Program Overview

Unit Overview

The unit OSTP3003, Clinical Reasoning in Osteopathic Medicine, is a coursework unit offered by the Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University. This unit provides students with a deepening understanding of the diagnostic theory and methods in primary care medicine, with a particular focus on diagnostic imaging, orthopaedics, rheumatology, and neurology.

Unit Description

The unit aims to develop advanced clinical reasoning while integrating osteopathic principles and practices in patient care. Simulated clinical cases are used to develop clinical reasoning skills. The unit content includes:

• Interpretation of diagnostic imaging
• Case study development and principles of the osteopathic consultation
• Principles of orthopaedics
• Principles of rheumatology
• Principles of neurology
• Principles of the overall management plan

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

• Synthesise pathophysiological theory into practice in the context of common patient presentations relative to the orthopaedic, rheumatological, and neurological systems
• Demonstrate diagnostic clinical reasoning in these systems, including physical examination, laboratory, and imaging technologies
• Critically explore the integration of the osteopathic concept of health and disease with the diagnostic process
• Construct management of patient cases based on an integrated diagnostic process

Teaching and Assessment

The teaching methods for this unit include tutorials and workshops. The assessment consists of:

• Viva voce (50%)
• OSCE (20%)
• Case study (30%)

This assessment structure applies to both the Gold Coast and Lismore terms.

Prescribed Learning Resources

Prescribed texts and resources/equipment information is not currently available. However, it is noted that prescribed learning resources may change in future teaching periods.

Fee Information

For domestic students, the unit is part of Commonwealth Supported courses. For fee-paying courses, students should check the relevant domestic postgraduate or undergraduate fees. International students should refer to the international course and fee list for applicable fees.

Courses Offering This Unit

This unit is offered as part of the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) at the Gold Coast campus, available in both 2025 and 2026 intakes.