Broader context in the curriculum

At Mälardalen University, Västerås/Eskilstuna, Sweden, the physiotherapy curriculum is 3 years for BSc, 2 years for MSc, and then research education program. The BSc is necessary to be a registered physiotherapist in Sweden. After BSc the student can study further to MSc and thereafter in the PhD-program in Physiotherapy.

Pre-clinical course on methods for assessment in physiotherapy 

The pre-clinical course of Methods for assessment in Physiotherapy (Course code FYS028), 15 ECT, in the first semester in the 2nd year of the BSc, is based on a biopsychosocial perspective and aims for the student to acquire behavioural medicine knowledge of and skills in methods for examination in physiotherapy. The aim is also for the student to be able to document and critically evaluate the suitability, reliability and validity of measurement methods. Furthermore, the student must acquire knowledge in exercise physiology and about factors that affect physical activity at the individual, group and community level.

Among learning goals for this course we have the following two:

1) identify, assess, and give simple advice regarding an individual’s lifestyle about physical activity, eating habits and the use of alcohol and tobacco

2) in advisory conversations assess an individual’s propensity for behavior change, plan and apply individual adaptation of physical activity based on learning theories and / or health psychological theories and models

The teaching is conducted in a varied way through literature studies, study assignments in groups, individual study assignments, lectures, laboratory work, Socratic conversations, method exercises, etc.

Examination of environmental specific parts of the course

Environment and sustainability aspects are discussed in the examining seminar based on the students’ sedentary behaviour and the environmental effects of active transport versus passive transport.