Unit Profile Correction added on 28-04-20
The end of term
examination has now been changed to an alternate (online) form of assessment. Please see Moodle for further details.
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
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 - 2020
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 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
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 Student feedback - Have your say
OSCE's provided a positive challenge to many students, however, Part 2 of the examination was difficult, primarily due to inadequate time allocated to the task.
It is recommended that in future offerings, part 2 of the OSCE will be maintained. However it would be reasonable to extend the time allocated to it.
Feedback from Student feedback - Have your say
The unit was very well organised, with good moodle set up, resources and classes.
There will be a new convenor in 2020, but it is recommended that the organisation, resources and classes will be maintained.
- Explain the pathophysiological basis of neurological symptoms and signs
- Perform a neurological assessment based on the patient's presentation
- Formulate a differential diagnosis from neurological assessment findings
- 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 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
Neurological Examination made easy
Authors: Geraint Fuller
Churchill Livingstone
London London , UK
ISBN: 9780702051784
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
Copies can be purchased from the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
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.
k.grace@cqu.edu.au
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 opens Monday 8am
Module/Topic
Cranial Nerve Examination
Chapter
Fuller Chapters 6-9, Ch 11 pp 96-99
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online quiz 1 closes Monday 8am.
Online quiz 2 opens Monday 8am.
Module/Topic
Higher Centres, speech and mental status
Chapter
Fuller Chapters 2 and 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online quiz 2 closes Monday 8am.
Online quiz 3 opens Monday 8am.
Module/Topic
Examination of:
Cerebellar function
Evidence of meningeal irritation
Autonomic nervous system
Investigations for Neurological Disorders
Chapter
Fuller Chapters 23-26
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online quiz 3 closes Monday 8am.
Online quiz 4 opens Monday 8am.
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 8am.
Online quiz 5 opens Monday 8am.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
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 8am.
Online quiz 6 opens Monday 8am.
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 8am.
Online quiz 7 opens Monday 8am.
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 8am.
Online quiz 8 opens Monday 8am.
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 8am.
Online quiz 9 opens Monday 8am.
Module/Topic
Pathophysiology and interpretation of neurological symptoms and signs 3
Altered or loss of general sensation
Altered or loss of special sensation
Chapter
Information provided on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online quiz 9 closes Monday 8am.
Online quiz 10 opens Monday 8am.Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online quiz 10 closes Monday 8am.
Online quiz 11 opens Monday 8am.
Part 1 OSCE practical assessment
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online quiz 11 closes Monday 8am.
Part 2 OSCE practical assessment.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Quiz(zes)
On-line quizzes will need to be completed during weeks 1-11 . They will be available for access between 08.00 Monday until 08.00 the following Monday. For example, quiz 3 will be available from the Monday 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.
11
Weekly
Monday mornings in weeks 2-12
Monday mornings in weeks 2-12, via Moddle
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.
- 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.
- Knowledge
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Self-management
2 Practical Assessment
This OSCE assessment will occur in 2 parts.
In Part 1, your competency in performing basic neurological tests will be assessed. This may include any of the following:
1. Take a neurological history.
2. Conduct a detailed neurological 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. Conduct a basic examination of the higher centres of the brain
6. Conduct a basic assessment of a patient’s speech.
7. Conduct a basic mental health assessment.
8. Examine the cranial nerves.
9. Demonstrate how to assess cerebellar function and the extrapyramidal pathways.
10. Demonstrate how to assess for meningeal irritation.
In Part 2, you will be asked to:
11. Perform a targeted neurological examination for a given clinical scenario.
A detailed rubric will be provided to you by the mid-term break, in order to facilitate your preparation.
Part 1 will be held during the practical class in week 11, Part 2 will be held at a specified time in week 12.
This will be made available via Moodle at the beginning of week 13.
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?
No submission method provided.
- Perform a neurological assessment based on the patient's presentation
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
Examination
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?
