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 - 2021
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 Have your Say
The students were overall very appreciative and were very satisfied with the quality of content and resources for this unit.
It is recommended that the introduced content be retained and expanded.
Feedback from Have your Say and Verbal Feedback
Students were very complimentary of the addition of clinical case material and information that provided a greater clinical focus.
It is recommended that the increased clinical focus should be expanded with particular attention to those conditions that may or do present in chiropractic practice.
Feedback from Have your Say
Students felt the examination was not challenging enough and should be expanded to require more clinical case material and require more critical thinking.
It is recommended that the examination be constructed in a manner that better evaluates deeper critical thinking and ability to showcase clinical understanding.
- 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 - In-class Test(s) - 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 - In-class Test(s) - 50% |
Textbooks
Neuirological Examination Made Easy
Edition: 6th (2019)
Authors: Geraint Fuller
Elsevier
ISBN: 9780702076282
Binding: Paperback
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Microsoft Teams
- Zoom (both microphone and webcam capability)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.vitiello@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to unit
Revision
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.
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online quiz 11 closes Monday 8am
Practical assessment due on the Friday of this week
Practical assesssment Due: Week 12 Friday (4 June 2021) 6:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 In-class Test(s)
This examination will take the form of a 120-minute Moodle online test. This timed test will be comprised of no more than 60 questions aimed at assessing your understanding of the material covered during the lectures and practical sessions throughout the term. Questions will be a combination of MCQ, EMQ, short answer, fill-in the blank, drag and drop or any combination of these.
Exam Week Thursday (17 June 2021) 11:00 pm AEST
120-minute end of term test will be conducted during the CQU examination period
This assessment will examine you on the following.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- 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
This assessment will ensure you have successfully demonstrated the following.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
- 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
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
2 Practical Assessment
The assessment will be in the form of a 15-minute video that will clearly demonstrate your ability to perform and interpret a neurologically based clinical examination. This assessment may test any the following key elements;
- Take a neurological history
- Conduct a detailed neurological observation of the body\
- Conduct a complete neurological examination of the upper limbs
- Conduct a complete neurological examination of the lower limbs
- Conduct a basic examination of the higher centres of the brain
- Conduct a basic assessment of a patient’s speech
- Conduct a basic mental health assessment
- Examine the cranial nerves
- Demonstrate how to assess cerebellar function and the extrapyramidal pathways
- Demonstrate how to assess for meningeal irritation
- Perform a targeted neurological examination for a given clinical scenario
- Understand the clinical usefulness of a range of external diagnostic imaging criteria
A detailed rubric will be provided to you by the mid-term break, in order to facilitate your preparation
Week 12 Friday (4 June 2021) 6:00 pm AEST
The video will be submitted as a functioning link to the appropriately labelled section of your Weebly portfolio page where your video submission can be viewed and graded
Feedback will be provided 3 weeks following the due date
Successful completion of this assessment will ensure your ability to:
- Select the appropriate examination routine required to facilitate the recognition of specific disorders or disease states
- Perform appropriate neurological examinations correctly
- Perform each neurological examination fluently
- Integrate all examination findings in order to determine a differential diagnosis
- Correctly interpret the necessity for further external examination and/or imaging
- Perform a neurological assessment based on the patient's presentation
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
3 Online Quiz(zes)
Online 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. Each quiz may be of up to 20-minutes in duration.
4
Weekly
Monday mornings in weeks 2-12
Monday mornings in weeks 2-12, via Moodle
As the questions asked in each quiz will be objective in style (eg multiple choice), answers will be automatically 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
This assessment will examine the following Learning Outcomes
- 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.
Successful completion of this assessment will ensure you have met the following Graduate Attributes
- Knowledge
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Self-management
- 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
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
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.