Undergraduate Preparation Program – Nursing/Health Science

This subject is designed to introduce students to academic culture as a culture of critical debate and equip students with the academic literacy skills necessary to perform successfully in this culture. In particular, the subject aims to help students access the conventions of academic English by focussing on attitudes to knowledge, and the ways in which ideas are structured and presented in academic texts and speech. The subject assists students to comprehend academic texts, identify key ideas and concepts, and identify and use the rhetorical moves used in academic texts. It also aims to help students compare and contrast ideas across texts, improve grammatical skills that relate to academic writing, summarise and synthesise information, and understand why, when and how to reference information. 

This subject provides an introduction to the psychology of health and behaviour relevant to understanding patient health decisions and outcomes. Students will be introduced to psychology and health to understand the tradition and relevance of psychology to nursing. This subject also includes foundation topics such as models of health and illness, health-behaviour change models, risk-taking behaviour, stress and health, learning and conditioning, personality and health, human development over the lifespan, death and dying, as well as group dynamics in health. These topics are offered as basic principles, theories, and models of psychology related to health behaviours, future learning, and professional practice in nursing. 

This subject is designed to assist students to become successful independent learners. It introduces students to a range of theories and concepts to facilitate the development of practical skills and personal attitudes necessary for success in tertiary study. Emphasis is placed on developing the key competencies such as time management, critical thinking, researching, learning how to learn and referencing. 

This subject is designed to prepare students for further study at university level in the areas of Health Science and, in particular, Nursing. Undergraduate study in Health Science places a particular emphasis on mathematical skills in the workplace and this subject provides a basis for developing those skills. The subject places equal emphasis on both theoretical and practical application of mathematical techniques as would apply in practice in the Health environment. 

This subject is designed to improve the English language skills of Health Science and Nursing students through dynamic and engaging teaching methodology. The subject further develops foundational skills students possess and introduces critical analysis. The use of authentic genres and writing techniques common in Academic writing in the fields of Health Science and Nursing lead to the improvement of critical literacy skills related to spoken and written genres which are typical in the Health Science and Nursing professions. 

The depth of knowledge and practical skills required by health professionals in the 21st century is very different to that which was required in the past. Medical treatment of illness and disease has become increasingly technical and health professionals are expected to work in partnership to determine patient care. In order to achieve this, today's health professional must have a basic understanding of the fundamental scientific principles behind health and disease. Increasingly, modern health science is concerned with maintaining health as a way of preventing disease and this is achieved through a holistic approach to the human condition. This subject is an introduction to the basic concepts in human body systems, health and disease, that are required in order to commence any tertiary health science course. 

Health Care Environments introduces students to foundation knowledge for health science level subjects in their degree. This includes supporting the independence and wellbeing of clients, regardless of age or disability. Focus in this subject includes working legally and ethically, working with diverse people and following safe work practices. Effective communication is imperative, through written care plans, identifying what has been provided using client centred practice. This subject incorporates most core and elective subjects in the Certificate III in Individual Support. Students can pursue a qualification through the College RTO in one of three specialisations- Disabilities, Ageing, and Home & Community. 

Health Care Professionals work in an environment where a high level of communication with others is of paramount importance. Oral, written and interpersonal communication skills form the cornerstone of good professional practice. This subject is designed to help students develop self-awareness, increase their confidence and skills in communicating with others in preparation for the practicum experiences during their undergraduate studies.