CQUniversity Unit Profile
CHIR20005 Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic Imaging
All details in this unit profile for CHIR20005 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

In this unit, you will learn to identify, interpret and understand skeletal change as represented on conventional radiographs as well as advanced imaging such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These differential diagnostic skills are fundamental for diagnostic competence in chiropractic practice.

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

Co-requisite: CHIR20003 Clinical Practice 2

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 - 2024

Brisbane
Mackay

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. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
2. Practical Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Oral Examination
Weighting: 30%
4. Case Study
Weighting: Pass/Fail

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 SUTE

Feedback

Students would like more supervised verbal feedback when evaluating practice case images.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the unit coordinator investigate adding an additional staff member to assist with in-person tutorials which may help provide great individual or small group supervised feedback.

Feedback from SUTE and verbal

Feedback

Students would appreciate having the correct, contemporary technology readily available for the evaluation of diagnostic images.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the unit coordinator continue to liaise with appropriate university departments to agree on and provide a suitable mechanism for the evaluation of diagnostic images by students.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Students appreciated that the unit coordinator connected content to real-world applications.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the unit coordinator continue to provide an authentic learning experience using real-world applications.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Implement a search strategy to indentify and evaluate normal findings, abnormal changes and disease processes on radiographs
  2. Create a differential diagnosis list in order to arrive at a provisional diagnosis based on radiographic and clinical findings
  3. Select the appropriate management strategy for a variety of clinical and imaging abnormalities
  4. Develop radiology report writing skills

Learning outcome 1 - Competency 1 (1.3), 3 (3.3 and 3.5)

Learning outcome 2 - Competency 3 (3.5)

Learning outcome 3 - Competency 1 (1.3), 4 (4.1, 4.2, 4.3)

Learning outcome 4 - Competency 1 (1.1) 2 (2.4), 3 (3.5)

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 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Practical Assessment - 30%
3 - Oral Examination - 30%
4 - Case Study - 0%

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 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Practical Assessment - 30%
3 - Oral Examination - 30%
4 - Case Study - 0%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Yochum and Rowe's Essentials of Skeletal Radiology

Edition: 3rd (2005)
Authors: Terry R Yochum and Lindsay J Rowe
Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins
ISBN: 9780781739467

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 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Kristin Grace Unit Coordinator
k.grace@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 - Introduction to Musckuloskeletal Radiology & Radiographic Reporting Begin Date: 08 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

Lectures and tutorial:

  • Role of imaging
  • Introduction to radiographic interpretation
  • Introduction to radiographic report writing

Chapter

Reading:

  • Yochum and Rowe 3rd Edition (Y&R) Chapter 7 & Chapter 15

  • Report structure and content p. 1547-1554 (NOT past Report Variations for CT and MRI; this will not be addressed)
  • Risk Management Strategies in Interpretation and Report Writing p. 1556-8
  • Second opinion Specialty Radiology Reviews p. 1558-9
  • Case Study 1-5 p. 1560-1569

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 - Introduction to Radiology of Trauma Begin Date: 15 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

Trauma Introduction

(incl Stress fractures & Non-accidental trauma)

Chapter

Reading:

  • Y&R pp. 793-805
  • Y&R pp. 921-929

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 - Radiology of Axial Trauma Begin Date: 22 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

Axial Trauma (Spine, Thorax & Pelvis)

Chapter

Reading:

  • Y&R pp. 811-858

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 - Radiology of Upper Extremity Trauma Begin Date: 29 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

Trauma - Upper Extremity

Chapter

Reading:

  • Y&R Shoulder girdle, elbow and forearm, wrist and hand pp. 889-921

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 - Radiology of Lower Extremity Trauma Begin Date: 05 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

Trauma - Lower Extremity

Chapter

Reading:

  • Y&R Hip, knee, ankle, foot pp. 858-885

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 12 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 - Radiology of Soft Tissue Trauma; Bone & Joint Infection Begin Date: 19 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

Trauma - Soft Tissue

Bone & Joint Infection

Chapter

Reading:

  • Y&R pp 929-939
  • Y&R pp 1386-1417

Events and Submissions/Topic

Reporting Cases 1-3

Due Monday 19 August 2024, 11:59pm

Week 7 - Introduction to Radiology of Arthropathies & Extra-axial Degenerative Arthropathies Begin Date: 26 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

Introduction to the Diagnostic Imaging of Arthropathies

Degenerative joint disease - extremities

Chapter

Reading:

  • Y&R pp. 955-962; 977-987

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 - Radiology of Axial (Spinal) Degenerative Arthropathies Begin Date: 02 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

Degenerative arthritis of the spine and related conditions.

Chapter

Reading:

  • Y&R pp. 963-977, 990-998, 998-999
  • Fardon et al. Lumbar disc nomenclature: version 2.0. The Spine Journal 14 (2014) 2525-2545

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 - Radiology of Crystal Deposition Arthropathies and Atypical Degenerative Arthropathies Begin Date: 09 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

Metabolic (crystalline deposition) and atypical degenerative arthropathy

Chapter

Reading:

  • Y&R pp. 1084-1092, 1092-1099, 1099-1109, 1006-1010, 999-1005

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 - Radiology of Inflammatory and Autoimmune Related Arthropathies Begin Date: 16 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

Autoimmune/inflammatory arthropathies

Chapter

Reading:

  • Y&R Chap. 10 pp. 1010-1033, 988-989

Events and Submissions/Topic

Oral Interpretation Assessments - Times allocated

Week 11 - Radiology of (Seronegative) Spondyloarthropathy Begin Date: 23 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

Seronegative spondyloarthropathies

Chapter

Reading:

  • Y&R Chap. 10 pp. 1033-1068

Events and Submissions/Topic

Oral Interpretation Assessments - Times allocated

Week 12 - Radiology of Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders Begin Date: 30 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

Metabolic conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system

Chapter

Reading:

  • Y&R pp. 1497-1510, 1517-1523

Events and Submissions/Topic

Reporting Cases 4-6

Due Monday 30 Sept, 2024, 11:59pm


VIVA/ Oral Interpretation Due: Week 12 Friday (4 Oct 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 07 Oct 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessments as per and subject to any change based on timetable. 


End of Term Written Theory Assessment Due: Review/Exam Week Friday (11 Oct 2024) 9:00 am AEST
End of Term Practical Assessment - Case Based OSCE Due: Review/Exam Week Monday (7 Oct 2024) 11:00 am AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Oct 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
End of Term Written Theory Assessment

Task Description

This assessment is an invigilated online assessment. The test will be comprised of a range of question formats, including multi choice, matching, short and long answer explanations.

This is a closed-book assessment and no notes, texts or additional electronic devices are allowed during this assessment task. You will have a 10 minute perusal time prior to the allotted writing time. The test will last for two (2) hours. 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 15 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 15 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.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Friday (11 Oct 2024) 9:00 am AEST

Subject to any timetable changes


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (18 Oct 2024)


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

In order to achieve a passing grade or higher, students will be required to demonstrate their competencies in the following areas:

1. Identify key principles and findings of pathology that may present on diagnotic imaging studies relevant to Chiropractic practice and their relationship to clinical information.

2. Demonstrate and effectively communicate an understanding of the pathogenesis of disorders that may present on diagnostic imaging studies relevant to Chiropractic practice.

3. Effectively communicate an understanding of referral pathways related to key findings on diagostic imaging studies and associated clinical information.

4. Demonstrate the ability to appropriately order and interpret imaging relevant to Chiropractic practice.

5. Demonstrate the application of ALARA principles or other guidelines for the use of diagnostic imaging modalities


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Create a differential diagnosis list in order to arrive at a provisional diagnosis based on radiographic and clinical findings
  • Select the appropriate management strategy for a variety of clinical and imaging abnormalities
  • Develop radiology report writing skills


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

2 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
End of Term Practical Assessment - Case Based OSCE

Task Description

Students will review a series of image sets with or without an accompanying history from which they will be required to identify an abnormality, diagnose a condition or abnormality or answer a number of associated short answer questions. The clinical cases will align with content from the radiology lectures as well as relevant normal radiographic anatomy.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Monday (7 Oct 2024) 11:00 am AEST

Subject to any timetable changes


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Tuesday (15 Oct 2024)


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

In order to achieve a passing grade or higher, students will be required to demonstrate their competencies in the following areas:

1. Accurately identify pathologies covered in the course;

2. Apply appropriate terminology to describe the radiographic appearance and diagnosis of pathologies;

3. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate referral pathways including GP, Specialist, Advanced Imaging, Pathology.

4. Effectively communicate key radiographic findings and their relationships to clinical information in a simulated clinical environment


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Implement a search strategy to indentify and evaluate normal findings, abnormal changes and disease processes on radiographs
  • Select the appropriate management strategy for a variety of clinical and imaging abnormalities


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

3 Oral Examination

Assessment Title
VIVA/ Oral Interpretation

Task Description

The student will be provided with 1 or 2 diagnostic imaging cases reflecting that which may present to a chiropractor and will represent those conditions presented during the term

The student will attend a 15 minute 'one-on-one, in person/online' assessment session and provide a verbal interpretation of the above cases to the lecturer. This assessment will be completed throughout Weeks 10-12. Times will be made available and posted for selection at Week 8.

Marking rubric for this component will be provided on Moodle

These assessments will be held one-on-one, in person, with the unit coordinator. The unit coordinator reserves the right to move this online via zoom if the need arises.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (4 Oct 2024) 11:45 pm AEST

** These will take place between weeks 10-12. Times will be made available in week 8**


Return Date to Students

Review/Exam Week Friday (11 Oct 2024)


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

In order to achieve a passing grade or higher, students will be required to demonstrate their competencies in the following areas:

1. Identify normal radiographic anatomy

2. Identify pathologies covered in the course;

3. Apply appropriate terminology to describe the radiographic appearance and diagnosis of pathologies;

4. Effectively communicate key radiographic findings and their relationships to clinical information in a simulated clinical environment

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the contraindications to manual therapies;

6. Demonstrate an understanding of referral pathways including GP, Specialist, Advanced Imaging, Pathology where appropriate


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Implement a search strategy to indentify and evaluate normal findings, abnormal changes and disease processes on radiographs
  • Create a differential diagnosis list in order to arrive at a provisional diagnosis based on radiographic and clinical findings


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

4 Case Study

Assessment Title
Written Case Reports

Task Description

Radiological reports are an important component of clinical management. It is crucial that chiropractors are able to construct adequate reports on films obtained in their clinics and comprehend terminology contained in reports on images provided. The student will construct Six (6) detailed radiology reports on separate case images. Instructions for locating the case images will be provided on the Moodle page.

Please note the following details:

  • The report itself should be in the format presented in the course.
  • Adhere to the template posted on Moodle
  • 3 reports will be due by the end of week 6 and the remaining 3 reports will be due by the end of Week 12
     

This is a pass/ fail component and ALL reports must be turned in to pass. Feedback will be provided during discussion of the case in tutorial and a Model report will be uploaded following week 6 and week 12


Assessment Due Date

**Due weeks 6 & 12. See task description and class schedule for specific information**


Return Date to Students

Weighting
Pass/Fail

Assessment Criteria

In order to achieve a passing grade or higher, students will be required to demonstrate their competencies in the following areas:

1. Identification of normal radiographic anatomy, anomalies or variations and pathologies covered in the course;

2. Apply appropriate terminology to describe the radiographic appearance and diagnosis of pathologies;

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanics of radiographic report writing

4. Effectively communicate key radiographic findings and their relationships to clinical information in a simulated clinical environment

5. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate referral pathways including GP, Specialist, Advanced Imaging, Pathology.


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop radiology report writing skills


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

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?