NUR 8560 Professional Studies 2

Subject Cat-nbr Class Term Mode Description Units Campus
NUR 8560 44018 2, 2005 EXT Professional Studies 2 1.00 Toowoomba
Academic group: FOSCI
Academic org: FOS004
Student contribution band: National Priority Nursing
ASCED code: 060399

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Lorna Robertson
Moderator: Jill Scanlan



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 the identified area of professional interest for the student.

SYNOPSIS:

This course is based on a negotiated learning contract between students and course leader. The learning contract requires that students draw on their previous learning to identify their current learning needs. The students, in consultation with the course leader, will then agree upon learning objectives, 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. Introduction to course: overview of course. Learning Contracts: learning contracts, scope and rationale; elements of a learning contract; timeline, objectives, strategies & 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, Higher Education Research & Development, Enhancing the quality of student learning through the use of subject learning plans, Vol 16, no.3, pp293-304.

Laycock, M. & Stephenson, J (Eds) 1993, Using Learning Contracts in Higher Education, Kogan Page, London.




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 08 Aug 2005
LEARNING CONTRACT REPORT 60.00 90.00 28 Oct 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 each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% for each 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 available 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 a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by satisfactorily completing all 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 weighted aggregate of the 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. Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. 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 being made.
11. The examiner may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.
12. The Faculty will normally only accept assessments that have been written, typed or printed on paper-based media.
13. The Faculty will NOT accept submission of assignments by facsimile.
14. Students who do not have regular access to postal services or who are otherwise disadvantaged may be given special consideration. They should contact the examiner of the course to negotiate such special arrangements.
15. In the event that a due date for an assignment falls on a local public holiday in their area, such as a Show holiday, the due date for the assignment will be the next day. Students are to note on the assignment cover the date of the public holiday for the Examiner's convenience.
16. Students will require access to e-mail and internet access to USQConnect for this course.

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.