Recommended Study Sequence

The unit studies the basic concepts of biochemistry and histology, general anatomy, and physiology of the major body systems. This unit is designed to provide students especially applied health science students with an overview of body systems and their functions to ensure a suitable basis for their future studies of regional anatomy, clinical neurosciences, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology and other clinical sciences.

This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Students are introduced to basic TCM theory, and the physiological principles of the diagnostic system that forms the basis of TCM practice. The history and philosophy of Chinese medicine is introduced and discussed in the light of contemporary clinical practice.

Communication is integral to professional relationships. In this unit students develop skills in both written and verbal communication in preparation for work within the health professions. Students will develop self-awareness of their professional, interpersonal and communication skills, enhancing their ability to develop appropriate professional relationships with clients and colleagues.

Acupuncture is one of the principal therapeutic interventions in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This unit introduces students to acupuncture theory and practice, and provides opportunity to develop practical skills. This unit also expands upon the student's understanding of TCM theory and practice principles.

Herbal medicine is one of the principal therapeutic interventions in TCM. This unit introduces students to the therapeutic and reference organisation of Chinese medicinals, and enables students to commence using the materia medica. It covers the major commonly used medicines in each of the eighteen categories of the Chinese materia medica, including pin-yin name, botanical name, properties, actions, indications, contraindications and combined usage. This unit also expands upon the student's understanding of TCM theory and practice principles.

This unit will explore in greater depth those topics fundamental to the practice of health sciences. This unit is intended to equip students studying health sciences with a detailed knowledge of the regional anatomy of the entire body. Knowledge of embryology will complement studies in anatomy and physiology and help students to understand the correlation of structure in relation to function.

This unit provides learning experiences that enable students to expand upon their understanding of TCM philosophy and principles, with particular reference to developing diagnostic skills in TCM. Students acquire basic skills in case history taking, interpretation of relevant signs and symptoms, arriving at a TCM diagnosis, and devising suitable treatment strategies.

This unit consolidates and extends students’ knowledge of acupuncture theory and practice, and provides further opportunity to develop practical skills. It revises and expands channel theory and point location. Students are introduced to the theory of point combinations and the development of acupuncture prescriptions and treatment plans. Practical sessions include advanced needle manipulation, moxibustion, cupping, plum blossom and prismatic needling. This unit also expands upon the student's understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and practice principles.

Herbal medicine is the principal therapeutic intervention in TCM. This unit follows from Chinese Herbal Medicine 1, and begins the study of classical Chinese herbal formulas, which form the basis for clinical prescribing in Chinese herbal medicine. The focus of this unit is to compare and contrast the main formulas in specified categories, and to analyse the specific actions of the herbs that make up the formula. Students will be required to formulate, assemble and prepare complex prescriptions. This unit expands upon the student's knowledge of the Chinese materia medica, as well as the understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory and practice principles.

This unit explores in greater depth those medical sciences fundamental to the clinical practice of alternative and complimentary medicine. The pharmacology component of this unit is intended to provide students with thorough preparation in the fundamental aspects of this discipline. General introduction of pharmacological concepts will be followed by the discussion of common drugs affecting different body systems. The microbiology component of this course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skill to identify likely causative organisms, understand the complex relationship between host and pathogen, and select and implement rational clinical and pharmacological therapeutic strategies as required.

This unit enables students to develop a sound understanding of causes of disease in TCM with a particular focus on disease pattern differentiation. This is complemented by the reinforcement of skills in case history taking and TCM diagnostics.

Herbal medicine is the principal therapeutic intervention in TCM. This unit completes the study of classical Chinese herbal formulas, which forms the basis for clinical prescribing in Chinese herbal medicine. The focus of this unit is to compare and contrast the main formulas in specified categories, and to analyse the specific actions of the herbs that make up the formula. Students will be required to formulate, assemble and prepare complex prescriptions. This unit expands upon the student's knowledge of the Chinese materia medica, as well as the understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory and practice principles. The clinical aspect includes prescription writing and preparation of formulas.

This unit is designed to introduce students to detailed knowledge of physical examination skills and diagnostic techniques necessary for the diagnosis of abnormalities. Because of the significance of the primary contact health practitioner and diagnostician role, it is essential that students become competent at disease presentation, various diagnostic methods, selection of appropriate laboratory tests and interpretation of the findings. This unit will also help students to develop crucial clinical reasoning skills required in the medical decision making process.

This unit is intended to provide students with an in depth study of those human medical sciences which underpin specific intervention principles and procedures to be taught in the professional units. Primary contact health care providers have professional requirements that cover a broad spectrum of diagnostic, medical and physical practices. In order to ensure a suitable basis for later practice, students require a detailed knowledge and understanding of clinical neurosciences including histology, embryology, anatomy, and physiology of nervous system and the clinical implications.

This unit lays down broad foundations of research as used in various disciplines of health sciences, including health and well-being, physical fitness, physical activity, and nutrition. The aim is to create an overall understanding of the significance of research in the students’ fields of endeavour. It is designed to introduce the student to foundational concepts and principles in quantitative and qualitative research methods and to explore the complementary role of research paradigms as they underpin the quest for knowledge in the health sciences. It will also address essential research themes such as epidemiology research, validity, reliability, and research ethics.

This unit provides learning experiences that enable the students to gain an understanding of the original theories on physiology, pathology, diagnosis, differentiation and treatment of diseases through select periods of Chinese history. Many theoretical concepts, disease syndromes and herb formulas are still in current usage. Major schools of TCM thought will be covered through the study of important classical texts. This unit expands upon the student’s understanding of TCM theory and practice principles through study of the classical literature.

This unit will equip students with detailed knowledge of pathology and pathophysiology. The lectures and tutorials apply a systemic approach to the study of a range of disease categories, providing a foundation of pathophysiological knowledge for Osteopathy, TCM, podiatry, OT, and TR students. This unit aims at preparing the future practitioner with: an in-depth knowledge base of diseases; the ability to prescribe the most accurate response as a result of a diagnosis made, and making appropriate referral if necessary.

This unit is focused on introductory clinical practice in a clinical setting. It enables the student to link theory with practice. It expands the students’ knowledge base of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, as well as TCM theory and diagnostics. Students assist with clinical practice and may perform basic acupuncture related techniques.

The study of internal medicine forms the basis of clinical practice in traditional Chinese medicine. This unit begins to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It enables the health professional to analyse, diagnose and treat common internal diseases with both acupuncture and herbal medicine and using a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach. The focus of this unit is on the analysis of major presenting symptoms.

This unit enables students to explore and develop an understanding of the ethical and legal issues important within contemporary health care. Through the use of case studies students will analyse profound ethical and legal challenges facing current health care that are equally important to health professionals, consumers and society generally. Additionally, students studying to work within health care, including as complementary health practitioners will develop a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for ensuring that their practice conforms to legal doctrines and ethical standards.

This unit extends the scope of topics that were explored in Pathophysiology I. The lectures and tutorials in this unit, apply a systemic approach to the study of a range of disease categories, providing a foundation of pathophysiological knowledge for Osteopathy, Chinese Medicine, and Naturopathy students. This unit aims at preparing the future practitioner with: an in-depth knowledge base of diseases; to be able to anticipate and safeguard the patient from potential harm by exercising accurate judgement, and making appropriate referrals, if necessary.

This unit is focused on clinical practice in a clinical setting. It enables the student to link theory with practice. It expands the students’ knowledge base of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, as well as TCM theory and diagnostics. Students facilitate clinical practice and perform a wide range of acupuncture and related techniques, in addition to basic herbal prescribing.

This unit builds on Chinese Medicine 1 and extends the student’s ability to analyse, diagnose and treat common and difficult diseases in internal medicine with both acupuncture and herbal medicine and using a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach. Students will develop an understanding of the causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of a wide range of diseases.

Gynaecology and orthopaedics are important fields of clinical practice in traditional Chinese medicine. This unit enables the health professional to analyse, diagnose and treat common gynaecological diseases and musculoskeletal conditions using a TCM approach with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Students will develop a good understanding of the causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of common gynaecological diseases and musculoskeletal conditions.

This unit represents a continuation of the clinical practicum and development of clinical skills. Students will also be able to apply their knowledge of professional theory, practice, research and evaluation skills to the investigation of TCM problems. In addition to clinical practice, emphasis here will be on the development of a literature review, and the formulation of a research or evaluation proposal. Students will be expected to demonstrate competence in handling patients in a clinical context, prepare and present a research proposal at a professional level, critically examine issues in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine research.

This unit provides the student with intensive, supervised clinical practice experience. Arrangements will be made for students to complete this stage in China at an assigned hospital. This will involve students paying their own travel fares, as well as, training and accommodation fees to the Chinese institution. This unit represents the final clinical practicum stage and development of clinical skills. Students will be expected to demonstrate competence in handling patients in a clinical context, and manage their integrated care using TCM.

This unit introduces the basic principles of pharmacognosy: botany, phytochemistry, plant identification, and pharmacology. Some of the major known constituents of common Chinese and European herbal medicinal substances, the pharmacological basis of their therapeutic use, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics (absorption, metabolism, and elimination), toxicity and adverse effects are explored.

The specialties of pediatrics, dermatology, ear, nose, throat (ENT) and eye diseases, are important divisions of TCM activity. This unit enables students to develop an understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of common paediatric, dermatological, ENT and eye disorders, and to analyze, diagnose and treat these conditions using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

This unit represents a continuation of the clinical practicum and development of clinical skills. Students will be able to integrate their theoretical knowledge, practice skills and research base to the investigation, diagnosis and supervised treatment of patients in a clinical context. Students will be able to synthesise knowledge and competency in the practice of clinical areas of focus taught in Chinese Medicine I and II, and Specialties in TCM I and II. Students will be expected to demonstrate competence in handling patients in a clinical context, and manage their integrated care using TCM.