Subject Outline

Subject Name: Healthy Labour, Birth and the Puerperium

Subject Code: NS5133:03
Study Period: 2, 2016
Study Mode: External
Campus: Townsville
Subject Coordinator: Dr Karen Yates

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters where our university is located and actively seek to
contribute and support the JCU Reconciliation Statement, which exemplifies respect for Australian Aboriginal and
Torres Strait cultures, heritage, knowledge and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.
College of Healthcare Sciences Disclaimer: The information provided in this subject outline is correct as at the time
of completion and may change in response to changing University resources. Any changes will be approved by the
College Dean or representative and will be communicated to students by the LearnJCU subject site.

Pre-requisites:
NS5131 AND NS5132

This subject outline has been prepared by Dr Karen Yates for the College of Healthcare Sciences, Division of Tropical
Health and Medicine, James Cook University. Updated June 2016.
Q1. This subject is offered across more than one campus and/or mode and/or teaching
period within the one calendar year.

Yes

No

Q2. If yes [Q1], the design of all offerings of this subject ensure the same learning
outcomes and assessment types and weightings.

Yes

No

Q3. If no [Q2], _________________________ has authorised any variations, in terms of equivalence.

Approval: This subject outline has been checked by Head of Academic Group (or delegate)

Yes

No

Copyright 2016
This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism, or review as permitted
under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process or placed in computer memory without written permission.

Contents

Staff Contact Details .....................................................................................................................................................1

Subject enquiries ...................................................................................................................................................1
JCU Email ..............................................................................................................................................................1
LearnJCU...............................................................................................................................................................1
Discussion Boards / Online Learning Activities .....................................................................................................1
Section 1. Subject at a glance ......................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Student participation requirements .....................................................................................................................1
1.2 Key dates ............................................................................................................................................................2
Section 2. Subject details .............................................................................................................................................2
2.1 Subject description .............................................................................................................................................2
2.2 Subject learning outcomes .................................................................................................................................2
2.3 Learning and teaching in this subject .................................................................................................................4
2.4 Student feedback on subject ..............................................................................................................................4
2.5 Subject resources and special requirements......................................................................................................4
Textbooks ..............................................................................................................................................................4
Weekly Readings ...................................................................................................................................................4
Literature searches ................................................................................................................................................5
Additional Resources .............................................................................................................................................5
Section 3. Assessment details ......................................................................................................................................5
3.1 Requirements for completion of subject .............................................................................................................5
Inherent Requirements ..........................................................................................................................................5
3.1.1 Professional Experience Placement (PEP) requirements ...............................................................................6
3.2 Feedback on student learning ............................................................................................................................6
3.3 Assessment Tasks ..............................................................................................................................................6
Assessment Task 1: Essay: Critical analysis of a Birthing Practice ........................................................................6
Assessment Task 2: Formal Examination ...............................................................................................................8
Assessment Task 3: Completion of Four (4) Online Quizzes ...................................................................................9
Assessment Task 4: Professional Experience Placement Clinical Competency Workbook .............................. 10
Section 4. Other information about assessment and student support....................................................................... 10
4.1 Submission and return of assessment ............................................................................................................ 10
Assessment Criteria ........................................................................................................................................... 10
Drafts .................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Referencing ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Presentation ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
Finishing the Assignment ................................................................................................................................... 11
SafeAssign Reports ............................................................................................................................................ 11
Online Submission .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Late Submissions ............................................................................................................................................... 12
Extensions .......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Return of Assignments ....................................................................................................................................... 12
Review of Assessment ....................................................................................................................................... 12
Publication of results .......................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Plagiarism and referencing .............................................................................................................................. 13
4.3 Important advice relating to examinations ....................................................................................................... 13
4.4 Student support ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Section 5. Subject calendar ....................................................................................................................................... 15

Staff Contact Details

Teaching team
Subject Coordinator

Staff member
Karen Yates

Room

Phone

A2.105

42321488

Email
Karen.yates@jcu.edu.au

Consultation times*
By appointment

* Fulltime staff will be available for the equivalent of 4 hrs per week across the relevant study period.

For further assistance please refer to Student Assistance Directory (Nursing, Midwifery & Nutrition) Who Do I
Contact?
Subject enquiries
Facilitating communication between staff and external students is very important. You are welcome to contact staff
with any queries or problems by email or phone. JCU Email is the most reliable method of contact. If you phone,
please leave your contact number and times when you will be available to facilitate the return of your call.
JCU Email
As part of the terms of agreement that you accepted in your offer of enrolment, you have agreed to access your JCU
Email via Outlook Web App for Students or configured to your mobile devices at least twice weekly to receive official
communications from the University. All emails generated by JCU are automatically sent to your JCU Email address
only (not to personal email addresses). It is understood that any email sent by the Subject Coordinator is read and
acted upon by the student. Similarly, all email correspondence from students to JCU is required to be sent from your
JCU Email account, as this identifies you as a JCU Student. We cannot discuss enrolment or personal study matters
via emails sent from students personal email addresses.
LearnJCU
In addition, students MUST regularly check announcements on LearnJCU to avoid missing important information.
Discussion Boards / Online Learning Activities
Students are expected to participate in the LearnJCU discussion boards and online learning activities. The discussion
boards give you a place to interact with staff and other students about subject content and topics, and help students
to clarify and extend their understanding of key content. These are a forum for students to present their
thoughts/ideas in an online version of an in-person classroom discussion and therefore the same courtesy rules
apply.

Section 1. Subject at a glance

1.1 Student participation requirements
The JCU Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy (4.3) indicates that, a 3 credit point subject will require a
130 hour work load of study-related participation including class attendance over the duration of the study period,
irrespective of mode of delivery. This work load comprises timetabled hours and other attendance
requirements, as well as personal study hours, including completion of assessment requirements. Note that
attendance at specified classes will be a mandatory requirement for satisfactory completion of some subjects
(Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy, 5.10); and that additional hours may be required per week for those
students in need of English language, numeracy or other learning support.
Fieldwork,
Type
Clinical
Placement
Professional
and
experience
Professional
Experience:

Time CP

Description (optional)

13

0.4 FTE paid or unpaid supervised or supernumerary capacity

to achieve professional experiences.

Weeks

Key subject activities

Self-directed learning modules

Time
N/A

Day/ Date
Week 1 commences 25
July 2016

Room/ Location
Online

For information on the days and times when lectures, tutorials, workshops, etc. are scheduled for all of your
subjects, visit JCU Lecture Timetables at www.jcu.edu.au/lecture-timetables

1.2 Key dates

Key dates

Date

Census date

see 2016 Study Period and Census Dates

Last date to withdraw without academic penalty

see 2016 Study Period and Census Dates

Assessment task 1: Essay (50%)

Assessment task 2: Formal examination (50%)

Due Week 6 Friday 2 September 2016

Due During exam period 5-18 November 2016

Assessment task 3: Completion of four online quizzes

as hurdles [minimum mark of 70% on each quiz
required].

Due end-Weeks 2, 6, 9 & 12

Assessment task 4 Professional experience: Clinical

Competency Workbook [sat/unsat].

Due Week 13 Friday 28 October 2016

Section 2. Subject details

2.1 Subject description
This subject is underpinned by the primary health care principles of woman centred and value base care (Page,
2000). The focus is to provide safe and appropriate care to labouring and birthing women. Content includes,
supporting physiological knowledge and midwifery skills related to women and their families in normal labour, birth
and the puerperium. The role of the midwife in establishing and supporting breastfeeding will be developed. Students
will explore the physiological adaptation of the well neonate to extra uterine life. Examination of the well newborn will
be introduced.

2.2 Subject learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:

further explore the concept of value based care (Page, 2000) and 'genuine caring' (Berg, 2005) for midwifery
practice when caring for well women and their families
apply and demonstrate the physiology and midwifery care of normal labour, birth and the puerperium to well
women and neonates
describe the physiology of lactation
discuss the physiological adaptations the fetus experiences in labour
describe the physiological adaptation to extra uterine life for a healthy, term neonate
discuss the role of the midwife in supporting breastfeeding women including the World Health Organisations
(WHO) 10 steps to successful breastfeeding and the 7 point plan for supporting breastfeeding in the
community
recruit five (5) and complete five (5) 'Continuity of Care' experiences for women by the end of the second
semester.

These outcomes will contribute to your overall achievement of course learning outcomes.

NMBA Midwifery Competency Standards (2006) developed in this subject:

NMBA Midwifery Competency Standards (2006) addressed by this subject
DOMAIN:
Competency 1
Element 1.1:

LEGAL AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Functions in accordance with legislation and common law affecting midwifery practice

Element 1.2:
Element 1.3:
Element 1.4:
Competency 2
Element 2.1:
Element 2.2:
Element 2.3:

Complies with policies and guidelines that have legal and professional implications for practice
Formulates documentation according to legal and professional guidelines
Fulfils the duty of care in the course of midwifery practice
Accepts accountability and responsibility for own actions within midwifery practice
Recognises and acts within own knowledge base and scope of practice
Identifies unsafe practice and takes appropriate action
Consults with and refers, another midwife or appropriate health care provider when the needs of the
woman and her baby fall outside own scope of practice

DOMAIN:

MIDWIFERY KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE

Competency 3

Communicates information to facilitate decision making by the woman

Element 3.1:

Communicates effectively with the woman, her family and friends

Element 3.2:

Provides learning opportunities appropriate to the womans need

Element 3.3:
Competency 4
Element 4.1:
Element 4.2:
Competency 5
Element 5.1:
Element 5.2:
Element 5.4:
Element 5.6:

Plans and evaluates care in partnership with the woman

Promotes safe and effective midwifery care
Applies knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable woman-centred care
Provides or supports midwifery continuity of care
Assesses, plans provides and evaluates safe and effective midwifery care
Utilises midwifery knowledge and skills to facilitate an optimal experience for the woman
Assesses the health and well being of the woman and her baby
Protects, promotes and supports breastfeeding
Evaluates the midwifery care provided to the woman and her baby
Assesses, plans, provides and evaluates safe and effective midwifery care of the woman and/or
baby with complex needs
Recognises and responds effectively in emergency or urgent situations
MIDWIFERY AS PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
Advocates to protect the rights of women, families and communities in relation to maternity care

Competency 6
Element 6.2:
DOMAIN:
Competency 7

Demonstrates and acts upon knowledge of legislation and common law pertinent to midwifery practice

Element 7.1:

Respects and supports women and their families to be self-determining in promoting their own health
and well being

Element 7.2:

Acts to ensure that the rights of women receiving maternity care are respected

Competency 8

Develops effective strategies to implement and support collaborative midwifery practice

Element 8.1:

Demonstrates effective communication with midwives, health care providers and other professionals

Element 8.2:
Competency 9
Element 9.1:
Competency 10

Establishes, maintains and evaluates professional relationships with other health care providers
Actively supports midwifery as a public health strategy
Advocates for and promotes midwifery practice within the context of public health policy
Ensures midwife is culturally safe

Element 10.1:

Plans, implements and evaluates strategies for providing culturally safe practice for women, their
families and colleagues

DOMAIN:
Competency 11

Competency 12

REFLECTIVE AND ETHICAL PRACTICE

Bases midwifery practice on ethical decision making
Practices in accordance with the endorsed Code of Ethics and relevant state/territories and
Commonwealth privacy obligations
Identifies personal beliefs and develops these in ways that enhance midwifery practice

Element 12.1:

Addresses the impact of personal beliefs and experiences on the provision of midwifery care

Element 12.2:
Competency 13
Element 13.1:
Competency 14
Element 14.1:
Element 14.2:

Appraises and addresses the impact of power relations on midwifery practice

Acts to enhance the professional development of self and others
Assesses and acts upon own professional development needs
Uses research to inform midwifery practice
Ensures research evidence is incorporated into practice
Interprets evidence as a basis to inform practice and decision making

Element 11.1:

2.3 Learning and teaching in this subject

This subject will be delivered in distance education mode utilising the LearnJCU online delivery platform. Students
are required to have internet access to access study modules, complete learning tasks, submit assessments and
access online resources.
In keeping with the curriculum philosophy, teaching/learning strategies are student-centred. Students are encouraged
to actively engage in the learning process and take responsibility for their own learning. Emphasis is also placed on
the skills required to effectively use and integrate technology into the teaching/learning environment. A range of
teaching strategies will be utilised including lectures (podcast and vodcast); professional experience; clinical problem
solving; discussion board/discussion groups; webinars (compulsory, dates and times will be set and students notified
prior to commencement of semester); wikis.

2.4 Student feedback on subject

As part of our commitment at JCU to improving the quality of our courses and teaching, we regularly seek feedback
on your learning experiences. Student feedback informs evaluation of subject and teaching strengths and areas that
may need refinement or change. YourJCU Subject and Teaching Surveys provide a formal and confidential
method for you to provide feedback about your subjects and the staff members teaching within them. These surveys
are available to all students through LearnJCU. You will receive an email invitation when the survey opens. We value
your feedback and ask that you to provide considered feedback for each of your subjects.

Comments about wording of the essay being confusing have been used to reword the essay and title it appropriately.
More podcasts and interactive lectures will also be provided to augment printed content.

2.5 Subject resources and special requirements

This subject will require a substantial amount of reading. In addition to the recommended readings, you will need to
consult any prescribed text(s) which you should already have purchased.
Textbooks
Prescribed Texts
Pairman, S., Tracy, S., Thorogood, C., & Pincombe, J. (Eds.). (2015). Midwifery preparation for practice (3rd ed.).
Chatswood: Elsevier Australia.
Stables, D., & Rankin, J. (2010). Physiology in childbearing with anatomy and related biosciences (3rd ed.). London:
Elsevier.
Recommended Texts:
Blackburn, S. T. (Ed.). (2013). Maternal, fetal & neonatal physiology: A clinical perspective (4th ed.). Maryland
Heights: Elsevier.
Marieb, E. N., & Hoehn, K. (2013). Human anatomy and physiology (9th ed.). Pearson Benjamin Cummings.

Textbooks are available to purchase online through the Co-op online book store. The JCU Library has limited copies
of all prescribed textbooks available for 2 day loans.
Weekly Readings
In addition to your required texts, weekly readings provide you with specific information on the content. The readings
are available via the JCU Library online collection. Journal articles and eBooks are available via OneSearch book
4

chapters and articles not available via the Library collection will be added to ReserveOnline (search by subject code).
The prescribed readings represent part of the study content. You are guided to the readings throughout the modules.
It is useful to update your knowledge base by supplementing content by reading with other current material, especially
examples of research, which is often reported in daily newspapers or magazines as well as in specialist journals or
texts.
Literature searches
Students are expected to be competent at searching online databases to find and retrieve literature. You are also
expected to include reference to other literature in your written assignments (other than the readings provided). The
JCU Library provides online guides on how to locate journal articles. The Nursing, Midwifery & Nutrition LibGuide is
an online guide for NMN students and staff at JCU. It will help you find the information you need to complete your
assignments and research.
Additional Resources
Additional resources available from the subject site in LearnJCU include:

Announcements.
Recommended websites.
Supplementary materials.

Communication functions are also available via LearnJCU such as group email facility, discussion boards and virtual
classrooms. Students are expected to visit the site regularly and utilise the many interactive features available.

Section 3. Assessment details

3.1 Requirements for completion of subject
In order to pass this subject, you must:
submit all items of assessment;
achieve a minimum of 50% in the formal examination and a cumulative result of 50% overall;
satisfactorily complete hurdle activities, and all required components of professional placement experience.
It is important to be aware that assessment is always subject to final ratification following the examination period
and that no single result represents a final grade in a subject (Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy 5.22.).
Assessment items and final grades will be reviewed through moderation processes as per JCU Learning, Teaching
and Assessment Policy (5.13-5.18).
Progressive moderation of the assessments will be undertaken for this subject. Pre and post assessment moderation
includes biennial peer review of the assessment plan, the use of a pre-determined marking criteria for each
assessment item which has been peer reviewed during the design phase; self-moderation where assessment items
marked earlier in the marking period will be rechecked to ensure consistency in the allocation of marks and grades;
confirmatory review (peer review of assessment grades) and cross marking (blind remarking and/or confirmatory
review) of all assessment items achieving an N (Failure) and HD (High Distinction) result.
Inherent Requirements
Your course may have inherent requirements. Inherent requirements are the fundamental abilities, attributes, skills
and behaviours needed to achieve the learning outcomes of a course while preserving the academic integrity of the
universitys learning, assessment and accreditation processes. Students and prospective students must be able to
demonstrate that they have acquired or have the ability to acquire the inherent requirements for their degree. For
more information refer to Inherent Requirements page.
Reasonable adjustments may be made to assist students manage additional circumstances impacting on their
studies provided these do not change the academic integrity of a degree. Reasonable adjustments do not alter the
need to be able to demonstrate the inherent requirements of the course. Students who believe they will experience
challenges completing their degree or course because of their disability, health condition or other reason should
discuss their concerns with an AccessAbility Services team member, or a member of College staff such as the Course
Coordinator. In the case where it is determined that inherent requirements cannot be met with reasonable
adjustments, the University staff can provide guidance regarding other study options.

3.1.1 Professional Experience Placement (PEP) requirements

This subject requires completion of professional experiences and clinical competencies (see Assessment Tasks).
Refer to the Midwifery Clinical Competency Workbook and the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery Professional
Experience Placement [PEP] Handbook for detailed information on PEP requirements. As a JCU professional
experience student it is your responsibility to ensure all pre-placement requirements are met, as per the JCU
Placement Procedure and Infectious Disease Policy.

3.2 Feedback on student learning

Formative feedback is provided to the student throughout the semester via the LearnJCU discussion board, Grade
Centre and through email correspondence. Feedback is also provided in direct response to assessment submissions.
Feedback will be provided electronically for each individual students assessment task 1 (literature review). Group
feedback will be given for the assessment task 2 (formal examination). Assessment task 3 provides immediate
feedback (online quiz). Students may arrange a time to discuss assessment with the subject coordinator by email or
phone, for a face to face, phone or Skype conversation.
Requests for review of assessment need to follow the JCU Review of Assessment and Access to Examination Scripts
and Materials Procedure.

3.3 Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Essay: Critical analysis of a Birthing Practice

Aligned subject
learning outcomes

further explore the concept of value based care (Page, 2000) and 'genuine
caring' (Berg, 2005) for midwifery practice when caring for well women and
their families;
apply and demonstrate the physiology and midwifery care of normal labour,
birth and the puerperium to well women and neonates

Aligned professional
standards/
competencies

NMBA Midwifery competencies: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 14

Group or individual

Individual

Weighting

50%

Due date

Friday 2nd September 2016

2500 words [word counts 10% below or above the required word limit will be penalised by 10% deduction of the

Word length

marks available. The word count must be accurately stated at the end of the concluding paragraph. Every printed
element between spaces is to be counted including quotations and in-text references (but not including Reference
list or Appendices)].

ASSESSMENT TASK 1: DESCRIPTION

Choose a birth practice you have witnessed in your clinical environment. Using either Pages (2000) five steps to
evidence based midwifery or Bergs (2005) model of genuine caring as a framework to critically analyse the birth
practice you witnessed and make recommendations to either:

develop the practice further to promote woman-centred care in your clinical environment

develop birth practices that are woman-centred.

or

Final assignment must be submitted electronically online via the LearnJCU FINAL assignment dropbox by the due
date (this is the recorded date received).

ASSESSMENT TASK 1 MARKING RUBRIC

DESCRIPTOR

WHAT YOU NEED TO WRITE

Overview of the birth practice and a

description of the birth scenario
witnessed; including discussion
about whether the birth practice is
an accepted normal birth practice.

Succinct description of the birth practice, with a

clear description of the scenario, and
discussion regarding the birth practice being an
accepted norm, demonstrating clarity of
thought based upon critical reflection. (7-10
marks)

Description of the birth practice is less clear; the

description of the scenario and discussion
regarding the birth practice being an accepted
norm lacks clarity of thought and there is limited
reflective practice. (3-7 marks)

The description of the birth practice is limited

or not evident. There is limited discussion of
the birth practice being an accepted norm,
there is little or no evidence of clarity of
thought or reflective practice. (0-3 marks)

Explanation of normal birth

Clear explanation of normal birth with reference

to the physiology, mechanisms of labour and
woman centred care. (3-5 marks)

Explanation of normal birth is vague with limited

references to the physiology of birth mechanisms of
labour and woman centred care. (2-3 marks)

Explanation of normal birth is very limited or

not evident. There is little or no reference to
the physiology of birth, mechanism of labour
and woman centred care. (0-2 marks)

Explore the concept of Pages

(2000) five steps to evidence based
midwifery or Bergs (2005) model of
genuine caring as it relates to their
scenario.

Demonstrates the ability to explore the birth

practice (scenario) within a framework (Pages
or Bergs) and demonstrate how this relates to
the scenario. (7-10 marks)

Exploration of the birth practice (scenario) is poorly

articulated and does not demonstrate the ability to
analyse a birth practice (scenario) within a
framework or how this relates to the scenario.
(3-7marks).

There is little or no evidence of the students

ability to explore a birth practice (scenario)
within a framework and demonstrate how this
relates to the scenario. (0-3 marks)

Critically analyse the scenario using

Pages (2000) five steps to
evidence based midwifery or Bergs
(2005) model of genuine caring as
a framework.

Strong evidence of critical analysis of the birth

practice (scenario) using Pages (2000) five
steps to evidence based midwifery or Bergs
(2005) model of genuine caring as a
framework. (7-10 marks)

Some evidence of analysis of the scenario using

Page (2000) five steps to evidence based
midwifery or Berg (2005) model of genuine caring
as a framework. The discussion is predominantly
descriptive. (3-7 marks).

Limited or no evidence of analysis of the

scenario using Pages (2000) five steps to
evidence based midwifery or Bergs (2005)
model of genuine caring as a framework.
There is little or no discussion. (0-3 marks)

Does the scenario described fit

within the normal trajectory of birth?
Analyse the trajectory and make
recommendations:

to develop the practice further

Or

to develop birth practices that

are woman centred.

Excellent analysis of the scenario and makes

explicit its relationship to the normal trajectory
of birth. Recommendations demonstrate
evidence based practice and woman centred
care.
(7-10 marks)

Some evidence of analysis of the scenario and its

relationship to the normal trajectory of birth but
could have been developed further. Some
recommendations made demonstrating evidence
based practice and woman centred care.
(3-7marks)

Limited or no evidence of analysis of the

scenario and its relationship to the normal
trajectory of birth. Limited or no evidence of
the recommendations demonstrating
evidence based practice and woman centred
care.
(0-3 marks)

Academic presentation as per The

Mariner: Introduction, conclusion,
grammar, sentence construction and
academic flow.

Well-written paper including sophisticated

introduction, conclusion; clearly identifies and
clarifies position, as well as identifies topic and
subtopics in a logical, coherent manner No
errors in grammar or spelling. (5 marks)

Underdeveloped introduction/conclusion; direction

of the paper unclear at times; some evidence of
position, as well as topic and subtopic cohesion but
message is sometimes unclear; discussion not
consistent throughout the paper. (3-4 marks)

Limited introduction, conclusion, and very

unclear position, and little or no coherence
between topic and subtopics. Poor sentence
construction. Paper has demonstrated limited
or no direction and does not flow in a logical
manner. (0-2 marks)

Referencing as per APA 6th.

Reference list matches in text
citation. Safe Assignment
submission.

Well-written paper. No errors in in-text

referencing or reference list (4 marks).
Safe assignment submission of paper prior to or
on due date of assignment (1 mark).

Some minor errors in referencing (in-text or

reference list) (less than 8). (2-3 marks)

More than 8 mistakes in referencing (in-text or

reference list). (0-1 marks)

Assessment Task 2: Formal Examination

Aligned subject
learning outcomes

further explore the concept of value based care (Page, 2000) and 'genuine
caring' (Berg, 2005) for midwifery practice when caring for well women and
their families;
apply and demonstrate the physiology and midwifery care of normal labour,
birth and the puerperium to well women and neonates;
describe the physiology of lactation;
discuss the physiological adaptations the fetus experiences in labour;
describe the physiological adaptation to extra uterine life for a healthy, term
neonate;
discuss the role of the midwife in supporting breastfeeding women including
the World Health Organisations (WHO) 10 steps to successful breastfeeding
and the 7 point plan for supporting breastfeeding in the community;

Aligned professional
standards/
competencies

NMBA Midwifery competencies: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14

Group or individual

Individual

Weighting

50%

Due date

Scheduled during SP2 Examination Period: 5-18 November 2016

ASSESSMENT TASK 2: DESCRIPTION

The second of two major assessments for this subject is an exam. The examination will be of three (3) hours duration
and will consist of a mix of multiple choice and short answer questions. It will cover the most important aspects of
the subjects content.
The exam will be held during the official University Examination Period which will be scheduled from 5-18 November
2016. The draft examination timetable is released by the Examination and Ceremonies Section approximately six
weeks prior to the commencement of exams online via StudentsOnline, with the final examination timetable (including
the date and time for the exam, materials permitted, etc.) released approximately four weeks prior to the
commencement of exams. Please note that photographic ID is required to be presented at the exam.
The conditions under which you may apply for a Deferred Examination (held in Jan/Feb 2017) are very strict so you
should ensure that you are available during the exam period. Before applying, check that you have grounds and
evidence to be eligible. You must provide supporting documentation with your application. For more information
about Examination procedures please refer to the JCU Assessment and Examinations website.
Scheduling External Examinations
Examination scheduling for external students is managed by JCU Examinations. JCU Examinations will nominate
the exam venue for the external student based on their address in eStudent (therefore it is important for external
students to keep their address details up-to-date). If Exams are unable to source a venue at that location, they will
contact the student via JCU email to nominate a suitable facility. If the nominated venue is not suitable; for example,
if the student has moved location and has not updated eStudent, the student will need to advise Exams and an
alternative venue identified by one of the two means above.
For all examination enquiries please contact the Flexible Delivery Exams Officer, JCU Examinations, phone (07)
4781 6212 or email Exams-Townsville@jcu.edu.au

EXAMINATION CRITERIA
A pass mark of 50% is required in the exam to pass the subject, in addition to an overall mark of 50% for all graded
assessment pieces.

Assessment Task 3: Completion of Four (4) Online Quizzes

Aligned subject
learning outcomes

further explore the concept of value based care (Page, 2000) and 'genuine
caring' (Berg, 2005) for midwifery practice when caring for well women and
their families;
apply and demonstrate the physiology and midwifery care of normal labour,
birth and the puerperium to well women and neonates;
describe the physiology of lactation;
discuss the physiological adaptations the fetus experiences in labour;
describe the physiological adaptation to extra uterine life for a healthy, term
neonate;
discuss the role of the midwife in supporting breastfeeding women including
the World Health Organisations (WHO) 10 steps to successful breastfeeding
and the 7 point plan for supporting breastfeeding in the community

Aligned professional
standards/
competencies

NMBA Midwifery competencies: 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, 14

Group or individual

Individual

Weighting

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Minimum mark of 70% on each quiz required.

Due date

End of Weeks 2, 6, 9 & 12.

There will be four (4) online quizzes over the course of the semester. Due dates are in the subject outline
calendar. You may have multiple attempts. You are required to gain a minimum of 70% for each online quiz
to pass the subject.

Content: 10 multiple choice questions for each online quiz

Timeframe: There is no time frame. You must complete by the due date.
Opens: At the beginning of semester.
Closes: On the due date for each of the four (4) online quizzes.
The online quiz is an informal piece of assessment to aid learning. It is a requirement of the subject you complete
the online quiz and gain a pass of 70% in order to pass the subject. It is not classified as group work and must,
therefore, be completed individually by each student. You are not permitted to discuss the questions with other
students whilst taking the assessment. Guidelines detailing the process for taking the online quiz will be posted in
the instructions section of the quiz. By entering the test you acknowledge and agree to those guidelines.
Breaching the guidelines can be considered an academic misconduct and will be managed as per The Mariner.
You MUST save each answered question (see save-button next to each question) so that you can resume the quiz
should you be disconnected from the web.
Please note: The system has been designed to lock you out once the due date for the online quiz has passed, so
please ensure you have a dedicated timeslot when you will not be interrupted to attempt each online quiz. Please
send an email IMMEDIATELY to the subject coordinator if your system drops out whilst you are answering the quiz.
Instructions on accessing the quiz will be posted on the LearnJCU NS5133 Subject site at the beginning of
study period.

Assessment Task 4: Professional Experience Placement Clinical Competency Workbook

Aligned subject
learning outcomes

apply and demonstrate the physiology and midwifery care of normal labour,
birth and the puerperium to well women and neonates;
describe the physiology of lactation;
discuss the physiological adaptations the fetus experiences in labour;
describe the physiological adaptation to extra uterine life for a healthy, term
neonate;
recruit five (5) and complete five (5) 'Continuity of Care' experiences for
women by the end of the second semester

Aligned professional
standards/
competencies

NMBA Midwifery competencies: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Group or individual

Individual

Weighting

Non-graded satisfactory / unsatisfactory

Date

Friday 28 October 2016

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Evidence of attendance at 25 antenatal visits submitted;

Evidence of attendance at 25 postnatal visits submitted;
Evidence of being with 20 women in labour and birth;
5 continuity of care experiences completed;
10 more continuity of care experiences recruited;
20 complex midwifery care experiences submitted;
2 student evaluations from clinical placement submitted

FIVE (5) CLINICAL COMPETENCIES SUBMITTED IN:

Completing an antenatal history;

Abdominal examination;
Assisting a mother with breastfeeding;
Neonatal screening;
Inhalation analgesia

Section 4. Other information about assessment and student support

4.1 Submission and return of assessment
Assessment Criteria
Assessment of your assignments will take into account:

relevance of your answer to the question or issues

clarity of expression
evidence of independent thinking
use of non-discriminatory language
use of supporting references
comprehensive coverage
overall presentation, including correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.

In marking your assignments, key criteria as appropriate will be assessed, therefore read your assignment
requirements and marking criteria carefully.
Please note that academic staff does not take responsibility for lost assignments. It is the students responsibility to
retain a copy of assignments and SafeAssign reports for resubmission if needed. This applies to professional
experience placement assignments/paperwork as well. Do not rely solely on the file within your home computer
either. Always make a copy to cloud storage, an external CD or USB (memory stick). The hard drive in computers
can fail, destroying all your hard work.
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Drafts
One draft only per assignment will be accepted for review by the Subject Coordinator. A draft is generally either a
BRIEF (maximum of one page) outline of the proposed paper or a plan of the paper. It is not the completed
assignment. General feedback will be given to indicate whether the student is on the right track in relation to
answering the assignment question. No grammar, spelling or referencing errors will be corrected with drafts.
Referencing
Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition students are required to use the APA Style of referencing. The library has created
a Referencing for Nursing and Midwifery Students Guide which contains an interactive workbook, videos and quizzes.
The importance of accurate referencing within all assessments cannot be overstated, and is treated very seriously
by the university. Whether by ignorance, laziness or deliberate intent, plagiarism will not be tolerated in Nursing,
Midwifery & Nutrition. Students who do not adhere to the APA referencing style, and subsequently fail to correctly
acknowledge all sources utilised within a piece of assessment, may be at risk of plagiarism, and thus academic
misconduct. All such incidents will be investigated as per the guidelines below. All students are strongly encouraged
to familiarise themselves with the Student Academic Misconduct Requirements Policy.
Presentation
In preparing your assignment the following criteria apply:

size A4 white document

font face easily readable (e.g. Times New Roman or Arial)
font size should be 12
double-spaced line-spacing including reference list
page number on bottom centre of each page
set page margins of 3cm (left, right, top & bottom)
word count (including in-text referencing but excluding reference list or any appendices) must be stated
following the conclusion of your assignment
JCU Student ID number and surname should be included in footer on each page (right hand side).

Finishing the Assignment

Proofing: it is essential that an assignment be edited and proof-read prior to submission.

Word limit: keep to the word limit - word counts 10% below or above the required word limit will be penalised
by 10% deduction of the marks available. The word count must be accurately stated at the end of the
concluding paragraph. Every printed element between spaces is to be counted including quotations and intext references (but not including Reference list or Appendices).
Spelling: many nursing and midwifery textbooks, journals, and nursing and midwifery dictionaries are
published in North America and therefore, spelling differences will occur. Consult the Oxford (English)
Dictionary and maintain consistency of spelling.
Abbreviations: it is acceptable to use an abbreviation, provided that the first time it is used, the complete
words are spelled out followed by the abbreviation in brackets. Subsequently, only the abbreviation is used,
e.g. diagnostic related groups [DRGs]. Conventional medical abbreviations (See ACSQHC (2011) National
abbreviations and terminology), e.g. tds or ml. may be used provided they are correct and acceptable.

SafeAssign Reports
SafeAssign is a plagiarism detection tool within LearnJCU. This is the program that allows students to submit
assignments as electronic documents and compares the content with assignments submitted by other students at
JCU and over 2.5 billion other documents on the internet. A report is generated identifying segments of matching
text, and the quantity matched, and this allows both the student and the Subject Coordinator to check the submitted
assignment against the original identified sources. (Please log on to the subject sites on LearnJCU for detailed
instructions for processing assignments through SafeAssign). This report is not considered uncontested
evidence of plagiarism; rather, it is a means of providing students with feedback on academic writing. Such feedback
provides an opportunity for students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to approach assignments with
academic integrity. You should check your report from submission to the DRAFT dropbox, prior to submission to the
FINAL dropbox, as this will help you to identify areas of plagiarism or areas that have not been accurately referenced
within your assignment and rectify them prior to your final submission.
Online Submission
Students must submit final assignments including the reference list through SafeAssign by the due date to
the FINAL dropbox. Students are responsible and must ensure the upload is successful and save a copy of the
SafeAssign report for their own records. The date and time of online submission is recorded by LearnJCU. If systemwide technical problems happen to occur with SafeAssign on the due date, then your Subject Coordinator will advise

11

you by email and/or an announcement on LearnJCU of any necessary alterations to the above usual processes of
assignment submission to Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition.
Institution Release Statement Student Declaration
As part of the online submission process, the following Institution Release Statement is completed:
1. This assignment is my/our original work and no part has been copied/reproduced from any other persons
work or from any other source, except where acknowledgement has been made (see Learning, Teaching
and Assessment Policy 5.1).
2. This work has not been submitted for any other course/subject (see Learning, Teaching and Assessment
Policy 5.9).
3. This assignment has not been written for me/us.
4. I/We hold a copy of this assignment and can produce a copy if requested.
5. This work may be used for the purposes of moderation and identifying plagiarism.
6. I/We give permission for a copy of this marked assignment to be retained by the College for benchmarking
and course review and accreditation purposes.
Late Submissions
Work is deemed late if submitted after the due date. Any assignment that does not have an approved extension by
the Subject Coordinator will incur a late penalty if submitted after the due date. Five percent (5%) of the marks
available for the assessment item will be deducted per calendar day, including weekends and public
holidays. Assessments submitted more than 14 days after the due date will be accepted and marked by the Subject
Coordinator and feedback will be given to the student, however zero marks will be awarded. If an assignment is
submitted after the due date there is no guarantee that the student will receive the assignment back at the same time
as students that submitted by the due date. If the assessment is not received at all the student will receive an X
grade for the subject, and will be required to repeat the subject in its entirety.
Extensions
Extensions for assessment e.g. written assignments, poster presentations, will only be granted where a serious and
unforeseeable event has prevented you from completing the assignment. This includes the delivery of a presentation
during on-campus residential blocks. The following, as foreseeable, are not acceptable reasons for extensions:

computer/printer failure
work commitments including professional experience placement
social commitments
sporting or other community commitments.

An extension request within 48 hours of the due date will only be considered in very serious circumstances. Requests
for extensions after the due date will not usually be granted. To request an extension, students are required to
complete the CHS form for request for extension, late assignment submission, or missed class. If a request for an
extension is granted, the time required will be negotiated with the Subject Coordinator, taking into account the
circumstances leading to the request. The student should attach a copy of the email from the subject coordinator
granting the extension to the assignment when it is submitted. A request for a further extension will not normally be
considered. If a student is granted an extension of more than one week, it may not be possible to complete marking
the assignment for return at the same time as other assignments.
Return of Assignments
An assignments return date, time and manner will be determined by the Subject Coordinator in-line with the JCU
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy. Written feedback will be given, and students can discuss their
assignments with the marker if further feedback is needed.
Review of Assessment
Requests for review of assessment need to follow the JCU Review of Assessment and Access to Examination Scripts
and Materials Procedure.
Publication of results
Subject results are available via eStudent on the official release date of results (approximately three weeks after the
end of study period). NOTE: Students who have outstanding assessment items, an outstanding University debt (for
library fines, student loans, fees etc) or who have not shown photographic identification for an examination will have
their results withheld and are unable to graduate or re-enrol until outstanding requirements are met.

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4.2 Plagiarism and referencing

Plagiarism occurs when writers claim ownership of written words or ideas that are not their own. Plagiarism is
a form of cheating and any instances of plagiarism will be dealt with promptly according to University procedures.
Please see the JCU Student Academic Misconduct Requirements Policy

www.jcu.edu.au/policy/student-services/student-academic-misconduct-requirements-policy

Also see the definition of self plagiarism in the JCU Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy and note policy
statement 5.9 in regard to submission of ones own work that has been previously submitted for assessment and
received a grade www.jcu.edu.au/policy/learning-and-teaching/learning-teaching-and-assessment-policy
Referencing is a systematic way of acknowledging the sources that you have used. Students should check out the
very helpful online resources relating to academic writing, referencing and avoiding plagiarism at:

The Learning Centre https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre

Summarising, Paraphrasing & Avoiding Plagiarism is a very useful guide).

The Referencing Libguide http://libguides.jcu.edu.au/referencing

What is Plagiarism? www.jcu.edu.au/students/exams-and-results/what-is-plagiarism

(In

particular,

the

booklet

4.3 Important advice relating to examinations

If you experience difficulties or serious circumstances before or up to the day of your exam, which you believe
may affect your ability to sit the exam successfully or perform at your best, you can apply for special consideration
in the marking of your exam. Please see the JCU Special Consideration, Supplementary, Deferred and Special
Examinations Requirements

www.jcu.edu.au/policy/student-services/special-consideration,-supplementary,-deferred-and-specialexaminations-policy

If you are unable to attend an exam at the scheduled time due to extenuating circumstances/circumstances beyond
your control, you may apply for a deferred exam. Deferred exams are granted in exceptional circumstances such
as severe medical conditions or family or personal trauma. For further information, visit

www.jcu.edu.au/students/exams-and-results

4.4 Student support

James Cook University is committed to ensuring people with disabilities, injuries, illnesses or health conditions are
able to participate to the fullest possible extent in the educational programs offered by the University and all other
aspects of University life. Students with disabilities, injuries, illnesses or health conditions, who require special
arrangements or consideration, should contact AccessAbility Services (see table below).
Support team
JCU Student Centre (Townsville)
JCU Student Centre (Cairns)

Location

Phone

134

4781 5255

enquiries@jcu.edu.au

Email

9.00am 4.45pm

Office times

A1

4232 1000

enquiries@jcu.edu.au

9.00am 4.45pm

CHS Academic Services (Townsville)

43.005

4781 4121

chs@jcu.edu.au

8.30am 4.30pm

CHS Academic Services (Cairns)

A2.019

4232 1746

chs@jcu.edu.au

8.30am 4.30pm

If you want further information regarding:

Visit the URL

AccessAbility Services

www.jcu.edu.au/accessability-services

Accommodation

www.jcu.edu.au/accommodation

Careers and employment

www.jcu.edu.au/careers-and-employment

Childcare

www.jcu.edu.au/students/support/childcare-and-schooling

Counselling

www.jcu.edu.au/counselling

Enrolment

www.jcu.edu.au/students/enrolment

13

Feedback and complaints

www.jcu.edu.au/students/feedback-and-complaints

Fees and financial support

www.jcu.edu.au/students/fees-and-financial-support

Inclusion and engagement

www.jcu.edu.au/inclusion-and-engagement

Indigenous student support

www.jcu.edu.au/australian-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islanderinformation/student-support

Information for current students

www.jcu.edu.au/students

International student support

www.jcu.edu.au/international-students

Learning skills/ Language support

www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre

Library and computing services

www.jcu.edu.au/library

Librarians Liaison

www.jcu.edu.au/library/about/library-contact-details/liaisonlibrarian-discipline-responsibilities

Off-campus students

www.jcu.edu.au/off-campus-students

Responsibilities and rights

www.jcu.edu.au/students/support/student-support

Review of Assessment and Student Access

to Scripts and Materials Policy

www.jcu.edu.au/policy/student-services/review-of-assessmentand-student-access-to-scripts-and-materials-policy

Special Consideration, Supplementary,

Deferred and Special Examinations
Requirements

www.jcu.edu.au/policy/student-services/special-consideration,supplementary,-deferred-and-special-examinations-policy

Student Academic Misconduct Requirements

www.jcu.edu.au/policy/student-services/student-academicmisconduct-requirements-policy

Student Policies

www.jcu.edu.au/policy/student-services

Student Association

www.jcusa.edu.au/

14

Section 5. Subject calendar

Week/ Date/Module

Readings/Preparation

Relationship to Assessment

25/7/2016

MODULE 1: Continued application and synthesis of Pages (2000) five

steps Bergs (2005) model of genuine caring in promoting physiological
labour, birth, the puerperium and breastfeeding

Textbooks
Week 1 readings

Foundational midwifery teaching, scaffolding throughout

semester and building content in preparation for the assessment
pieces in NS5131 and content to be taught in NS5133 in study
period 2

1/8/2016

MODULE 2: Physiology of the first stage of labour

Textbooks
Week 2 readings

Online Quiz #1 due Friday 5 August 2016 17:00

Webinar date and time to be confirmed. Welcome, Module
1& 2 tutorial, Q&A

8/8/2016

MODULE 3: Physiology of the second stage of labour

Textbooks
Week 3 readings

Readings and activities relate to assessments 1,2 3, & 4

15/8/2016

MODULE 4: Physiology of the third stage of labour

Textbooks
Week 4 readings

Readings and activities relate to assessments 1,2 3, & 4

22/8/2016

MODULE 5: Physiology of the fourth stage of labour (puerperium)

Textbooks
Week 5 readings

Webinar date and time to be confirmed. Module 3-5 tutorial,

assignment tips, Q&A.

29/8/2016

MODULE 6: Physiology of breastfeeding

Textbooks
Week 6 readings

Assignment due Friday 2 September 2016

Online Quiz #2 due Friday 2 September 2016 17:00

5/9/2016

MODULE 7: Comfort measures and pain relieving options for women in

labour

Textbooks
Week 7 readings

Readings and activities relate to assessments 1,2 3, & 4

12/9/2016

MODULE 8: Role of the midwife in promoting physiological birth

Textbooks
Week 8 readings

Webinar date and time to be confirmed. Module 6-8 tutorial,

Q&A.

19/9/2016

MODULE 9: Fetal circulation and the fetal response to labour and birth

Textbooks
Week 9 readings

Online Quiz #3 due Friday 23 September 2016 17:00

9a
10
11
12
13

26/9/2016
3/10/2016
10/10/2016
17/10/2016
24/10/2016

Subject activity 1

LECTURE RECESS
MODULE 10: Introduction to the physiological adaptation to extra-uterine
life of the term neonate
MODULE 11: Introduction to examination of the well term neonate
MODULE 12: Role of the midwife in the puerperium, promoting and
supporting early parenting skills and self-care
Consolidation and revision

Textbooks
Week 10 readings

Readings and activities relate to assessments 1,2 3, & 4

Textbooks
Week 11 readings
Textbooks
Week 12 readings

Webinar date and time to be confirmed. Module 9-12 tutorial,

exam tips, Q&A.

Revision

Professional experience: Clinical Competency Workbook

due Friday 28 October 2016

Online Quiz #4 due Friday 21 October 2016 17:00

Please note that the sequence of some topics may change due to availability of staff, resources or due to unforeseen circumstances.
15