Students

CHIR3610 – PACE: Foundations of Clinical Practice

2023 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor
Christopher Burrell
christopher.burrell@mq.edu.au
Thursdays 1pm-2pm or via 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.

Visit Employability Connect for important information on this unit including required preparation and closing dates for PACE activities.

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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • ULO4: Through practical experience, demonstrate an understanding of clinical skills including history ­taking, the use of outcome measures and the utilisation of radiographic software.
  • ULO5: Through practical experience, demonstrate awareness of the elements of chiropractic practice management and competently perform relevant management duties.
  • 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.

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.

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
End-Session Exam 50% No University Exam Period
Online quizzes 10% No Ongoing - see iLearn
PACE Report 15% No Friday 8 Sept Midnight
Mid-Session Exam 20% No Week 8 during lecture time
Online Radiology Workbook 0% Yes Ongoing - see iLearn
PACE Chiropractic Clinic shift 0% Yes Ongoing - 6 clinic shifts and 10 online mentor sessions
PACE Reflective Journal 5% No 11 entries needed by Friday 3 Nov Midnight

End-Session Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: University Exam 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 awareness of the elements of chiropractic practice management and competently perform relevant management duties.
  • 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: Ongoing - see iLearn
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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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: Friday 8 Sept Midnight
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.

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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Radiology Workbook

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: Ongoing - see iLearn
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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Chiropractic Clinic shift

Assessment Type 1: Work-integrated task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 44 hours
Due: Ongoing - 6 clinic shifts and 10 online mentor sessions
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.

 
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.
  • 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.
  • 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 awareness of the elements of chiropractic practice management and competently perform relevant management duties.
  • 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: 11 entries needed by Friday 3 Nov Midnight
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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 awareness of the elements of chiropractic practice management and competently perform relevant management duties.
  • 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.

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

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of face-to-face and online learning activities, including lectures, tutorials, online radiology modules, and readings. Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.

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 detailed Unit 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.

Professionalism

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 at all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join the 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