CQUniversity Unit Profile
CHIR20001 Advanced Clinical Neurology and Diagnosis
Advanced Clinical Neurology and Diagnosis
All details in this unit profile for CHIR20001 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

Advanced Clinical Neurology and Diagnosis builds upon your knowledge and understanding of the human body which you achieved through your undergraduate studies. In this unit you will focus upon the clinical presentation of neurological conditions which may be encountered in chiropractic practice. You will develop an understanding of the pathophysiological processes underlying neurological symptoms and signs at clinical presentation, and extend your skills in the interpretation of these changes through client history and physical examination.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

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 - 2018

Brisbane
Mackay
Sydney

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 Postgraduate 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. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 15%
2. Practical Assessment
Weighting: 35%
3. Examination
Weighting: 50%

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

Course content is very interesting, more clinical cases would be helpful

Recommendation

The unit content, sequencing and delivery is currently subject to review. It is envisaged that a greater component of the unit will be devoted to the discussion and evaluation of clinical cases.

Feedback from student feedback

Feedback

Students question the need for the amount of diagnostic equipment prescribed for the course.

Recommendation

The need for individual students to purchase their own ophthalmoscope and otoscope has been removed. These items will be provided by the University for student use in practical classes.

Feedback from student feedback

Feedback

Considerable discrepancy between what the lecturer is saying and what the tutors are saying in many areas.

Recommendation

The unit coordinator/lecturer will be replaced and an ongoing staff member has been assigned to coordinate and lecture into the unit next year.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Explain the pathophysiological basis of neurological symptoms and signs
  2. Perform a neurological assessment based on the patient's presentation
  3. Formulate a differential diagnosis from neurological assessment findings
  4. Identify clinical scenarios which require referral and/or investigation.

The learning outcomes of this unit contribute to the following CCEA Competency Units (2017 version):

Practice Competency 3: Clinical Assessment

3.1 Obtains and records a History.

3.2 Performs a Clinical Examination.

3.3 Obtains the results of clinical, laboratory and other diagnostic procedures necessary to perform care.

3.4 Recognises determinants of health.

3.5 Critically analyses information available to generate a clinical impression.

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 4
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 15%
2 - Practical Assessment - 35%
3 - Examination - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 15%
2 - Practical Assessment - 35%
3 - Examination - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

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 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Robyn Beirman Unit Coordinator
r.beirman@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 05 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Introduction to unit

Revision

The neurological history.

Symptoms and signs.

Components of the neurological physical assessment

Physical assessment – general observation and neurological examination of limbs

Upper motor neurone lesions vs Lower motor neurone lesions

Dermatomes vs Myotomes

Chapter

Fuller Chapters 1 and 4

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz 1 to be completed

Week 2 Begin Date: 12 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Higher Centres, speech and mental status


Chapter

Fuller Chapters 2 and 3

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz 1 closes Monday 6am.

Online quiz 2 opens Monday 6am.

Week 3 Begin Date: 19 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Cranial Nerve Examination

Chapter

Fuller Chapters 6-9, Ch 11 pp 96-99

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz 2 closes Monday 6am.

Online quiz 3 opens Monday 6am.

Week 4 Begin Date: 26 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Examination of:

Cerebellar function

Evidence of meningeal irritation

Autonomic nervous system

Chapter

Fuller Chapters 23-26

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz 3 closes Monday 6am.

Online quiz 4 opens Monday 6am.

Week 5 Begin Date: 02 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Neuropathology 1

Introduction to Neuropathology

Altered cerebral haemodynamics

Cerebrovascular disease

Chapter

Information provided on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz 4 closes Monday 6am.

Online quiz 5 opens Monday 6am.

Vacation Week Begin Date: 09 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 16 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Neuropathology 2

Degenerative disorders

Delirium and Dementia

Neoplasms

Demyelination disorders

Chapter

Information provided on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz 5 closes Monday 6am.

Online quiz 6 opens Monday 6am.

Week 7 Begin Date: 23 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Neuropathology 3

Metabolic and toxic influences

Infections and inflammations

CNS Malformations

Seizures

Trauma


Chapter

Information provided on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz 6 closes Monday 6am.

Online quiz 7 opens Monday 6am.

Week 8 Begin Date: 30 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Pathophysiology and interpretation of neurological symptoms and signs 1

Headaches and facial pain

Vertigo/dizziness


Chapter

Information provided on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz 7 closes Monday 6am.

Online quiz 8 opens Monday 6am.

Week 9 Begin Date: 07 May 2018

Module/Topic

Pathophysiology and interpretation of neurological symptoms and signs 2

Muscle weakness and paralysis

Difficulties in co-ordination

Tremors and Involuntary Movements


Chapter

Information provided on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz 8 closes Monday 6am.

Online quiz 9 opens Monday 6am.

Week 10 Begin Date: 14 May 2018

Module/Topic

Pathophysiology and interpretation of neurological symptoms and signs 3

Altered or loss of general sensation

Altered or loss of special sensation

Fits, faints and funny turns


Chapter

Information provided on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz 9 closes Monday 6am.

Online quiz 10 opens Monday 6am.
Week 11 Begin Date: 21 May 2018

Module/Topic

Investigations for neurological disease

Chapter

Information provided on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz 10 closes Monday 6am.

Online quiz 11 opens Monday 6am.

Week 12 Begin Date: 28 May 2018

Module/Topic

Revision

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz 11 closes Monday 6am.

OSCE Practical assessment.



OSCE Due: Week 12 Wednesday (30 May 2018) 10:00 am AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 04 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

The convenor for this unit is Robyn Beirman.I can be contacted by email at r.beirman@cqu.edu.au or by phone on 0407415795.

All lectures are pre-recorded.

Practical classes require your attendance on campus.

The tutorial for this unit will be conducted via Zoom. This means you can join the class from anywhere as long as you have your computer/tablet/smart phone etc.
You will find details on how to connect to Zoom on the Moodle web page.
The meeting number for your tutorials is 3926507062.


Please purchase the following textbook, which you will need to bring to every practical class. It is available as an ebook as well.

Fuller, Geraint: Neurological Examination Made Easy. 5th edition. Churchill Livingstone. 2013



Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Quizzes

Task Description

On-line quizzes will need to be completed during weeks 1-11 . They will be available for access between 08.00 Wednesday until 6am the following Monday.  For example, quiz 3 will be available from the Wednesday of week 3, to the Monday of week 4. The subject matter for each quiz will be clearly described in the workbook. There will be no extension due to unforeseen technical problems or Internet connectivity, so please do not leave it to the end of the availability period to complete.
You will be allowed one attempt only for each quiz, which will need to be completed within a specified period of time. They will be of 20 minutes duration.


Number of Quizzes

11


Frequency of Quizzes

Weekly


Assessment Due Date

Monday mornings in weeks 2-12


Return Date to Students

Monday mornings in weeks 2-12, via Moddle


Weighting
15%

Minimum mark or grade
50% overall

Assessment Criteria

As the questions asked in each quiz will be objective in style (eg multiple choice), answers will be computer marked as either correct or incorrect. Some questions will require you to demonstrate a knowledge of facts, while others will require you to use your interpretive or analytical skills.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the pathophysiological basis of neurological symptoms and signs
  • Formulate a differential diagnosis from neurological assessment findings
  • Identify clinical scenarios which require referral and/or investigation.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Self-management

2 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
OSCE

Task Description

This OSCE examination will assess your competency in performing a selection of the following tasks:

1. Take a neurological history.

2. Conduct a detailed observation of the body.

3. Conduct a complete neurological examination of the upper limbs

4. Conduct a complete neurological examination of the lower limbs

5. Demonstrate dermatomal distribution of the body.

6. Conduct a basic examination of the higher centres of the brain

7. Conduct a basic assessment of a patient’s speech.

8. Conduct a basic mental health assessment.

9. Examine the cranial nerves.

10. Demonstrate how to assess cerebellar function and the extrapyramidal pathways.

11. Demonstrate how to assess for meningeal irritation.

12. Perform a targeted neurological examination for a given clinical scenario.

13. Interpret the significance of any signs elicited.


A detailed rubric will be provided to you by the mid-term break, in order to facilitate your preparation.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Wednesday (30 May 2018) 10:00 am AEST

This will be held during the practical class.


Return Date to Students

Review/Exam Week Friday (8 June 2018)

This will be made available via Moodle


Weighting
35%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Are you able to:

1. Select the appropriate examination routine required to facilitate the recognition of specific disorders or disease states?

2. Perform each neurological examination correctly?

3. Perform each neurological examination fluently?

4. Integrate all examination findings in order to determine a differential diagnosis?


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Submission Instructions
This assessment will be held in class at a designated time.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Perform a neurological assessment based on the patient's presentation


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills

Examination

Outline
Complete an invigilated examination

Date
During the examination period at a CQUniversity examination centre

Weighting
50%

Length
120 minutes

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Exam Conditions
Closed Book

Materials
Dictionary - non-electronic, concise, direct translation only (dictionary must not contain any notes or comments).
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?