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 - 2024
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 SUTE
Students enjoyed the case scenarios provided during the practical classes.
It is recommended that the unit coordinator continue to use case scenarios to support an authentic learning experience.
Feedback from SUTE
Some students felt that the content and workbook should be refreshed.
It is recommended that the unit coordinator develop new content and refresh the workbook accordingly.
- 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
There are no required textbooks.
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.
f.duarte@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Recap on neuroanatomy and neurological assessment
Chapter
Clinical neurology examination textbook as Fuller.
Any other relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practical class for training on clinical neurological assessment and scenario-specific discussion related to lecture.
BNE: Tuesday 8am-11am
MKY: Tuesday 10am-1pm
Module/Topic
Mental Status and cognition
Chapter
Clinical neurology examination textbook as Fuller.
Any other relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practical class for training on clinical neurological assessment and scenario-specific discussion related to lecture.
BNE: Tuesday 8am-11am
MKY: Tuesday 10am-1pm
Assessment 1: Online Quiz1 Friday 8am to 5pm
Module/Topic
Cranial nerves
Chapter
Clinical neurology examination textbook as Fuller.
Any other relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practical class for training on clinical neurological assessment and scenario-specific discussion related to lecture.
BNE: Tuesday 8am-11am
MKY: Tuesday 10am-1pm
Module/Topic
Motor coordination and movement disorders
Chapter
Clinical neurology examination textbook as Fuller.
Any other relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practical class for training on clinical neurological assessment and scenario-specific discussion related to lecture.
BNE: Tuesday 8am-11am
MKY: Tuesday 10am-1pm
Assessment 1: Online Quiz2 Friday 8am to 5pm
Module/Topic
Motor function and motor deficits
Chapter
Clinical neurology examination textbook as Fuller.
Any other relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practical class for training on clinical neurological assessment and scenario-specific discussion related to lecture.
BNE: Tuesday 8am-11am
MKY: Tuesday 10am-1pm
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Somatosensory function and somatic sensation disorders
Chapter
Clinical neurology examination textbook as Fuller.
Any other relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practical class for training on clinical neurological assessment and scenario-specific discussion related to lecture.
BNE: Tuesday 8am-11am
MKY: Tuesday 10am-1pm
Assessment 1: Online Quiz3 Friday 8am to 5pm
Module/Topic
Cerebrovascular hemodynamics and diseases
Chapter
Clinical neurology examination textbook as Fuller.
Any other relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practical class for training on clinical neurological assessment and scenario-specific discussion related to lecture.
BNE: Tuesday 8am-11am
MKY: Tuesday 10am-1pm
Module/Topic
OSCE
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2: OSCE during practical class time.
BNE: Tuesday 8am-11am
MKY: Tuesday 10am-1pm
Assessment 2: Practical assesssment Due: Week 8 Tuesday (30 Apr 2024) 11:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Headaches and dizziness
Chapter
Clinical neurology examination textbook as Fuller.
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1: Online Quiz4 Friday 8am to 5pm
Module/Topic
Neurodegenerative diseases and neoplasm
Chapter
Clinical neurology examination textbook as Fuller.
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Trauma, infections and metabolic diseases
Chapter
Clinical neurology examination textbook as Fuller.
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1: Online Quiz5 Friday 8am to 5pm
Assessment 1: Online Moodle Quizzes Due: Week 11 Friday (24 May 2024) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Review
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online review of the unit on Zoom.
Zoom link to be available on Moodle.
Module/Topic
Assessment 3:
End of term test.
Friday 07/06/2024 from 9am to 11 am.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
On-campus.
PC Laboratory.
Assessment 3: End of Term Test Due: Review/Exam Week Friday (7 June 2024) 11:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Quiz(zes)
Assessment 1: The quizzes will occur on Fridays, weeks 2, 4, 6, 9, and 11. Each quiz will aim to assess the content of the previous week + the current week's content. The quizzes will become available in Moodle on Friday of each week between 8am-5pm. You will be allowed one attempt only for each quiz, which must be completed within the specified period. Extensions will only be granted for formal applications that include the required documentation.
These quizzes are to be done alone, considered closed book and generative AI usage is not allowed.
5
Other
Week 11 Friday (24 May 2024) 5:00 pm AEST
The final quiz is due in week 11, the others are due during their allocated timeslots on Fridays of weeks 2, 4, 6, 8.
Week 12 Monday (27 May 2024)
via Moodle after the closure of each quiz
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
- The pathophysiological basis of neuroanatomy applied to neurological disorders
- The clinicoanatomy correlation of neurological symptoms and clinical deficits
- Assess and 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
2 Practical Assessment
Assessment 2: The assessment will be an 8-10 minute OSCE where you will demonstrate your ability to perform and interpret a neurologically based clinical examination. This assessment may test any of the following key elements;
- Conduct a detailed neurological observation of the body
- Conduct a basic cognitive and mental health assessment
- Conduct a basic assessment of a patient’s speech
- Conduct an examination of the cranial nerves
- Conduct a complete neurological examination of the upper limbs
- Conduct a complete neurological examination of the lower limbs
- Conduct an examination of cerebellar function to identify cerebellar dysfunction
- Conduct an examination of the extrapyramidal system
- 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
Weekly practical classes and a rubric will guide you to facilitate your learning and succeed in the OSCE
Week 8 Tuesday (30 Apr 2024) 11:00 am AEST
The OSCE will occur during normal class time in week 8.
Week 10 Tuesday (14 May 2024)
Successful completion of this assessment will ensure your ability to:
- Familiarize yourself with a neurological examination routine required to identify dysfunction of the nervous system
- Perform an appropriate neurological examination
- Perform each neurological examination fluently
- Integrate all examination findings to determine a differential diagnosis
- Interpret the necessity for further external examination and/or imaging
No submission method provided.
- Perform a neurological assessment based on the patient's presentation
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
3 In-class Test(s)
This examination will take the form of a 90-minute Moodle on-campus 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.
Review/Exam Week Friday (7 June 2024) 11:00 am AEST
9 am to 11 am
Exam Week Friday (14 June 2024)
It will be returned within 2 weeks as per the uni policy
You will be assessed on your ability to select and or provide the correct answer to questions posed in the assessment task.
- 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
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?
