CQUniversity Unit Profile
CHIR13014 Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 6
Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 6
All details in this unit profile for CHIR13014 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 will introduce you to the aetiology, incidence, pathophysiology and clinical presentation of complex and multifaceted clinical conditions encountered in chiropractic practice. You will integrate this theoretical understanding with appropriate orthopaedic, neurologic and physical examination skills while continuing to build on your clinical management skills.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 12
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.25

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-Requisite:NUP10435 Foundations of Chiropractic Practice 5

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 2 - 2025

Brisbane

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 12-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. On-campus Activity
Weighting: 50%
2. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
Weighting: Pass/Fail
3. In-class Test(s)
Weighting: 50%

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

Some students would have preferred the twice weekly on-campus activity assessment to continue in this unit in keeping with the first and second year practical class assessments.

Recommendation

It is recommended the unit coordinator explore implementing a similar assessment strategy to other practical classes within the degree.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Students appreciated the comprehensive video library that was developed for this unit.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the unit coordinator continue to develop and provide access to the skills video library to support student learning.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Describe the clinical presentation including aetiology, incidence and pathophysiology of complex and multifaceted conditions of the spine and extremities.
  2. Apply clinical reasoning skills in relation to the selection and application of assessment and management procedures relevant to complex and multifaceted conditions to determine introductory diagnoses.
  3. Demonstrate advanced clinical assessment skills including neurological and orthopaedic procedures.
  4. Demonstrate management procedures including advanced chiropractic techniques.
  5. Reflect on and discuss the behavioural expectations of a healthcare professional in multi-cultural Australia.

LO1 - Competency 3 (3.4)

LO2 - Competency 1 (1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4), 2 (2.2), 3 (3.3, 3.4 and 3.5), 4 (4.1 and 4.2)

LO 3 - Competency 1 (1.1, 1.2 and 1.3), 2 (2.1), 3 (3.1, 3.2 and 3.4)

LO4 - Competency 1 (1.1, 1.2 and 1.3), 2 (2.1 and 2.3), 4 (4.1 and 4.2), 5 (5.1 and 5.2)

LO5 - Competency 2 (2.1), 3 (3.1, 3.2 and 3.4)

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 5
1 - On-campus Activity - 50%
2 - Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) - 0%
3 - In-class Test(s) - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
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

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Andrew Dane Unit Coordinator
a.dane@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 - Introduction & Shoulder Begin Date: 14 Jul 2025

Module/Topic

Unit Introduction

Chiropractic Technique - Shoulder (Practical)

Ortho/Neuro - Shoulder (Practical)

Common Conditions - Shoulder (Lecture)

Chapter

Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.

Section 4, Chapter 15

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 - Shoulder Begin Date: 21 Jul 2025

Module/Topic

Chiropractic Technique - Shoulder (Practical)

Ortho/Neuro - Shoulder (Practical)

Common Conditions - Shoulder (Lecture)

Chapter

Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.

Chapter 15

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 - Elbow Begin Date: 28 Jul 2025

Module/Topic

Chiropractic Technique - Elbow (Practical)

Ortho/Neuro - Elbow (Practical)

Common Conditions - Elbow (Lecture)

Chapter

Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.

Section 4, Chapter 16

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 - Wrist & Hand Begin Date: 04 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Chiropractic Technique - Wrist & Hand (Practical)

Ortho/Neuro  - Wrist & Hand  (Practical)

Common Conditions  - Wrist & Hand (Lecture)

Chapter

Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.

Chapter 17

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 - UL Review Begin Date: 11 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Chiropractic Technique - UL Review (Practical)

Ortho/Neuro - UL Review (Practical)

Common Conditions - UL Neuro (Lecture)

Chapter

Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.

Section 4

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 18 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 - UL Mid Term OSCE Begin Date: 25 Aug 2025

Module/Topic

Chiropractic Technique UL Mid Term OSCE (Practical)

Ortho/Neuro UL Mid Term OSCE (Practical)

Common Conditions - Hip (Lecture)

Chapter

Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.

Section 2, Chapter 12

Events and Submissions/Topic

UL Mid Term OSCE

Week 7 - Hip Begin Date: 01 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Chiropractic Technique - Hip (Practical)

Ortho/Neuro - Hip (Practical)

Common Conditions - Hip (Lecture)

Chapter

Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.

Section 2, Chapter 12

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 - Knee Begin Date: 08 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Chiropractic Technique - Knee(Practical)

Ortho/Neuro - Knee (Practical)

Common Conditions - Knee (Lecture)

Chapter

Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.

Section 2, Chapter 10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 - Ankle & Foot Begin Date: 15 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Chiropractic Technique  - Ankle & Foot (Practical)

Ortho/Neuro  - Ankle & Foot (Practical)

Common Conditions  - Ankle & Foot (Lecture)

Chapter

Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.

Section 2, Chapter 9

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 - TMJ Begin Date: 22 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Chiropractic Technique - TMJ (Practical)

Ortho/Neuro - TMJ (Practical)

Common Conditions - TMJ (Lecture)

Chapter

Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.

Section 5, Chapter 5

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 - Review Week Begin Date: 29 Sep 2025

Module/Topic

Chiropractic Technique - Review Week (Practical)

Ortho/Neuro  - Review Week (Practical)

Common Conditions  - Review Week (Lecture)

Chapter

Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 - OSCE Week Begin Date: 06 Oct 2025

Module/Topic

Chiropractic Technique  - OSCE Week (Practical)

Ortho/Neuro  - OSCE Week (Practical)

Common Conditions  - LL Neuro (Lecture)

Chapter

Starkey, C., & Brown, S. D. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. FA Davis.

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

End of Term OSCE


On Campus Activity (P/F) Due: Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025) 5:30 pm AEST
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs 50%) Due: Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025) 5:30 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 13 Oct 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

In-Class Test Due: Review/Exam Week Wednesday (15 Oct 2025) 9:00 am AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 20 Oct 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

Content and knowledge from previous units and years of study especially Foundations of Chiropractic Years (all terms) 1-2 & CHIR13013 Year 3, T1, will be considered assumed knowledge for this unit. 

Assessment Tasks

1 On-campus Activity

Assessment Title
On Campus Activity (P/F)

Task Description

Task Description

On Campus Activity (0% - P/F)

On-Campus Activities will involve a mixture of demonstrating new clinical skills and or applying new knowledge to a provided case scenario. 80% Passing Rate.

The on-campus activities will be based on material from the previous or current week's content. It is essential that you review the material. Students will be required to complete the activity, sign and date it. It is your responsibility to ensure this activity is completed submitted as proof of completion. If an on campus activity is missed it will not be offered at a alternate time unless an extension request is submitted with valid documentation. OCAs will take place during the first 15mins of each practical class, if you are substantially late that you miss the signing class without good reason it will be assumed that you have missed the OCA for that week.  

The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.

AI Assessment Scale Tool – Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025) 5:30 pm AEST

CoB Friday Wk 12


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (24 Oct 2025)


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

The on-campus activities will be based on material from the previous or current week's content. It is essential that you review the material. Students will be required to complete the activity, sign and date it. It is your responsibility to ensure this activity is completed submitted as proof of completion. If an on campus activity is missed it will not be offered at a alternate time unless an extension request is submitted with valid documentation. OCAs will take place during the first 15mins of each practical class, if you are substantially late that you miss the signing class without good reason it will be assumed that you have missed the OCA for that week. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
On Campus Activity completed by Week 12

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the clinical presentation including aetiology, incidence and pathophysiology of complex and multifaceted conditions of the spine and extremities.
  • Demonstrate advanced clinical assessment skills including neurological and orthopaedic procedures.
  • Demonstrate management procedures including advanced chiropractic techniques.
  • Reflect on and discuss the behavioural expectations of a healthcare professional in multi-cultural Australia.

2 Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)

Assessment Title
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs 50%)

Task Description

  • OSCE is a two station OSCE - this assessment will assess all practical content from the unit.
  • OSCE will be held in Week 6 & 12 - the scores from the two stations from mid term and end of term will be combined and a minimum pass mark of 65% is required as these skills are deemed core clinical skills. This OSCE will take place during practical class time in week Week 6 & 12.
  • Please note, supplementary assessments are only available for pass/fail assessment items if you score between 55%-64%. 
  • The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
  • AI Assessment Scale Tool – Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025) 5:30 pm AEST

During Practical Class Time


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (24 Oct 2025)


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
65%

Assessment Criteria

  • Demonstrate commonly used clinical assessment skills including neurological and orthopedic procedures.
  • Demonstrate management procedures including chiropractic techniques.
  • Communicate and demonstrate appropriate professional and culturally inclusive behaviours to the standard expected of a registered healthcare professional.


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply clinical reasoning skills in relation to the selection and application of assessment and management procedures relevant to complex and multifaceted conditions to determine introductory diagnoses.
  • Demonstrate advanced clinical assessment skills including neurological and orthopaedic procedures.
  • Demonstrate management procedures including advanced chiropractic techniques.

3 In-class Test(s)

Assessment Title
In-Class Test

Task Description

This online assessment is 120 minutes in duration and will be comprised of a range of question formats, including multi choice, matching, short and long case answer explanations. This is a closed-book assessment and no notes, texts or additional electronic devices are allowed during this assessment task. You will submit your test electronically. This test must be written at the timetabled date and time. If you arrive late, you may enter the test room up to 30 minutes after the start of the test, however, you will still be required to submit your test at the standard test end time. You will not be allowed entry more than 30 minutes after the test starts. In the absence of an approved extension, there will be no opportunity for you to complete this assessment at a later time, and you will receive a mark of zero for the assessment. You must finalise / submit the online test and show the invigilator the submission screen prior to leaving the test PC room early.

The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.

AI Assessment Scale Tool – Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Wednesday (15 Oct 2025) 9:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (24 Oct 2025)


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time
    Reading time is incorporated within the allocated exam time.
    The test will take 120 minutes
    See the Quiz Outline for exam specific question information.
  • Any students with an accessibility plan are advised to ensure that they have shared the plan with the unit coordinator to ensure that they are appropriately accommodated. An email reminder prior to the exam week is a good idea.
  • If you have a technical difficulties during the assessment please alert the invigilator immediately, they will help you record the incident to send to the unit coordinator / TASAC as per LDI Guidelines.
  • Once the assessment has begun nobody can leave the room for the first 30 minutes, after that no late entrants will be allowed to join the assessment task as per normal practice. 
  • You must finalise / submit the online test and show the invigilator the submission screen prior to leaving the test PC room early.
  • If you are unable to make it on the day of your end of term test, please email the unit coordinator as soon as possible and supply a medical certificate.
  • Please bring your ID with you so we can confirm it prior to you taking the test.
  • The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
  • AI Assessment Scale Tool – Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the clinical presentation including aetiology, incidence and pathophysiology of complex and multifaceted conditions of the spine and extremities.
  • Apply clinical reasoning skills in relation to the selection and application of assessment and management procedures relevant to complex and multifaceted conditions to determine introductory diagnoses.
  • Reflect on and discuss the behavioural expectations of a healthcare professional in multi-cultural Australia.

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?