CQUniversity Unit Profile
CHIR20007 Diagnostic Imaging 2
Diagnostic Imaging 2
All details in this unit profile for CHIR20007 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 is a continuation of Diagnostic Imaging 1 (CHIR2005). The unit further prepares you to identify, interpret, report and communicate pathologic processes that were not previously covered, as they present on conventional radiographs and advanced imaging modalities. These differential diagnostic skills are fundamental competencies in Chiropractic practice.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Corequisite: CHIR20006 Clinical Practice 3 Pre-requisite CHIR20005 Diagnostic Imaging 1

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 3 - 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 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

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

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 70%
2. Oral Examination
Weighting: 30%
3. Case Study
Weighting: Pass/Fail

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

Students appreciated that the unit cooardinator presented case material that simulates 'real world practice' and focused on elements that are important for future professional success.

Recommendation

It is recommended that unit content continue to incorporate authentic case material.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

Students would appreciate more revision experiences.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the unit coordinator consider incorporating more practice exercises for students to review their progress and skills prior to assessments.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Implement a search strategy to indentify and evaluate normal findings, abnormal changes and disease processes on radiographs.
  2. Create a differential diagnosis list in order to arrive at a provisional diagnosis based on radiographic and clinical findings
  3. Select the appropriate management strategy for a variety of clinical and imaging abnormalities
  4. Write complete and concise radiology reports.

The Learning Outcomes are in the context of the AQF and specifically address the Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia (CCEA) Competencies.

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
1 - Written Assessment - 70%
2 - Oral Examination - 30%
3 - Case Study - 0%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Yochum and Rowe's Essentials of Skeletal Radiology

Edition: 3rd (2005)
Authors: Terry R Yochum and Lindsay J Rowe
Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins
ISBN: 9780781739467
Binding: Hardcover
Supplementary

Resnick's Bone and Joint Imaging

Edition: 4th (2024)
Authors: Donald L. Resnick, Jon A Jacobson, Christine B Chung, Mark J Kransdorf, Minii N Pathria
Elsevier
ISBN: 9780443351693

Additional Textbook Information

Available online through CQUni Library

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
Kristin Grace Unit Coordinator
k.grace@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 - Scoliosis & Spondylolisthesis Begin Date: 10 Nov 2025

Module/Topic

Scoliosis

Spondylolisthesis

Chapter

Yochum & Rowe's Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, Third Edition

Chap. 4 & Chap. 5

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 - Introduction to Tumours Begin Date: 17 Nov 2025

Module/Topic

Introduction to Bone Lesions 

Chapter

Yochum & Rowe's Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, Third Edition

Review Chap. 7, pp. 679-718

Resnick's Bone and Joint Imaging

Section 4: Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions

#21 - Fundamental Concepts

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 - Osseous & Cartilagenous Tumours Begin Date: 24 Nov 2025

Module/Topic

Osseous and Cartilaginous Tumours 

Chapter

Yochum & Rowe's Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, Third Edition

Osteoma pp. 1244-1248

Bone Island/ Enostoma pp. 1249-1254

Osteoid Osteoma/osteoblastoma pp. 1254-1267

Osteosarcoma pp. 1184-1194

Enchondroma pp. 1267-1279

Osteochondroma pp. 1226-1237

Chondrosarcoma pp. 1194-1200

 

Resnick's Bone and Joint Imaging

Section 4: Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions

#21 - Commonly Encountered Primary Bone Tumours (focus on those discussed in lecture/ tutorial)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 - Fibrous and Miscellaneous Tumours Begin Date: 01 Dec 2025

Module/Topic

Fibrous and Miscellaneous Tumours 

Chapter

Yochum & Rowe's Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, Third Edition

Fibroxanthoma pp. 1285-1290

Fibrosarcoma pp. 1205-1208

Giant cell tumor pp. 1220-1226

Aneurysmal bone cyst pp. 1295-1299

Ewing's sarcoma pp. 1200-1205

 

Resnick's Bone and Joint Imaging

Section 4: Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions

#21 - Commonly Encountered Primary Bone Tumours (focus on those discussed in lecture/ tutorial)

#21 - Undfferentiated Small Round Cell Sarcomas of Bone (Ewing's Sarcoma)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 - Metastasis & Tumour-Like Conditions Begin Date: 08 Dec 2025

Module/Topic

Metastasis and Miscellaneous Tumours

Chapter

Yochum & Rowe's Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, Third Edition

Metastatic bone tumours pp. 1137-1168

Multiple myeloma pp. 1168-1183

Hemangioma pp. 1237-1244

Chordoma pp. 1208-1213

Paget's disease pp.1302-1331

Fibrous dysplasia pp. pp. 1332-1346

 

Resnick's Bone and Joint Imaging

Section 4: Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions

#21 - Commonly Encountered Primary Bone Tumours (focus on those discussed in lecture/ tutorial)

#21 - Skeletal Metastasis

Section 8: Disorders of the Hematopoetic System

#36 - Multiple Myeloma & Plasmacytoma

Section 7 - Metabolic & Endocrine Disorders

#33 - Paget Disease

Section 9 - Miscellaneous Disorders

#43 - Fibrous Dysplasia

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 - Haematologic & Vascular Disorders Begin Date: 15 Dec 2025

Module/Topic

Haematologic and Vascular Disorders

Chapter

Yochum & Rowe's Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, Third Edition

Chap 13 pp. 1427-1440, 1444-1488

 

Resnick's Bone and Joint Imaging

Section 9: Miscellaneous Disorders

#40 - Osteonecrosis

#41 - Osteochondroses

Section 8: Disorders of the Hematopoetic Systemt

#35 - Hemoglobinopathies

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Case Reports - Cases 1-3

Due Friday 19 December 2025 11:59pm

Holiday Begin Date: 22 Dec 2025

Module/Topic

Happy Holidays!

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Holiday Begin Date: 29 Dec 2025

Module/Topic

Happy Holidays!

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 -Skeletal Dysplasias and Introduction to Advanced Imaging Modalities Begin Date: 05 Jan 2026

Module/Topic

Skeletal Dysplasias

Advanced Imaging Modalities - Introduction & Historical

Chapter

Yochum & Rowe's Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, Third Edition

Chap. 8 pp. 721-727, 756-761, 765-774, 776-777

Chap. 6 pp. 619-668

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 - Advanced Imaging - CT & MRI Begin Date: 12 Jan 2026

Module/Topic

Advanced Imaging - CT & MRI

Chapter

Yochum & Rowe's Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, Third Edition

Chap. 6 pp. 485-618

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 - Chest Part 1 Begin Date: 19 Jan 2026

Module/Topic

Chest Part 1

Chapter

Weekly teaching materials posted to Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Viva/ Oral Interpretation Assessments Weeks 9-12, Times will be allocated prior

Week 10 - Chest Part 2 Begin Date: 26 Jan 2026

Module/Topic

Chest Part 2

Chapter

Weekly teaching materials posted to Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 - Abdomen Begin Date: 02 Feb 2026

Module/Topic

Abdomen

Chapter

Weekly teaching materials posted to Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 - Review Begin Date: 09 Feb 2026

Module/Topic

Abdomen 2/ Review

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Case Reports - Cases 4-6

Due Friday 13 February 2026 11:59pm

 


Oral Assessment Due: Week 12 Friday (13 Feb 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 16 Feb 2026

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 16 Feb 2026

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment

Task Description

This assessment is an invigilated online assessment. The test will be comprised of a range of question formats, including multi choice, matching, short and long answer explanations.

This is a closed-book assessment and no notes, texts or additional electronic devices are allowed during this assessment task. You will have a 10 minute perusal time prior to the allotted writing time. The test will last for three (3) hours. 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 15 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 15 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.

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


Assessment Due Date

Wednesday (18 Feb 2026) 9:00 am AEST

Subject to any timetable changes.


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (20 Feb 2026)


Weighting
70%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

In order to achieve a passing grade or higher, students will be required to demonstrate their competence in the following areas:

1. Accurately identify and describe pathologies covered in the unit, apply appropriate radiologic terminology to describe the appearance, and relate these to clinical presentations relevant to Chiropractic practice.

2. Create a differential diagnosis list or arrive at a provisional diagnosis based on radiographic findings and clinical information.

3. Demonstrate and effectively communicate and understanding of the pathogenesis of disorders that may represent on diagnostic imaging studies, linking imaging findings with clinical reasoning.

4. Select, justify and interpret diagnostic imaging appropriate to Chiropractic practice, demonstrating adherence to ALARA principles and other relvant imaging guidelines.

5. Effectively communicate key radiographic findings and their clinical relevance based on authentic, simulated clinical cases and demonstrate an understanding of and effectively communicate appropriate referral pathways base on diagnostic imaging findings and associated clinical information.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Create a differential diagnosis list in order to arrive at a provisional diagnosis based on radiographic and clinical findings
  • Select the appropriate management strategy for a variety of clinical and imaging abnormalities

2 Oral Examination

Assessment Title
Oral Assessment

Task Description

The student will be provided with 1 or 2 diagnostic imaging cases reflecting that which may present to a chiropractor and will represent those conditions presented during the term

The student will attend a 15 minute 'one-on-one, in person/online' assessment session and provide a verbal interpretation of the above cases to the lecturer. This assessment will be completed throughout Weeks 10-12. Times will be made available and posted for selection at Week 8.

Marking rubric for this component will be provided on Moodle

These assessments will be held one-on-one, in person, with the unit coordinator. The unit coordinator reserves the right to move this online via zoom if the need arises.

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


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (13 Feb 2026) 11:45 pm AEST

** These will take place between weeks 10-12. Times will be made available in week 8**


Return Date to Students

Friday (20 Feb 2026)


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

In order to achieve a passing grade or higher, students will be required to demonstrate their competencies in the following areas:

1. Identify normal radiographic anatomy and pathologies covered in the course;

2. Apply appropriate terminology to describe the radiographic appearance and diagnosis of pathologies;

3. Effectively communicate key radiographic findings and their relationships to clinical information in a simulated clinical environment

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the contraindications to manual therapies;

5. Demonstrate an understanding of referral pathways including GP, Specialist, Advanced Imaging, Pathology where appropriate


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Implement a search strategy to indentify and evaluate normal findings, abnormal changes and disease processes on radiographs.
  • Create a differential diagnosis list in order to arrive at a provisional diagnosis based on radiographic and clinical findings

3 Case Study

Assessment Title
Case Study

Task Description

Radiological reports are an important component of clinical management. It is crucial that chiropractors are able to construct adequate reports on films obtained in their clinics and comprehend terminology contained in reports on images provided. The student will construct Six (6) detailed radiology reports on separate case images. Instructions for locating the case images will be provided on the Moodle page.

Please note the following details:

The report itself should be in the format presented in the course and adhere to the template posted on Moodle.
3 reports will be due at Week 6 and the remaining 3 reports will be due at Week 12.
 
This is a pass/ fail component and ALL reports must be turned in and on time, to pass. Feedback will be provided during discussion of the case in tutorial and a Model report will be uploaded following Week 6 and Week 12. 

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


Assessment Due Date

*Due weeks 6 & 12. See task description and class schedule for specific information**


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (20 Feb 2026)


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
Pass/Fail

Assessment Criteria

In order to achieve a passing grade or higher, students will be required to demonstrate their competencies in the following areas:

1. Identification of normal radiographic anatomy, anomalies or variations and pathologies covered in the course;

2. Apply appropriate terminology to describe the radiographic appearance and diagnosis of pathologies;

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanics of radiographic report writing

4. Effectively communicate key radiographic findings and their relationships to clinical information in a simulated clinical environment

5. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate referral pathways including GP, Specialist, Advanced Imaging, Pathology.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Implement a search strategy to indentify and evaluate normal findings, abnormal changes and disease processes on radiographs.
  • Select the appropriate management strategy for a variety of clinical and imaging abnormalities
  • Write complete and concise radiology reports.

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?