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Course profile

Professional Practice 1 (NUMW1102)

Study period
Sem 1 2026
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Nursing, Midwifery & Social Wk

This course introduces students to the concepts of foundational knowledge related to professional practice and will support students to develop a professional identity and sense of self as a professional nurse or midwife, underpinned by standards for practice. Students will develop therapeutic communication skills, empathy and compassion to use across diverse populations. The course integrates theory related to contemporary professional practice using flipped class room approaches. Learning activities are aimed at integrating students' understanding of the social and cultural influences on health and healthcare using reflection and practice of related skills.

This course provides students with the beginning knowledge to commence their practice in the profession of nursing or midwifery. It emphasises the development of a professional identity and highlights the significance of providing care and communicating effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. A core focus of the course is the development of skills necessary to become a reflective practitioner. As part of Professional Practice 1, this unit incorporates a combination of face-to-face and online learning activities designed to foster critical thinking, self-reflection, and collaborative engagement. Students will engage in reflective writing, participate in group discussions, and undertake activities that explore key themes, models, frameworks, and professional standards for inquiry and practice. Group tutorials and structured exercises provide opportunities for students to work collaboratively with their peers, utilising evidence and resources to support learning. These activities aim to foster an appreciation of the diversity of perspectives and experiences contributed by fellow students, enriching both individual and collective professional growth.

NUMW1102 applies a flipped classroom teaching model designed to support students active learning of course content. Students are provided with preparatory materials, such as pre-recorded lectures, readings, or videos, to review prior to attending class. Active engagement in these activities is essential for enabling students to fully engage with the course content and learning activities during scheduled classes. These activities are designed to reinforce theoretical knowledge, cultivate critical thinking, and enhance the application of concepts to professional practice. To optimise academic and clinical success within the course and the broader program of study, students are strongly encouraged to actively engage with all preparatory learning resources. 

Course requirements

Recommended companion or co-requisite courses

We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:

NURS1103 (BN) or MIDW1103 (BMID) or MIDW1203 (BN/BMID)

Restrictions

Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelors of Nursing / Midwifery

Course contact

Course staff

Tutor

Mrs Tania Paxton

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Students are advised to check their individual timetables. Inquiry based learning (IBL) sessions are scheduled for this course and vary according to program and groups.ᅠᅠ

Aims and outcomes

The aim of this course is to develop foundational knowledge related to providing person-centred care.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Develop written communication skills and academic writing skills.

LO2.

Explore effective communication strategies with individual, families, and the inter-professional team and recognise professional boundaries.

LO3.

Explore professional roles of chosen profession and other key professions in the healthcare system.

LO4.

Apply a reflective framework to personal and professional development as a beginning professional practitioner.

LO5.

Identify healthcare issues related to diverse populations to support national and global contexts.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Presentation, Tutorial/ Problem Set Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) Workshop Series
  • Team or group-based
  • In-person
20% 5% each week maximum 20%

27/02/2026 - 2/04/2026

Presentation Video and PowerPoint Presentation (Discipline Case Studies Provided)
40%

18/03/2026 1:00 pm

Essay/ Critique Essay: Reflection on a Provided Episode of Care
40%

22/04/2026 1:00 pm

Assessment details

Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) Workshop Series

  • Team or group-based
  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Oral
Category
Presentation, Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
20% 5% each week maximum 20%
Due date

27/02/2026 - 2/04/2026

Other conditions
Peer assessment factor.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

During your weekly scheduled Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) workshop, as per scheduled UQ timetable, you will collaborate in a small group of approximately six students to explore a case study or focused professional practice topic related to nursing and/or midwifery. This process will support the development of your written communication and academic writing skills by encouraging evidence-based discussions while preparing you to present your findings effectively to your peers in IBL class time.

Students are to refer to the course Blackboard site Assessment tab for additional details. 

Submission guidelines

Students are required to submit an electronic version of their completed peer marked rubric via Blackboard each session. Please check the companion website assessment area for specific instructions on this process. A link will be made available in the assessment area of your Blackboard course to allow you to submit your assignment electronically.


Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

As this is an in class activity over the semester extensions requests are not applicable.

Late submission

Not applicable. In class activity only with a maximum of 20% possible for this assessment.

Video and PowerPoint Presentation (Discipline Case Studies Provided)

Mode
Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
Category
Presentation
Weight
40%
Due date

18/03/2026 1:00 pm

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L02, L03, L05

Task description

Students must select and respond to one (1) of the provided case studies (nursing or midwifery) outlined in the assessment task sheet. In your response, you are required to demonstrate an understanding of the burden of disease, identified global and national priority health issues, and the importance of acknowledging diverse populations specific to your chosen case study. This assessment task requires you to articulate how nurses and midwives deliver person-centred and woman-centred care.

For this assessment, you are required to record your presentation and upload both the recording and the accompanying PowerPoint slides. Tasks are developed to support student learning and will require planning to demonstrate their level of achievement detailed on the Marking Guide.

Students are to refer to the course Blackboard site Assessment tab for additional details. 

Submission guidelines

Students are required to submit an electronic version of their assignment via Blackboard. Please check the companion website assessment area for specific instructions on this process. A link will be made available in the assessment area of your Blackboard course to allow you to submit your assignment electronically.

This assessment is to be submitted via Turnitin as two separate files (a) Presentation mp4 and (b) PowerPoint PDF. Detailed information is available in the course Assessment Two (2) Folder.

The electronic version of your assignment will be submitted via Blackboard, using the Turnitin software.

Please refer to ITS help if you experience difficulties in submitting your assessment in Blackboard or using Turnitin.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Applying for an extension

Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved.

Information about applying for an extension can be found on my.UQ .

Extension guidelines

  • Extension requests should be submitted prior to the assessment deadline.
  • Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date may not be approved. Late requests must include evidence of the reasons for the late request as per the guidelines in my.UQ.
  • The extension granted should be in proportion to the period of illness or disruption caused by the exceptional circumstances and will typically be no more than the specified maximum extension length for each assessment.
  • A maximum of three assessment requests can be submitted for each assessment, and the third request must include an Assessment Management Plan.
  • Students who have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester are advised to carefully consider whether they are capable of successfully completing their courses and may need to consider applying for removal of course.
  • Students who have a disability or a chronic medical condition (including a mental health condition) are encouraged to meet with a Disability Advisor within Student Services to request a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests. Students who have an SAP can apply for a 7-day extension. 


Outcome of application

  • Extension requests are generally processed within 2 working days.


Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Essay: Reflection on a Provided Episode of Care

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
40%
Due date

22/04/2026 1:00 pm

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

This assignment combines the use of a reflective framework to consolidate your development of professional and academic communication skills, critical inquiry and evidence-based practice.

Part One: Choose your discipline specific video provided within the assessment 3 folder, and demonstrate your understanding of the importance of communication in each of these scenarios using one (1) of the reflective frameworks provided on the companion course site under assessment three (3).

Part Two: Identify one (1) of the population groups considered at higher risk of harm of communications issues, you can find the groups on the companion course site under assessment three.

Tasks are developed to support student learning and will require planning to demonstrate their level of achievement detailed on the Marking Guide.

Students are to refer to the course Blackboard site Assessment tab for additional details. 

Submission guidelines

Students are required to submit an electronic version of their assignment via Blackboard. Please check the companion website assessment area for specific instructions on this process. A link will be made available in the assessment area of your Blackboard course to allow you to submit your assignment electronically.

The electronic version of your assignment will be submitted via Blackboard, using the Turnitin software.

Please refer to ITS help if you experience difficulties in submitting your assessment in Blackboard or using Turnitin.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Applying for an extension

Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved.

Information about applying for an extension can be found on my.UQ .

Extension guidelines

  • Extension requests should be submitted prior to the assessment deadline.
  • Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date may not be approved. Late requests must include evidence of the reasons for the late request as per the guidelines in my.UQ.
  • The extension granted should be in proportion to the period of illness or disruption caused by the exceptional circumstances and will typically be no more than the specified maximum extension length for each assessment.
  • A maximum of three assessment requests can be submitted for each assessment, and the third request must include an Assessment Management Plan.
  • Students who have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester are advised to carefully consider whether they are capable of successfully completing their courses and may need to consider applying for removal of course.
  • Students who have a disability or a chronic medical condition (including a mental health condition) are encouraged to meet with a Disability Advisor within Student Services to request a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests. Students who have an SAP can apply for a 7-day extension. 


Outcome of application

  • Extension requests are generally processed within 2 working days.
Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0.1 - 29.9

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course.

2 (Fail) 30 - 46.9

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.

3 (Marginal Fail) 47 - 49.9

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline.

4 (Pass) 50 - 64.49

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74.49

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84.9

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem-solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications.

Additional course grading information

  • To pass this course, students must complete and submit all required assessment items.


  • To pass this course students must achieve an overall mark of 50% and fail no more than one assessment item or one component of a multi-component assessment.


Attendance at lectures and Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) tutorials is expected as part of student enrolment into this course.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

For written assessment

A word count that is within +/- 10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable.ᅠ A word count that is outside these 10% will be penalised through a reduction of 10% of the total mark available for the assessment.

Work that has previously been submitted for assessment, either in part or in whole by a student and is resubmitted for assessment in this or another course does NOT comply with Academic Integrity standards.

Use of generative artificial intelligence: You could use Generative AI tools for your study in this course. However, there are alsoᅠrisks that you must consider when using this type of technology. Please read carefully 4. Using AI tools in your studies.ᅠAI can be used to assist with classwork and study; however, the use of AI is not permitted for any assessment item in this course. Student assessment is screened via the course Blackboard to identify cases where AI has been detected. Use of AI will result in referral to the school Academic Integrity Officer with associated penalties.ᅠ

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Students are provided with a UQ email account and must monitor the account regularly (daily) whilst enrolled at UQ. Please see the Information Communication Technology Policy and the Personal use of UQ email section in the Acceptable use of ICT Resources guideline for information regarding the appropriate use of email.

Your UQ email account will be used by Course Coordinators or lecturers to contact you with important course related information. Students are directed to familiarise themselves with the “Email and Bulk Messaging - Procedure" section 3.2 Student and Alumni Email https://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/email-and-bulk-messaging-procedure. This section outlines responsibilities of students to use and regularly monitor and maintain their UQ email account in accordance with University policies. Students should respond promptly to correspondence regarding their courses.ᅠ

Students must use their UQ email account for all correspondence with academic staff.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks
Lecture

Lecture series

Further details of each session can be found in learning resources on the Blackboard site for this course.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Tutorial

Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) Tutorials

IBL tutorials are scheduled throughout the semester according to your timetable and involve group‑based learning and inquiry. Resources and further information to support these tutorials are available on the NUMW1102 Blackboard course site.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Not Timetabled

Online learning modules

You are expected to spend seven (7) hours per week undertaking online learning for this course. This includes working through the learning modules and preparatory materials for your IBL workshops. Resources are located on the Blackboard site for this course.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 1

(23 Feb - 01 Mar)

Lecture

An introduction to UQ library resources and academic writing skills

As part of your preparation and readiness to engage in tutorials, you will attend a Library Workshop Session during the Week 1 lecture. This session will strengthen your understanding of search strategies and support you in completing your research tasks.

Learning outcomes: L01

Additional learning activity information

eLearning

The course has a Blackboard (Bb) site that has information and some learning material in regards to the course. Students will be required to become proficient in accessing and using the Blackboard site. To access Blackboard log in to my.UQ and click on the ‘eLearning’ link on the left hand menu, or via https://learn.uq.edu.au/.

Assessment and Assignment Writing Guide

Please visit https://nmsw.uq.edu.au/assessment on the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work website for information about assessment.

Student Support Services

Student Support Services provide an integrated professional service in the areas of careers and employment, learning assistance, personal counselling, disability support, financial services and international student support. For more information on individual services offered please go to: http://www.sss.uq.edu.au

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

Course guidelines

COURSE GUIDELINES