Outline

Overview

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

Unit code	CLNP5003
Academic unit	Clinical Neurophysiology
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	CLNP5001
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)	Exam Online MCQ	40%	Formal exam period	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	PeerWise Online task	10%	Multiple weeks	To be added by the unit coordinator
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Reports Online discussion	10%	Multiple weeks	To be added by the unit coordinator
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Clinical case reviews Short answer and MCQ	10%	Multiple weeks	To be added by the unit coordinator
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Module quizzes Online MCQ	10%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes each
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Short answer questions Written task	20%	Multiple weeks	750 words each
Outcomes assessed:
= 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.
Reports: In these reports, you will be presented with a case and asked to respond to the questions posed. There are 3 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.
PeerWise: Students are required to write multiple-choice questions as well as answer and critique their peers’ questions via the software program Peerwise. The purpose of this task is to encourage students to engage with and think critically about a topic. It is expected that you will regularly answer and provide constructive comments to questions throughout the semester so that by the end of semester you will have answered at least 15 questions and provide constructive comments to at least 5 questions.
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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Please note, for this unit of study (CLNP5003) the late submission penalty will be 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date for 5 calendar days only. This is to ensure that timely feedback is provided to students. If the assessment is submitted more than 5 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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
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: The compulsory face-to-face teaching day for Semester 2, 2020 has been withdrawn due to COVID-19 related reasons. However, students will be invited to attend a replacement face-to-face teaching day held at a later time (probably in 2021) but attendance is optional.

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 Correlations by David C and Shapiro, Barbara, 3rd Edition

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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.

Additional information

Student hub - Professional Medical Education

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

CLNP5003: Clinical Neurophysiology Techniques

Semester 2 Early, 2020 [Distance education/intensive on campus] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect