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.

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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. Students are introduced to foot and ankle radiology and learn how to correlate X-ray findings with biomechanical parameters. During the laboratory sessions students are taught the principles of taking a history and 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.

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) understand the application of evidence based research to the application of podiatric practice; (3) understand clinically relevant normal and abnormal foot and ankle structure, function, and development, and explain the classification, etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, common clinical and pathological manifestations, natural history, and introduction to clinical measurements, diagnostic principles and conservative treatments.; (4) demonstrate developing effective patient-centred interviewing skills; (5) describe the aetiology, clinical features and introduction to management of selective dermatological conditions.; (6) perform basic assessment of the lower extremity including neurovascular and biomechanical assessment; and (7) demonstrate the selection, safe and effective use of a range of podiatric instruments, including infection control, when performing nail and skin debridement in practice..

Assessment

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

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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Catherine Crabb
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
90870 (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) and either PODI4112 Integrated Clinical Sciences 2
or (IMED3003 Body Systems and Disease III
and IMED3004 Body Systems and Disease IV).
Co-requisites
PUBH4401 Biostatistics I
Contact hours
4-6 hrs/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.