Overview
This unit introduces you to the childbearing continuum and the role of the midwife in promoting and facilitating healthy processes. You will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the underpinning philosophy of midwifery care which emphasises the concepts of ‘with woman’, midwife-woman partnerships, and continuity of care.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE
I felt that I learnt a lot from the content in this unit. I would recommend that having more practice viva vocal exam questions available would be great, just to help students practice and prepare for the exam and build confidence.
A mock viva exam scenario (Zoom) and a viva study template, which are closely aligned with the assessment instructions and rubric, are currently provided to support student preparation. However, additional practice questions could be developed and incorporated in the future to further enhance student readiness and engagement.
Feedback from SUTE
Fantastic feed back received from assignments.
The unit coordinator will continue to provide timely and constructive feedback, particularly in the first term, to support student learning and development.
Feedback from SUTE
The learning content was extremely informative and helpful. Very enjoyable subject.
The unit coordinator will regularly review and update the structure of the unit, including study guides, lectures, and supplementary materials to maintain the current quality and relevance.
- Interpret the anatomy and physiology of human reproduction, pregnancy, birth and lactation
- Analyse the role of the midwife in promoting and facilitating normal processes of the childbearing continuum
- Apply current evidence associated with the provision of midwifery care.
The proposed changes to learning outcomes and the unit will meet the following:
The draft ANMAC Midwifery Education Standards (2020).
Standard 1: Safety of the public.
Standard 3: Program of study.
Standard 5: Student assessment.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Midwife Standards for Practice (2018).
Standard 1: Promotes evidence-based maternal health and wellbeing.
Standard 2: Engages in respectful partnerships and professional relationships.
Standard 3: Demonstrates the capability and accountability for midwifery practice.
Standard 4: Undertakes comprehensive assessments.
Standard 5: Develops a plan for midwifery care.
Standard 6: Provides safe and quality midwifery practice.
Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to improve midwifery practice.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Code of Conduct for Midwives (2018).
Principle 1. Legal compliance.
Principle 2. Woman-centred practice.
Principle 3. Cultural practice and respectful relationships.
Principle 4. Professional behaviour.
Principle 7: Health and wellbeing.
The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) International Code of Ethics for Midwives (2014).
1. Midwifery Relationships.
2. Practice of Midwifery.
3. The Professional Responsibilities of Midwives.
4. Advancement of Midwifery Knowledge and Practice.
National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (2017).
Clinical Governance Standard.
Partnering with Consumers Standard.
Preventing and Controlling Healthcare-Associated Infection Standard.
Medication Safety Standard.
Comprehensive Care Standard.
Communicating for Safety Standard.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 50% | |||
| 2 - Oral Examination - 50% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||
| 5 - Team Work | |||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 50% | |||||||||||
| 2 - Oral Examination - 50% | |||||||||||
Textbooks
MIDWIFERY: PREPARATION FOR PRACTICE
Edition: 5th (2022)
Authors: Pairman, Sally, Tracy, Sally K, Dahlen, Hannah and Dixon, Lesley
Elsevier Australia
Sydney Sydney , NSW , Australia
ISBN: 9780729544764
MYLES TEXTBOOK FOR MIDWIVES
Edition: 17th (2020)
Authors: Marshall, Jayne & Raynor, Maureen
Elsevier Australia
Edinburgh Edinburgh , United Kingdom
ISBN: 9780702076428
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- CQUniversity library literature search tools
- Microsoft Word
- Wordprocessing, spreadsheeting and powerpoint software
- CQUniversity Library Resources
- Computer- ability to access study materials, including instructional videos & upload assessment. Printer for printing assessment. Scanner or equivalent for uploading assessment.
- Zoom access: microphone and webcam required
- CQUniversity Library search engines for research articles
- CQUniversity Library Nursing/Midwifery/Social Work Resources
- Australian Standards (through CQU library)
- Endnote bibliographic software. This is optional for formatting references
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
k.a.haynes@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Human Reproduction and Conception
Chapter
Review the Moodle site and click on all the links.
Find out what is in Student Support?
Find out how to find the Library?
Click on the link and learn what is in the Academic Learning Centre.
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Introduction and orientation recorded lecture (in Introduction tile in Moodle)
Week 1 study guide and lecture in Moodle (week 1 Moodle tile)
Activity: Access the week 1 study guide and complete the activities provided
Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Foundations of Academic Integrity Program: Complete your annual program.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Fetal Growth and Development
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2 study guide and lecture in Moodle (week 2 Moodle tile).
Activity: Access the week 2 study guide and complete the activities provided.
Assessment 1 – Start your literature searching and preparing assessment.
Assessment 2 – Attend Zoom session preparing for oral examination (details in week 2 and assessment 2 Moodle tiles).
Assessment 2 - Begin to prepare your revision notes for each topic/ week for oral examination in the examination week.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Adaptations in pregnancy
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3 study guide and lecture in Moodle (week 3 Moodle tile).
Activity: Access the week 3 study guide and complete the activities provided.
Census Date is next week. If you are struggling, please contact your Unit Coordinator for help.
Assessment 1 – Read the literature to identify the credibility of the evidence and continue preparing your assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Antenatal Education, Screening and Assessment
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4 study guide and lecture in Moodle (week 4 Moodle tile).
Activity: Access the week 4 study guide and complete the activities provided.
Attend Zoom meeting with ALC and library to support your preparation of assessment 1 (details on week 4 and assessment tiles in Moodle).
Census Date – Tuesday Week 4.
Assessment 1 – Read the literature to identify the credibility of the evidence and continue preparing your assessment. You might wish to seek assessment preparation help from Studiosity.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Working with Women During the First Stage of Labour
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5 study guide and lecture in Moodle (week 5 Moodle tile).
Activity: Access the week 5 study guide and complete the activities provided.
Assessment 1 – Check the originality of your assessment through Turnitin and make relevant changes to your assessment after reviewing your originality report.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Working with Women During the Second Stage of Labour
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6 study guide and lecture in Moodle (week 6 Moodle tile).
Activity: Access the week 6 study guide and complete the activities provided.
Assessment 1 – Submit your assessment.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Written Assessment Due: Week 6 Wednesday (15 Apr 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Please use this mid-term break as an opportunity to rest and recover. Enjoy your break!
Events and Submissions/Topic
No timetabled learning activities. Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Please continue to attend clinical placement for Midwifery Practice 1.
Module/Topic
Working with Women During the Third Stage of Labour
Chapter
Week 7 study guide and the readings included within
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7 study guide and lecture in Moodle (week 7 Moodle tile)
Activity: Access the week 7 study guide and complete the activities provided.
Assessment 2 - Continue to prepare your revision notes for each topic/ week for oral examination.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Care of the Mother and Baby Post Birth
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8 study guide and lecture in Moodle (week 8 Moodle tile).
Activity: Access the week 8 study guide and complete the activities provided.
Assessment 2 - Continue to prepare your revision notes for each topic/ week for oral examination.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
The Newborn Infant
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9 study guide and lecture in Moodle (week 9 Moodle tile).
Activity: Access the week 9 study guide and complete the activities provided.
Assessment 2 - Continue to prepare your revision notes for each topic/ week for oral examination.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Infant Feeding
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10 study guide and lecture in Moodle (week 10 Moodle tile).
Activity: Access the week 10 study guide and complete the activities provided.
Assessment 2 – Attend Zoom session preparing for oral examination (details in week 2 and assessment 2 Moodle tiles).
Assessment 2 - Continue to prepare your revision notes for each topic/ week for oral examination.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Don’t forget - Check your unit enrolments for next term.
Module/Topic
Breastfeeding Initiation and Support
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11 study guide and lecture in Moodle (week 11 Moodle tile).
Activity: Access the week 11 study guide and complete the activities provided.
Assessment 2 - Continue to prepare your revision notes for each topic/ week for oral examination.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before release of grades.
Module/Topic
The Role of the Midwife in Promoting Normal Processes
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12 study guide in Moodle (week 12 Moodle tile). No lecture this week.
Activity: Access the week 12 study guide and complete the activities provided.
Assessment 2 - Finalise your revision for oral examination.
Assessment 2 - Check exam date and time and your access/sound on Zoom.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – Please complete the unit evaluation survey.
Congratulations on completing this unit. Don’t forget to check your unit enrolments for next term.
Module/Topic
All weekly topics
Chapter
Reading and resources provided throughout the unit
Events and Submissions/Topic
Oral examination
Please ensure you are aware of the date and time and that you attend 15 minutes before to ensure you can access Zoom.
Please bring:
- your student ID card
- written study notes
Please do not bring: electronic devices apart from the laptop or computer for the examination. Phones, tablets should not be accessible.
Good luck.
Oral Examination Due: Exam Week Monday (8 June 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Nil.
Chapter
Nil.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Nil.
As this unit is offered online students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Written Assessment
Task Description
You will complete a written assessment based on a case study to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of physiological changes that occur during the childbearing continuum. You will utilise the Australian College of Midwives National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral and other relevant evidence associated with providing woman-centred midwifery care to support your discussion.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning) on the AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
Checking spelling and grammar.
CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
In order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 6 Wednesday (15 Apr 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Please upload your assessment to the Moodle unit assessment upload zone by the due date.
Week 9 Wednesday (13 May 2026)
Please allow for up to 3 weeks post the due date for the return of marked assessments.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Interpret the anatomy and physiology of human reproduction, pregnancy, birth and lactation
- Analyse the role of the midwife in promoting and facilitating normal processes of the childbearing continuum
- Apply current evidence associated with the provision of midwifery care.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
- Social Innovation
2 Oral Examination
Task Description
You will complete an online oral examination (Viva Voce) to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of of the normal processes across the childbearing continuum and the midwife’s role in promoting and facilitating these through partnership with the woman. The assessment also enables you to apply the NMBA Midwife Standards for Practice (2018) to clinical scenarios relevant to the childbearing continuum.
Learning Outcomes Assessed
1. Interpret the anatomy and physiology of human reproduction, pregnancy, birth, and lactation.
2. Analyse the role of the midwife in promoting and facilitating normal processes of the childbearing continuum.
3. Apply current evidence associated with the provision of midwifery care.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are not available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
In order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Exam Week Monday (8 June 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Assessments to take place throughout exam week: Monday 8 - Friday 12 June 2026. Students will be allocated individual timeslots and sent a Zoom invite for this examination time via email.
Exam results will be available on 22nd June 2026
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Interpret the anatomy and physiology of human reproduction, pregnancy, birth and lactation
- Analyse the role of the midwife in promoting and facilitating normal processes of the childbearing continuum
- Apply current evidence associated with the provision of midwifery care.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Team Work
- Ethical practice
- Social Innovation
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
