Overview
This unit will introduce you to the aetiology, incidence, pathophysiology and clinical presentation of complex and multifaceted clinical conditions encountered in chiropractic practice. You will integrate this theoretical understanding with appropriate orthopaedic, neurologic and physical examination skills while continuing to build on your clinical management skills.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-Requisite: NUP10435 Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 5
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 2 - 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 12-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 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 appreciated the supportive teachers and the interactive nature of the practical classes
It is recommended that the teaching team continue to provide a supportive and interactive learning environment.
Feedback from SUTE
Some students felt that additional theoretical content discussion during the practical classes would reinforce their learning.
It is recommended that the unit coordinator integrate some theoretical content into the practical classes to support student learning.
- Describe the clinical presentation including aetiology, incidence and pathophysiology of complex and multifaceted conditions of the spine and extremities
- Apply clinical reasoning skills in relation to the selection and application of assessment and management procedures relevant to complex and multifaceted conditions to determine introductory diagnoses
- Demonstrate advanced clinical assessment skills including neurological and orthopaedic procedures
- Demonstrate management procedures including advanced chiropractic techniques
- Reflect on and discuss the behavioural expectations of a healthcare professional in multi-cultural Australia.
LO1 - Competency 3 (3.4)
LO2 - Competency 1 (1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4), 2 (2.2), 3 (3.3, 3.4 and 3.5), 4 (4.1 and 4.2)
LO 3 - Competency 1 (1.1, 1.2 and 1.3), 2 (2.1), 3 (3.1, 3.2 and 3.4)
LO4 - Competency 1 (1.1, 1.2 and 1.3), 2 (2.1 and 2.3), 4 (4.1 and 4.2), 5 (5.1 and 5.2)
LO5 - Competency 2 (2.1), 3 (3.1, 3.2 and 3.4)
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - On-campus Activity - 0% | |||||
| 2 - Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) - 50% | |||||
| 3 - In-class Test(s) - 50% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 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: Principles and Procedures
- Edition: 3rd (2011)
- Authors: Thomas F. Bergmann, DC, FICC David H. Peterson, DC
- Elsevier (Imprint: Mosby)
- Philadelphia Philadelphia , Pennsylvan , United States
- ISBN: Print ISBN‑13: 978‑0‑323‑04969‑6
Additional Textbook Information
No, supplementary text only
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
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.
m.fernandez@cqu.edu.au
b.holtsbaum@cqu.edu.au
Week 1 - Introduction & Shoulder
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Unit Introduction
Chiropractic Technique - Shoulder (Practical)
Ortho/Neuro - Shoulder (Practical)
Common Conditions - Shoulder (Lecture)
Chapter
Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.
Section 4, Chapter 15
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2 - Shoulder
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Chiropractic Technique - Shoulder (Practical)
Ortho/Neuro - Shoulder (Practical)
Common Conditions - Shoulder (Lecture)
Chapter
Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.
Section 4, Chapter 15
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3 - Elbow
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Chiropractic Technique - Elbow (Practical)
Ortho/Neuro - Elbow (Practical)
Common Conditions - Elbow (Lecture)
Chapter
Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.
Section 4, Chapter 16
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4 - Wrist & Hand
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Chiropractic Technique - Wrist & Hand (Practical)
Ortho/Neuro - Wrist & Hand (Practical)
Common Conditions - Wrist & Hand (Lecture)
Chapter
Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.
Chapter 17
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5 - UL Review
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Chiropractic Technique - Upper Limb Review (Practical)
Ortho/Neuro - Upper Limb Review (Practical)
Common Conditions - Upper Limb Neuro (Lecture)
Chapter
Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.
Chapters 15-17
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6 - UL Mid Term OSCE
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Chiropractic Technique Upper Limb Mid Term OSCE (Practical)
Ortho/Neuro Upper Limb Mid Term OSCE (Practical)
Common Conditions - Hip (Lecture)
Chapter
Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.
Section 2, Chapter 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Upper Limb Mid Term OSCE (25%)
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7 - Hip
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Chiropractic Technique - Hip (Practical)
Ortho/Neuro - Hip (Practical)
Common Conditions - Hip (Lecture)
Chapter
Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.
Section 2, Chapter 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8 - Knee
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Chiropractic Technique - Knee (Practical)
Ortho/Neuro - Knee (Practical)
Common Conditions - Knee (Lecture)
Chapter
Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.
Section 2, Chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9 - Ankle & Foot
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Chiropractic Technique - Ankle & Foot (Practical)
Ortho/Neuro - Ankle & Foot (Practical)
Common Conditions - Ankle & Foot (Lecture)
Chapter
Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.
Section 2, Chapter 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10 - TMJ
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Chiropractic Technique - TMJ (Practical)
Ortho/Neuro - TMJ (Practical)
Common Conditions - TMJ (Lecture)
Chapter
Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.
Section 5, Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11 - Review Week
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Chiropractic Technique - Review Week (Practical)
Ortho/Neuro - Review Week (Practical)
Common Conditions - Review Week (Lecture)
Chapter
Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12 - OSCE Week
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chiropractic Technique - OSCE Week (Practical)
Ortho/Neuro - OSCE Week (Practical)
Common Conditions - LL Neuro (Lecture)
Chapter
Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.
Events and Submissions/Topic
End of Term OSCE (25%)
On-Campus Activity Due: Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2026) 12:00 pm AEST
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations Due: Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2026) 5:30 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 On-campus Activity
The on-campus activities in this unit monitor the ongoing development of your practical chiropractic skills through structured weekly in-class activities.
You will receive ongoing verbal feedback during classes to support the refinement of your clinical skills. Each activity will vary in its requirements and expectations and will be based on material from the previous or current week. It is therefore essential that you engage with unit content on a weekly basis.
Activities will be completed during the first 10–15 minutes of each practical class. You will be provided with an On-Campus Activity sheet, which must be brought to each class. Upon completion of each activity, your tutor will sign and date the sheet. It is your responsibility to ensure this document is accurately completed and retained, as it serves as evidence of participation and completion.
A completed and signed activity sheet must be submitted via Moodle at the end of Week 12.
To achieve a pass for this assessment task, you must:
Complete a minimum of 80% of the scheduled on-campus activities and provide a correctly completed and signed activity record.
This is a pass/fail assessment task. Failure to meet the requirements of this task will result in a failure grade for the unit. Supplementary assessment is not available for this task.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
AI Assessment Scale Tool – Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2026) 12:00 pm AEST
Evidence of completion - on-campus activity
Vacation/Exam Week Friday (23 Oct 2026)
Completion is based on satisfactory participation in weekly activities, verified by tutor sign-off.
- Describe the clinical presentation including aetiology, incidence and pathophysiology of complex and multifaceted conditions of the spine and extremities
- Demonstrate advanced clinical assessment skills including neurological and orthopaedic procedures
- Demonstrate management procedures including advanced chiropractic techniques
- Reflect on and discuss the behavioural expectations of a healthcare professional in multi-cultural Australia.
2 Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
This is a two station OSCE - this assessment will assess all practical content from the unit. OSCE will be held in Week 6 & 12 - the scores from the two stations from mid-term and end of term will be combined and a minimum pass mark of 65% is required as these skills are deemed core clinical skills.
This OSCE will take place during practical class time in weeks 6 & 12.
Each OSCE is worth 25% of the total grade for this unit, equating to 50%.
Students must achieve a minimum mark of 65% in the OSCE assessment to pass.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
AI Assessment Scale Tool – Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2026) 5:30 pm AEST
A schedule will be released in the weeks before with your allocated timeslot.
Vacation/Exam Week Friday (23 Oct 2026)
- Demonstrate commonly used clinical assessment skills including neurological and orthopedic procedures.
- Demonstrate management procedures including chiropractic techniques.
- Communicate and demonstrate appropriate professional and culturally inclusive behaviours to the standard expected of a registered healthcare professional.
No submission method provided.
- Apply clinical reasoning skills in relation to the selection and application of assessment and management procedures relevant to complex and multifaceted conditions to determine introductory diagnoses
- Demonstrate advanced clinical assessment skills including neurological and orthopaedic procedures
- Demonstrate management procedures including advanced chiropractic techniques
3 In-class Test(s)
This online invigilated class test is 120 minutes in duration and will be taken on a CQUniversity computer. It will be comprised of a range of question formats, including multiple-choice, matching, short and long case answer explanations. This is a closed-book assessment, and no notes, texts, or additional electronic devices are allowed during this assessment task. You will submit your test electronically. This test must be written at the timetabled date and time. If you arrive late, you may enter the test room up to 30 minutes after the start of the test; however, you will still be required to submit your test at the standard test end time. You will not be allowed entry more than 30 minutes after the test starts. In the absence of an approved extension, there will be no opportunity for you to complete this assessment at a later time, and you will receive a mark of zero for the assessment. You must finalise and submit the online test and show the invigilator the submission screen prior to leaving the test PC room early.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
AI Assessment Scale Tool – Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Exam Week Wednesday (14 Oct 2026) 9:00 am AEST
Test starts at 9am till 11am
Vacation/Exam Week Friday (23 Oct 2026)
Results will be released within two weeks of completing the test via Moodle.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time
Reading time is incorporated within the allocated exam time.
The test will take 120 minutes
See the Quiz Outline for exam specific question information. - Any students with an accessibility plan are advised to ensure that they have shared the plan with the unit coordinator to ensure that they are appropriately accommodated. An email reminder prior to the exam week is a good idea.
- If you have a technical difficulties during the assessment please alert the invigilator immediately, they will help you record the incident to send to the unit coordinator / TASAC as per LDI Guidelines.
- Once the assessment has begun nobody can leave the room for the first 30 minutes, after that no late entrants will be allowed to join the assessment task as per normal practice.
- You must finalise / submit the online test and show the invigilator the submission screen prior to leaving the test PC room early.
- If you are unable to make it on the day of your end of term test, please email the unit coordinator as soon as possible and supply a medical certificate.
- Please bring your ID with you so we can confirm it prior to you taking the test.
- The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
- AI Assessment Scale Tool – Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
- Describe the clinical presentation including aetiology, incidence and pathophysiology of complex and multifaceted conditions of the spine and extremities
- Apply clinical reasoning skills in relation to the selection and application of assessment and management procedures relevant to complex and multifaceted conditions to determine introductory diagnoses
- Reflect on and discuss the behavioural expectations of a healthcare professional in multi-cultural Australia.
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?