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
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 - 2026
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).
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
Assessment Overview
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.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
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 SUTE
Students reported enjoying the mix of academic and clinical tutors in the room.
It is recommended that the discipline continue to employ a mix of staff in practical classes to support students.
- 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.
Not applicable
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 - First Nations Knowledges | |||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Textbooks
Chiropractic Technique, 3rd Edition
- (2010)
- Authors: Thomas F. Bergmann, DC and David H. Peterson, DC
- Elsevier Australia
- ISBN: 9780323049696
This is the primary textbook that we will refer to throughout the the Bachelor of Science (chiropractic). It is an excellent reference text for the technique skills you will be learning, however, core information required to successfully complete each unit will be provided within the provided unit content. This book will provide a deeper level of information and clarification on areas that may be difficult to grasp.
This is the primary textbook that we will refer to throughout the the Bachelor of Science (chiropractic). It is an excellent reference text for the technique skills you will be learning, however, core information required to successfully complete each unit will be provided within the provided unit content. This book will provide a deeper level of information and clarification on areas that may be difficult to grasp.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
m.fernandez@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Lecture topics to be covered this week include:
- Welcome and introduction to Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 1 - unit overview
- Introduction to the Profession
- Body planes, anatomical terms, range of motion
- Introduction to the profession, philosophies and principles
Practical Lab content:
- Practical lab induction
- Informed consent
- Hygiene expectations
- Introduction to content for the rest of the term
- Introduction 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: 16 Mar 2026Module/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: 23 Mar 2026Module/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: 30 Mar 2026Module/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: 06 Apr 2026Module/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
Week 6
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Lecture and practical topics:
1. The Chiropractic profession in Australia
2. Week 6 OSCE Wednesday April 15th
Chapter
Reference
1. See references in PowerPoint on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6 OSCE - schedule timeslots will be provided
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2026Module/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: 04 May 2026Module/Topic
Lecture and practical topics:
Review of Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar spine and Upper Limb
Chapter
Reference
1. See references in PowerPoint on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 11 May 2026Module/Topic
Lecture and practical topics:
1. Pelvis and Hip
- 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: 18 May 2026Module/Topic
Lecture and practical topics:
1. Knee, 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: 25 May 2026Module/Topic
Lecture and practical topics:
1. Postural examination
2. Review
Chapter
Reference
1. Chapter 3 pages 55-57 - Bergmann
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Week 12 OSCE Monday June 1st
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12 OSCE - schedule timeslots will be provided
Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 On-campus Activity
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 or practical 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.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply.
Level 1 - You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Submit your signed on-campus activity completion sheet to Moodle after the last activity
You will receive formative feedback following each activity during the term and your final result will be confirmed through Moodle.
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
- 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)
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.
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, 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 cranium, 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.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply.
Level 1 - You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
This assessment will occur on campus starting at 9am in week 6 and week 12, you will be informed ahead of time of a specific time to attend.
Grades with feedback will be returned via Moodle
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, active and passive range of motion, and postural analysis
- Knowledge - surface anatomy
- 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)
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 true/false, 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.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply.
Level 1 - You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Exam Week Tuesday (9 June 2026) 9:00 am AEST
The end of term test will take place as per timetable (Week 13 Tuesday 9am-10:30am)
Vacation/Exam Week Friday (19 June 2026)
The end of term test results will be visible in Moodle after marking and moderation.
The assessment criteria will involve selecting or providing the most accurate and correct answers to the questions posed in this end of term test.
- 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
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?
