NUR 8550 Professional Studies 1

Subject Cat-nbr Class Term Mode Description Units Campus
NUR 8550 40026 1, 2005 EXT Professional Studies 1 1.00 Toowoomba
Academic group: FOSCI
Academic org: FOS004
Student contribution band: National Priority Nursing
ASCED code: 060399

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Jill Scanlan
Moderator: Janet Rankin



REQUISITES:

Pre-requisite: Students must be enrolled in one of the following Programs: GCNP or GDON or GDMH or MANP or MHEA or MMID or MMPO or MNUR or MNRS or MNRH or PCNP or PDON or PDMH or PDEV or SING or CRPG

RATIONALE:

This Masters level course is designed to facilitate synthesis of knowledge from previous studies as the basis for addressing the learning needs of the student, through a learning contract based on an identified area of professional interest to the student.

SYNOPSIS:

This course is based on a negotiated learning contract between students and the course leader. The learning contract requires that students draw on their previous learning and identify their current learning needs. The students, in consultation with the course leader will agree upon learning objectives, available resources, learning processes and methods of evaluation.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  1. develop a learning contract, which identifies own learning objectives, resources, learning processes and method/s of evaluation; and
  2. achieve a level of knowledge and skills as negotiated in the learning contract.

TOPICS:


Description Weighting (%)
1. Learning Contracts: learning contracts, scope and rationale; elements of a learning contract - timeline, objectives, strategies and resources, what is to be assessed, criteria for assessment; role of adviser in negotiated learning contracts; establishing a relevant learning need upon which to base a learning contract.
 10.00
2. Addressing the Learning Needs of the Student: The student, in consultation and negotiation with the assigned staff adviser will, commencing in approximately week 3, address their learning needs according to the learning contract.
 90.00

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

As the learning needs of each student are unique and addressed through individual contracts, there is no set text for the course.




REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

Anderson, G, Boud, D & Sampson, J 1996, Learning contracts: a practical guide, Kogan Page, London.

Boyle, P & Trevitt, C 1997, Enhancing the quality of student learning through the use of subject learning plans, Higher education research & development, Vol 16, no.3, pp293-304.

Stephenson, J (Ed) 1993, Using learning contracts in higher education, Kogan Page, London.

Summers, J & Smith, B (eds) 2004, Communication skills handbook: how to succeed in written and oral communication, 5th edn, John Wiley & Sons, Australia.
(rev & updated)

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ACTIVITY HOURS
Directed Study 60.00
Private Study 105.00


ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

Description Marks out of Wtg(%) Due date
LEARNING CONTRACT 12.00 10.00 23 Mar 2005
LEARNING CONTRACT REPORT 60.00 90.00 17 Jun 2005

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

  1. Attendance requirements:
    There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
  2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
    To complete an assessment item satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for that assessment item.
  3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
    If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 10% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
  4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
    To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the available marks for the summative assessment items.
  5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
    The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
  6. Examination information:
    There is no examination in this course.
  7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
    There will be no Deferred or Supplementary examinations in this course.
  8. University Regulations:
    Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

9. The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner.
10. If requested, students will be required to provide a copy of assignments submitted for assessment purposes. Such copies should be despatched to USQ within 24 hours of receipt of a request to do so.
11. The examiner may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.
12. The Faculty will NOT accept submission of assignments by facsimile or email.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  1. If students are anticipating enrolling in the research component of their Masters Program, they need to discuss this with the Program Coordinator to determine the most suitable enrolment pattern.