Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Nursing and Midwifery

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Clinical Sciences 1

• Unit Code

  NSC2103

• Year

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  3

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Hugh Thomas DAVIES

Description

This unit will provide students with foundational knowledge in pathophysiology, microbiology and pharmacology in relation to understanding disease processes relevant to nursing practice. The focus of the unit will be on conditions commonly experienced by the adult client and with particular relevance to the Australian National Health Priorities with an emphasis on blood and circulation, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and mental health pathologies. Pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, will be an integral aspect of this unit, with the aim of enhancing the students understanding of the principles of drug administration, actions, reactions and interactions.

Non Standard Timetable Requirements

Semester 1 on and off campus.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 1 unit from NSC1103

Only students studying courses C33, Y61, Y76, Y19 or Y79 can enrol in this unit.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded NNS2205

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe the body response mechanisms to injury or stress, including pain, inflammation and wound healing.
2. Describe the condition of diabetes mellitus including the disease categories, contributing factors, pathophysiological changes, complications and therapies.
3. Explain how microbial, environmental and genetic factors contribute to common disorders in the following: blood and blood flow respiratory system urinary system nutritional balance and mental health states
4. Explain the basis of pharmacological interventions associated with altered mental health states and substance dependence.
5. Identify the scope of pharmacology and understand the basic pharmacokinetic/dynamic and therapeutic principles.
6. Propose the role of pharmacological interventions in treating the disorders covered in the above areas.

Unit Content

1. Disorders of blood cells and blood clotting.
2. Altered respiratory function and associated drug therapy.
3. Conditions of the cardiovascular system including hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction.
4. Disruption of systemic and coronary blood flow.
5. Introduction to pathopysiology.
6. Introduction to pharmocology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
7. Overview of peripheral nervous system and relationship to drug actions and interaction.
8. Tissue injury, disease and wound healing, inflammation and pain.
9. Type I and Type II Diabetes mellitus.
10. Urinary system disorders including acute and chronic renal failure.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Blended learning, tutorials.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Bryant, B., & Knights, K. (2015). Pharmacology for health professionals. (4th ed.). Chatswood, Australia: Elseveir.
• Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2016). (S. E. Huether & K. L. McCance, Eds.), Understanding pathophysiology (6th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.