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 unit introduces students to the relevant ethical and legal responsibilities within the practice of clinical podiatric medicine. During laboratory sessions students are taught the principles of taking a podiatric history and performing a podiatric physical examination. The practitioner-patient relationship, record keeping and time management skills are introduced. An introduction to neurological and vascular examination of the lower limb is undertaken. The impact of historical, cultural and social factors on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' health and health care is discussed. Students spend time observing patients being assessed and treated in hospital and/or private podiatry practice.

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

Students are able to (1) apply knowledge of podiatric anatomy and physiology knowledge to basic clinical practices; (2) demonstrate the selection, safe and effective use of a range of podiatric instruments, including infection control, when performing nail and skin debridement in practice; (3) demonstrate developing effective patient-centred interviewing skills; (4) perform basic assessment of the lower extremity including neurovascular and biomechanical assessment; (5) demonstrate basic clinical skills in podiatric practice, including callus and nail debridement, therapeutic taping and the use of ortho-digital devices; (6) display professional behaviour in a variety of clinical/educational settings; (7) appreciate role and responsibilities of health-care professionals in a variety of settings; (8) understand ethical responsibilities and dilemmas in podiatric medicine; (9) demonstrate developing skills of a life-long learner including self-reflection; and (10) demonstrate developing skills with history and physical examination techniques of patients with neurological and vascular diseases.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written exam; (2) clinical assessment; and (3) 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 Laurence Foley
Unit rules
Prerequisites
enrolment in
the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (90870)
Contact hours
lectures: 1 x 1 hour per week
tutorials: 1 x 1 hour per week
labs: 2 x 1 hour 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.