Physiotherapy

Length and structure

Foundation Year (FY) consists of two semesters delivered from September to May of the first year.

• Semester 1 (FY1) – from September to December
• Semester 2 (FY2) – from January to May

Each semester comprises 12 direct-contact teaching weeks, one week of revision and two weeks of examinations.

FY will provide you with a solid grounding in the biomedical sciences and professionalism as well as providing you with the necessary IT skills to operate effectively within the University's virtual learning environment (VLE).

The course is delivered as a series of stand-alone five credit modules taught in a single semester and a Biomedical Laboratory Sciences modules that spans both semesters. The Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice module provides you with an appreciation for the array of clinical specialties and settings in which physiotherapists work.

The FY structure is as follows:

Semester 1

• Medical Applications of Physics (5 credits)
• Fundamentals of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (5 credits)
• Fundamentals of Human Biology (5 credits)
• Musculoskeletal, Nervous System and Bioelectricity (5 credits)
• Communication and Professionalism in the Health Sciences I (5 credits)

Semester 2

• Thermoregulation, Special Senses, Endocrine System, Reproductive System (5 credits)
• Introduction to Human Disease (5 credits)
• Respiratory System, Gastrointestinal System (5 credits)
• Cardiovascular System, Biological Fluids, Renal Function (5 credits)
• Communication and Professionalism in the Health Sciences II (5 credits)
• Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice (5 credits)

Semesters 1 and 2

• Biomedical Laboratory Sciences (5 credits)

Teaching styles

FY is delivered as:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Small group teaching
• Laboratory practicals

Tutorials serve to reinforce and enhance your understanding of the fundamental concepts covered in lectures and test basic understanding through applied problems in a practical context.

Communication and professionalism modules facilitate your growing awareness of the crucial roles that communication, culture, collaboration, critical thinking, medical ethics, information literacy, project management and self-reflection play in the professional practice of physiotherapy, and provide students with an opportunity to work collectively with the Medicine and Pharmacy programmes.

Assessment

Each module is assessed independently by a combination of continuous assessment (laboratory write ups, mid-semester multiple choice question (MCQ) assessments, reflective assignments, group projects) and summative end of semester MCQ and short note question (SNQ) papers, or coursework assignment.

Timetable

Below is an example of a typical week for a FY student.

Length and structure

School Leavers and Mature Entry students are joined by Graduate Entry students at this stage of the programme.

• Semester 1 – from September to December
• Semester 2 – from January to April

Each semester comprises 12 direct-contact teaching weeks, a reading week and two weeks of examinations.

First Physiotherapy will provide you with a sound scientific knowledge base to underpin the practice of physiotherapy. You will gain an understanding of the structure, function and inter-relationship of systems in the human body by studying anatomy and physiology.

Modules such as Clinical Movement Science, Neuromusculoskeletal 1 and 2 are completed in parallel to core sciences in First Physiotherapy to facilitate the integration of learning. These modules aim to develop your understanding of human movement, strength and the whole-body functions of posture, balance and gait. They also aim to develop your understanding of the pathology of upper and lower limb orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions, and the physiotherapy assessment and management of musculoskeletal disorders, specifically in the development of education, manual therapy and exercise prescription skills, underpinned by evidence-based practice.

The First Physiotherapy structure is as follows:

Semester 1

• Anatomy 1 (10 credits)
• Neuromusculoskeletal 1 (10 credits)
• Clinical Movement Science (7.5 credits)
• Physiology (5 credits)
• Clinical Movement Science (7.5 credits)

Semester 2

• Anatomy 2 (7.5 credits)
• Neuromusculoskeletal 2 (10 credits)
• Health Psychology (10 credits)
• Professional Practice 1 (5 credits)

Teaching styles

First Physiotherapy is delivered as:

• Lectures
• Practicals
• Tutorials
• Anatomy dissection
• Projects, in collaboration with Medicine and Pharmacy students
• Inter-professional activities using patient simulation

RCSI is one of the few schools in Ireland and the UK to teach anatomy through cadaveric dissection, in the original, and historical, RCSI Anatomy Room.

Tutorials and practical classes serve to reinforce and enhance your understanding of the fundamental concepts and skills outlined in lectures and test basic understanding through applied problems in a practical context. Practical classes are delivered to split groups in order to enhance your learning experience, afforded by lower student-teacher ratios. Ten core case studies will be met across multiple modules in each year of the programme, to further develop your knowledge and skills with increasing complexity, and aligned to a range of cross-cutting themes linked to development of clinical, professional, evaluation and personal skills.

Assessment

Each module is assessed independently by a combination of continuous assessment (e.g. multiple choice questions (MCQs), anatomy card signings, assignments and group projects) and summative end of semester examinations – MCQs, short note question (SNQ) papers, practical exams and objective structured clinical exams (OSCEs). Students’ development of feedback literacy is embedded in assessment practice e.g. peer assessment.

Timetable

Below is an example of a typical week for a First Physiotherapy student.

Length and structure

Second Physiotherapy consists of two semesters:

• Semester 1 – from September to December
• Semester 2 – from January to May

Second Physiotherapy will build on what you have already studied in First Physiotherapy. In this year, the knowledge and skills of physiotherapeutic practice are further consolidated.

The focus is on the application and analysis of problems and their effects in core clinical areas, e.g. cardiovascular/respiratory, neurology and musculoskeletal, in addition to a focus on ageing and health. In this year, you will also gain an understanding of the research process and develop an ability to appraise and evaluate research and literature. In Second Physiotherapy, clinical education blocks alternate with academic modules and are undertaken in a variety of clinical settings. In the clinical environment, you will develop an understanding of the context of physiotherapy practice.

The Second Physiotherapy structure is as follows:

Semester 1

• Advanced Musculoskeletal 1 (5 credits)
• Respiratory Cardiovascular 1 (5 credits)
• Clinical Neurology & Rehabilitation 1 (5 credits)
• Mental Health & Well-being (5 credits)
• Professional Practice 2 (5 credits)
• Clinical Placement 1 (5 credits)

Semester 2

• Advanced Musculoskeletal 2 (5 credits)
• Respiratory Cardiovascular 2 (5 credits)
• Clinical Neurology & Rehabilitation 2 (5 credits)
• Ageing and Health (5 credits)
• Research Evidence for Practice (5 credits)
• Clinical Placement 2 (5 credits)

Teaching styles

Second Physiotherapy is delivered as:

• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Tutorials
• Case study presentations
• Simulation teaching

Ten core case studies will be met across multiple modules in each year of the programme, to further develop your knowledge and skills with increasing complexity, and aligned to a range of cross-cutting themes linked to development of clinical, professional, evaluation and personal skills.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are employed including written and practical examinations, oral presentations, and coursework assignments. Clinical placement performance is assessed by clinical tutors and clinical educators, and includes reflection portfolios.

Timetable

Below is an example of a typical academic week for a Second Physiotherapy student.

Academic blocks are integrated with full-time clinical placement blocks in both semesters as follows:

Semester 1

• Academic block (10 weeks)
• Clinical block (6 weeks)

Semester 2

• Academic block (11 weeks)
• Clinical block (8 weeks)

Length and structure

Final Physiotherapy consists of two semesters:

• Semester 1 – from September to January
• Semester 2 – from February to May

Your final year will focus on the integration of the knowledge you've already obtained in the programme and understanding an advanced level of practice. Modules in Final Physiotherapy cover more specialised areas of practice, e.g. sports physiotherapy, women’s health, care of the elderly and paediatrics.

Your ability to evaluate and undertake research is also developed further by completing a research protocol.

In the clinical setting, you will encounter a more diverse and complex range of client groups in your final year. Clinical placement modules include advanced respiratory paediatrics, advanced musculoskeletal and advanced neurology. Throughout the programme, clinical education is a central element, and you will undertake 1,000+ hours on a full-time block basis. This will assist you in gaining essential clinical experience under the supervision of physiotherapy clinical tutors and senior physiotherapy clinicians.

The Final Physiotherapy structure is as follows:

Semester 1

• Clinical Placement 3 (10 credits)
• Women’s, Men’s & Child Health (7.5 credits)
• Sport & Physical Activity for Health (7.5 credits)
• Generating Evidence for Practice (15 credits)

Semester 2

• Clinical Placement 4 (10 credits)
• Generating Evidence for Practice (continued)
• Complex Clinical Case Management (10 credits)
• Leadership in Professional Practice (5 credits)

Teaching styles

Final Physiotherapy is delivered as:

• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Tutorials
• Case study presentations
• Problem-solving workshops

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are employed including written and practical examinations, oral presentations, and coursework assignments. Clinical placement performance is assessed by clinical tutors and clinical educators, and includes reflection portfolios.

Timetable

Below is an example of a typical academic week for a Final Physiotherapy student.

Academic blocks are integrated with full-time clinical placement blocks in both semesters as follows:

Semester 1

• Clinical block (eight weeks)
• Academic block (eight weeks)

Semester 2

• Clinical block (eight weeks)
• Academic block (eight weeks)