Overview
In this unit, you will focus on examining, diagnosing and managing common sports injury related conditions. You will advance your understanding in a range of management topics related to the athletic population including injury prevention, advice on healthy lifestyles, self-managed care, rehabilitation, and treatment options. This unit will assist you with your clinical development in the student clinic by addressing the importance of integrating knowledge and skills to support clinical decision-making for this special population.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-Requisite: CHIR20009 Clinical Practice 4 and CHIR20010 Advanced Clinical Development 1 Co-requisite: CHIR20011 Clinical 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
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).
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
Assessment Overview
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.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
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
Some students felt that they would benefit from more practical based activities.
It is recommended that the unit coordinator explore introducing more practical activities to facilitate students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
Feedback from SUTE
Some students appreciated that the assessments were designed to evaluate deeper learning and critical thinking skills.
It is recommended that the unit coordinator continue to provide assessments that further engage student learning through greater analysis, evaluation, or creation.
- Explain the relationship between normal and abnormal morphology of a clinical condition according to its aetiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment options
- Interpret findings and formulate a diagnosis, clinical impression, management plan and prognosis from a case history and physical assessment, taking into consideration patient safety and any contraindications
- Apply the appropriate chiropractic approach to treatment (within the scope of practice) that includes technique/skills, exercise/rehabilitation, health promotion, prevention, lifestyle advice and self-managed care in a professional and ethical way in accordance to the chiropractic code of conduct and professional standards
This is a specific exposure unit to assist the student develop their individualised pathway towards strengthening the majority of elements and performance indicators of CCEA’s Accreditation Standards: Unit 6 Patient Assessment, Unit 7 Diagnostic Decision Making, Unit 8 Planning of Patient Care, Unit 9 Implementation of Care, and Unit 3 Professional Interaction. There will be some elements addressed from Unit 10 Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and Unit 11 Professional Scientific Development.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - On-campus Activity - 0% | |||
| 2 - Portfolio - 25% | |||
| 3 - Portfolio - 25% | |||
| 4 - In-class Test(s) - 50% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 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
There are no required textbooks.
Additional Textbook Information
No.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
m.fernandez@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Lectures and Tutorial:
Sport and Exercise Medicine Introduction
Concussion
Neck pain
Chapter
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine: Injuries
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Lecture and Tutorial:
Upper limb injuries
Chapter
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine: Injuries
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Lecture and Tutorial:
Trunk, abdominal and thoracic spine injuries
Chapter
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine: Injuries
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Lecture and Tutorial:
Lumbar spine and pelvic injuries
Chapter
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine: Injuries
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Lecture and Tutorial:
Lower limb injuries
Chapter
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine: Injuries
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Lecture and Tutorial:
Return to sport / play
Chapter
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine: Injuries
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1: Sports Medicine Practical (scheduled for August 29. Note date may change depending on speaker availability).
Assessment 3: Mid-year quiz - open for 12 hours (730am to 730pm) August 27 - Wednesday.
Portfolio - mid year quiz Due: Week 6 Wednesday (27 Aug 2025) 7:30 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Lectures and Tutorial:
Heat acclimatisation in (elite) athletes
Chapter
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine: Injuries
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Lectures and Tutorial:
Mental health in athletes
Chapter
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine: Injuries
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Lectures and Tutorial:
Paediatric sports injuries
Chapter
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine: Injuries
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1: Sports Medicine Practical (scheduled for September 19. Note date may change depending on speaker availability)
On campus activity Due: Week 9 Friday (19 Sept 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Lectures and Tutorial:
Masters athletes
Chapter
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine: Injuries
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2: Portfolio case study due September 25th
Portfolio - case study Due: Week 10 Thursday (25 Sept 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Lectures and Tutorial:
Disabled athletes
Chapter
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine: Injuries
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Lectures and Tutorial:
Injury prevention
Chapter
Relevant reading and content will be available on Moodle
Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine: Injuries
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
No class
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 4: In class test on campus scheduled for 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM Tuesday October 14th
In class test Due: Review/Exam Week Tuesday (14 Oct 2025) 11:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 On-campus Activity
On campus activity will comprise 2 x 4 hour Sports medicine practical workshops at the CQU Health Clinic
AI Assessment scale tool descriptors:
1 No AI
The assessment is completed entirely without Al assistance in a controlled environment, ensuring that students rely solely on their existing knowledge, understanding, and skills
You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply.
Week 9 Friday (19 Sept 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Evidence of completion - off campus activity
Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025)
Pass / Fail grade.
This assessment task relates to patient safety, contraindications, diagnostic interpretation, clinical impression, management plan and prognosis from a case history (or histories) and physical assessment(s).
You will be asked to demonstrate skill proficiency at the end of the practical classes (e.g., strapping, concussion assessment).
No submission method provided.
- Interpret findings and formulate a diagnosis, clinical impression, management plan and prognosis from a case history and physical assessment, taking into consideration patient safety and any contraindications
2 Portfolio
This report will be approximately 500 +/- 10% words total and submitted in Week 10.
Sports medicine is concerned with the treatment and prevention of illness and injury in athletes. Musculoskeletal rehabilitation, encompassing disciplines such as physiotherapy and chiropractic care, must evolve to incorporate a more comprehensive biopsychosocial model. This approach recognizes that musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving persistent pain, are influenced not only by physical and biological factors but also by psychological and social dimensions. Effective rehabilitation should therefore consider the emotional well-being, mental health, lifestyle, and social context of individuals, alongside their physical symptoms. By embracing this holistic perspective, healthcare providers can deliver high-value care that is patient-centered, evidence-informed, and tailored to the complex needs of those living with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
A brief, sports-related patient case history will be provided at the commencement of the semester. Given our focus on patient-centered care, how would you consider: 1) psychological, 2) lifestyle and, 3) social factors, all which focus on musculoskeletal recovery and return-to-play.
There is a 72-hour grace period implemented on this assessment. This allows students to submit their assessment up to 72 hours after the original due date without incurring any late penalties.
To help you use Generative AI tools in a transparent, flexible, and responsible way, you are encouraged to explore the following practical framework that guides your ethical and effective AI use in your assessment. For this assessment, descriptor 2 is applied.
AI Assessment scale tool descriptors:
1 No AI
The assessment is completed entirely without Al assistance in a controlled environment, ensuring that students rely solely on their existing knowledge, understanding, and skills
You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
2 AI PLANNING
Al may be used for pre-task activities such as brainstorming, outlining and initial research. This level focuses on the effective use of Al for planning, synthesis, and ideation, but assessments should emphasise the ability to develop and refine these ideas independently.
You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
3 AI COLLABORATION
Al may be used to help complete the task, including idea generation, drafting, feedback, and refinement. Students should critically evaluate and modify the Al suggested outputs, demonstrating their understanding.
You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.
4 FULL AI
Al may be used to complete any elements of the task, with students directing Al to achieve the assessment goals.
Assessments at this level may also require engagement with Al to achieve goals and solve problems.
You may use Al extensively throughout your work either as you wish, or as specifically directed in your assessment. Focus on directing Al to achieve your goals while demonstrating your critical thinking.
5 AI EXPLORATION
Al is used creatively to enhance problem-solving, generate novel insights, or develop innovative solutions to solve problems. Students and educators co-design assessments to explore unique Al applications within the field of study.
You should use Al creatively to solve the task, potentially co-designing new approaches with your instructor
Week 10 Thursday (25 Sept 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025)
This assessment task related to aetiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment options (including health promotion).
A clinical diagnosis and impression is made from a case history and physical assessment.
Rubric
|
Feature |
0–3 marks |
4–6 marks |
7–9 marks |
Full marks (10) |
Comments |
|
Case Summary (<50 words) |
No summary or irrelevant content |
Summary lacks key details or clarity |
Mostly complete with minor omissions |
Clear, concise, and includes all key components of the case |
|
|
Psychological Factors (<150 words) |
Poor understanding; lacks relevance |
Basic understanding; limited explanation |
Good understanding; mostly accurate and relevant |
Excellent insight into psychological factors (e.g., stress, motivation, mental health), clearly linked to the case |
|
|
Social Factors (<150 words) |
No or minimal discussion of social context |
Some relevant points but lacks depth |
Good coverage with minor gaps |
Comprehensive explanation of social influences (e.g., support systems, cultural context, socioeconomic status) |
|
|
Lifestyle Factors (<150 words) |
Lacks relevance or understanding |
Some relevant aspects mentioned |
Good understanding with minor omissions |
Thorough exploration of lifestyle factors (e.g., sleep, nutrition, training habits) and their impact on recovery/performance |
|
|
Integration and Structure |
Disorganized; difficult to follow |
Some structure but lacks clarity or flow |
Mostly logical with minor repetition or confusion |
Seamless integration of all components; logical flow and easy to understand |
|
|
Use of References |
No references or irrelevant sources |
Few references; some outdated or unclear |
Mostly relevant and current references |
Fully compliant with current, high-quality, and relevant sources (e.g., peer-reviewed articles, clinical guidelines) |
|
- Explain the relationship between normal and abnormal morphology of a clinical condition according to its aetiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment options
3 Portfolio
The mid-term online quiz will be on the Moodle platform and will take place on online in week 6, between August 27 (Wednesday). It will be open from 7:30am to 7:30pm.
The mid-term quiz will involve a mix of question types including multiple choice, true/false and matching styles. A few short answer questions will also be included.
The quiz will assess content taught across weeks 1-5.
AI Assessment scale tool descriptor to be adopted:
1 No Gen AI
The assessment is completed entirely without Al assistance in a controlled environment, ensuring that students rely solely on their existing knowledge, understanding, and skills
You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply.
Week 6 Wednesday (27 Aug 2025) 7:30 pm AEST
Week 8 Friday (12 Sept 2025)
This assessment task relates to the demonstration of relevant chiropractic treatment approaches (within the scope of sports practice) that may include technique/skills, exercise/rehabilitation, health promotion, prevention, lifestyle advice and self-managed care.
This assessment task will involve selecting or providing the most accurate and correct answers to the questions posed in this mid-term online quiz.
- Apply the appropriate chiropractic approach to treatment (within the scope of practice) that includes technique/skills, exercise/rehabilitation, health promotion, prevention, lifestyle advice and self-managed care in a professional and ethical way in accordance to the chiropractic code of conduct and professional standards
4 In-class Test(s)
This in class test will be undertaken in a CQUni computer lab on whichever campus that you are enrolled. The test will involve a mix of question types including multiple choice, true/false and matching styles. There will be a short answer questions as well.
The test will assess all theoretical content taught across weeks 6-12.
AI Assessment scale tool descriptor to be adopted:
1 No Gen AI
The assessment is completed entirely without Al assistance in a controlled environment, ensuring that students rely solely on their existing knowledge, understanding, and skills
You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply.
Review/Exam Week Tuesday (14 Oct 2025) 11:00 am AEST
Exam Week Friday (24 Oct 2025)
The assessment criteria comprises all unit learning outcomes and will involve selecting or providing the most accurate and correct answers to the questions posed in this in class test.
For final time and location, refer to the CQUni timetable.
- Explain the relationship between normal and abnormal morphology of a clinical condition according to its aetiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment options
- Interpret findings and formulate a diagnosis, clinical impression, management plan and prognosis from a case history and physical assessment, taking into consideration patient safety and any contraindications
- Apply the appropriate chiropractic approach to treatment (within the scope of practice) that includes technique/skills, exercise/rehabilitation, health promotion, prevention, lifestyle advice and self-managed care in a professional and ethical way in accordance to the chiropractic code of conduct and professional standards
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?
