CQUniversity Unit Profile.

This assessment will be completed in two parts: Part A and Part B. In Part A, you will complete a review of the literature and best practice guidelines that apply to the selected neurological case studies you are given, then design and implement an exercise program for each case study. Part B, you will present in a live face-to-face presentation your three (3) case studies and will be required to defend one (1) of these case studies, justify your clinical decisions, in a viva-style oral defence. 

Part A. Portfolio Due Date: Week 9 Friday (18 Sept 2026) 5:00 pm AEST

Overview: You will receive three (3) neurological case studies. For each case study, you must:

• Describe the pathophysiology of the condition.
• Justify their selection of screening processes and neurological assessments based on evidence.
• Propose a structured exercise intervention tailored to the individual’s age, condition stage, and functional capacity, and critically evaluate their decision-making process.

Students will source primary literature and current exercise guidelines to exercise across multiple settings and with diverse populations.

Academic writing and referencing
The written submission (Portfolio Part A) comprises a literature review and a detailed case study outline, including an exercise protocol. This is not an essay but a structured professional document that includes evidence-based recommendations, program design, and clinical reasoning for three (3) separate case studies. The written submission will be 2500 – 3000 words in length (not including a cover page and references) and be prepared according to the following instructions:

Document type: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)
Page size: A4
Font: Calibri 12 point
Line spacing: Double-spaced throughout
Language: Australian English
Margins: 2.54cm on all sides
Tables and Figures: May be used, but titles and footnotes will be included in the word count

Your submission must be supported by recent (within the past 5-10 years) relevant references from the peer-reviewed literature, as necessary. Do NOT refer to blogs, websites, YouTube videos, or other non-scientific sources. You MUST refer to empirical research, reviews, guidelines, or consensus statements published in the peer-reviewed scientific literature. Your essay will be marked against the criteria described in the Assessment Criteria section below. It will contribute 40% of your overall grade for this unit.

Part B. Presentation Slides Due Date: Vacation/Exam Week Tuesday (20 Oct 2026) at 5:00 pm AEST. Individual Presentation Due Date: Vacation/Exam Week Wednesday-Friday (21-23 Oct 2026). 

Overview: An assessor will select one of your chosen case studies, and you will be required to defend your clinical decisions in a viva-style oral defence. You will be questioned about your rationale for assessments and interventions, the expected physiological responses to both acute and chronic exercise, your ability to adapt strategies, and your knowledge of evidence-based practice. Assessors may present a brief modification (e.g., patient deterioration, comorbidities) to assess adaptability in clinical reasoning. You will be assigned a time slot for the live Zoom (presentation) assessment during Week 10 on the Unit Moodle site. 

Delivery types: You will deliver a 15-minute oral presentation using PowerPoint slides (or similar). You are required to submit a PowerPoint slide presentation to the Unit Moodle site before the due date. 

Requirements: Must present the case study in a manner commensurate with that expected if delivering a case conference in a work setting, and support relevant aspects of the presentation with recent, relevant references.

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

Level of GenAI use allowed
Level 3 - AI may be used to help complete the task, including idea generation, drafting, feedback, and refinement. Students should critically evaluate and modify AI-suggested outputs to demonstrate their understanding.

Referencing

• Use recent, relevant references formatted in APA 7th edition style to support your submission.
• Marks will be awarded according to the marking rubric available on the Unit Moodle site.

Referencing Style

• American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

Part A: Case-Based Clinical Portfolio

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of neurological anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, and accurately interpret determinants of health and function relevant to neurological conditions.
• Critically evaluate and apply appropriate screening processes and neurological assessments using current evidence-based guidelines.
• Develop a safe, effective, and individualised exercise intervention, with clear justification and clinical reasoning.
• Explain expected physiological responses to acute exercise and adaptations to chronic exercise in neurological populations.

Part B: Individual Presentation

• Clearly justify the selection of assessments and exercise prescription decisions using evidence-based practice.
• Demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning and the ability to adapt interventions in response to changing clinical scenarios.
• Deliver a clear, professional, and structured presentation consistent with clinical practice expectations.
• Respond appropriately and confidently to questioning using accurate clinical terminology.

Detailed marking rubrics will be made available on the Unit Moodle site.

You will complete a 60-minute in-class test at the commencement of the residential school. Content will be related to your knowledge of physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function for neurological conditions. There will also be questions related to physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise for clients with neurological conditions. This in-class test will contain a variety of question styles to assess your understanding.

Paper-Based In-Class Test at Residential School Only
This assessment item is comprised of an in-class test that is to be completed at the residential school in which you are attending. This in-class test must be completed in person at the residential school and invigilated by a member of staff. You will be required to bring your own pen and writing tools (i.e., black/blue pen, white-out, ruler) to the residential school to complete this test. Students will be given a 5-minute time period prior to the commencement of the test to read the questions outlined in the in-class test. Students will not be permitted to leave the room during the last 10 minutes of the allocated time period. Students will be required to hand in the in-class test paper to the assessor upon completion. 

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

This assessment must be completed as part of the residential schools for both ROK and CNS.

Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 1 - You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.

The in-class test will be marked using the criteria described below:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of neurological anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.
• Interpret determinants of health and function relevant to neurological conditions.
• Explain physiological responses to acute exercise and adaptations to chronic exercise for neurological populations.
• Apply knowledge to exercise prescription principles using clinical reasoning.

Marks will be awarded according to accuracy, clarity, and completeness of responses.

You will be assessed during the residential school on the elements of working with a client with a neurological condition. You will assume the role of an AEP and be assessed on your ability to screen, develop an appropriate intervention, and deliver that intervention to a mock client (another student) who will be provided with specific case details, including information on the condition, medication history, and history of other practitioners who have undertaken an assessment of health characteristics.

Time limit: 30 minutes.

Requirements: Students must pass this assessment to pass the unit overall. Minimum mark or grade 50%

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

This assessment must be completed as part of the residential schools for both ROK and CNS.

Level of GenAI use allowed
Level 1 - You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.

The practical assessment will be marked using the criteria described below:

• Demonstrate appropriate professional communication and behaviour throughout the session.
• Select and implement appropriate screening and neurological assessment tools.
• Plan and deliver a safe and effective exercise intervention tailored to the client’s needs.
• Apply clinical reasoning to justify exercise prescription, progression, and monitoring strategies.
• Marks will be awarded based on accuracy, safety, professionalism, and application of evidence-based practice.

Detailed marking rubrics will be made available on the Unit Moodle site.