99618 Chinese Diagnostic System 1
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 99640 Chinese Medicine Foundations 2 OR 99666 Chinese Medicine Foundations 2
Description
This subject provides a deeper understanding of the objectives, application and therapeutic conclusions inherent in the traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic system. In addition, the subject develops the basic knowledge and processes for clinical reasoning within this diagnostic framework. It provides practical workshops in advanced pulse diagnosis that complements students' theoretical work.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Perform a sequenced and problem focused interview of the four methods of diagnosis (si zhen);that elicits required information about the patient’s current and past history relevant to their presenting health issue(s) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Perform a complete and accurate problem-focused physical examination, including tongue and pulse examinations as used in Chinese medicine |
| 3. | Interpret and analyse the information gathered during interview and physical examination, using their knowledge, including the application of differentiation of diseases (bian bing) and Eight principle patterns (ba gang bian zheng) in Chinese medicine, to diagnose the presenting health issue |
| 4. | Identify the relevant treatment principle (lun zhi) informed by the diagnosis of the presenting health issue and make treatment recommendations for acupuncture and other Chinese medicine manual therapies |
| 5. | Develop both acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine treatments and life style suggestions to address a disease (bian bing) and Eight principle pattern (ba gang bian zheng) associated with a case study |
| 6. | Critically analyse the cognitive processes and clinical reasoning underlying the diagnostic and treatment phases of a case study |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Apply: Demonstrate expertise in Chinese medicine’s classical and contemporary theories, research, and clinical health practices to support patient health and wellbeing. (1.1)
- Apply: Develop effective problem-focused assessment skills to differentiate diseases and patterns, and apply clinical reasoning to make diagnostic and therapeutic judgements. (2.1)
- Apply: Demonstrate the integration and application of professional health care knowledge and clinical skills to safely and ethically practise Chinese medicine. (3.1)
- Apply: Demonstrate the ability to make clinical judgements and decisions based on available evidence and practice. (4.1)
- Apply: Demonstrate a high level of writing, reading and speaking in English and an ability to engage constructively in conversation with health stakeholders, including community, other health disciplines, and policy makers. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
1. Disciplinary knowledge
A range of new disciplinary information is learned in this intensive subject focusing on diagnostic techniques used in Chinese Medicine and their interpretation. The pulse module introduces pulse qualities, their medical significance and application to the diagnostic process.
2. Research, Inquiry and Crtical Thinking
The examinations, case history assignment and practical pulse module will develop problem solving and critical thinking skills related to diagnosis. These skills will be applicable to the clinical environment.
3. Professional Ethical and Social Responsibility
Practical skills of pulse diagnosis, utilisation of multiple Chinese Medicine diagnostic methods, the hands-on approach of the pulse workshops and the mandatory professional writing skills encompassed within the case history serve to develop this graduate attribute.
6. Communication
Both the case history assignment and online discussion require accurate use of professional terminology, clarity of thought and originality. Academic writing is a major focus of the written diagnostic case history.
Teaching and learning strategies
The content of this subject is learned via a series of lectures, practical pulse workshops, and discussion workshops. The subject will be taught in an active learning environment, with a strong emphasis placed on the practical application of the knowledge learnt. The subject will consist of two teaching modules, the Chinese Diagnosis Module and the Chinese Pulse Diagnosis.
Prior to attending the lecture you are expected to read the relevant section of the online resources that relate to the lecture topic of the day. Pulse module lectures will also be posted on UTSOnline and you must watch these prior the pulse classes. All these resources are accessed through UTSOnline. During the lecture the notes can be used for annotation and the basis for discussion and questioning. Workshop activities will consist of questions and discussions based on readings, clinical simulation, problem solving and group work activities. Verbal feedback will occur during the workshop and lecture times. Wider group discussion will provide you with opportunities for further feedback.
Assessments also reflect the teaching strategy to allow students to receive feedback and reflect real life clinical practice.
Content (topics)
The material presented includes:
- Four methods of diagnosis (si zhen);
- Review of the eight diagnostic principles (ba gang);
- Looking: complexion, posture, movement, weight, physical signs Including the tongue and their diagnostic implications;
- Palpation: of the body including Mu and Shu points and their diagnostic implications as well as the discrimination of the twenty-seven individual qualities of the pulse and their diagnostic implications;
- Inquiry: The eight traditional questions and their diagnostic implications;
- Smelling and Listening: cough, vocalisation, odours and their diagnostic implications
- Synthesis of diagnostic information according to the eight diagnostic principles (bian zheng);
- Determination of therapeutic objectives for acupuncture prescriptions, Chinese herbal medicine formula and life style changes;
- Clinical reasoning associated with the diagnostic processes and treatment approaches of Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 3. Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 3 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Criteria: | Accuracy and relevance of answers based on knowledge taught in lectures and workshops. |
Assessment task 2: Diagnostic Case History
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge. 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking. 3. Professional Ethical and Social Responisbility skills. 6. Communication. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 4.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 1,500 words +/- 10% |
| Criteria: | The assignment will be marked according to the following criteria:
|
Assessment task 3: Online Discussion
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge. 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking. 6. Communication. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 5.1 |
| Type: | Reflection |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Criteria: | • accuracy concerning concepts and terminology; |
Assessment task 4: Final Exam
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge. 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 3. Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 3.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 2 hours 10mins reading time |
| Criteria: | Accuracy and relevance of answers based on knowledge taught in lectures and workshops. |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, you must
- attempt, complete, and submit each all assessment tasks; and
- earn an overall total of 50 marks or more for the subject.
Required texts
None Recommended (see recommended texts)
Recommended texts
For the Pulse module
Walsh, S. and King, E. (2008) Pulse Diagnosis: A Clinical Guide Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Other resources
Texts (highly recommended)
Deng, Tie-tao. (1999) Practical Diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Maciocia, G. (2004) Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine. A Comprehensive Guide. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Chen, P. (2004) Diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Complementary Medicine Press: Taos, New Mexico.
Chen Jia-xu (2007) Chinese Medicine Study Guide-Diagnostics. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House
Hu Z. and Dong, F-X (2008) Clinical Reasoning in Chinese Medicine. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House
Qiao, Y. and Stone, A. (2008) Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis Study Guide. Eastland Press: Seattle.
Wang T-F. and Fang T-Y. (2007) Diagnostics of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House
Other references
Bridges, L. (2003) Facial Diagnosis in Face Reading in Chinese Medicine. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Chen, K. (1995). The Five Steps of Pattern Differentiation for Acupuncture Therapy: (Part 1). International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, 6, p.23-29.
Chen, K. (1995). The Five Steps of Pattern Differentiation for Acupuncture Therapy: (Part 2). International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, 6, p.151-158.
Chen, Z-E. and Chen, M-F. (1989). The Essence and Scientific Background of Tongue Diagnosis. Long Beach, California: Oriental Healing Arts Institute.
Farquhar, J. (1994). Knowing Practice. The Clinical Encounter of Chinese Medicine. Boulder: Westview Press.
Flaws, B. (1996) (2nd Ed). Sticking to the Point. Boulder, Colorado: Blue Poppy Press.
Gardner-Abate, S. (2001). The Art of Palpatory Diagnosis in Oriental Medicine. Churchill Livingstone: Edinburgh.
Liu, B-M (2002). Inspection of Face and Body for Diagnosis of Disease. Beijing: Foreign Languages Press
Maciocia, G. (1987). Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine. Seattle: Eastland Press.
Porkert, M. (1983). The Essentials of Chinese Diagnosis. Zurich: Chinese Medicine Publications.
Riley, D. (2003). Treating Pain with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Brookline: Paradigm Press.
Scheid, V. (2002) Chinese Medicine in Contemporary China: Plurality and Synthesis. Duke University Press: London
Seem, M. (1987). Body Mind Energetics. Towards a Dynamic Model of Health. Rochester, Vermont: Thorsons Publishers.
Seem, M. (1993). A New American Acupuncture. Boulder: Blue Poppy Press.
Shandong Science and Technology Press (1989) Diagnostics of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Shandong: Shandong Science and Technology Press
Shuai,X (Ed.) (1992). Fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Beijing: Foreign Languages Press.
Zhang, E. (Ed.) (1992). Diagnostics of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In a series- A practical English-Chinese Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Shanghai: Publishing House of Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Wiseman, N. and Ye, F. (1998). A Practical Dictionary of Chinese Medicine (2nd Ed.). Brookline, Massachusetts: Paradigm Publications.
Wiseman, N. and Ellis, A. (Eds.) (1996). Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine (Revised Edition). Brookline, Massachusetts: Paradigm Publications.
Zmiewski, P and Feit, R. (1989). Acumoxa Therapy- A Reference and Study Guide. Brookline, Massachusetts: Paradigm Publications.