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Unit outline_

CLNP5003: Clinical Neurophysiology Techniques

Semester 2, 2022 [Distance education/intensive on campus] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Clinical neurophysiologists are required to have expertise in a number of different diagnostic and monitoring modalities. This unit will use a case based approach to cover the most commonly used diagnostic techniques (other than EEG) and will focus on nerve conduction studies and sensory evoked potential recordings.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Clinical Neurophysiology
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
CLNP5001
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator James Burrell, james.burrell@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Live+ supervised) Type A final exam Exam
Online MCQ
60% Formal exam period 1 hour
Small continuous assessment Reports
Online discussion
10% Multiple weeks See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO17 LO16 LO15 LO14 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO4
Small continuous assessment hurdle task Clinical case reviews
Short answer and MCQ
0% Multiple weeks See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO17 LO16 LO15 LO14 LO13 LO12 LO10 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO4 LO2
Online task Module quizzes
Online MCQ
10% Multiple weeks 15 minutes each
Assignment Short answer questions
Written task
20% Multiple weeks 750 words each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO7 LO9 LO16
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
Type A final exam = Type A final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Module quizzes: There will be 6 graded quizzes made up of 10 MCQs. Only one attempt per quiz will be allowed.
  • Short answer questions: The short answer questions (SAQs) are designed to help you synthesise and apply the knowledge you have gained in module 2 and 4. There will be 2 SAQs.
  • Clinical case reviews: There are 16 cases in total. Each case consists of a series of unfolding questions relating to a clinical vignette. Some questions are multiple-choice and some require a short typed answer. The cases are designed for you to work through at your own pace. You can attempt the cases as many times as you like. This is required activity with a minimum of 80% completion required.
  • Reports: In these reports, you will be presented with a case and asked to respond to the questions posed. There are 4 reports throughout the semester at the end of every module. You are required to post a response to every discussion board and respond, comment on, raise questions, provide answers or critique at least one other students’ post.
  • Final exam: The final exam is a graded, fully invigilated exam conducted via Canvas with the help of an online proctor. The exam will contain 45 multiple-choice questions (single best answer).

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Basic principles 1 Online class (10 hr)  
Week 02 Basic principles 2 Online class (10 hr)  
Week 03 Basic principles 3 Online class (10 hr)  
Week 04 Upper limb studies 1 Online class (10 hr)  
Week 05 Upper limb studies 2 Online class (10 hr)  
Week 06 Lower limb studies 1 Online class (10 hr)  
Week 07 Lower limb studies 2 Online class (10 hr)  
Week 08 Electromyography (EMG) Online class (10 hr)  
Week 09 Electromyography (EMG) Online class (10 hr)  
Week 10 Evoked potentials (EPs) 1 Online class (10 hr)  
Week 11 Evoked potentials (EPs) 2 Online class (10 hr)  
Week 12 Case studies in clinical neurophysiology 1 Online class (10 hr)  
Week 13 Case studies in clinical neurophysiology 2 Online class (10 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance requirements: Students will be required to attend one day compulsory face to face teaching for this unit of study. Attendance is compulsory. See Canvas for details

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through Canvas.

  • Clinical Neurophysiology, edited by Devon I. Rubin, Jasper R. Daube, 4th Edition
  • Electromyography and Neuromuscular Disorders: Clinical-Electrophysiologic-Ultrasound Correlations by David C. Preston and Barbara E. Shapiro, 4th Edition

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand the basic principles behind stimulating and recording motor and sensory nerves to diagnosis common clinical problems
  • LO2. explain the physiological basis behind electromyography
  • LO3. demonstrate the correct setup for performing common upper limb motor and sensory nerve conduction studies
  • LO4. apply an understanding of the neuroanatomy of the upper limbs to distinguish radiculopathy from peripheral nerve lesions on the basis of clinical features and clinical neurophysiology
  • LO5. demonstrate the correct setup for performing common lower limb motor and sensory nerve conduction studies
  • LO6. apply an understanding of the neuroanatomy of the lower limbs to distinguish radiculopathy from peripheral nerve lesions on the basis of clinical features and clinical neurophysiology
  • LO7. explain the pathophysiological basis of electromyographic recordings
  • LO8. distinguish voluntary and involuntary activity on EMG
  • LO9. explain the EMG features of active denervation, chronic denervation, and myopathic processes
  • LO10. demonstrate the correct setup for performing visual evoked potential studies
  • LO11. demonstrate the correct setup for performing upper and lower limb somatosensory evoked potential studies
  • LO12. use results of evoked potential studies to help diagnose optic neuritis
  • LO13. differentiate myelopathy from peripheral neuropathy on the basis of somatosensory evoked potential study results
  • LO14. distinguish median and ulnar neuropathies from other causes of hand and wrist complaints.
  • LO15. grade the severity of median neuropathy at the wrist neurophysiologically
  • LO16. describe neurophysiological features of demyelination and axonal pathologies
  • LO17. critically evaluate a repetitive nerve stimulation study result and define a positive result.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We value your feedback about any aspect of the unit of study and your experience as a student of Sydney Medical School. To help ensure our courses meet your needs and maintain a high standard, we welcome your feedback at any time and we ask you to complete the Mid-Semester Evaluation Survey and the unit of study Evaluation Survey at the end of the semester. You can also rate any component of the unit using our star rating system found at the bottom of many pages as you progress through the unit. Your ratings and comments are anonymous and specifying what you liked and didn’t like about any of the learning materials, assessment items, discussion forums, feedback etc will help us to target our improvement efforts. Please note that your participation in this unit of study permits de-identified information about your learning experience and interaction with learning resources to be used for the purpose of improving the student learning experience.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.