NURSING 7200 - Nursing Science

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

This course will introduce cultural, health beliefs and practices, epidemiological, immunological, pharmacological, and psychological and social science concepts that are relevant to nursing care.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code NURSING 7200
    Course Nursing Science
    Coordinating Unit Adelaide Nursing School
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Restrictions Available to M.Clin Nurs students only
    Course Description This course will introduce cultural, health beliefs and practices, epidemiological, immunological, pharmacological, and psychological and social science concepts that are relevant to nursing care.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Tammy Page

    Course Coordinator: Tamara Page
    Phone: +61 8 8313 1225
    Email: tamara.page@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Room 3-64, School of Nursing, University of Adelaide
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Effectively communicate with clients, community members, nursing colleagues and other health professionals
    2 Identify epidemiological terms and concepts and discuss the importance of epidemiological data in health care including how diseases can be transmitted and effective principles to control infection
    3 Discuss culturally sensitive and safe health care for clients from culturally diverse backgrounds and acknowledge individual variances in beliefs and practices
    4 Discuss the concepts of caring, stress and coping as it pertains to clients receiving nursing practice and identify indicators of stress and strategies to assist in their reduction
    5 Differentiate between primary health care, health promotion and illness prevention
    6 Discuss primary health in an Australian healthcare context and discuss the nurse’s role in health promotion and illness prevention
    7 Identify the basic classifications of drugs and distinguish between pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
    8 Consider the administration of oral medications and recognise and respond to adverse drug reactions.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 2, 5-8
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2, 6-7
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2, 4, 6
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1, 3, 4, 6
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 6
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 2, 6
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 2-3, 5-8
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 3-4, 6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Crisp, J Taylor, C, Douglas, C & Rebeiro, G, 2013, Potter and Perry’s Fundamentals of Nursing 4th edn, Mosby Elsevier, Australia.

    Bryant, B & Knights, K, 2014, Pharmacology for Health Professionals, 4th edn, Mosby Elsevier, Sydney.

    Lee, G & Bishop, P 2012, Microbiology and Infection Control for Health Professionals, 5th edn, Pearson Prentice Hall, Frenchs Forest.
    Recommended Resources
    Harris, P, Nagy, S & Vardaxis, N (eds) 2014, Mosby's Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing & Health Professions, 3rd edn, Mosby, Sydney.

    McMurray, A & Clendon, J, 2014, Community Health and Wellness, 5th Edition: Primary health care in practice, Mosby Australia.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course uses a blend of lectures, tutorials and workshops to identify situations that impact the daily environment of nursing practice. Students are encouraged to consider their ‘arrival’ at the career of nursing and to actively reflect on what they consider to be the professional skills and attributes. Role plays and self -directed learning opportunities help to facilitate the reflective nature of this course.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The workload for this course requires attendance at:
    • 2 x 1 hour lectures / week (2 hour lectures may also be provided).
    • 1 x 2 hour tutorial / week

    Non contact hours for assessment and tutorial preparation will be 6-9 hours per week.
    Learning Activities Summary
    The tables below indicate the lecture and tutorial outlines for Nursing Science. Please refer to the timetable above for details on class and time. Other tutorials may be provided as required.

    Nursing Science
    Lecture Series
    Infection Control
    1. Epidemiology in health care
    2. Introduction to infection control
    3. Principles of disease transmission
    4. Asepsis and sterile fields

    Communication
    5. Introduction to communication
    6. Communication in the health care setting
    7. Caring
    8. Cultural awareness in health care
    9. Stress of illness and coping mechanisms
    10. Primary Health care/health promotion and illness

    Pharmacology
    11. Introduction to pharmacology
    12. Pharmacology legislation and classification of drugs
    13. Pharmacodynamics
    14. Pharmacokinetics
    15. Administration of medications
    16. Adverse reactions to medications
    Tutorial Series
    1. Numeracy diagnostic test
    2. Infection control - gowning and non-sterile gloving (skills lab session)
    3. Principles of Communication
    4. Cultural awareness workshop
    5. Primary Health Care
    6. Pharmacology – Drug calculations (this session will contain examinable material)
    7. Medication audit
    8. Preparation of medications for administration
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Assessment Type Weighting Learning Outcome(s) being addressed
    Numeracy diagnostic test Formative NGP 7-8
    Primary health care project report Summative 30% 1, 4-6
    Drug calculations test hurdle Summative 20% 7-8
    Exam Summative 50% 2, 3, 5, 7, 8
    Assessment Detail

    ASSESSMENT 1: NUMERACY DIAGNOSTIC TEST
    Due Date: Week 1, Tutorial session
    Weighting: NGP
    Length: 30 mins
    Students are required to achieve 100% accuracy in a test held in Tutorial 6 (week 13). The numeracy diagnostic test will identify any areas you may need assistance with in your understanding of basic mathematics including addition, times tables, division and conversions.


    ASSESSMENT 2: PRIMARY HEALTH CARE REPORT

    Due Date: Week 6
    Weighting: 30%
    Length: 1750 words
    Select one of the primary health care projects from the following list to be the topic of your report.
    Quit SA®
    Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle (OPAL)
    Slip Slop Slap Seek Slide
    The report format is to include;
    Title page
    Preamble – you need to identify why, where, when, how and for who the issue is of a primary health care concern.
    Critical analysis of the issues that underpin the topic of choice.
    A critique of the project referring to the current research literature relating to the topic
    Diagrams, pictures and graphs to support and illustrate the project or the report may be included.
    Recommendations – a conclusion of your findings
    References


    ASSESSMENT 3: DRUG CALCULATION TEST
    Due Date: Week 13, Tutorial session
    Weighting: 20%
    Length: 750 word equivalent
    Students will be required to achieve full marks prior to any participation in administration of medications. If students do not pass the drug calculation test they will be restircted from sitting the examination and therefore fulfilling the course requirements. This test will be held in Tutorial 6.


    ASSESSMENT 4: EXAM

    Due Date: Exam Week
    Weighting: 50%
    Length: 2 hours
    The exam will be mainly based on infection control and pharmacological content and the venue will be advised closer to the date.
    Submission
    Unless otherwise indicated all submission of assignments is to be through the assignments portal of MyUni. Students MUST keep an electronic copy of all assignments submitted. Cover sheets are required for all assignments and can be accessed from the School of Nursing website. Extension of time for submission of assignments is subject to negotiation with the course coordinator. Requests must be made before the due date of the assignment. In principle, all assignments should be submitted by the due date. However, an extension may be granted if the request is made before the due date and the usual administration procedures are followed. Late submission without an approved extension will be penalised at the rate of 5% of available marks for each working day after the due date. Work submitted more than ten days after the due date may be returned unmarked. This action will be taken to prevent students who do get their work in on time being disadvantaged.
    Whenever possible staff will turn around marked assignments within 4 weeks or earlier.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    The following marking guides will be used for the assignments:

    Marking Guide - Primary Health Care Report
    Structure and Writing Style 25%
    Structure (15%)
    • introduces/outlines/situates the topic of the report

    • clearly describes the way in which the report will proceed

    • the report is structured in a logical sequence so that the content flows (headings may be used to develop the structure of the paper)

    • the report ends with a cogent, defendable conclusion that summarises the discussion within the body of the report.

    Writing style(10%)
    • the report is written with clear sentence structure, clarity of argument and precision of expression and the spelling and grammar are correct.
    Content 60%
    Content (30%)
    • the report topic has been clearly situated in a contemporary setting

    • the report content has clear links to core primary health care issues, and contemporary health care practice

    • the student’s report demonstrates a depth of understanding of the topic and significant issues.

    Critical analysis (30%)
    • the report demonstrates a high degree of critical thought and insight by:
         o providing insight to an aspect of primary health care
         o demonstrating they have reflected on the complex issues surrounding the topic/question
         o discussing the topic from differing perspectives, thereby providing a balanced argument/discussion.
    Referencing 15%
    • the referencing style used throughout the paper is congruent with the School of Nursing Academic Manual

    • the reference list is accurate (i.e. no missing page numbers, volumes, correct title etc), complete (i.e. no references in the body of the paper are missing from the reference list) and consistent with the School of Nursing Academic Manual

    • the references cited are contemporary (i.e. less than 10 years old unless seminal papers)

    • primary references are used predominantly (i.e. the original reference has been cited rather than a secondary source)

    • there is evidence in the paper that the student has searched widely for information related to the topic/issue

    • the student has acknowledged all sources of information

    • direct quotations are only used to make crucial points or to support the discussion/argument.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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