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

This is an introductory unit and starts with exploring the history and development of podiatry in Australia and selected countries, as well as the scope and practice of podiatry and its role in the healthcare system. Normal anatomy of the foot, ankle and lower extremity is discussed in detail. In addition, students learn about the biomechanics of the foot, ankle, lower extremity and selected common podiatric pathologies. Finally, students are introduced to foot and ankle radiology and learn how to correlate X-ray findings with biomechanical parameters.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the history and scope of practice of podiatric medicine; (2) understands the professional registration process.; (3) describe the anatomy of the foot, ankle and lower extremity and understand the intersegmental relationships; (4) identify and explain concepts of clinical measurements in biomechanics (closed and open kinetic chain); (5) identify normal anatomy by X-ray. Identify an appropriate choice of radiographic modality.; (6) describe the phasic nature of gait cycle and phasic actions of muscles; (7) describe aetiology of and clinical implications of femoral and tibial torsion and its effect on foot function; (8) describe the aetiology, pathomechanics and commpensatory mechanisms of common biomechanical foot deformities; (9) explain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people health care issues.

; (10) discuss the application of Evidence Based research to the application of podiatric practice; and (11) display professional behaviour in a variety of clinical/educational settings.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written examination and (2) in training assessment. 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 in training assessment component.

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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Reza Naraghi
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (90870)
Contact hours
4 hours per week
  • 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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • 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.