Program Overview

Introduction to CHIR8511 – Clinical Neurology

The CHIR8511 unit is designed to cover a wide spectrum of clinically relevant neurological conditions for chiropractic students. This unit aims to develop competency in neurological examination and in formulating a differential diagnosis based on the patient's clinical presentation.

General Information

• Unit Convenor and Teaching Staff: Tutor Martin Frutiger, Tutor Amy Melamet, Convenor and Lecturer Stephney Whillier.
• Credit Points: 10
• Prerequisites: Admission to MChiroprac and (CHIR3106 or CHIR316) or ((CHIR6110 or CHIR602) and (CHIR6111 or CHIR603) and (CHIR6302 or CHIR604) and (CHIR6303 or CHIR605) and (CHIR6410 or CHIR606) and (CHIR6510 or CHIR608)).
• Corequisites: None
• Co-badged Status: None
• Unit Description: This unit covers a wide spectrum of clinically relevant neurological conditions for chiropractic students. Students will develop competency in neurological examination and in formulating a differential diagnosis based on the patient's clinical presentation.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Perform the clinical neuromusculoskeletal history taking and examination competently.
• Draw on acquired theoretical knowledge in order to tailor the physical examination to the clinical presentation of the patient, and from this develop a differential diagnosis and clinical management plan.
• Demonstrate well-developed clinical reasoning skills and the ability to diagnose conditions that are suitable for chiropractic care, and identify conditions that are contraindicated for chiropractic care including conditions of non-musculoskeletal origin.
• Acquire knowledge to evaluate conditions, research these cases further using appropriate reference material and communicate findings.
• Develop a respect and empathy for patients, and an ethical and professional attitude to health care.

General Assessment Information

• Grade Descriptors: Contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.
• Final Grades: Determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.
• Passing Requirements: Students must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.
• Late Submissions: A 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of '0' will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted.

Assessment Tasks

• OSCE I: 25% weighting, due in Week 7.
• Final Written Examination: 50% weighting, due in the Official Exam Period.
• VIVA and OSCE II: 25% weighting, due in Week 13.

Delivery and Resources

• Delivery Mode: This unit incorporates a variety of learning tools and media, including lectures and tutorials.
• Required Resources:
  • CHIR8511 – Clinical Neurology Tutorial Course Manual 2025.
  • Diagnostic equipment (Neurological Diagnosis Kit).
• Recommended Resources:
  • Blumenfeld H (2010) Neuroanatomy through Clinical Cases. 2nd ed. Sinauer Associates Inc, Massachusetts.
  • Souza TA (2005) Differential diagnosis and management for the chiropractor 3rd ed. Jones & Bartlett Pub, Massachusetts.

Policies and Procedures

• 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

Changes from Previous Offering

The assessments have been changed to meet the new assessment regulations. The online quizzes are now formative assessment. The second OSCE is now a VIVA and OSCE II.

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 courses. Students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions and show respect for their peers and academic staff.