CQUniversity Unit Profile
CHIR11001 Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 1
Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 1
All details in this unit profile for CHIR11001 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit offers you an introduction to the principles and practice of chiropractic, within the context of the Australian health care system. The overall structure of the Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 1 unit covers integrated material on topics to prepare you for progressively more complex health-related units in the course. As such, it commences with etymology (medical terminology); basic musculoskeletal assessment protocols; postural observation and analysis; movement (active and passive ranges of motion); psychomotor palpation skills to spinal and peripheral anatomy landmarks; elementary biomechanics; history of manipulation and founding philosophical principles of chiropractic.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Co-requisite: BMSC11010 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 Or BMSC11001 Human Body Systems 1

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2023

Brisbane

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. On-campus Activity
Weighting: Pass/Fail
2. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
Weighting: 60%
3. In-class Test(s)
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

Students indicated that they would like to receive their marked rubrics electronically, if possible.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the discipline explore methods of providing electronic feedback.

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

Some students felt that the main chiropractic lab would benefit from the tutors having a microphone attached to them when discussing the daily tasks.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the discipline speak to TaSAC about a microphone for teaching purposes.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Define the principles and practice of chiropractic and discuss how philosophical chiropractic approaches are applied in a modern health paradigm
  2. Describe biomechanical principles relevant to chiropractic practice
  3. Perform and interpret musculoskeletal assessment tasks using postural observation, range of motion measurements and static palpation of spinal and axial landmarks.

Not applicable

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - On-campus Activity - 0%
2 - Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) - 60%
3 - In-class Test(s) - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Chiropractic Technique: Principles and Procedures

3rd edition
Authors: David H. Peterson and Thomas F. Bergmann
Elsevier Australia
Sydney Sydney , NSW , Australia
ISBN: 9780323049696
Binding: Hardcover

Additional Textbook Information

The prescribed textbook can be accessed online at the CQUniversity Library website. Access can be limited, so if you prefer your own copy, you can purchase either paper or eBook versions at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Dawn Dane Unit Coordinator
d.dane@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Lecture topics to be covered this week include:

  • Welcome and introduction to Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 1 - unit overview
  • Etymology - (healthcare terminology)
  • Body planes, anatomical terms, range of motion
  • Introduction to the profession

Practical Lab content:

  • Practical lab induction
  • Informed consent
  • Hygiene expectations
  • Introduction to content for the rest of the term
  • Intoduction to static palpation (bony and soft tissue)

Chapter

Reference:

Bergmann, T, Chiropractic Technique, Principles and Procedures, 3rd Edition (2011) from here on referred to purely as Bergmann

  • Chapters 1 and 2

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Lecture and practical topics:

1. Introduction to joint biomechanics

2. Elbow, forearm, wrist and hand

  • Superficial landmarks
  • Static palpation
  • Range of Motion

Chapter

Reference

1. Chapter 2 - Bergmann (see details above)

2. Chapter 3 pages 59-67, Chapter 6 - pages 315-320, 326-331 - Bergmann


Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Lecture and practical topics:

1. Properties of connective tissues

2. Shoulder

  • Superficial landmarks
  • Static palpation
  • Range of Motion

Chapter

Reference:

1. Chapter 2 - Bergmann

2. Chapter 6 -pages 294-300 - Bergmann

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Lecture and practical topics:

1. Intro to spinal biomechanics

2. Thoracic spine, ribs and chest

  • Superficial landmarks
  • Static palpation
  • Range of Motion

Chapter

Reference

1. Chapter 5 pages 188-195 - Bergmann

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 03 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Lecture and practical topics:

1. History of manipulation

2. Cervical spine and cranium

  • Superficial landmarks
  • Static palpation
  • Range of Motion

Chapter

Reference

1. See references in PowerPoint on Moodle

2. Chapter 5 pages 152-164 - Bergmann

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 10 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 17 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Lecture and practical topics:

1. The Chiropractic profession in Australia

2. Week 6 OSCE 

Chapter

Reference

1. See references in PowerPoint on Moodle


Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 OSCE - schedule timeslots will be provided

Week 7 Begin Date: 24 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Lecture and practical topics:

1. Other health professions within the neuromusculoskeletal arena

2. Lumbar spine and pelvis

  • Superficial landmarks
  • Static palpation
  • Range of Motion

Chapter

Reference

1. Chapter 3 pages 59-66, Chapter 5 pages 233-240, Chapter 5 pages 262-270, - Bergmann

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 01 May 2023

Module/Topic

Lecture and practical topics:

Review of Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar spine (public holiday this week so only one class)

Chapter

Reference

1. See references in PowerPoint on Moodle


Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 08 May 2023

Module/Topic

Lecture and practical topics:

1. Hip and Knee

  • Superficial landmarks
  • Static palpation
  • Range of Motion


Chapter

Reference

1. Chapter 6 pages 337-344 and pages 349-356 - Bergmann

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 15 May 2023

Module/Topic

Lecture and practical topics:

1. Foot and Ankle

  • Superficial landmarks
  • Static palpation
  • Range of Motion

Chapter

Reference

1.Chapter 6 364-369 - Bergmann


Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 22 May 2023

Module/Topic

Lecture and practical topics:

1. Postural examination

2. Review

Chapter

Reference

1. Chapter 3 pages 55-57 - Bergmann

Events and Submissions/Topic

On-Campus Activity Due: Week 11 Friday (26 May 2023) 12:00 pm AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 29 May 2023

Module/Topic

Week 12 OSCE

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Objective structured clinical examinations - weeks 6 and 12 Due: Week 12 Wednesday (31 May 2023) 1:00 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 05 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

End of Term computer lab test

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

End of Term Test Due: Review/Exam Week Wednesday (7 June 2023) 10:30 am AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 On-campus Activity

Assessment Title
On-Campus Activity

Task Description

During most practical classes there will be an associated on-campus activity. These will be a mix of activities but could and will include things like demonstrating clinical skills learned during the last class, participating in a discussion on the weekly theoretical topic, using the anatomical models in class to locate landmarks or other similar activities. These activities are designed to develop your clinical skills and theoretical knowledge. The tasks will be completed during the first 10-15 minutes of each class. You will be provided with an on-campus activity sheet which you will be required to bring to each class and upon completion of the activity have your in-class tutor sign and date it. It is your responsibility to ensure this sheet is completed and kept safe as it is proof of completion. Once you have completed the assessment you will need to upload the sheet to Moodle. This assignment requires 80% to pass.

Please note, this is a pass/fail assessment task that means if you do not achieve a pass for this task you will not pass the unit. Supplementary assessments are not available for pass/fail assessment items.


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Friday (26 May 2023) 12:00 pm AEST

Submit your signed on-campus activity completion sheet to Moodle after the last activity


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Friday (2 June 2023)

You will receive formative feedback following each activity during the term and your final result will be confirmed through Moodle.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
80%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria for this assessment task will involve completing 80% of the on-campus activities. 

These activities will involve and be assessed on the following:

  • Completing a task (additional details of the weekly activities can be found on Moodle)
  • Receiving formative feedback
  • Participating in group discussions
  • Having the on-campus activity sheet signed after each activity
  • Uploading the on-campus activity sheet to Moodle at the end of week 11


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Define the principles and practice of chiropractic and discuss how philosophical chiropractic approaches are applied in a modern health paradigm
  • Describe biomechanical principles relevant to chiropractic practice
  • Perform and interpret musculoskeletal assessment tasks using postural observation, range of motion measurements and static palpation of spinal and axial landmarks.

2 Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)

Assessment Title
Objective structured clinical examinations - weeks 6 and 12

Task Description

There is a practical examination in the second practical session of Week 6 and another in week 12.

Each OSCE is worth 30% of the total grade for this unit. The combined OSCE total is 60% for the unit.

Each practical examination will consist of several components. Students must obtain a total of 50% or more to pass the practical assessment. Each practical assessment must be passed.

Week 6 OSCE (which will occur in the second class of week 6) - components may consist of:

a) Identification of superficial landmarks of the wrist, hand, elbow, shoulder, cranium, cervical and thoracic spine.

b) Range of motion assessment of the cervical or thoracic spine and/or the upper limb joints

c) Appropriate hygiene and consent procedures

Week 12 OSCE will occur in week 12, please see timetable - may consist of:

a) Identification of superficial landmarks of the lumbar spine, pelvis, hip, knee, ankle and foot.

b) Range of motion assessment of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine, and/or the lower limb joints.

c) Postural observation

d) Appropriate consent and hygiene procedures.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Wednesday (31 May 2023) 1:00 pm AEST

This assessment will occur on campus starting at 9am, you will be informed ahead of time of a specific time to attend.


Return Date to Students

Review/Exam Week Friday (9 June 2023)

Grades with feedback will be returned via Moodle


Weighting
60%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria for this unit will seek to ensure that this assessment examines your newly developed clinical skills. A detailed rubric will be provided on Moodle.

The criteria will examine the following:

  • Professionalism and communication with your mock patient
  • Clinical skills - observation, static palpation and active range of motion
  • Knowledge - surface anatomy


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Perform and interpret musculoskeletal assessment tasks using postural observation, range of motion measurements and static palpation of spinal and axial landmarks.

3 In-class Test(s)

Assessment Title
End of Term Test

Task Description

This end of term test will be undertaken in a CQUni computer lab on the Brisbane campus as per the timetable. The test will involve a mix of question types including multiple choice, short answer and matching styles. The test will assess all theoretical content taught across weeks 1-12. A study guide will be provided during the term.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Wednesday (7 June 2023) 10:30 am AEST

The end of term test will take place as per timetable (Week 13 Wednesday 9am-10:30am)


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (16 June 2023)

The end of term test results will be visible in Moodle on the 16th of June 2023.


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria will involve selecting or providing the most accurate and correct answers to the questions posed in this end of term test.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Define the principles and practice of chiropractic and discuss how philosophical chiropractic approaches are applied in a modern health paradigm
  • Describe biomechanical principles relevant to chiropractic practice

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?