CQUniversity Unit Profile
MEDS13007 Musculoskeletal Sonography
Musculoskeletal Sonography
All details in this unit profile for MEDS13007 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

This unit introduces you to the principal theory in musculoskeletal sonography with opportunity for lab activities designed to enhance your learning. In this unit you will apply your knowledge of detailed relational anatomy and pathophysiology, and correlate this with new knowledge on sonographic appearance, scanning orientation and scanning skills relevant to the musculoskeletal system. You will demonstrate understanding of the clinical indication of musculoskeletal ultrasound, applying clinical reasoning in planning for the scanning protocol for each individual patient and implementing patient care and safety in performing musculoskeletal sonography. You will interpret static and dynamic musculoskeletal sonographic imaging and create a provisional diagnostic report as well as explaining differential diagnosis and alternative diagnostic studies based on the clinical information.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisites: MEDS12001 Physics of Ultrasound AND MEDS12003 Superficial Structures in Ultrasound ANDMEDS12004 Sonographic Skills Development 1.

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 - 2022

Brisbane
Mackay
Melbourne
Perth
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 Undergraduate 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: 25%
2. Reflective Practice Assignment
Weighting: 15%
3. In-class Test(s)
Weighting: 40%
4. Online Test
Weighting: 20%

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.

Feedback

Students enjoyed the engaging tutorial format used this year, especially the interaction in answering true or false questions and step-by-step guided image interpretation.

Recommendation

Continue enhancing the tutorial style, and ensure scaffolding between weekly content and tutorials.

Feedback from SUTE feedback.

Feedback

Students felt that there was too much reliance on the prescribed textbook and that the older lectures did not support the textbook content. Students valued the revised format of the newly created lectures in 2021.

Recommendation

Continue with update of lectures in this unit to provide more focus and prioritisation of content. Ensure inconsistencies are removed and content are reorganised.

Feedback from Unit Coordinator reflection, Tutor feedback, and SUTE feedback.

Feedback

As this is unit is predominantly theoretical, the practical skill component is limited. Musculoskeletal sonography is a specialist area and students are not required to be able to scan independently in this field before starting the placement. Students will need to enhance their practical skills for this over many months in the clinical environment.

Recommendation

Review the unit learning outcomes and assessment strategy to ensure they reflect the entry-to-placement knowledge and skill needs.

Feedback from SUTE feedback.

Feedback

Students felt that a mid-semester test would assist in pointing out holes in their knowledge in preparation for the end of term test.

Recommendation

Review assessment type, weighting and number.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Correlate relational anatomy of musculoskeletal structures with standard static and dynamic sonographic imaging.
  2. Describe clinical indications relevant to sonographic musculoskeletal examinations, patient care and safety considerations, and alternative musculoskeletal diagnostic studies that can be performed.
  3. Employ sonographic imaging of musculoskeletal structures, including image optimisation, using a systematic protocol in a simulated environment.
  4. Interpret static and dynamic musculoskeletal sonographic imaging of normal anatomy and imaging demonstrating variants, artefacts, pathology or injury to create a provisional diagnostic report.

The learning outcomes for this unit have been linked to:

ASAR Required Graduate Competency Outcomes for General Sonography Accreditation Standards 1.2.

1,2,3,4, 5 and 9

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 - 25%
2 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 15%
3 - In-class Test(s) - 40%
4 - Online Test - 20%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Edition: 3rd (2018)
Authors: Jacobson, Jon A.
Elsevier
Atlanta Atlanta , Georgia , United States
ISBN: 9780323445252
Binding: Paperback
Prescribed

Illustrated Essentials of Musculoskeletal Anatomy

Edition: 6th (2019)
Authors: Sieg and Adams
Megabooks, Incorporated
Gainesville Gainesville , FL , United States
ISBN: 9780935157116
Binding: Spiral
Supplementary

Clinical Ultrasound

Edition: 3rd (2011)
Authors: Allan, Paul
Churchill Livingstone
United States
ISBN: 9780702031311
Binding: eBook
Supplementary

Diagnostic ultrasound

Edition: 4th (2011)
Authors: Rumack, Carol M.
Elsevier/Mosby
Philadelphia Philadelphia , PA , United States
ISBN: 0323053971
Binding: Hardcover

Additional Textbook Information

CQUniversity library has purchased a digital license for Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound. However the license does not include the access to the video links in the text. The print copy can be purchased via the CQU bookshop.

The print copy of Illustrated Essentials of Musculoskeletal Anatomy can be purchased directly from the publisher via the website, https://muscleanatomybook.com . Order in groups can reduce cost. It may take up to 21 days to receive the order.

Supplementary textbooks and other reading materials can be accessed via unit eReading list.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Webcam and headset for on-line sessions.
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Elaine Wang Unit Coordinator
e.wang@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 07 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Introduction to musculoskeletal ultrasound    

Chapter

Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lab induction to be completed on-line.

Weekly Zoom tutorial.

Week 2 Begin Date: 14 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Shoulder

Chapter

Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly Zoom tutorial

Week 3 Begin Date: 21 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Elbow

Chapter

Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly Zoom tutorial

Week 4 Begin Date: 28 Mar 2022

Module/Topic

Hip and Thigh

Chapter

Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page

Events and Submissions/Topic

MSK lab 1 on Wednesday, 30th March 2022.

Weekly Zoom tutorial

Week 5 Begin Date: 04 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Knee and Calf

Chapter

Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly Zoom tutorial

Be aware of the time changing as daylight saving ends on Sunday, 3rd April 2022.

Vacation Week Begin Date: 11 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

No weekly tutorial


Written Assessment Due: Vacation Week Tuesday (12 Apr 2022) 10:00 am AEST
Week 6 Begin Date: 18 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Ankle and Foot 

Chapter

Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly Zoom tutorial

Week 7 Begin Date: 25 Apr 2022

Module/Topic

Wrist and forearm

Chapter

Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly Zoom tutorial

Week 8 Begin Date: 02 May 2022

Module/Topic

Hand

Chapter

Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page

Events and Submissions/Topic

MSK lab 2 on Wednesday, 4th May 2022.

Weekly Zoom tutorial

Week 9 Begin Date: 09 May 2022

Module/Topic

Abdominal Wall

Chapter

Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly Zoom tutorial


Reflective Practice Assignment Due: Week 9 Friday (13 May 2022) 10:00 am AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 16 May 2022

Module/Topic

Peripheral Nerve Entrapment

Chapter

Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly Zoom tutorial

Week 11 Begin Date: 23 May 2022

Module/Topic

Small Joints Diseases

Chapter

Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly Zoom tutorial

Week 12 Begin Date: 30 May 2022

Module/Topic

Pathology of Musculoskeletal System

Chapter

Content provided in lectures and reading items on Moodle page

Events and Submissions/Topic

Weekly Zoom tutorial

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 06 Jun 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 13 Jun 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

End of Term Online Assessment Due: Exam Week Monday (13 June 2022) 12:00 pm AEST
Term Specific Information

This unit introduces you to the principal theory in musculoskeletal sonography. The success in this unit heavily relies on your anatomical knowledge from pre-requisites units. It is highly recommended that you revise the learning content from Relational Anatomy and Image Recognition as early as possible so you can have the strong foundation to help in learning the new challenging knowledge from this content-heavy unit.


Past students found they needed to watch the lectures/tutorials and read the reading materials multiple times before they can fully understand the content. Therefore, it is important to construct a weekly study timetable allowing you to watch lectures, take notes from the lectures and reading material, use online resources, undertake revision and attend tutorials, especially if you are taking more than one unit in this term.


There are two lab sessions in this unit. The lab activities are designed to help you in better understanding the content of the unit,  allow you to acquire some basic scanning techniques specific to musculoskeletal ultrasound, and provide you opportunities to obtain required images for your assessment. You need to pass the lab induction quiz within this unit to gain your access to the lab.


All lectures are pre-recorded and available on the MEDS13007 Moodle site, along with the associated lecture notes, reading material and resources. A specific Q&A session in the format of database which consolidates all the questions is provided on Moodle to assist with your learning.


The weekly Zoom tutorial provides you opportunities to clarify difficult content, have mini formative assessment anonymously, and most importantly to participate in the practice of clinical reasoning and image interpretation. It's important to practise systemic thinking and logical reasoning regularly, which will be evaluated in your assessments. It would be ideal if you are up-to-date with the weekly content before attending the zoom tutorial. However, it's still highly recommended to attend the tutorial even if you are behind the weekly schedule, as such first-hand learning experience will be significantly compromised if you only choose to watch the Zoom recording afterwards.


Consistent engagement with the learning material and tutorial is the only pathway to success in this unit. A last minute scrambling session won't enable you to get over the line. Advice from previous students can also be found on the unit Moodle site to provide you with some learning guide.

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment

Task Description

The sonographic assessment of the shoulder is one of the most common musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations. The sonographic assessment of shoulder tendons can be undertaken using static and dynamic imaging. To allow a sonographic assessment of the shoulder, the relative anatomy, sonographic technique, and normal sonographic appearances of structures demonstrated must be appreciated.


This task requires you to investigate and discuss the sonographic assessment of three (3) tendons of the shoulder: The long head of biceps brachii proximal tendon (LHBBPT), the subscapularis and the supraspinatus tendons (400 words to discuss each tendon).


You are required to discuss:

  1. The relative anatomy of each tendon in three planes: axial (transverse), coronal oblique and sagittal oblique. Hand-drawn labelled anatomical diagrams by you personally are required to support your explanation. You will need to label the diagrams with relevant directional annotations (superior/inferior, medial/lateral, anterior/posterior)
  2. The sonographic technique to image (statically and dynamically) these tendons in short and long axis (photos of transducer placement can be used to demonstrate patient positioning and transducer position)
  3. The sonographic appearance of normal tendons in long and short axis and relative structures identified on sonographic images (you can obtain your own sonographic images or reference others (unlabelled)).


You will be required to:

  • In-text cite all statements of fact
  • Refer to figures within the text
  • Each figure (diagram or sonographic image) must have a figure number and a small explanation to describe what the figure is demonstrating.


Assessment Due Date

Vacation Week Tuesday (12 Apr 2022) 10:00 am AEST

Submit via Turnitin.


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Thursday (5 May 2022)

Posted in Gradebook.


Weighting
25%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The detailed assessment criteria are available from the Moodle unit site. Overall, you will be assessed on:

  • All required components are included
  • Correct sonographic terminology used
  • Adequate and correct description of anatomic structures and their relationships
  • Correct planes of sonographic imaging demonstrated and discussed
  • Relevant and correct sonographic anatomy discussed when referring to normal sonographic appearances
  • Appropriate and adequate labelling of structures on diagrams/images
  • Explanations of figures/diagrams allows reader to interpret what is being demonstrated
  • Dynamic and static sonographic imaging correctly discussed
  • In-text citation of sources used to verify factual information with appropriate reference list at the end


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online via unit Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Correlate relational anatomy of musculoskeletal structures with standard static and dynamic sonographic imaging.
  • Describe clinical indications relevant to sonographic musculoskeletal examinations, patient care and safety considerations, and alternative musculoskeletal diagnostic studies that can be performed.

2 Reflective Practice Assignment

Assessment Title
Reflective Practice Assignment

Task Description

The sonographic assessment of musculoskeletal structures involves imaging of the structures dynamically and acquiring static images and cine clips to document sonographic findings. The Achilles tendon is a commonly injured structure of the body and can be easily assessed sonographically. Reflection on the quality of sonographic imaging obtained is important to inform future imaging of the same structure. Sonographic images must be optimised for each patient depending on their ability to follow instructions, move (or not move) certain body structures, their body habitus and minimising or utilising sonographic artifacts.


This reflective practical task will require you to:

  • Obtain individually five static sonographic images of the Achilles tendon (left) with structures demonstrated on images labelled.
  • Reflect on individual sonographic images obtained, what anatomy was demonstrated, and whether structures are adequately sonographically demonstrated, and how these images may have been optimised further (if possible) to demonstrate structures in an improved manner (and why).
  • Summary of learning points you have gained to improve your sonographic assessment of the Achilles tendon in the future.


The individual components are outlined below:


Acquisition of static sonographic images

Five sonographic images to be obtained, labelled, and submitted:

  1. Long axis image left Achilles tendon to include calcaneal insertion and flexor hallucis longus muscle.
  2. Colour Doppler image of long axis left Achilles tendon, same position with image 1.
  3. Short axis image distal Achilles tendon and pre-Achilles fat pad.
  4. Split screen short axis image of the right and left Achilles tendon for contralateral comparison, left side of screen same as image 3.
  5. Long axis image of the left Achilles tendon using panoramic imaging to demonstrate the tendon from the calcaneal insertion distally to the proximal myotendinous junction with the medial gastrocnemius muscle.


Image Requirements

  • All sonographic images should be acquired and optimised appropriately by you personally.
  • ONE image only from each of 1-5 above are to be submitted.
  • The submitted images should be acquired either from the CQU sonography lab or from your clinical placement sites, during your enrolment period of this unit.
  • You need to enter your own name, DOB and student ID as patient information for the images you take.
  • All your submitted images must be taken on the same day and from the same patient.
  • For verification purposes, if your images are taken from the CQU sonography lab, your submitted images need to be identical to the ones available from the CQU Sonography Lab PACS system. If your images are taken from your clinical placement site, you need to submit a declaration form signed by you and witnessed by your clinical supervisor.
  • Images that do not meet the above requirements will not receive marks.


Written reflection

Individual image reflection (150 words for each image):

For each of the static images obtained you must include a discussion including but not limited to:

  • Transducer placement – was this adequately placed to allow structures to be demonstrated on a specific image? (This could include axis of imaging, transducer pressure or angle and correct location of transducer placement for the structures to be demonstrated)
  • Patient positioning – did this allow structures to be imaged adequately?
  • Image optimisation settings – could ultrasound machine settings have been altered to further optimise demonstration of anatomy?
  • Overall image quality – can this image be improved by altering any of the scanning or technical factors?

Overall summary (250 words):

  • Reflection of what you learnt about sonographically imaging the left Achilles tendon could inform your future sonographic assessment of musculoskeletal structure.


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Friday (13 May 2022) 10:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Friday (27 May 2022)


Weighting
15%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The detailed assessment criteria are available from the Moodle unit site. Overall, you will be assessed on:

  • Submitted images meet the image requirements.
  • All five images are taken and annotated correctly with structures labelled accurately.
  • Relevant reflection with adequate discussion for each image and overall summary, without irrelevant or incorrect information, reflecting good understanding of the content.
  • In-text citation of sources used to verify information with appropriate reference list at the end.
  • Adhere to the word limit.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Detailed submission information can be found on unit Moodle site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Correlate relational anatomy of musculoskeletal structures with standard static and dynamic sonographic imaging.
  • Employ sonographic imaging of musculoskeletal structures, including image optimisation, using a systematic protocol in a simulated environment.

3 In-class Test(s)

Assessment Title
In-class Assessment

Task Description

This in-class assessment for MEDS13007 is worth 40% of the final grade. You need to obtain a minimum pass mark of 50% to pass this test.


The in-class test will be conducted at your campus of enrolment as an online test via Moodle and will assess you on content covered from week 1 to 9. This includes all material covered in lectures, prescribed readings, tutorials and any additional resources supplied during the term. The test involves a combination of question types, including short answer questions which require typed answers, and some image labelling questions.


The in-class test is closed book and must be completed by you, without assistance or collusion with others. Any evidence of collusion will be dealt with in adherence with the CQU student academic integrity policy and procedure.


You have 60 minutes to complete the test. The test cannot be paused once started, nor reattempted once stopped or finished.


Assessment Due Date

Week 10. Date and time can be found on unit Moodle site.


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Friday (3 June 2022)

Results posted in gradebook.


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

For image labelling questions, you will be required to drop the relevant labels onto the correct zones in the images. Each image may have some irrelevant labels. For each zone there is only one correct label.


Typed response answers will be assessed according to:

  • Use of appropriate medical and sonographic terminology and descriptors and directional terms.
  • Correct spelling of the terms.
  • Relevance of response to the question asked.
  • Irrelevant or incorrect information excluded.
  • Adequate detail provided in the answer.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Test will be conducted on campus and submitted via Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Correlate relational anatomy of musculoskeletal structures with standard static and dynamic sonographic imaging.
  • Describe clinical indications relevant to sonographic musculoskeletal examinations, patient care and safety considerations, and alternative musculoskeletal diagnostic studies that can be performed.
  • Interpret static and dynamic musculoskeletal sonographic imaging of normal anatomy and imaging demonstrating variants, artefacts, pathology or injury to create a provisional diagnostic report.

4 Online Test

Assessment Title
End of Term Online Assessment

Task Description

The end of term online test will assess you on content covered in the whole unit (weeks 1 to 12). This includes all material covered in lectures, prescribed readings, tutorials and any additional resources supplied during the term. The test involves a combination of question types, including short and long answer questions which require typed answers and some multi-choice questions. Image interpretation may be included in short and long answer questions.


You have 60 minutes to complete the test. The test cannot be paused once started, nor reattempted once finished.


This online test must be completed by you, without assistance or collusion with others. Any evidence of collusion will be dealt with in adherence with the CQU student academic integrity policy and procedure.


Please be aware

  • There is not really time to spend looking up your answers, so familiarity with the content is required
  • If you experience any technical difficulties accessing or during the test, please inform your supervisor who will take a screenshot of the error. Notify your Unit Coordinator as soon as physically possible (same day) with details of the technical issue.


Assessment Due Date

Exam Week Monday (13 June 2022) 12:00 pm AEST

The online test will be open from 10am to 12pm AEST.


Return Date to Students

Marks will be available two weeks after all students have completed the test.


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

For multiple choice questions, you will be required to select the most appropriate answer from a selection of possible answers in relation to the question asked.


Typed response answers will be assessed according to:

  • Use of appropriate medical and sonographic terminology and descriptors and directional terms.
  • Correct spelling of the terms.
  • Relevance of response to the question asked.
  • Irrelevant or incorrect information excluded.
  • Adequate detail provided in the answer.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
The online test can be accessed via the MEDS13007 Moodle site, under the assessment tab.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe clinical indications relevant to sonographic musculoskeletal examinations, patient care and safety considerations, and alternative musculoskeletal diagnostic studies that can be performed.
  • Employ sonographic imaging of musculoskeletal structures, including image optimisation, using a systematic protocol in a simulated environment.
  • Interpret static and dynamic musculoskeletal sonographic imaging of normal anatomy and imaging demonstrating variants, artefacts, pathology or injury to create a provisional diagnostic report.

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?