Students

CHIR3105 – Chiropractic Science 5

2023 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor
Aron Downie
Contact via email
by appointment
Lecturer, tutor
Christopher Agius
Contact via email
by appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to BChiroSc and (CHIR2103 or CHIR213) and (CHIR2104 or CHIR214)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit is an introduction to chiropractic spinal technique and extends palpation from the technique units at 1000 and 2000 level. It further develops psychomotor skill acquisition from previous units. Students gain proficiency in a core group of spinal and peripheral joint manipulative techniques. The hypotheses and scientific rationale relating to chiropractic intervention is explored. Biomechanical function of the spine is explored in detail. Major themes relating to evidence-based practice (EBP) are explored.

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 an understanding of spinal and peripheral joint mechanics
  • ULO2: Perform basic static and motion palpation of spinal joints
  • ULO3: Perform spinal adjustments and/or mobilisations with the appropriate psychomotor skills
  • ULO4: Apply theoretical frameworks for the assessment and therapeutic intervention for common musculoskeletal conditions at a rudimentary level.
  • ULO5: Demonstrate Research skills at the level of closed inquiry within structured guidelines as part of a research skills development (RSD) progression

General Assessment Information

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.

All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor.

Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure (clause 128). To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better. Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn.

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. CHIR1101 practical examinations are competency based.

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

Late Submissions

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE MARK) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern. 

 For example:

Number of days (hours) late

Total Possible Marks

Deduction

Raw mark

Final mark

1 day (1-24 hours)

100

5

75

70

2 days (24-48 hours)

100

10

75

65

3 days (48-72 hours)

100

15

75

60

7 days (144-168 hours)

100

35

75

40

>7 days (>168 hours)

100

-

75

0

 

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
iLearn Quizes 10% No Week 6 & Week 11
Spot Tests 10% No Week 6 & Week 9
Biomechanics written report 10% No Week 8
Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) 35% Yes Week 13
End of semester written examination 35% No University examination period

iLearn Quizes

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Week 6 & Week 11
Weighting: 10%

 

Two online quizzes covering material from teaching weeks 1-5, and 6-10. Each quiz is weighted 5%.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of spinal and peripheral joint mechanics
  • Demonstrate Research skills at the level of closed inquiry within structured guidelines as part of a research skills development (RSD) progression

Spot Tests

Assessment Type 1: Clinical performance evaluation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Week 6 & Week 9
Weighting: 10%

 

Students will undertake two chiropractic spot tests to be scheduled throughout the semester. Each spot test is weighted 5%. Immediately after each spot test (i.e. during the same class), students will be given individual verbal feedback on their performance. The format of the spot test will assist students to prepare for the end of semester OSCE.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of spinal and peripheral joint mechanics
  • Perform basic static and motion palpation of spinal joints
  • Perform spinal adjustments and/or mobilisations with the appropriate psychomotor skills

Biomechanics written report

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 10%

 

Written report task which asks students to explain biomechanical concepts as they relate to manipulative procedures.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of spinal and peripheral joint mechanics
  • Demonstrate Research skills at the level of closed inquiry within structured guidelines as part of a research skills development (RSD) progression

Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)

Assessment Type 1: Clinical performance evaluation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 35%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

During the Objective Structural Clinical Exam (OSCE) students will perform a practical exam over a number of stations. The OSCE allows students to demonstrate their acquisition of competency across the various clinical assessment and treatment procedures covered in this unit. The OSCE will be conducted during the end of semester practical examination period.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of spinal and peripheral joint mechanics
  • Perform basic static and motion palpation of spinal joints
  • Perform spinal adjustments and/or mobilisations with the appropriate psychomotor skills

End of semester written examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: University examination period
Weighting: 35%

 

The end of semester written exam is a closed book examination of all the material covered in the unit.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of spinal and peripheral joint mechanics
  • Apply theoretical frameworks for the assessment and therapeutic intervention for common musculoskeletal conditions at a rudimentary level.
  • Demonstrate Research skills at the level of closed inquiry within structured guidelines as part of a research skills development (RSD) progression

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

 

  1. Delivery mode. As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of online and face-to-face learning activities, including hands-on practicals, face to face lectures, online modules and videos. Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.  Nb. LECTURES BEGIN WEEK 1. TUTORIALS BEGIN WEEK 2

    • 1 x 2 hour lecture per week (FACE-TO-FACE) - begins in Week 1

    • 2 x 2 hour tutorial/practicals per week (ON-CAMPUS ATTENDANCE) - begins in Week 2

    • 2-3 hours per week self- instructional learning

  2. Prescribed Unit Materials

    • Esposito & Philipson, Manual of Spinal Technique - Printed EXCERPT will available for purchase within tutorial class

  3. Recommended reading

    • Oatis. Kinesiology “Kinesiology The Mechanics and Pathomechanics of Human Movement,” 3rd edition. ISBN: 9781451191561

    • Manual of Peripheral Technique, Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University  - online adjustment compilation available via iLearn download

    • Bergmann & Peterson: Chiropractic technique, principles and procedures 3rd Ed. ISBN : 9780323049696

    • Specific week-week resources available as links via iLearn and Leganto

  4. Technology Used
    • Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device. Students who do not own their own laptop computer may borrow one from the university library.

Unit Schedule

See iLearn for week-week schedule

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

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

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

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

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

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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.

INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

PROFESIONALISM

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.


Unit information based on version 2023.03 of the Handbook