99651 Chinese Herbal Formula 1
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Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 99567 Introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicine AND 99621c Chinese Diagnostic System 2
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
Description
This subject investigates and analyses the initial theory of Chinese herbal formulation, the composition and combination of appropriate individual herbs, and the regulations of their clinical application. This subject also continues the development of the theoretic basis of the various preparations of Chinese herbal substances for dispensing known as pao zhi (??). This follows on from the pao zhi theory taught in 99567 Introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicine.
In Chinese medicine, the concept meaning prescription medications or formulas consists of two Pinyin words, Fang Ji (??). The Pinyin word Fang (?) indicates the competency of making formulation in a written form. The Pinyin word Ji (?) applies to the herbal (medicinal) preparation. It is the practice of the skill itself. Fang Ji is formulas that are put into practice. They involve the practice of preparing and administering the written prescription. Therefore Fang Ji refers herbal preparations in a written form.
Formulation of Chinese herbal prescription is developed through a series of process involving initial TCM diagnosis, deciding on treatment method, and selecting appropriate individual herbs. The treatment method is the link between any medical condition (disease) and its herbal remedy. Effective treatment requires accurate diagnosis of the disease, treatment strategy planning, and well-thought consideration of formulation. In the end a formula is developed through a process of diagnosis, treatment strategy planning, and selection of individual herbs with appropriate dosage in accordance to the strict structure of Chinese herbal formulation.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Differentiate the major categories to correctly apply Chinese herbal formulas and individual medicinals accordingto TCM pattern identification and treatment strategies. |
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| 2. | Explain the structure of Chinese herbal formulas and the synergistic roles that individual and paired medicinals achieve within the formulas. |
| 3. | Evaluate the safe practice of Chinese herbal formula through the knowledge of the theories that underpin and enable the safe application of Chinese herbal formula and dispensing, including known precautions and contraindications. |
| 4. | Explain the relevant theories and principles of Chinese medicinal substance processing methods (pao zhi), in terms of treatment strategies and clinical applications. |
| 5. | Identify the main forms of formula preparation and, with patient care in mind, explain appropriate herbal formulae administration and dosage , including actions to take in the event of an unexpected reaction. |
| 6. | Recognise and utilise common Chinese–English terms used in prescribing, dispensing and the general practice of Chinese herbal formula construction and methods of administration. |
| 7. | Apply TCM pattern differentiation accurately in order to select appropriate Chinese herbal formula according to the bian zheng lun zhi (identify patterns to determine treatment) model. |
| 8. | Apply knowledge of Chinese herbal formula and clinical reasoning to critically evaluate case notes and determine the appropriate treatment principle and prescription. |
| 9. | Apply group work and communication skills to reflect, evaluate and give feedback in peer learning activities. |
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)
- Synthesise: Integrate information and data to inform health care delivery and monitor outcomes to support patients and the community. (1.3)
- 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)
- Synthesise: Navigate the related business, legal, social, and ethical landscape of practice in different contexts, and apply principles of quality assurance and risk management to maintain and improve professional safety. (3.3)
- Synthesise: Integrate methods of inquiry to derive data and reflect on information to adapt innovatively to different and changing industry. (4.3)
- 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
Disciplinary Knowledge
Understanding, discriminating, and the application of Chinese herbal formulas' treatment strategies to diagnostic illness patterns (Chinese medicine's descriptions of pathological disorders), learned and practiced throughout lectures and workshops.
The knowledge and its appropriate application are assessed through formative (online quizzes, reflective case history and workshop activities) and summative assessment (final exam) to ensure authentic learning for students.
Research, inquiry and critical thinking
a) Problem solving
The ability to take wider view when diagnosing and prescribing appropriate Chinese herbal medicines for a medical condition. This is developed through clinical case study exercises designed to challenge conceptual thinking beyond theoretical information through a problem based learning model.
b) Critical thinking
You will also develop the ability to apply lateral thinking in analysing the patho-mechanisms (bing ji) of TCM diagnosis. Students will understand the context of medical conditions when critically reasoning the patho-mechanisms (bing ji). Reflecting on the solid foundations of your TCM theories, you will effectively assess medical conditions and apply appropriate Chinese herbal prescriptions.
Professional, ethical and social responsibility
The ability to acquire, develop, employ and integrate a range of technical, practical and professional skills, in appropriate and ethical ways within a professional context, autonomously and collaboratively and across a range of disciplinary and professional areas. Specifically, the professional knowledge and skills required to be a registered practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine are practiced and applied.
Reflection, Innovation, Creativity
The ability to reflect, think critically, and engage with feedback will be developed via assessments 1, 2 and 3 as well as workshop activities. These activities are all designed with the intention to promote continued intellectual development through feedback and an active learning environment.
Students are required to apply knowledge learnt and critical thinking, and are encouraged to reflect on the reasoning behind decisions made by both themselves (self- reflection) and also reflect upon insights provided by practitioners with industry experience.
Communication skills
Effective communication skills will be developed through the subject through assessments and workshop activities. Group communication skills will be developed specifically through group based workshop activities and the reflective case history.
Teaching and learning strategies
Lectures:
A manual, the Concise Chinese Herbal Prescriptions Book 1, supports the lectures. You will engage in many levels of TCM theory and practice, involving the knowledge you've gained in the first two years of your course. You must prepare in advance for class each week to enhance your learning experience using UTSOnline learning resources, such as the paozhi information sheets and single herb category tables. The text book and recommended reference books are valuable resources to be used in conjunction with the lectures. In the lectures you will gain important context through examples, case studies, and comparing and contrasting different Chinese herbal formulas. You will draw upon all your experience when recalling and developing these concepts. The manual provides minimal text with empty spaces, so that you take notes during the lectures. This is designed to promote active learning and engagement. In particular, many of the [Bing Ji Analysis] sections are deliberately left blank, to provide you an opportunity to formulate your own notes. To gain the most from your preparation and learning you will practice writing out the [Bing Ji Analysis] before lectures and during workshop exercises.
Watching the lectures are crucial to a full understanding not only the subject content, but also overall TCM herbal practice.
Workshops:
Workshops will consist of tasks which contribute to the marks for assessment task 3.
Specifically you will work individually or collaboratively in small groups to discuss questions and case studies, and engage in reflective exercises. Workshop topics and questions including clinical case studies will be uploaded on UTSOnline in plenty of time for you to prepare. You will draw upon previous lecture material, recommended texts, online resources, and self-directed learning to prepare answers for the workshop questions and case studies prior to class. Students are expected to upload their workshop answers onto the relevant assignment drop box and workshop discussion recordings can be found on UTSOnline for you to reflect on your own answers.
Content (topics)
1. The scope of the study of Chinese herbal formulas.
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Reinforcing the information of single herbs studied in 99567
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The structures of Chinese herbal formula.
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The concepts of diseases and TCM Patterns.
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The concepts of Bing Ji, signs and symptoms in determining the TCM Patterns.
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The composition and herbal combination within a formula.
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The actions and functions of the formula, including the individual Chinese herbs.
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The contraindications of various Chinese herbal formulas and herbs.
- Clinical application and selection of formula according to Pattern Identification and Bing Ji analysis.
2. Formulas of the following categories to be studied in this subject include:
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Formulas that release the exterior.
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Formulas that drain downward.
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Formulas that harmonise.
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Formulas that clear heat.
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Formulas that expel summer-heat.
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Formulas that warm the interior.
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Formulas that release pathogenic factors from the exterior and the interior.
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Formulas that tonify.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 3.1 and 3.3 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Criteria: | Accuracy of answers in accordance to the content covered in the lectures and workshops. |
Assessment task 2: Pathomechanism Review
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 3.1, 3.3 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Reflection |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 1000 words for group component |
| Criteria: | Similarity to the lecturer’s marking (10% individually assessed) Group assignment will be assessed based on (20% Group assessed):
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Assessment task 3: Workshop Participation
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 3.1, 3.3 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Criteria: | Accuracy of answers in accordance to the content covered in the lectures and workshops. |
Assessment task 4: Final Exam
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 3.3 and 4.3 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Check UTSOnline |
| Criteria: | Accuracy of answers in accordance to the content covered in the lectures and workshops. |
Minimum requirements
An X grade (fail) may be awarded where the minimum requirements are not met, regardless of the final overall mark of 50% or more in the subject.
Required texts
Yang, Congxing (revised 2017 by Shuai Zheng), Concise Chinese Herbal Prescriptions, Book 1, UTS, Sydney: UTS
Recommended texts
1. Scheid, V. Bensky, D. & Barolet, R. (2009), Chinese Herbal Medicine - Formulas and Strategies, Washington: Eastland Press.
2. Chen, John K. & Chen, Tina T. (2009), Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications, CA: Art of Medicine Press.
3. English-Chinese Collegiate Textbooks in Traditional Chinese medicine for Institutions of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Higher Learning, Formulas of Traditional Chinese Medicine, edited by Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (1998), Beijing: Academy Press.
References
- Bensky, D. & Barolet, R. (1990), Chinese Herbal Medicine - Formulas and Strategies, Washington: Eastland Press.
- Chen, John K. & Chen, Tina T. (2009), Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications, CA: Art of medicine Press.
- Bensky, D. & Barolet, R. (1986), Chinese Herbal Medicine – Materia Medica, Washington: Eastland Press.
- Chen, John K. & Chen, Tina T. (2004), Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, CA: Art of Medicine Press.
- English-Chinese Collegiate Textbooks in Traditional Chinese medicine for Institutions of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Higher Learning, Formulas of Traditional Chinese Medicine, edited by Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (1998), Beijing: Academy Press.
- Zhao, Zhongzhen & Xue Changli (2007), Illustrated Chinese Medicinal Formulae – Lecture Notes, Chung Hwa Book Company.