Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy)

Myotherapy history and foundations teaches the fundamentals of Clinical Myotherapy practice. As a practical skills based class, students will develop skills in soft tissue massage, palpation, draping, patient positioning and patient management. Students will develop awareness of WH&S obligations and the historical origins of Clinical Myotherapy in Australia and its relationship to other manual medicine modalities.

Human Structure & Physiology 1 introduces the basic concepts and terminologies required to study and understand the structure and function of the human body. This subject will build on the biological foundations by exploring the interaction and organisation of cells, tissues and organs which forms a basis to study the physiological integration of key body systems. The maintenance and regulation of the internal environment by homeostasis at a system level will be key to students understanding disruption and disease in later subjects. Key physiological and functional processes such as movement, metabolism, oxygenation and protection will be discussed, with body systems including the integumentary, musculoskeletal, respiratory and cardiovascular system the focus of this subject. This subject will provide the first part of an evidence based foundational knowledge of human physiology to guide health practice.

Counselling & Communication Skills encompasses counselling skills commonly needed by health professionals for effective communication. This subject comprises a practical approach to a variety of communication skills and best practice strategies including promoting change, compliance, obstacles to change, transition and selfcare. Sessions facilitate the development of effective listening and responding skills, increased personal awareness and insight in order to assist the building of a professional relationship for interactions with clients, colleagues and members of the community.

Biological Foundations explores the biological building blocks which make up the human body from the chemical level up to the cellular level. These essential chemistry concepts will assist with building relevant links to the study of human physiology in later subjects. The subject then explores the foundational studies in biochemistry which includes the structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, lipids, DNA and RNA. The concepts of gene expression and regulation are discussed in addition to the cellular membrane structure and transport through the membrane. The study of the biology of the human cell concludes this subject and upon completion equips students to commence study at the tissue level of structure and physiology subjects.

Human Structure & Physiology 2 will further develop knowledge of the structure and physiology of the human body with special attention given to the integration of human systems and beginning to explore the impact of disturbances in Homeostasis and disruption of normal function. The structure and function of the lymphatic, immune, digestive, nervous, endocrine, urinary, reproductive systems and the special senses are covered in detail including the homoeostatic control mechanisms of each system and the integration of the systems in the body. This subject builds on the knowledge and understandings of human structure and physiology, provides the foundation to look at disease, disorders and syndromes and their pathophysiology, in later subjects.

Evidence-based practice is an essential component of the exercise of clinical judgement in the delivery of quality healthcare. Students will also gain an understanding of how research evidence is translated into practice. This subject provides students with an introduction to health informatics, research and digital literacy, critical thinking and evidence-based practice. Students are guided through the skills necessary to locate, critique and interpret a research article for application to their practice. They will become familiar with quantitative and qualitative evidence, research methodology, basic descriptive and inferential statistics and the foundational skills to be able to evaluate and appraise evidence in healthcare research.

Musculoskeletal Anatomy 1 builds upon the foundational knowledge of the formation and spatial relationships of the tissues and joints of the upper body that is gained in Anatomy and Physiology 1 (BHS101A). This subject introduces students to the musculoskeletal components of the human body in a theoretical and practical setting, and comprises the study of the axial and appendicular skeleton (upper limb), nervous system, cervical and thoracic spine, head, and shoulder. A practical component of this subject is essential and will incorporate study in the structure and function labs, so that students can examine tissues and regions of the human body in closer actuality. Dynamic anatomic and cadaveric software and models will also be part of the practical component.

Human Biochemistry explains the processes of macromolecule metabolism, energy production and storage in the body. Included in this subject are the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids; the role of ATP and acetyl CoA in metabolism; oxidative phosphorylation, the electron transport chain, biosignaling and chemical communication. The concept of gene expression and regulation is also explored. Human Biochemistry provides healthcare practitioners a vital foundation on the basic macromolecules and genetic understandings essential for life. This knowledge will be built upon and expanded further in later subjects.

Students will spend time in the ‘Structure and Function laboratory’ under the supervision of a lecturer, with anatomical models and digital technologies/software for enhanced and interactive learning. Students will have access to anatomical models (i.e. models of the musculoskeletal system, models of internal anatomy, articulated skeletons, models of skulls,) and/or Anatomy & Physiology software that provides students with a three-dimensional understanding of the location of anatomical structures and physiological functioning. Students are required to purchase a stethoscope which will be used in the structure and function lab and throughout future subjects, as well as on Work Integrated Learning (Clinical Placement).

Neuroscience & Motor Control introduces students to International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) terminology and aids the student in conceptualising the neurophysiology of pain. The IASP are a worldwide professional association dedicated to research, diagnosis and treatment of pain and, as such, set the standard for pain management guidelines. This subject provides students with a deeper understanding of human neuroanatomy and neurophysiology and its relation to pain both from a peripheral and central nervous system perspective.

Musculoskeletal Pathology encompasses the common pathological conditions that a Clinical Myotherapist will see in practice and builds upon the core pathological concepts provided in General Pathology (BHS201A). This subject address the morphology, aetiology and underlying general principles operating in disease states in the neurological, musculoskeletal and integumentary systems, in addition to select disease states in the endocrine and pulmonary systems. An introduction to the currently used laboratory diagnostic methods that would inform diagnosis of conditions in a general practise is also included in this subject.

This subject is a key component in the education of a Clinical Myotherapist, as it provides knowledge of the various disease states that will be seen in practice, and correlates these disease states at a cellular and gross anatomical level with clinical signs and symptoms.

Integrated Pharmacology comprises a study of basic principles of pharmacology, the pharmacokinetics of drugs commonly used in medical practice and common interactions between drugs, physical therapies and natural remedies. Drugs for pain, inflammation, infection, mental health, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, reproductive and endocrine systems are discussed. Drug actions, uses, contraindications, adverse effects and interactions with natural remedies and physical therapies are discussed, together with implications for naturopathic, nutritional and western herbal medicine prescribing. This subject is crucial for the modern healthcare practitioner to understand common medications that patients may be taking and common interactions between these medications and complementary treatments. This subject also emphasises the need for clear lines of communication and common language between doctors and complementary healthcare practitioners in order to obtain the best health outcomes for clients.

Clinical Practicum 2, builds on experience gained in Clinical Practicum 1 integrating new information to further develop clinical reasoning and evidenced based treatment approaches.

Under the close supervision and monitoring of an experienced practitioner students will consult and treat patient’s injuries or conditions. Student clinic is the integration of practical and theoretical learning so far and provides an opportunity to formulate and implement evidenced based and relevant treatment plans. Ethical and medico‐legal responsibilities inherent in the practitioner‐patient relationship are a core aspect of clinical practice.

Entrepreneurship, Professionalism & Business Skills in Health will introduce students to the concepts of small business management, entrepreneurship and how to identify the professional requirements of their healthcare discipline. This subject will explore the topics necessary to establish and run a successful healthcare practice and maintain their professional status in the healthcare sector. Students will also explore their professional identity to support the understanding of the ethical conduct, liability, legal and regulatory requirements that are pertinent to their specific modality. This subject will initiate the development of a Business plan using entrepreneurial practices and innovative design thinking. This will include exploring business strategies such as operating policy and procedures, marketing and branding, networking strategies, leadership, administration and financial issues necessary for the operation and management of a contemporary healthcare practice.

Critical Literature Review (CLR308) provides an opportunity to critically examine the current literature to answer a chosen research question to inform clinical decision-making. The literature review is a scholarly paper that appraises the current knowledge base highlighting strengths, weaknesses and omissions in the literature. The subject builds on established knowledge of literature search methods and critical appraisal skills to culminate in a review that conforms to publication standards.

Sports Injury Management builds upon the clinical skills of assessment and treatment, with specific application to the athletic populations. This subject provides students with the underpinning theory and a range of practical skills to work in the sporting environment and support the prevention and management of common sporting injuries.

Professionalism, ethics and responsibilities are addressed, along with emergency action planning and on-field trauma management skills. Students will learn to apply evidence based and clinically reasoned decisions in sport specific return-to-play scenarios, and gain the practical skills to support return to play including taping and pre-game athlete support.

Students will be expected to complete clinical placement hours with a sporting club either previously or concurrently with this elective to support learning. Assistance to find placements will be provided.