Podiatry
Bachelor of Podiatry – Melbourne (Bundoora) (HBPD)
From 2009 this course will only be available for continuing students. Those wishing to study podiatry should apply for the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Podiatric Practice.
Division of Allied Health: (03) 9479 5815
Duration: 4 years
This is the podiatry professional qualification. The podiatrist is a health professional whose area of speciality is the diagnosis and management of lower limb disorders, with particular emphasis on the foot and ankle. Podiatrists offer a range of preventative, curative and palliative treatments to patients of all ages in both the public and private sectors. Podiatrists can go on to specialise in various areas such as sports injuries, biomechanics, diabetes, rheumatology, paediatrics and surgery.
Clinical placements are undertaken at selected city and rural/regional hospitals and clinics. Students may also undertake their clinical placement in interstate and overseas hospital and clinics if available. Students must meet the travel and accommodation costs associated with clinical practice. Students are expected to purchase two sets of clinical instruments, one at the start of first year and one at the start of second year, at cost of approximately $400 in first year and $270 in second year. Students are also required to purchase a uniform to be worn during clinical sessions.
Degree requirements
Students must complete all the subjects below. Students who meet the appropriate requirements will be invited to participate in an honours program.
Course structure
First year (no new intake in 2010)
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | HBS1APH | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | HBS1BMT | Materials | 10 |
| TE-SEM-1 | PHE1PHC | Introduction to Public Health C | 10 |
| TE-SEM-1 | POD1PCP | Preclinical Podiatry | 10 |
| TE-SEM-1 | POD1PDM | Podiatric Dermatology | 15 |
| TE-SEM-2 | HBS1ALF | Anatomy: Lower Limb and Foot | 10 |
| TE-SEM-2 | HBS1BHM | Biomechanics of Human Movement | 10 |
| TE-SEM-2 | HBS1HBF | Human Body Function | 10 |
| TE-SEM-2 | PHE1PHD | Introduction to Public Health D | 5 |
| TE-SEM-2 | PHE1RMH | Research Methods in Health 1 | 5 |
| TE-SEM-2 | POD1PBM | Podiatric Biomechanics 1 | 10 |
| TE-SEM-2 | POD1PCS | Podiatric Clinical Skills | 10 |
Second year (continuing students only)
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | HBS2NEU | Neurosciences A | 5 |
| TE-SEM-1 | PHE2RMH | Research Methods in Health 2 | 5 |
| TE-SEM-1 | POD2PAS | Podiatric Assessment | 10 |
| TE-SEM-1 | POD2PBM | Podiatric Biomechanics 2 | 10 |
| TE-SEM-1 | POD2PLA | Podiatric Anaesthesia | 10 |
| TE-SEM-1 | POD2POA | Podiatric Orthotic Practice 2A | 10 |
| TE-SEM-2 | HBS2PPY | Pathology and Pharmacology | 10 |
| TE-SEM-2 | MIC2MVM1 | Medical and Veterinary Microbiology | 20 |
| TE-SEM-2 | POD2PMX | Podiatric Management | 10 |
| TE-SEM-2 | POD2POB | Podiatric Orthotic Practice 2B | 10 |
| TE-ALLYR | POD2PCP | Podiatric Clinical Practice 2 | 20 |
Third year (continuing students only)
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | HBS3CPH | Clinical Pharmacology for Podiatrists | 10 |
| TE-SEM-1 | POD3PMD | Podiatric Medicine | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 | POD3POA | Podiatric Orthotic Practice 3A | 5 |
| TE-SEM-1 | POD3PSG | Podiatric Surgery: Theory | 10 |
| TE-SEM-2 | PHE3ARM | Advanced Research Methodology | 10 |
| TE-SEM-2 | POD3POB | Podiatric Orthotic Practice 3B | 5 |
| TE-SEM-2 | POD3PPH | Podiatric Pharmacology | 10 |
| TE-SEM-2 | POD3PSP | Podiatric Specialisations | 15 |
| TE-ALLYR | POD3PCP | Podiatric Clinical Practice 3 | 30 |
| TE-ALLYR | POD3PST | Podiatric Surgery Practice | 10 |
Fourth year (pass) (continuing students only)
The fourth year is available in two streams – pass and honours. The pass stream offers the opportunity for more extensive clinical practice both within the Health Sciences Clinic and at external institutions.
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2 |
POD4PEC | Podiatric External Clinic | 45 |
| TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2 |
POD4PCP | Podiatry Clinical Practice | 45 |
| TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2 |
HLT3CCS | Chronic condition self management | 15 |
| TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2 |
Elective(s) | 15 |
Fourth year (Honours) (continuing students only)
A full-time, research-based fourth year of study leading to an honours degree provides students of appropriate academic ability with the opportunity to study at a higher level and develop podiatric research skills. Selection into the honours stream is based on academic results in third year subjects, a B average or above being required in third year podiatry subjects, and on the availability of supervisors.
| Teaching period | Subject code | Subject title | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-ALLYR | POD4PHC | Podiatry Honours Clinic | 40 |
| TE-ALLYR | POD4PHT | Podiatry Honours Thesis | 65 |
| TE-SEM-1 or TE-SEM-2 |
HLT3CCS | Chronic condition self management | 15 |
Key: 1. Taught by Faculty of Science, Technology and Engingeering
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Podiatry is recognised throughout Australasia. On completion of the podiatry course, podiatrists must register with the Podiatrists Registration Board in the state in which they intend to practise.