Modern Chinese Herbal Medicine & Practice

General Information
Duration 1 semester
Level Year 4, Semester 2
Unit Weighting Unit Credit Points: 10 credit points
Total Course Credit Points: 320 credit points
Student Workload Number of timetabled hours per week: 4
Number of personal study hours per week: 6
Total workload hours per week: 10
Prerequisites CCM303 Internal Medicine, ACU302 Acupuncture Microsystems and HMS305 WM Diagnosis 2.
Academic Details
Description The unit aims to extend and consolidate the students’ knowledge and understanding of evidence-based research theory and practice acquired earlier in PRI204 Research Methods, and provide an opportunity to apply their knowledge of research theory, practice-research, and research data analysis and evaluation skills to the investigation of a specific TCM problem or issue.
Emphasis throughout this unit will be focused on the ethical application of the principles of evidence-based research practice through the critique of research questionnaires, undertaking literature reviews, the critical evaluation of their own and others’ research proposals and the development of a research project in Chinese medicine.
The unit instils in students a deep respect for and commitment to evidence-based research practice in Chinese medicine and to enhance and deepen their developing knowledge and understanding of best practice in research undertakings. This will be achieved through lectures and assessment tasks that focus on advanced research methodologies, statistical measurement and ethical research practice in a clinical setting.
Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit of study students will be able to:

  1. Analyse common clinical diseases of Western medicine and their TCM diagnosis and differentiation within the Australian healthcare context with a view to achieving excellence in the practice of TCM and contributing to improving the quality of life of patients and the wellbeing of the community and the environment.
  2. Examine the rationale for the contemporary practice of combining traditional Chinese herbal medicine with Western medicine in the clinical treatment of specific disorders based on the critical evaluation of interactions between therapies, combined with the interpretation of research findings and relevant clinical literature.
  3. Critically evaluate the clinical application and management of common clinical diseases with Chinese herbal medicine on the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, the hepatic system, the digestive system, the renal system, and the nervous system, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, stroke, and cerebral accidents in awareness of Australia’s multi-cultural and multi-racial context.
  4. Appraise the strengths and limitations of TCM in the treatment of contemporary medical conditions, including interprofessional practice and procedures for referral to other medical and health professionals when appropriate.
UPCOMING INTAKES