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

Students rotate through the UWA Podiatry Clinic, podiatry departments of the main teaching hospitals, community health centres and selected private practices and are instructed in the podiatric treatment of common foot conditions. Students will be learning podiatric clinical skills via hands on training, practical classroom demonstrations, role plays and simulated patients. Students demonstrate developing skill and knowledge of podiatric anatomy and biomechanics to the prescription and manufacture of orthotic devices. Students perform vascular and neurological assessments of the lower extremity, learn how to manage diabetic and neurovascular foot problems, and assist with minor podiatric surgical procedures of skin and nail conditions under local anaesthesia.

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

Students are able to (1) integrate knowledge of the normal human physiology to presenting podiatric and related systemic conditions; (2) develop an understanding of comorbidities related to podiatric conditions; (3) develop clinical problem-solving skills to formulate differential diagnoses, propose short- and long-term treatment plans recognise clinical priorities to provide a patient-centred management plan; (4) develop skills of a reflective practitioner in seeking to identify and address gaps in knowledge and practice; (5) demonstrate skills to select appropriate investigations for a range of podiatric presentations; (6) develop an understanding of when and where to refer patients appropriately; (7) demonstrate the ability to safely administer local anaesthetics; (8) demonstrate the appropriate patient assessment skills of the high risk patient, including neurovascular assessment; (9) demonstrate an understanding of the manufacturing and application of prefabricated and custom foot orthoses; (10) understand the effective use of various techniques used in myofascial therapy and joint mobilisations applied to the lower limb; and (11) demonstrate 'hands on' conservative treatment of common foot conditions in a safe and efficient manner.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written assessment/s; (2) clinical assessment/s; and (3) in-training assessment/s. 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 clinical assessment/s and in-training assessment/s components.

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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Catherine Crabb
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
UWA MJD-MEDSC Medical Sciences
or PODI4111 Integrated Clinical Sciences 1, PODI4112 Integrated Clinical Sciences 2, and First semester DPM 2 Units: PODI4211 Integrated Clinical Practice, PODI4212 Integrated Podiatric Medicine 1, PODI4202 Progression of Clinical Practice 1
and PUBH4401 Biostatistics.
Contact hours
14 hours per week
clinic and labs conducted every day and times are according to allocated groups
  • 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.