Course Outline
HLT323 Advanced Concepts in Orthotics
Course Coordinator:Brian Delaney (bdelaney@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Public Health
2026Trimester 1
UniSC Sunshine Coast |
Blended learning | Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online. |
Please go to unisc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.
What is this course about?
Description
This course will introduce you to more advanced concepts in lower limb and spinal orthotic management, covering topics that are inherently more difficult or are newer developments within the field. You will develop the skills to critically evaluate and communicate strategies of best practice regarding the use of different advanced technologies and techniques to improve the quality and provision of orthotic care. Practical components of this course will introduce students to more advanced fabrication techniques and concepts related to knee, hip and spinal orthoses.
How will this course be delivered?
| Activity | Hours | Beginning Week | Frequency |
| Blended learning | |||
| Learning materials – independent structured learning materials | 2hrs | Week 1 | 12 times |
| Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus tutorial | 2hrs | Week 1 | 12 times |
| Laboratory 1 – On campus laboratory | 3hrs | Week 1 | 12 times |
Course Topics
Module 1: Advanced orthotic management of the lower limb
Module 2: Specialised clinical practices related to the spine
Module 3: Paediatric orthotic management
What level is this course?
300 Level (Graduate)
What is the unit value of this course?
12 units
How does this course contribute to my learning?
| Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... | Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... | Professional Standard Mapping * The Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association | |
| 1 | Communicate effectively, based on intended audience, to instruct others on a new technique, technology, or concept. |
Creative and critical thinker Empowered |
1.1.7, 1.1.8, 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.5, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.4 |
| 2 | Critically examine new technologies, techniques and/or knowledge in orthotics and discuss implications to clinical care. |
Creative and critical thinker Empowered |
5.3.3, 6.1.1, 6.1.3, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.4, 6.2.5 |
| 3 | Provide a persuasive justification for improving client outcomes through evidence-based orthotic intervention strategies. |
Creative and critical thinker Sustainability-focussed |
1.3.1, 1.3.2, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.2.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.6, 2.3.8, 2.5.1, 2.5.2, 4.2.3, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.3 |
| 4 | Evaluate and apply advanced clinical theories, practices, technologies and concepts to inform current and future best practice. | Empowered |
1.2.3, 1.2.4, 4.3.2, 5.1.2, 6.1.2, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.3, 6.2.4, 6.2.5 |
| 5 | Demonstrate technical skills in the provision of orthotic devices. | Empowered |
2.4.1, 2.4.2, 2.4.3, 2.4.4, 2.4.5, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 6.2.5 |
* Competencies by Professional Body
| CODE | COMPETENCY |
| The Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association | |
| 1.1.7 | Provides prompt, accurate and comprehensive information in clear terms to enable the client and/or carer to make an informed decision |
| 1.1.8 | Uses all available resources to enhance communication |
| 1.3.1 | Provides clinical justification for prescribed orthotic/prosthetic client treatment |
| 1.3.2 | Provides relevant information in order to facilitate client access to care |
| 1.2.3 | Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other health professionals to enhance collaborative practice and client access to care |
| 1.2.4 | Actively participates within the health professional team and seeks opportunities to demonstrate professional excellence |
| 2.1.1 | Identifies subjective and objective information to enable development of an appropriate orthotic/prosthetic care plan |
| 2.1.2 | Selects assessment techniques, outcome measures and other tools/instruments based on evidence, which are relevant to the client’s presentation |
| 2.2.1 | Accesses and utilises evidence to guide clinical decisions |
| 2.3.2 | Considers the information obtained, the client and/or carer’s goals and evidence when formulating treatment options |
| 2.3.6 | Determines and justifies the design details of the orthosis/prosthesis prescription |
| 2.3.8 | Selects appropriate outcome measures |
| 2.5.1 | Adheres to legislative and organisational requirements for all documentation |
| 2.5.2 | Maintains legible, concise and accurate documentation using contemporary methods |
| 2.4.1 | Considers all relevant characteristics of the client during orthosis/prosthesis fitting and review processes |
| 2.4.2 | Uses appropriate techniques to ensure optimal fit and function of the orthosis/prosthesis |
| 2.4.3 | Reviews the client at appropriate intervals to evaluate fit, function, quality and safety of the orthosis/prosthesis |
| 2.4.4 | Evaluates and monitors treatment outcomes using patient feedback and/or outcome measures |
| 2.4.5 | Modifies treatment to ensure best possible outcomes are maintained |
| 3.1.2 | Fabricates and/or coordinates the optimal fabrication of orthoses/prostheses |
| 3.1.3 | Performs and/or coordinates requires modifications of orthoses/prostheses |
| 3.2.1 | Assesses the orthosis/prosthesis for structural safety at appropriate intervals |
| 3.2.2 | Ensures the orthosis/prosthesis is compliant with manufacturer guidelines and standards |
| 4.2.3 | Prescribes and designs orthosis/prosthesis to achieve optimal outcomes within the approved budget for client treatment |
| 4.3.2 | Participates in audit processes and quality improvement initiative |
| 4.1.1 | Facilitates appropriate completion of treatment |
| 4.1.2 | Demonstrates an ability to triage individual client case load within broader facility requirements for client care |
| 4.1.3 | Facilitates appropriate completion of all supportive activities |
| 5.3.3 | Recognises where further training is required to conduct competent practice |
| 5.1.2 | Identifies workplace hazards and acts to eliminate or reduce risks |
| 5.1.1 | Adheres to legislation and workplace guidelines relating to safety |
| 6.1.1 | Undertakes independent learning to further own knowledge and skills on a continuous basis |
| 6.1.2 | Shares skills and knowledge with health professional colleagues and students |
| 6.1.5 | Offers constructive feedback and assistance to other health professionals |
| 6.2.1 | Assesses and critically analyses sources of evidence |
| 6.2.2 | Demonstrates a systematic approach to analysis and decision making |
| 6.2.4 | Demonstrates knowledge of new techniques and technology relevant to orthotics/prosthetics |
| 6.1.3 | Participates in health professional training and research as opportunities arise |
| 6.2.5 | Critically and continuously evaluates practice |
| 6.2.3 | Integrates evidence and new learning into practice to improve health outcomes for clients |
Am I eligible to enrol in this course?
Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.
Pre-requisites
(HLT321 and enrolled in SC367 with a Prosthetics & Orthotics Extended major) or (HLT321 and enrolled in SC307)
Co-requisites
Not applicable
Anti-requisites
Not applicable
Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)
Clinical and technical skill in prosthetics and orthotics
Microcredential Information
Not applicable
How am I going to be assessed?
Grading Scale
Standard Grading (GRD)
| High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL). |
Details of early feedback on progress
In week 4, you will be be provided early formative feedback on progression
Assessment tasks
| Delivery mode | Task No. | Assessment Product | Individual or Group | Weighting % | What is the duration / length? | When should I submit? | Where should I submit it? |
| All | 1 | Activity Participation | Individual | 30% | Poster: 1000 words Presentation: 5 mins |
Week 7 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All | 2 | Portfolio | Individual | 40% | 1500 words |
Week 12 | Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check |
| All | 3 | Examination - Centrally Scheduled | Individual | 30% | 120 minutes |
Exam Period | Online Test (Quiz) |
| All - Assessment Task 1:Infographic on Advance Practice | ||||||||||||||||
| Goal: | The goal of this task is to have you research an advancing technology or technique in P&O and present your findings to an audience. |
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| Product: | Activity Participation | |||||||||||||||
| Authorship Statement: | ||||||||||||||||
| Format: | You will be required to produce a one-page infographic poster and present this via oral presentation in class |
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| Criteria: |
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| Generic Skills: | Communication, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy |
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| All - Assessment Task 2:Advanced Manufacturing Techniques Portfolio | ||||||||||||||||
| Goal: | This portfolio will have you demonstrate a range of clinical and technical competencies necessary for the design, prescription, manufacture, and fitting of intricate lower limb orthoses. This portfolio aims to illustrate your understanding of orthotic design and biomechanics. |
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| Product: | Portfolio | |||||||||||||||
| Authorship Statement: | ||||||||||||||||
| Format: | You will complete a series of technical and written submissions via Canvas |
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| Criteria: |
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| Generic Skills: | Communication, Problem solving, Applying technologies, Information literacy |
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| All - Assessment Task 3:Final Examination | ||||||||||||||||
| Goal: | The final examination will allow you to display your knowledge of the topics presented within the 12 week trimester and how they relate to clinical care of evidence based practice. |
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| Product: | Examination - Centrally Scheduled | |||||||||||||||
| Authorship Statement: | ||||||||||||||||
| Format: | The final examination will consist of multiple choice, T/F, short answer questions on the topics presented in the course and will include long answer/essay questions. |
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| Criteria: |
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| Generic Skills: | Communication, Problem solving, Applying technologies |
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Directed study hours
A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.
What resources do I need to undertake this course?
Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.
Prescribed text(s) or course reader
You need regular access to the resource(s) below. Many texts are available as ebooks through the Library at no additional cost.
| Required? | Author | Year | Title | Edition | Publisher |
| Required | Kevin C. Chui,Sheng-Che Yen,Milagros Jorge,Michelle M. Lusardi | 2019 | Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation | 4th | Saunders |
Specific requirements
You will be required to wear Program uniform, Student name badge, Student ID, approved pants, and closed toe shoes during client and/or professional guest encounters.
How are risks managed in this course?
What administrative information is relevant to this course?
Assessment: Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation. It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline. This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.
Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person. You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.
In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.
Assessment: Additional Requirements
Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment
Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
Assessment: Submission penalties
Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.
The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty
Links to relevant University policy and procedures
For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:
- Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
- Review of Assessment and Final Grades
- Supplementary Assessment
- Central Examinations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Conduct
- Students with a Disability
For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching
Student Charter
UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.
General Enquiries
For course-specific questions, contact your teaching staff or Course Coordinator.
For other enquiries or to access support, please contact Student Central: