Nursing Science 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2013:

In addition to the subject contact hours, students are expected to devote approximately 6 hours a week to this subject.

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It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's courses. Students who think their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Course Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

This subject examines the normal physiological function of body systems and students are introduced to pathophysiology through discussion of the processes of degeneration, disease and injury across the lifespan. The characteristics and behaviour of micro-organisms and their relationship to infectious diseases and the immune response will also be explored. Selected drugs and their actions within the body will be introduced to students.

At the completion of this subject students should be able to:

• describe in detail the normal function of the skin, the nervous system, including special senses, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, musculo-skeletal, genitourinary and reproductive systems;
• identify the key structural and functional changes to major body systems at different stages of the human lifespan;
• describe the pathophysiological processes, which alter normal body structure and function;
• describe the inflammatory process;
• discuss the relationship between infection, altered immunity and disease;
• discuss the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of select oral, topical and inhalant medications.

1. 2,000 word written take home examination (40%) – Due week 8

2. Three (3) hour written examination (60%) - exam period

Students must achieve an aggregate of 50% and pass the three-hour written examination to pass the subject.

Patton, K. & Thibodeau, G. (2010). Anatomy and physiology (7th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby

Bullock, S. & Manias, E. (2011). Fundamentals of pharmacology (6th ed.). Australia: Frenchs Forest: Pearson Education

Stedman’s medical dictionary for the health professions and nursing. Australian and New Zealand Edition (5th ed.). (2005)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate:

• the capacity for information seeking, retrieval and evaluation;
• critical thinking and analytical skills;
• an openness to new ideas;
• planning and time management skills;
• the ability to communicate knowledge through classroom and web-based discussions and written material.