Program Overview

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CHIR2104 Chiropractic Sciences 4

Unit Description

This unit builds upon introductory principles in biomechanics as well as clinically relevant concepts in applied anatomy. The focus of this unit will be the biomechanics of the thorax and the upper extremity. Clinical application of biomechanical concepts will relate to the skills of patient observation, joint range of motion assessment, tissue palpation, and muscle testing. Clinical reasoning skills will be developed whereby you will learn to reconcile pathomechanics with clinical findings for musculoskeletal injuries. The concept of diagnostic test accuracy will be introduced and explored. Chiropractic psychomotor skills will be developed. Chiropractic techniques and joint manipulation skills for the thoracic spine and upper extremity will be introduced and developed.

General Information

• Credit points: 10
• Prerequisites: Admission to BChiroSc and (CHIR1101) and (CHIR1102) and (CHIR2103)
• Corequisites: None
• Co-badged status: None
• Unit Convenor: Michael Swain
• Teaching Staff:
  • Tutor Alexander Alevras
  • Tutor Laura Montgomery
  • Tutor Stephen Sharp
  • Tutor Megan Yanz
  • Tutor Kristin Webb
  • Demonstrator Gabrielle Coles
  • Demonstrator Freja Overgaad

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

• Describe how kinematic and kinetic principles apply to the clinical biomechanics of the thorax and upper extremity.
• Demonstrate respect and empathy for patients while performing physical assessment techniques for the thoracic region and upper extremities: palpation, joint range of motion and muscle testing.
• Competently perform chiropractic techniques on the thoracic spine, ribs and upper extremity.
• Demonstrate basic clinical reasoning by applying knowledge of thoracic and upper extremity pathomechanics to interpret information derived from a physical assessment and the application of chiropractic techniques.
• Apply epidemiological knowledge and biostatistical skills to quantify and interpret information pertaining to diagnostic test accuracy.

General Assessment Information

To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

Assessment Tasks

• Portfolio: 20% (Due: 12/09/2025)
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE): 40% (Due: 30/10/2025)
• Final examination: 40% (Due: Session 2 Exam Period)

Delivery and Resources

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of online and face-to-face learning activities, including online lecture modules, tutorials, readings, and discussions.

Recommended Readings

1. Oatis, C. A. (2016). Kinesiology : the mechanics and pathomechanics of human movement (Third edition). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
2. Comparative Kinesiology of the Human Body: Normal and Pathological Conditions, edited by Salih Angin, and Ibrahim Simsek, Elsevier Science & Technology, 2020.
3. Neumann D.A. (2016). Kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system Foundations for rehabilitation (Third edition). Elsevier.
4. Kendall, F.P. (2010). Muscles: testing and function with posture and pain (Fifth edition). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
5. Magee D.J. (2013). Orthopedic physical assessment (Sixth edition). W.D Saunders.
6. Phillip, et al. Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach, Human Kinetics, 2009.

Unit Schedule

The unit schedule outlines the topics covered each week, including online lectures, Tuesday and Thursday tutorials.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

• Academic Appeals Policy
• Academic Integrity Policy
• Academic Progression Policy
• Assessment Policy
• Fitness to Practice Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
• Special Consideration Policy

Inclusion and Diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field.

Professionalism

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses. As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions, including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning, and team-based learning activities.