Competency based assessment

In higher education, assessments must be able to recognise various levels of competencies in order to encourage students to become not only competent, but progress onto developing expertise.  A key component of effective assessment in competency-based education is for assessments to be criterion-based using a developmental perspective. Defining the criteria in developmental terms, commonly called milestones or benchmarks, allows programs to determine whether the trainee is on an appropriate ‘trajectory'. Milestones provide specific guidance on trainee progress throughout the continuum of their training program. CHIR315 practical examinations are competency based.

For a more information see: "Competency-based Assessment, Macquarie University" https://staff.mq.edu.au/public/download/?id=40618

Passing the unit

There are 2 main components to this unit: 

1) Chiropractic technique (a minimum of 85% tutorial attendance is suggested in order to gain sufficient practical knowledge)

2) Chiropractic theory

Hurdle Requirements and Serious Attempt Defined

A hurdle is a passing requirement for the unit. A serious attempt is the threshold when a second chance will be provided as an opportunity to meet the hurdle requirement.

CHIR315 has 1 hurdle. 

Hurdle 1): Chiropractic OSCE. The student must obtain 50% of the available marks.

• Serious attempt: defined as gaining 40-49% of the chiropractic OSCE
• Second chance: a supplementary final chiropractic OSCE

​Second-chance hurdle examinations will be offered during the FSE supplementary examination period. You will be notified shortly after that date of your eligibility for a hurdle retry and you must make yourself available during that week to take advantage of this opportunity.

Serious and unavoidable disruption

The University classifies a disruption as serious and unavoidable if it:

• could not have reasonably been anticipated, avoided or guarded against by the student; and
• was beyond the student's control; and
• caused substantial disruption to the student's capacity for effective study and/or completion of required work; and
• occurred during an event critical study period and was at least three (3) consecutive days duration, and/or
• prevented completion of a final examination.

Students with a pre-existing disability/health condition or prolonged adverse circumstances may be eligible for ongoing assistance and support.  Such support is governed by other policies and may be sought and coordinated through Campus Wellbeing and Support Services.

Examinations

You are expected to present yourself for examination at the time and place designated in the University Examination Timetable. The timetable will be available in Draft form approximately eight weeks before the commencement of the examinations and in Final form approximately four weeks before the commencement of the examinations. https://iexams.mq.edu.au/timetable

The only exception to not sitting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these circumstances, you may wish to submit an application for 'Special consideration'. Information about the special consideration process is available at Policy Central:http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/

If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled in the interval between the regular exam period and the start of the next session.  By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments.  Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. You can check the supplementary exam information page on FSE101 in iLearn (bit.ly/FSESupp) for dates, and approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.

Extensions and penalties

Extensions to assignments are at the discretion of the unit convenor. It is the responsibility of the student to prove to the convenor that there has been an unavoidable disruption. Please submit a 'Special consideration' and request an extension. The online form will ask you to provide evidence of the disruption. 

Marks will be deducted for late submissions in the absence of an approved extension. Marks will be deducted at the rate of 10% of the available marks per day.

Grading descriptors

High Distinction :  provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes.  There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem-solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application.

Distinction:  provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is a demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.

Credit :  provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes.  There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; plus communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline.

 Pass:  provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes.  There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; and communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline.  The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes.

Fail: does not provide evidence of attainment of all learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; and incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.

Classes

• The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/
• Tutorials begin on Wednesday of week 2.
• Tutorial attendance/participation is required and will be factored in to the final grade

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

TEXT

• Esposito & Philipson, Manual of Spinal Technique - Printed adjustment EXCERPT will available via the Co-op Bookshop 
• Oatis. Kinesiology “Kinesiology The Mechanics and Pathomechanics of Human Movement,” 2nd edition 2008, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins
• Manual of Peripheral Technique, Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University  - online adjustment compilation available via iLearn download

• RECOMMENDED READING 
• Bergmann & Peterson: Chiropractic technique, principles and procedures 3rd Ed. 2011, Mosby
• Sackett & Straus, et al. Evidence-based Medicine: how to practice and teach Ebm. Churchill Livingson.
• Specific week-week resources available as links via iLearn

Teaching and Learning Strategy / technology required

• This unit is comprised of lectures and technique tutorials. There will also be some self directed learning within the course.
• The assignment contributes 10% of the overall mark.
• The unit is an internal offering.
• Students are expected to attend lectures and tutorials (tutorial minimum attendance 85%)
• iLearn is not a substitute for lecture attendance. Complex concepts are discussed as a group within the lecture format.
• The assignment will be submitted via Turnitin
• The online quizzes will be accessed via iLearn

Refer to the CHIR315 iLearn page 

Lecture/tutorial content to be increased this offering based on ongoing curricular review process:

- Taking a patient history

- Soft tissue therapies