Course Outline

HLT121 Midwifery Foundations

Course Coordinator:Jessie Johnson-Cash (jjohnson@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Midwifery

2024Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course introduces you to the discipline of midwifery, and the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of midwives.  Political and social influences on the development of the discipline will be discussed. Foundational knowledge and skills necessary for the promotion of health and wellbeing for women, infant and family will be developed.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Online asynchronous learning and teaching recording 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus tutorial 2hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

Module 1: Historical influences and the contemporary context of midwifery

Module 2: Fundamental aspects of midwifery practice

Module 3: The mother-midwife relationship

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
1 Analyse maternity services and midwifery practice by applying knowledge of historical and contemporary influences. Knowledgeable
4.1, 4.4
2 Apply professional, ethical and legal codes and standards to midwifery practice and maternity services. Ethical
3.2
3 Understand and apply midwifery philosophies to midwifery practice and maternity services. Knowledgeable
1.7
4 Identify ways in which midwives can advocate for women within the maternity services. Ethical
1.5, 1.6, 2.1
5 Application of the principles and practices of academic communication. Ethical
1.2, 1.6

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
1.2 The midwife accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality midwifery practice
1.5 The midwife supports access to maternity care for the woman
1.6 The midwife supports the development, implementation and evaluation of evidenced-based health initiatives and programs
1.7 The midwife identifies and promotes the role of midwifery practice and the midwifery profession in influencing better health outcomes for women
2.1 The midwife supports the choices of the woman, with respect for families and communities in relation to maternity care
3.2 The midwife practises within relevant legal parameters and professional standards, codes and guidelines
4.1 The midwife works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and wellbeing of women, communities and populations
4.4 The midwife assesses the resources that are available to inform planning

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Enrolled in Program SC393

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

In week 4 students will complete Task 1 which will provide early feedback on their progress within the course.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 15%
1 hour
Week 4 Online Test (Quiz)
All 2 Written Piece Individual 40%
1200 words
Week 7 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece Individual 45%
750 words
Week 12 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Online Test (Quiz)
Goal:
Revise key concepts introduced in the first 4 weeks
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
You will complete a timed online quiz via Canvas. The quiz will be open for 24 hours on the Friday of Week 4. You will enter the quiz area for a maximum of 1 hour and answer multiple-choice questions. The questions will be based on key concepts introduced in weeks 1-4 of the course.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate knowledge of key course concepts
1 3
All - Assessment Task 2:Evaluation of Maternity Models of Care
Goal:
This task will allow you to evaluate models of maternity care
Product: Written Piece
Format:
You will evaluate models of maternity care using a template and guidance provided on
Canvas. You will submit your written evaluation via Turnitin.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Identify and describe models of maternity care available in Australia.
1
2
Apply and discuss research evidence in relation to models of maternity care.
2 3
3
Identify and discuss the role of the midwife in relation to models of care.
2 3 4
4
Demonstrate appropriate academic written expression.
5
All - Assessment Task 3:Creative artifact and written piece
Goal:
To demonstrate your developing understanding of midwifery.
Product: Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece
Format:
You will produce a creative artefact of your choice and accompanying written piece (750 words) to demonstrate your understanding of midwifery philosophy and practice, using guidance provided on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate reflection and self-appraisal
3
2
Demonstrate an understanding of midwifery philosophy
3
3
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the midwife
1 2 4
4
Demonstrate appropriate academic written expression
5

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Editors: Sally Pairman, Sally Tracy, Hannah Dahlen, Lesley Dixon 2022 MIDWIFERY PREPARATION FOR PRACTICE. 5th edn. Elsevier

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au