MODULE DETAILS
Module title / Foot and lower extremity musculoskeletal pathology and clinical biomechanics
Module code / HEM35
Credit value / 20
Level
Mark the box to the right of the appropriate level with an ‘X’ / Level 4 / Level 5 / Level 6 / Level 7 / x / Level 8
Level 0 (for modules at foundation level)
Entry criteria for registration on this module
Pre-requisites
Specify in terms of module codes or equivalent / Normal course entry requirements apply. Or, if taken as a free standing module, pre-requisites are: a first degree in Podiatry or other relevant healthcare discipline.
Co-requisite modules
Specify in terms of module codes or equivalent / none
Module delivery
Mode of delivery / Taught / x / Distance / Placement / Online
Other
Pattern of delivery / Weekly / Block / x / Other
When module is delivered / Semester 1 / Semester 2 / Throughout year / x
Other
Brief description of module content and/ or aims
Overview (max 80 words) / This module will provide the opportunity to study the significance and effects of musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb. Promotion of discussion on current theories, management principles and philosophy among professionals treating patients with musculoskeletal pathologies will be encouraged. The application of trends in research and clinical practice will be explored whilst current management models are analysed. Throughout the module, students will be required to reflect critically on the impact of their learning on their patients, and their clinical practice. Methods of delivery to support this development include key note lectures, debate and small group work.
Module team/ author/ coordinator(s) / Bev Durrant and external visiting lecturers
School / SHP
Site/ campus where delivered / Robert Dodd, Eastbourne
Course(s) for which module is appropriate and status on that course
Course / Status (mandatory/ compulsory/ optional*)
MSc in the Principles of Podiatric Surgery / M
MSc Podiatry (and education or management) / O
MSc Podiatry with clinical biomechanics/diabetes/rheumatology / O
MSc Physiotherapy (and education or management) / O
MODULE AIMS, ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT
Aims /
  • To provide students with the opportunity to study musculoskeletal pathology specifically affecting the foot and lower limb.
  • To allow students to explore the biomechanical elements linked to musculoskeletal pathology of the foot and lower limb
  • To allow students to gain an appreciation of the variety of methods relating to the management of musculoskeletal pathology affecting the foot and lower limb.

Learning outcomes / By the end of the module the students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate critical awareness of current concepts and theories underpinning foot and lower limb musculoskeletal pathology
  2. Review and analyse the current literature to inform your decision making process surrounding management of musculoskeletal pathologies of the foot and lower limb
  3. Use biomechanical concepts to explain the manifestation and impact of musculoskeletal pathology and/or the impact of foot and ankle surgery on the function of the foot and lower limb.
  4. Explain how footwear biomechanics/ orthotic therapy can be employed to influence foot function
  5. Provide a succinct verbal synopsis of the clinical presentation of a musculoskeletal pathology of the foot and lower limb by designing and delivering a presentation using a suitable interface, for example, Power point, which will include a critical appraisal of the underpinning biomechanical elements related to the presenting pathology.

Content /
  • Lower limb musculoskeletal assessment.
  • Pathomechanics
  • Theoretical concepts related to foot function
  • Footwear biomechanics
  • Biomechanical principals that can be utilised to explain pathology
  • Biomechanics links to podiatric surgery

Learning support / Students will receive support from the module coordinator and module team, in addition to the department of Information Services. They will have access to course material via Studentcentral.
The following is a good range of library resources, specialist websites and online learning resources to support student learning.
Indicative Reading
Latest editions of the following texts:
  • Hamill. J, Knutzen. K Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement, 2nd Edition, London, Lippincott Williams.
  • Watkins, Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System, Leeds, Human Kinetics.
  • Whiting and Zernicke Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury, Leeds, Human Kinetics.
  • Kirtley.C ,Clinical Gait Analysis, theory and practice, London, Churchill Livingstone.
  • Kerr ,Introductory Biomechanics Churchill Livingstone, London
Paper:
  • Lee. W, (2001)Podiatric biomechanics. An historical appraisal and discussion of the Root model as a clinical system of approach in the present context of theoretical uncertainty Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Vol 18, (4), 555-684.
Journal of applied Biomechanics
Clinical Biomechanics
Journal of Biomechanics
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal Care
Foot and ankle International
Journal of foot wear science



Teaching and learning activities
Details of teaching and learning activities / During the module, case based learning will be supported by key note lectures from subject specialists both in house and external. Students will be expected to participate wholly in key discussions during each session and thus prepare reviews of current medical internet sites; relevant published articles & reports; questions for small group discussions and presentations of experiences from the clinical practice regarding management of patients with specific foot and lower limb musculoskeletal pathology
Allocation of study hours (indicative)
Where 10 credits = 100 learning hours / Study hours
200
SCHEDULED / 35
GUIDED INDEPENDENT STUDY / 165
PLACEMENT / 0
TOTAL STUDY HOURS / 200
Assessment tasks
Details of assessment for this module /
  1. There are 2 elements to the assessment for this module.
  2. A detailed oral presentation of a patient who has a lower limb musculoskeletal pathology, a 500 word abstract should accompany the presentation
  1. The presentation will include the critical appraisal of the underpinning biomechanical elements related to the presenting pathology and will discuss the relevance to current trends in the student’s own area of professional practice. The presentation should last 20 minutes, including 5 minutes for questions (LO 1-5)
  1. A 2000 word write up of the case which has been presented (LO 1,2,3,4,)
  1. The weighting for the assessment is 40% for the presentation and 60% for thewrite up
  2. Both elements of the assessment must be passed at the 50% threshold in order for the student to progress.

Types of assessment task[1]
Indicative list of summative assessment tasks which lead to the award of credit or which are required for progression. / % weighting
(or indicate if component is pass/fail)
WRITTEN / Written exam
COURSEWORK / Written assignment/ essay, report, dissertation, portfolio, project output, set exercise / 60
PRACTICAL / Oral assessment and presentation, practical skills assessment, set exercise / 40
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Area examination board / Graduate Programme in Health and Social Sciences
Refer to Faculty Office for guidance in completing the following sections
External examiners
Name / Position and institution / Date appointed / Date tenure ends
Mr William Money / Podiatric Surgery Department
Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital
King Edward Avenue
Herne Bay
Kent CT6 6EB / 2013 / 2017
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Date of first approval
Only complete where this is not the first version / 2006
Date of last revision
Only complete where this is not the first version / 2011
Date of approval for this version / 2013
Version number / 3
Modules replaced
Specify codes of modules for which this is a replacement
Available as free-standing module? / Yes / x / No

[1]Set exercises,which assess the application of knowledge or analytical, problem-solving or evaluative skills, are included under the type of assessment most appropriate to the particular task.