The module is aimed at any health care professional with an interest in musculoskeletal diagnosis and relevant professional qualifications involving treatment of patients.

A document covering tasks set out to reflect on clinical application, reading and debate to meet the all of the learning outcomes of the module.

Pass
Proficient, fluently, presented arguments that demonstrate understanding of theoretical issues in the application of knowledge.
Work includes critical analysis that demonstrates breadth and depth of literature and knowledge in the subject area, and originality in presentation.
The use of evidence demonstrates an understanding of the advancement of the boundaries of knowledge and is used as a basis for problem - solving.
Referencing is complete and accurate.

Merit:
A piece of work which meets all the requirements of a pass grade and in addition:
Presents arguments which have been underpinned by a thorough exploration of data and conceptual - based evidence which may go beyond the boundaries of the discipline. Discussion communicates ideas and arguments logically, concisely, clearly and effectively.

Distinction:
An outstanding piece of work which meets all of the requirements of a merit grade and in addition:
Demonstrates creativity and innovation.
There is substantial evidence of critique, challenge and original thought.
The arguments presented are compelling and authoritative and demonstrate synthesis to support new ideas

Contemporary journals as provided in reading lists sent by the presenter of the module in a list sent to you not less than 4 weeks prior to you attending the module.

The following texts are suggested reading:
Castro, W., Jerosch, J., and Grossman, T. (2001) Examination and diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders, USA, Theime Medical Publishers ISBN 1-58890-032-0
Enneking, W. (1990) Clinical musculoskeletal pathology 3rd ed. USA University Press of Florida ISBN 0-8130-1016-0
Fairbank, J. Pynsent, P. and Carr, A. (1999) Classification of musculoskeletal trauma UK Butterworth-Heinemann Medical ISBN 0-7506-2722-0
Mehta, A. (1997) Common musculoskeletal problems USA Hanley and Belfus Inc. ISBN 1-56053-173-8
Wilson, A. (2001) Effective management of musculoskeletal injury: A clinical ergonomics approach to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. UK, Churchill Livingstone ISBN 0-443-06353-2

The learning strategies of the module is centred on an interactive assessment strategy employed through the use of portfolio building, of which a fuller explanation and detailed rationale is contained in the introduction to the student handbook.

The general mode of delivering this module is through seminar and workshop activities using role-play, video, published papers and practical work/case studies etc., as illustrations. A feature of the delivery will be the use of discussions with you, based on evidence you have gathered for your portfolio and through this, you will be encouraged to reflect on your previous and current work. Formal lectures (about 15% or 8 hours of University class contact time) will only be used to ensure particular points of knowledge. These will be a stimulant to work and debate elsewhere in the delivery with group work practical activities (about 85% or 46 hours of University class contact time).

In the design of this module particular emphasis has been placed on a strategy to integrate the whole process of knowledge delivery, clinical application and assessment. It is designed to ensure that all strands of the educational experience contribute to learning and to giving you the confidence to enter research and debate. The teaching will be presented using interactive strategies reflecting contemporary adult learning principles. Group work will assure that clinical experiences are shared as part of the overall learning process.

You will explore the pathological changes identified as inflammatory or degenerative in nature, acute or chronic, trauma or disease. You will reflect on the diagnostic process as a complex skill involving a series of activities needed to identify the many musculoskeletal conditions you may encounter. This will include contemporary practices on patient history assessment, knowledge on musculoskeletal disorders, physical clinical examination and observation, and laboratory and hospital tests, in order to arrive at a diagnosis or differential diagnosis that will ultimately inform your management of a patient. A detailed knowledge of palpation anatomy, developmental anatomy, neuromuscular development and the physical tests and signs associated with contemporary thinking on diagnosing musculoskeletal complaints. You will also explore within the module how you identify when further tests are required and what these tests will achieve in rejecting or confirming a diagnosis. Tests include imaging modalities, gait analysis equipment with the potential use of electromyelographs, force/pressure measurements, kinematics, accelerometers, energy expenditure tests, serology and biochemical investigations. The module emphasises the current advanced physical examination techniques that you as a clinician will use at the "front line" before ordering further tests, and the importance that must be placed on understanding the underlining aetiology, pathology, and clinical features of specific musculoskeletal injury and disease. The recognition of the type of tests required from the clinical signs and symptoms to confirm a diagnosis. You will also focus on examining the evidence underpinning practice and identify where this information is available and how it is applied to your practice. Individual clinical expertise is enhanced through maintaining knowledge of current patient based clinical research in the field to enhance the effective and efficient diagnosis of a condition.

Library access
Access to contemporary journals
Personal computer (Internet Access advantageous)
Clinical facilities and podiatric patients (varying age ranges preferable).
Discourse with colleagues and fellow students.

The University will provide at the relevant times:
Access to university library, printing/photocopying and IT facilities.
Tutor support.
Help in forming peer support groups.

Resources specifically during class sessions:
Anatomical models.
Presentation tools (eg. Overhead projectors, computer facilities).
Clinical facilities- couches, biomechanical measuring devices, gait analysis equipment.
Video and television equipment.