Students

CHIR3610 – Foundations of Clinical Practice

2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances, North Ryde

Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update

The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.

This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.

Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor
Christopher Burrell
Contact via email
17 Wally's Walk, Room 357
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(CHIR315 or CHIR3105) and (HLTH316 or HLTH3302)
Corequisites Corequisites
(CHIR316 or CHIR3106) and (HLTH317 or HLTH3303)
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This PACE unit provides the student with foundations relevant for clinical practice. Students will be introduced to components of chiropractic clinical practice including: practice management, clinical information gathering and assessment (including history-taking and diagnostic imaging) and differential diagnosis. Further exploration of the relationship between health and disease will occur through the development of clinical problem solving skills crucial for chiropractors. An emphasis will be placed on the assessment of musculoskeletal conditions relevant to chiropractic practice and the recognition of conditions outside the scope of chiropractic care. The community engagement and practical components of this PACE unit will occur in the Macquarie University Chiropractic Clinics. Students will experience elements of clinical information gathering, patient-practitioner and inter-practitioner interactions and the management of a modern chiropractic facility.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Demonstrate a capacity to describe the principles and purpose of the diagnostic process based on real world experience
  • ULO3: As part of a professional clinical setting, demonstrate skills in systematically critiquing and assessing radiographic images of the spine and extremities and be able to identify normal radiographic anatomy.
  • ULO2: Demonstrate practical knowledge on how to formulate a differential diagnosis, based on history, examination and investigation findings through professional and community engagement with Macquarie University's Chiropractic Clinics.
  • ULO4: Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of clinical skills including history ­taking, the use of outcome measures and the utilisation of radiographic software.
  • ULO6: Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of the inter-professional nature of health care, the scope of chiropractic care and the role of referral.
  • ULO7: Demonstrate an awareness of musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal conditions that most commonly present to chiropractic clinics.
  • ULO5: Through practical experience, demonstrate awareness of the elements of chiropractic practice management and competently perform relevant management duties.

General Assessment Information

A late penalty will be applied to any late submission of the PACE report. The penalty will be 10% of the available marks per day, up to 5 days. After 5 days the late report will not be accepted for submission.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Online PACE Chiropractic Clinic shift 0% Yes Ongoing
Mid-Session Exam 20% No Week 8 during lecture time
Online quizzes 10% No Weeks 4, 6, 9, 11, 13
PACE Reflective Journal 5% No Weekly
Online Radiology Workbook 0% Yes Ongoing / weekly
PACE Report 15% No Week 10
End-Session Exam 50% No University Examination Period

Online PACE Chiropractic Clinic shift

Assessment Type 1: Work-integrated task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 44 hours
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

PACE students will attend 11 PACE Chiropractic Clinic shifts throughout the session. Students will interact with Chiropractic Clinic shift supervisors and final-year chiropractic student interns. PACE students will engage with final-year chiropractic student interns through interviews for the written report assignment and reviewing radiographic norms. PACE students will engage with the community through being involved with the development of rehabilitation plans for patients and observing the delivery of these plans by the final-year chiropractic student interns. All of these listed interactions may be achieved though online methods for a special circumstances offering.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a capacity to describe the principles and purpose of the diagnostic process based on real world experience
  • As part of a professional clinical setting, demonstrate skills in systematically critiquing and assessing radiographic images of the spine and extremities and be able to identify normal radiographic anatomy.
  • Demonstrate practical knowledge on how to formulate a differential diagnosis, based on history, examination and investigation findings through professional and community engagement with Macquarie University's Chiropractic Clinics.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of clinical skills including history ­taking, the use of outcome measures and the utilisation of radiographic software.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of the inter-professional nature of health care, the scope of chiropractic care and the role of referral.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal conditions that most commonly present to chiropractic clinics.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate awareness of the elements of chiropractic practice management and competently perform relevant management duties.

Mid-Session Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 8 during lecture time
Weighting: 20%

 

Mid-Session examination on materials Week 1-7.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a capacity to describe the principles and purpose of the diagnostic process based on real world experience
  • As part of a professional clinical setting, demonstrate skills in systematically critiquing and assessing radiographic images of the spine and extremities and be able to identify normal radiographic anatomy.
  • Demonstrate practical knowledge on how to formulate a differential diagnosis, based on history, examination and investigation findings through professional and community engagement with Macquarie University's Chiropractic Clinics.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of clinical skills including history ­taking, the use of outcome measures and the utilisation of radiographic software.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of the inter-professional nature of health care, the scope of chiropractic care and the role of referral.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal conditions that most commonly present to chiropractic clinics.

Online quizzes

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Weeks 4, 6, 9, 11, 13
Weighting: 10%

 

5 online quizzes worth 2% each. The quizzes will include questions on both your understanding of conditions that commonly present to chiropractic clinics AND radiology.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a capacity to describe the principles and purpose of the diagnostic process based on real world experience
  • As part of a professional clinical setting, demonstrate skills in systematically critiquing and assessing radiographic images of the spine and extremities and be able to identify normal radiographic anatomy.
  • Demonstrate practical knowledge on how to formulate a differential diagnosis, based on history, examination and investigation findings through professional and community engagement with Macquarie University's Chiropractic Clinics.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of clinical skills including history ­taking, the use of outcome measures and the utilisation of radiographic software.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of the inter-professional nature of health care, the scope of chiropractic care and the role of referral.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal conditions that most commonly present to chiropractic clinics.

PACE Reflective Journal

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 6 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 5%

 

Students are required to make at least 11 entries in an online reflective journal about their PACE experience.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a capacity to describe the principles and purpose of the diagnostic process based on real world experience
  • As part of a professional clinical setting, demonstrate skills in systematically critiquing and assessing radiographic images of the spine and extremities and be able to identify normal radiographic anatomy.
  • Demonstrate practical knowledge on how to formulate a differential diagnosis, based on history, examination and investigation findings through professional and community engagement with Macquarie University's Chiropractic Clinics.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of clinical skills including history ­taking, the use of outcome measures and the utilisation of radiographic software.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of the inter-professional nature of health care, the scope of chiropractic care and the role of referral.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal conditions that most commonly present to chiropractic clinics.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate awareness of the elements of chiropractic practice management and competently perform relevant management duties.

Online Radiology Workbook

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: Ongoing / weekly
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

The radiology workbook includes weekly tasks (starting week 1) to complement your learning. This includes home activities, activities within tutorials and within clinic shifts. Each weeks tasks are to be completed by Sunday at 11pm, when formative feedback will be provided. Activities in the workbook will be marked, and an overall passing grade (50% or higher) will be required to meet the hurdle component of this assessment.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a capacity to describe the principles and purpose of the diagnostic process based on real world experience
  • As part of a professional clinical setting, demonstrate skills in systematically critiquing and assessing radiographic images of the spine and extremities and be able to identify normal radiographic anatomy.
  • Demonstrate practical knowledge on how to formulate a differential diagnosis, based on history, examination and investigation findings through professional and community engagement with Macquarie University's Chiropractic Clinics.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of clinical skills including history ­taking, the use of outcome measures and the utilisation of radiographic software.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of the inter-professional nature of health care, the scope of chiropractic care and the role of referral.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal conditions that most commonly present to chiropractic clinics.

PACE Report

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 15%

 

Written assignment which asks students to research and report on a condition that may masquerade as back pain and present to a chiropractor in the first instance. This report will encourage students to appreciate the importance of differential diagnosis in chiropractic practice and the vital role of referral to appropriate healthcare providers and services.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a capacity to describe the principles and purpose of the diagnostic process based on real world experience
  • Demonstrate practical knowledge on how to formulate a differential diagnosis, based on history, examination and investigation findings through professional and community engagement with Macquarie University's Chiropractic Clinics.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of clinical skills including history ­taking, the use of outcome measures and the utilisation of radiographic software.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of the inter-professional nature of health care, the scope of chiropractic care and the role of referral.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal conditions that most commonly present to chiropractic clinics.

End-Session Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 50%

 

End of session examination on materials Week 1-13.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a capacity to describe the principles and purpose of the diagnostic process based on real world experience
  • As part of a professional clinical setting, demonstrate skills in systematically critiquing and assessing radiographic images of the spine and extremities and be able to identify normal radiographic anatomy.
  • Demonstrate practical knowledge on how to formulate a differential diagnosis, based on history, examination and investigation findings through professional and community engagement with Macquarie University's Chiropractic Clinics.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of clinical skills including history ­taking, the use of outcome measures and the utilisation of radiographic software.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of the inter-professional nature of health care, the scope of chiropractic care and the role of referral.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal conditions that most commonly present to chiropractic clinics.
  • Through practical experience, demonstrate awareness of the elements of chiropractic practice management and competently perform relevant management duties.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

This unit involves some essential on-campus or in-clinic learning activities which will be delivered in accordance with a COVID Safe plan. You will be expected to attend relevant on-campus or in-clinic activities unless the Public Health Order and/or University advice changes.

 

Delivery and Resources    CHIR3610 - FOUNDATIONS OF CLINICAL PRACTICE 

CLINICAL PRACTICE LECTURES - See iLearn for details

CLINICAL PRACTICE TUTORIALS - Tutorial - 1 x 2-hour tutorial per week (starting week 2), see iLearn for details

COMPULSORY CLINICAL PRACTICE - PACE clinic shifts. You will attend your designated PACE clinic shift ONLINE and interact with final year students and the community at one of the 3 University Teaching Clinics for 11 sessions. 

 

RADIOLOGY LECTURES

The radiology lectures will be provided through online videos and powerpoint presentations available through iLearn. It is important that you watch these before attempting the workbook or attending tutorials. 

RADIOLOGY WORKBOOK

The radiology workbook will be accessed through iLearn and is intended to form a resource for normal radiographic anatomy to reference in CHIR3610 and in radiology units in the Master of Chiropractic.

Access to radiographic images will also be provided through your clinic shifts and through the radiographic library, links to which will be provided on iLearn.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
12/07/2021 added covid info in delivery section

Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook