Course coordinator
Mr Aaron Grogan
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Behavioural Sciences
This course within the Master of Nurse Practitioner program aims to assist students to develop a comprehensive knowledge of pharmacology (pharmacodynamics & pharmacokinetics) and therapeutic interventions to be applied within clinical practice. This knowledge will underpin critical analysis of the safety and accountability in the use and evaluation of pharmacological and non-pharmacological management for consumers in line with the National Prescribing Competencies Framework. This course will further enable Nurse Practitioner students working in advanced health care roles to develop their knowledge of the human sciences underpinning pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
Thisﾠcourse withinﾠthe Master of Nurse Practitioner program aims to assist students to develop a comprehensive knowledge of pharmacology (pharmacodynamics & pharmacokinetics) and therapeutic interventions to be applied within clinical practice. This knowledge will underpin critical analysis of the safety and accountability in the use and evaluation of pharmacological and non-pharmacological management for clients. This course seeks to assist Nurse Practitioner students working in advanced health care roles to develop their knowledge of the human sciences underpinning pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
Students will work with their clinical support teamsﾠwithin their specialist environment forﾠa minimum of 96 hours over the duration of the semesterﾠin order to observe and develop advanced skills in the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of selected clients. Teaching material is presented as interactive web-based exercises with independent activities and readings.ﾠ
Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to incorporate relevant developments in health services, policies and legislation into their own context and expanded scope of practice. It is essential that the students / candidates can provide evidence of support from their employer, that their organisation will provide placement for professional experience, a clinical support team (CST) and a clinical mentor to facilitate the practical part of the course. The clinical mentor is either a nurse practitioner, with at least one-year full time experience as a nurse practitioner, or a senior medical practitioner with a specialisation in a relevant clinical area i.e. cardiologist or GP. The CST should at a minimum cover nursing, medicine and pharmacology. Suitable members of the CST are nurse practitioner, senior medical practitioner, and pharmacist.ﾠ
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
NURS7242 + NURS7243
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
NURS7003
Restrictions
MNP students only
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Mr Aaron Grogan
Mrs Kelly McCarthy
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Residential Schoolﾠ- A 2 day residential school will be facilitated from the 24th - 25th February. This residential will focus on the development of clinical skills, problem solving strategies and complex decision making processes delivered by clinicians, industry experts and academicsﾠwithin the clinical field. It isﾠhighly recommendedﾠthat students attend.ﾠﾠ
- Please see the published NURS7244 timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to assist students to develop a comprehensive knowledge of pharmacology including pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic interventions. This knowledge will underpin critical analysis of the safety and accountability in the use and evaluation of pharmacological and non-pharmacological management plans for selected clients.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of applied pharmacology, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics sufficient to support the unique needs of the patient and optimise their clinical care.
LO2.
Critically discuss the process of definitive clinical decision making, utilising evidence informed, culturally safe and inclusive strategies to ensure assessment, requested diagnostic tests and planned episodes of care align with client treatment and optimal outcomes.
LO3.
Using an integrated understanding, critically reflect on how continuous patient assessment, tailored treatment and constant evaluation assists in managing optimal clinical progress and best patient outcomes.
LO4.
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of how effective collaboration and communication with other health care professionals optimises safe, clinically focused outcomes which respect the culture, rights and choice of the patient to information and their input into determining their own care.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Clinical Case Scenario Individual Reply | 20% |
19/03/2025 1:00 pm
Please submit via BlackBoard |
| Essay/ Critique, Reflection |
Applying prescriber legislation to practice
|
10% |
Part A 12/03/2025 1:00 pm Part B 11/04/2025 1:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
In depth analysis of pharmacological therapy.
|
40% |
16/05/2025 |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
IPP Hours 96
|
Complete / Incomplete |
9/06/2025 |
| Portfolio |
NP ePortfolio 2.3 & 3.1
|
Pass/ Fail |
9/06/2025 |
| Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection |
Clinical Evaluation Exercise (CEX)
|
30% |
CEX 1-3 11/04/2025 CEX 4-6 23/05/2025 |
| Performance, Reflection |
Clinical Performance Appraisal CPA
|
9/06/2025 1:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Clinical Case Scenario Individual Reply
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
19/03/2025 1:00 pm
Please submit via BlackBoard
Task description
As an autonomous practitioner making safe and evidenced based decisions is vital in ensuring appropriate and effective outcomes for your patient groups. As a Nurse Practitioner you will frequently be asked to provide advice to colleagues in regard to the clinical management of complex situations, providing structured, sound and clear advice is pertinent in maintaining the professional boundaries of the Nurse Practitioner profession.
Task:
Students are requested to provide a video recorded, structured clinical response to the allocated clinical scenario. The objective of the task is to demonstrate the ability to provide a safe clinical framework of treatment, advice and follow up for the patient in question. The responses need to:
- Demonstrate the ability of the student to determine key findings from the known data provided.
- Use findings to structure a response from the Nurse Practitioner perspective.
- Deliver sound evidence based pharmacological and non-pharmacological advice or treatment including appropriate safety instructions as required.
- Demonstrate the effectiveness of an autonomous practitioner through delivery of a decisive decision making and plan.
Additional Information:
The video feedback is to be no longer than 5 minutes in duration (+/- 10%).
All students will be allocated a specific clinical scenario in week 1.
The feedback response is to be uploaded into the appropriate Blackboard assessment portal within NURS7003.
Assessment Outcomes:
- The ability to demonstrate advanced knowledge of the presenting issue and highlight key factors for consideration and planning using an evidenced based process.
- The ability to highlight potential safety concerns and initiate a plan to either address or mitigate potential adverse outcomes as a result.
- The ability to provide evidenced based support to pharmacological management plans and rationale for use within the given scenario.
- The ability to provide evidence based nonpharmacological treatment options which aid in the holistic outcomes of the patient.
- The ability to demonstrate a clear and structured approach to delivering a patient management plan.
Submission guidelines
Please submit via BlackBoard
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.
- Extension requests must state the due date and the due time of the assessment.
- 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.
- 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.
- Students on a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests must still adhere to the extensions request policy outlined. Students need to attach the SAP and a note outlining their current situation with the online extension application. A maximum of 7 days will be granted on the basis of an SAP. An extension request beyond 7 days will require additional supporting information as this request will not be considered on the basis of the SAP, but rather additional events (whether they relate to the circumstances of the SAP or not).
Outcome of application
Extension requests are generally processed within 2 working days. Students can see the outcome of their application by logging in to my.UQ.
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.
Applying prescriber legislation to practice
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Part A 12/03/2025 1:00 pm
Part B 11/04/2025 1:00 pm
Task description
The UQ Masters of Nurse Practitioner program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge, insight and application of the key legislative requirements specific to prescribing as a Nurse Practitioner.
In this innovative assessment, students will reflect on the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 – Key legislative requirements – Nurse Practitioners, and identify a dilemma / situation as a question, specific to their clinical practice for collaborative review. Students will then respond to a question (other than their own) providing insight and perspective as a prescriber in the contemporary clinical setting. This assessment aims to enhance prescriber competence, communication skills, and the ability to apply prescribing legislation within clinical practice.
Part A Tasks
- Review and reflect on the attached ‘Medicines and Poisons Act – 2019, Key legislative requirements – Nurse Practitioners’.
- In reference to the students own clinical setting pose a specific dilemma / situation to the group as a question.
- Questions must outline the specific clinical specialty, be specific in relation to the clinical setting, and specific to the Nurse Practitioner role as a prescriber.
If required (adds context) a short scenario can be included to demonstrate the question.
Questions are to be submitted via BlackBoard portal (only one submission per student), each student to create a new thread under the provided heading.
Part B Tasks
- Respond to a question posed by another student
- Address the dilemma or situation with a plan, solution or guidance to move forward.
- Reference key legislation / guidelines and/or best practice.
- Provide insight and guidance on safe practice as a Nurse Practitioner
Responses are to be 250-1000 words
Supported with current literature
Reference key legislation
Hurdle requirements
All assessment items must be submitted.Submission guidelines
Part A - Please submit via BlackBoard
Part B - Please submit via 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.
- Extension requests must state the due date and the due time of the assessment.
- 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.
- 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.
- Students on a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests must still adhere to the extensions request policy outlined. Students need to attach the SAP and a note outlining their current situation with the online extension application. A maximum of 7 days will be granted on the basis of an SAP. An extension request beyond 7 days will require additional supporting information as this request will not be considered on the basis of the SAP, but rather additional events (whether they relate to the circumstances of the SAP or not).
Outcome of application
Extension requests are generally processed within 2 working days. Students can see the outcome of their application by logging in to my.UQ.
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.
In depth analysis of pharmacological therapy.
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
16/05/2025
Task description
This assessment requires of you to review the scenario presented and provide comment on the current pharmacological management for the patient in question. It is expected that you provide in depth explanation 'in your own words' regarding the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics for the chosen therapies in addition to the current prescription plan. Additionally you are expected to identify and support with literature any proposed addition or alteration to the current pharmacological management plan, with note to any safety issues or concerns identified.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment item needs to be submitted to be eligible to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Please submit via 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.
- Extension requests must state the due date and the due time of the assessment.
- 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.
- 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.
- Students on a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests must still adhere to the extensions request policy outlined. Students need to attach the SAP and a note outlining their current situation with the online extension application. A maximum of 7 days will be granted on the basis of an SAP. An extension request beyond 7 days will require additional supporting information as this request will not be considered on the basis of the SAP, but rather additional events (whether they relate to the circumstances of the SAP or not).
Outcome of application
Extension requests are generally processed within 2 working days. Students can see the outcome of their application by logging in to my.UQ.
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.
IPP Hours 96
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Complete / Incomplete
- Due date
9/06/2025
Task description
Completion of 96 hours IPP throughout the duration of Year 2, Semester 1.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment item needs to be submitted to be eligible to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Please submit via ePortfolio
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Please contact your course coordinator.
NP ePortfolio 2.3 & 3.1
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- Pass/ Fail
- Due date
9/06/2025
Task description
Complete learning strategy, evidence, feedback from CM/CST and finally a reflection on statement 2.3 and 3.1.
Hurdle requirements
All assessment items need to be submittedSubmission guidelines
Submit to course coordinator via the NP ePortfolio.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Clinical Evaluation Exercise (CEX)
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
CEX 1-3 11/04/2025
CEX 4-6 23/05/2025
Task description
As an autonomous practitioner, a comprehensive assessment and formation of appropriate differentials is essential in ensuring safe practice. Utilising this information to make evidence based pharmacological and non-pharmacological decisions is vital in ensuring appropriate and effective outcomes for your patients.
Task: 6 Clinical Evaluation Exercises tasks are required to be completed throughout the duration of NURS7244 program.
- Students are required to choose a patient from their own clinical setting and provide a structured and systematic review of the patient with a member of their Clinical Support Team present.
- Students will be required to demonstrate their ability to differentiate between normal and abnormal assessment findings, validate and discuss the required investigations needed, identify and discuss potential differential diagnoses and provide an evidenced based holistic management plan with a focus on the pharmacological management.
- Once the assessment is completed the Clinical Support Team member will complete the Clinical Evaluation Exercise form (attached) with the student, noting strengths and areas for improvement.
- The student must then complete a reflection of the episode of care and outline a plan to address the areas for development.
Assessment Requirements
- Students are to choose a patient from their own clinical setting and demonstrate advanced assessment and management.
- Assessment should take place utilising the attached CEX form
- Mentors will provide an overall mark and feedback based on the student performance
- Students are required to reflect on their clinical assessment demonstrating a plan to further build clinical decision making and patient management.
Feedback
Feedback and marking on this assessment item will be provided by the Clinical Support Team member at the time of the assessment, demonstrating relevance to the clinical specialty in which the student is working.
Marking – 5% for each Clinical evaluation exercise (CEX).
Hurdle requirements
All assessment items need to be completedSubmission guidelines
Please submit via BlackBoard
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.
- Extension requests must state the due date and the due time of the assessment.
- 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.
- 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.
- Students on a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests must still adhere to the extensions request policy outlined. Students need to attach the SAP and a note outlining their current situation with the online extension application. A maximum of 7 days will be granted on the basis of an SAP. An extension request beyond 7 days will require additional supporting information as this request will not be considered on the basis of the SAP, but rather additional events (whether they relate to the circumstances of the SAP or not).
Outcome of application
Extension requests are generally processed within 2 working days. Students can see the outcome of their application by logging in to my.UQ.
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.
Clinical Performance Appraisal CPA
- Hurdle
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Performance, Reflection
- Due date
9/06/2025 1:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
Task description
The CPA provides formal feedback on the MNP students clinical performance and application aligned to the NP standards. This appraisal should be completed with members of the CST and based on the clinical activities specific to the student's specialty, providing feedback on areas of potential development moving forward. The MNP student is also required to provide a reflection on the feedback and plan for future development within the MNP program.
Hurdle requirements
All assessment items need to be submittedSubmission guidelines
In collaboration with your CST please complete the CPA after completing the allocated IPP hours for the semester, and submit via BlackBoard portal.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 64.50 - 74.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 74.50 - 84.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 84.50 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
All items of assessment must be submitted for student to be eligible to pass the course.ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
All times stated in relationﾠto Assessments in the ECP are referring to Brisbane time. ﾠStudents residing outside the Brisbane time zone has to carefully consider any time differences to avoid late submissions or when planning video conferences.ﾠﾠ
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 3 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 1: Quality use of Medicines Independent student learning from material provided in Bb |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 2: Antibiotics & Antivirals Independent student learning including study material from National Prescribing Services |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 3 Analgesics Independent student learning including study material from National Prescribing Services |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 4 Diabetes Independent student learning including study material from National Prescribing Services |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
Not Timetabled |
Mid Semester Break |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 5 Mental Health Independent student learning including study material from National Prescribing Services |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 6 Cardiovascular Disease Independent student learning including study material from National Prescribing Services |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 7 Respiratory Disease Independent student learning including study material from National Prescribing Services |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 8 PolyPharmacy Independent student learning including study material from National Prescribing Services |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 9 Adverse Events Independent student learning including study material from National Prescribing Services |
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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.