Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

In this unit, students will gain a foundation in the physical and biomedical sciences that underpin optometric practice through engagement in problem-based learning cases of common optometric conditions. Students will also be learning the methodology and engaged in initiating and planning for a major research project.

Specific topics to be addressed in this unit include:

- a critical understanding of the basic and intermediate levels of optometric conditions particularly those associated with developmental and refractive disorders of vision;

- a critical understanding of the basic and intermediate levels of optometric conditions associated with ocular disease and therapy, and systemic disorders of vision;

- appraising the correlation between anatomical and physiological structure and function of the eye associated with common optometric conditions;

- critically applying the principles of optical physics to the study of the eye;

- a critical understanding of the pathological, immunological and microbiological processes associated with basic and intermediate levels of optometric conditions;

- critically applying the principles of pharmacology to the management of basic and intermediate levels of optometric conditions;

- conducting a comprehensive literature review, leading to the definition of a research theme, formulation of a hypothesis and a feasible study design proposal, which will form the basis of a major research dissertation in OPTM5105 Optometry Research Project.

Credit
12 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) evaluate basic and intermediate levels of optometric conditions particularly developmental and refractive disorders of vision; (2) assess the basic and intermediate levels of optometric conditions associated with ocular disease and therapy, and systemic disorders of vision; (3) assess the correlation between anatomical and physiological structures and functions associated with basic and intermediate levels of optometric conditions; (4) evaluate, in terms of optical physics, basic and intermediate levels of optometric conditions; (5) assess the pathological, immunological and microbiological processes associated with basic and intermediate levels of optometric conditions; (6) assess the principles of pharmacology in the management of basic and intermediate levels of optometric conditions; (7) evaluate current developments in research that are of particular relevance to optometry; (8) appraise scientific literatures to formulate a research strategy for a major optometric investigation; and (9) demonstrate a high level of oral and written communication skills in the construct of a research methodology and data gathering, on a given topic, in the field of ophthalmic science.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tests; (2) ongoing assessments; (3) professional behaviour assessment; and (4) written assessments. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the professional behaviour assessment component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Khyber Alam
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
91590 (Doctor of Optometry) and completion of OPTM3101 Science of the Eye and Visual System 1,
AND OPTM3102 Principles of Optometry 1,
AND OPTM3103 Science of the Eye and Visual System 2
AND OPTM3104 Principles of Optometry 2.
Co-requisites
OPTM5102 Optometric Practice 1
Incidental fees
Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available here).
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscopy, Condensing Lens (estimated cost - 2500-4000).
Contact hours
Problem-based learning tutorials: up to 48 hours.
Lectures and seminars: up to 80 hours
Team-based learning seminars: up to 24 hours.
Texts

eTG Complete. https://tgldcdp.tg.org.au/

Uptodate. https://uptodate.com

Edwards K. Optometry. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2nd edition.

 

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.