module, in addition to the role of exercise and physical activity in the management and prevention of neurological disorders. The use of outcome measures to assess effectiveness of treatment; modify treatment where necessary and identify when referral to another discipline is indicated is addressed and common outcome measures in neurology physiotherapy practice are introduced.

Mapped to CORU SoP: 1.1-1.3, 1.15, 2.1, 2.9, 3.1-3.8, 3.10, 3.14, 5.1-5.11, 5.13, 5.14, 5.15, 5.17, 5.18, 5.20, 5.23, 5.28

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the module, students should be able to:

1. Explain the theory underpinning neurological physiotherapy practice based on knowledge of neuroanatomy and physiology, and distinguish between central and peripheral pathology.
2. Understand the pathology and clinical presentation of common neurological conditions, and normal infant development.
3. Interpret basic investigations and demonstrate competency in the physiotherapy assessment of a patient with a neurological condition.
4. Analyse functional movements, body posture, and balance to develop skills to facilitate optimal movement strategies
5. Understand and interpret relevant assessment findings and outcome measures (e.g., Timed up and go test; Berg Balance test) and apply clinical reasoning using the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) framework to guide management.
6. Understand safety considerations, and the role of balance rehabilitation, exercise, positioning, and aids/appliances (e.g., orthotics, splints) in the physiotherapy management of neurological disease.
7. Recognise the role of the multidisciplinary team in the collaborative care of a patient with a neurological disorder across acute and community care settings.

Indicative Module Content:

Topics covered include:
• Fundamentals in Neuroanatomy
Neurone types, glial tissue, grey & white matter of brain & spinal cord; Meninges; Cerebrospinal Fluid & associated Ventricular system; Cerebral lobes; Localisation of cerebral function in the various lobes; Sensory receptors motor areas & sensory cortex; Motor & Sensory homunculus; Basal Ganglia; Internal capsule; Limbic system; Cerebellum; Brainstem – Pons, Medulla; Circulation of brain & spinal cord and blood supply cerebellum & cerebral hemispheres; Spinal Cord (motor & sensory tracts); Cranial nerves

• Neuromuscular physiology
Muscle Spindles; Motor units; Nerve conduction; Peripheral nerves (motor, sensory, autonomic and mixed)
• Introduction to vestibular System
• Presentations in neurological cases
• Hypertonia & Hypotonia
• Aspects of Upper motor lesions (UMN) & Lower motor lesions (LMN)
• Classification in Neurology using the ICF

• Neurological investigations
CT, MRI, Carotid and cerebral angiography
• Neurological assessment
Range of movement, tone, strength, sensation, co-ordination and reflexes; Assessment normal and abnormal movement strategies; Assessment of functional movement; Assessment of balance; Gait assessment
• Common Outcome Measures in Neurology
Modified Ashworth Scale; Berg Balance scale; Functional reach; Timed up and go; 5 times sit to stand; 10MWT; box and block tests; 9 hole peg test
• Neurological Pathologies
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA); Parkinson’s disease (PD); Multiple Sclerosis

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

152
Lectures

22
Practical

22
Online Learning

4
Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
A broad range of teaching and learning approaches will be employed to enable students to achieve the learning modules that include:

Lectures
Small group work
Practical skills
Case-based learning
Self-directed E-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 Requirements:

You are eligible to take this module if you have registered to the Professional Masters in Physiotherapy programme


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Neurology (PHTY40900)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Exam (In-person): 1 hour written examination: assessing knowledge of pathology, neuroanatomy, clinical presentations, assessment and clinical reasoning. End of trimester
Duration:
1 hr(s)
 Graded Yes
50
 Yes
Practical Skills Assessment: Competency based practical examination assessing ability to demonstrate appropriate treatment techniques, clinical and handling skills, safety, communication, clinical reasoning and knowledge Week 14 Graded Yes
50
 Yes

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

How will my Feedback be Delivered? - Case- studies/ Formative quizzes & Self-assessment activities throughout module - Individual feedback to students post-assessment

Lennon S, Ramdharry G, Verheyden G, editors. Physical Management for Neurological Conditions E-Book: Physical Management for Neurological Conditions E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences; 01/2024.

Blumenfeld H. Neuroanatomy through Clinical Cases. 2nd ed. Sunderland: Sinauer; 2010.

Carr J, Shepherd R. Neurological Rehabilitation: Optimizing Motor Performance. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2010.

Lazaro RT, Reina-Guerra SG, Quiben MU. Umphred’s Neurological Rehabilitation. 7th ed. St Louis: Elsevier; 2020.

Shumway-Cook A, Woollacott MH. Motor Control: Translating Research into Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2017.

Crossman AR, Neary D, Crossman B. Neuroanatomy: An Illustrated Colour Text. Fifth edition. Churchill Livingstone; 2015. http://www.vlebooks.com/vleweb/product/openreader?id=Brighton&isbn=9780702054068

Lindsay, Kenneth W., Bone, Ian, Fuller, Geraint, Callander, Robin. Neurology and Neurosurgery Illustrated. 5th ed. Churchill Livingstone; 2010.

Edwards, Susan. Neurological Physiotherapy: A Problem-Solving Approach. 2nd ed. Churchill Livingstone; 2002.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Olive Lennon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Gráinne O'Donoghue Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Cormac Ryan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mrs Denise O'Callaghan Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 10, 11 Fri 09:00 - 10:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 11:00 - 12:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 3 Mon 12:00 - 13:50
Autumn Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Mon 14:00 - 15:50
Autumn Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 11:00 - 12:50
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