Overview
This unit will build on your knowledge acquired throughout the course and demonstrate higher-level learning to identify complex factors that may present during the childbearing continuum. This unit will provide the theory to understand the complex factors that may impact on the childbearing continuum and the care required utilising the Australian College of Midwives 'National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral'.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Co-requisite: MDWF12004 Critical Inquiry and Midwifery Practice
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 2 - 2025
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 Verbal feedback during a clinical site visit.
Emails from teaching staff reminding students about assessments and encouraging engagement with unit resources can sometimes feel overwhelming and discouraging. When you're focused on completing one assessment and another is already approaching, it can add to stress levels.
Staff have been encouraged to monitor student engagement through CQUniversity Success and reach out to students who have not engaged with the unit materials over several weeks. Although friendly and supportive language was used in line with recommendations from CQUniversity staff workshops, future emails will be reviewed to ensure they are not too frequent, the tone remains encouraging and the focus is on offering solutions for students who may be facing challenges.
Feedback from Verbal feedback during a clinical site visit.
It is difficult to know how to use generative AI tools such as Chat GPT in the course and for assessments and whether we are breaching academic integrity by doing this.
Information is available for students on the Moodle site and in the assessment rubrics, aligned with the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Sciences guidelines. However, due to the rapidly evolving nature of this environment, it is acknowledged that understanding how to use these tools appropriately can be confusing. To address this, students will attend a workshop at residential schools with the Academic Learning Centre staff to provide further guidance on using generative AI tools for assessments and avoiding breaches of academic integrity. This also facilitates equity across the student cohort when utilising gen AI tools.
- Interpret the complex factors that may present during the childbearing continuum and their impact on the woman, neonate and family
- Analyse the care required for a woman experiencing complexity within the childbearing continuum
- Apply the Australian College of Midwives 'National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral' to the management of maternity 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 practice.
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.
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.
Blood management Standard.
Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration 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 - 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 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Oral Examination - 50% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
MYLES TEXTBOOK FOR MIDWIVES
Edition: 17th (2020)
Authors: Marshall, Jayne & Raynor, Maureen
Elsevier Australia
ISBN: 9780702076428
Electronic copy not available through the CQUniversity library
Electronic copy not available through the CQUniversity library
Midwifery: Preparation for Practice
5th edition (2022)
Authors: Pairman, Sally, Tracy, Sally K, Dahlen, Hannah and Dixon, Lesley
Elsevier Australia
ISBN: 9780729544764
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- Access to printer and scanner
- Microsoft Word
- Zoom account (Free)
- Endnote bibliographic software. This is optional for formatting references.
- CQUniveristy Library Resources
- Zoom access: microphone and webcam required
- CQUniversity Library search engines for research articles
- CQUniversity Library Midwifery Resources
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
Module One: Risk Assessment and Complex Antenatal Care
- Assessing risk in pregnancy - Overview of maternal deaths (AIHW stats, regional)
- Early pregnancy: Bleeding and Hyperemesis
- Obesity
- Cardiac disease
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
Recorded presentations: Welcome and Unit Introduction.
Weekly lecture.
Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Module One: Complex Antenatal Care
- Gestational Diabetes
- Anaemia
- Haemoglobinopathies
- Rh and ABO Incompatibility
- Isoimmunisation
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit content and assessments.
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
Module One: Complex Antenatal Care
- Hypertension and Pre- Eclampsia
- Pulmonary Diseases
- Obstetric Cholestasis
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit content and assessments.
Assessment 1 – Start your literature searching and preparing 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
Module One: Complex Antenatal Care
- Antepartum Haemorrhage: Placenta Praevia and Placental Abruption
- Preterm Labour and PPROM/Incompetent Cervix
- Polyhydramnios / Oligohydramnios
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit content and assessments.
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 the Academic Learning Centre and/or 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
Module Two: Complex Intrapartum Care
- Reduced Fetal Movements, IUGR/SGA
- Postdates Pregnancy
- Safer Baby Bundle
- Induction of Labour, Epidural
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit content and assessments.
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
Vacation week
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.
Module/Topic
Module Two: Complex Intrapartum Care
- Dystocia of Labour
- Malposition / CPD
- Obstructed Labour
- CTG
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit content and assessments.
Assessment 1 – Complete and upload your assessment by the due date.
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 (27 Aug 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Module Two: Complex Intrapartum Care
- VBAC
- Assisted Birth / FBS
- Episiotomy
- Cord Blood Sampling
- Caesarean Section
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit content and assessments.
Assessment 2 – Review and commence your revision.
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
Module Two: Complex Intrapartum Care
- Malpresentation ECV/Breech Birth
- Shoulder Dystocia
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit content and assessments.
Assessment 2 – Continue with revision.
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
Module Two: Complex Intrapartum Care
- Cord Prolapse
- Postpartum Haemorrhage
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit content and assessments.
Assessment 2 – Continue with revision.
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
Module Three: Complex Postpartum and Neonatal Care
- Neonatal Resuscitation
- The Pre-Term Infant
- The GDM Infant
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit content and assessments.
Assessment 2 – Continue with revision.
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
Module Three: Complex Postpartum and Neonatal Care
- Neonatal Stabilisation and Referral
- Respiratory Distress / Meconium Aspiration
- Neonatal Hypoglycaemia
- Neonatal Hyperbilirubinanaemia and Hypothermia
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit content and assessments.
Assessment 2 – Continue with revision.
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
Module Three: Complex Postpartum and Neonatal Care
- The Low Birth Weight Infant
- Hypotonia
- Congenital Abnormalities
- Neonatal Infections
- Neonatal Bleeding
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
- Neonatal Alcohol Syndrome
- Vaccination and Immunisation
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit content and assessments.
Assessment 2 – Finalise your revision.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Congratulations on completing this unit. Don’t forget to check your unit enrolments for the next term.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2- Viva Voce examination. Note your assigned time slot and arrive promptly.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
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
Assessment 1
Type: Written assessment
Due date: 4pm (AEST), Wednesday 27th August 2025 (Week 6)
Extensions: Available as per policy
The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment
Return Date: Wednesday 12th September 2025 (Week 8)
Weighting: 50%
Length: 2,500 words +/- 10% (excluding reference list)
Unit Coordinator: Kelly Haynes
Learning Outcomes Assessed
1. Interpret the complex factors that may present during the childbearing continuum and their impact on the woman, neonate, and family.
1. Analyse the care required for a woman experiencing complexity within the childbearing continuum.
3. Apply the Australian College of Midwives ‘National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral’ to the management of maternity care.
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the complexities that may arise for both the woman and fetus/neonate throughout the childbearing continuum. Using an academic approach, answer all components of this assignment demonstrating your ability to research the relevant issues. It is expected that you will read widely and analyse the information that you gather, ensuring that it is relevant, current and evidence-based.
Instructions
Please follow the steps below to complete this assessment task:
Choose ONE of the two case studies below. Use your literature searching skills to identify relevant literature pertaining to the pregnancy complication being experienced by the woman depicted in the chosen case study. Engage in extensive reading to address each of the questions related to your selected case study.
Case Study 1
You are meeting Monique, a 30-year-old woman at 28 weeks' gestation (G2P1), during her scheduled midwifery appointment at an antenatal clinic. Monique’s blood group is O Rh-negative, which was identified early in this pregnancy. She had a spontaneous vaginal birth with her first child three years ago and is hoping again for a physiological birth this time.
Her pregnancy so far has been uncomplicated. She is otherwise well and has not experienced any abdominal trauma, bleeding, or invasive procedures this pregnancy. At today’s appointment, Monique expresses uncertainty about receiving the routine 28-week Anti-D injection. She asks:
"Do I really need it? I had a healthy baby last time. I don’t know my current partner’s blood group yet, and I don’t want to make a big deal out of something that might not even matter. I’m really hoping for another straightforward birth like last time. I know it is painful, and I am scared of needles."
Case Study 2
You meet Nadia, a 37-year-old woman (G2P1) at 34 weeks' gestation, who has been referred to maternity triage services by her GP following a routine antenatal appointment. The referral notes that her blood pressure readings were 142/94 mmHg and 140/96 mmHg, taken electronically.
During your conversation, Nadia reports feeling “a bit off” over the past few days and describes having a persistent, mild headache. She had a straightforward pregnancy and spontaneous vaginal birth two years ago. Her BMI at booking is 32, and she has no known medical conditions.
Nadia shares the following:
"I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed lately. Between working full-time, looking after my toddler, and supporting my partner while he recovers from surgery, I just don’t stop. I know I’ve been skipping meals here and there, and I haven’t been sleeping well. I’ve missed a couple of appointments just trying to keep up with everything. I can’t have anything go wrong now… I don’t have family nearby to help. I won’t have to be admitted to hospital, will I?"
Structure of Assessment
Please follow the steps below to complete this assessment task:
1. Introduction (approx.100 words).
2. Define the complication within the case study (approx. 50 words).
3. Pathophysiology: Discuss the predisposing risk factors associated with the complication and relevant pathophysiology. Discuss the associated risk factors for both the woman and her fetus using appropriate evidence sources (approx. 800 words).
4. Assessment and treatment recommendations: Discuss what midwifery screening/assessment/interventions you would undertake at this stage and the rationale. Analyse the plan for future care and referral you would offer to the woman to optimise maternal and neonatal outcomes using sources such as the Australian College of Midwives National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral (approx. 850 words).
5. Woman-centred care: Discuss how you would communicate and engage with the woman to provide her evidence-based information, whilst ensuring that she can make decisions about her care. Consider her personal circumstances and provide individualised care in your discussion (approx. 600 words).
6. Conclusion (approx.100 words).
7. References.
Literature and References
In this assessment use at least 10 contemporary references (seven years or less) sourced from the CQUniversity library to support your discussion. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the 5 elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as government, university, or peak national bodies: for example, the Australian College of Midwives, Australian Bureau of Statistics and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Note, that websites such as StatPearls, Life in the Fastlane, and Wikipedia are not suitable for this assessment task. Lecture notes are not primary sources of evidence and should not be used in this assessment.
Requirements
·Use a cover page for your assignment that includes in the following order:
o Student name
o Student number
o Unit code and name
o Assessment type
o Due date
o In-text word count
o A generative AI tool has been used for ____(please complete)_________, in accordance with Level/s ______(please complete)_________of the AI Assessment Scale.
· Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman, with 2.0 line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).
· Include page numbers on the top right side of each page in a header.
· Indent the first line of each paragraph 1.27cm (standard pre-set indent in Microsoft Word).
· An introduction and conclusion are required for this assessment.
· All questions in the instructions of this assessment must be attempted and clearly answered to pass this assessment task.
· Utilise the Australian College of Midwives National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral as part of your scholarly exploration.
· Write in the third-person perspective.
· Use formal academic, discipline specific, professional and inclusive language.
· Use Microsoft Word English (Australia) spelling and grammar checker.
· Paraphrase, summarise or quote information acknowledging the original source (referencing) to avoid plagiarism.
· Bullet points, tables and appendices are not to be used in this assessment.
· Follow academic writing conventions: spell out contractions in full; introduce abbreviations and acronyms; spell out numbers for zero through nine and use numerals for numbers 10 and above.
· All work submitted must be your own work.
· Start your reference list on a separate page to the body of your assessment.
· Use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online APA Referencing Style Guide.
· The word count is considered from the first to the last word of your assessment excluding the reference list but includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Resources
· You can use unit-provided materials and other credible sources (e.g., journal articles, and books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important. Please note that lecture notes are not peer-reviewed primary sources of evidence.
· We recommend that you access your discipline specific Nursing and Midwifery Subject Guide.
· You may like to manage your citations and reference list. Information on how to use academic referencing software (EndNote) is available at the CQUniversity Library website should you wish to learn how to use it.
· For information on academic writing and referencing, please visit the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources, including information for students with English as a second language.
· You may wish to submit a draft to Studiosity.
· Submit at least one draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.
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.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
· Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
· Level 3: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.
Submission
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Late penalties of 5% per day of the available mark may be applied as per the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Contact TASAC if you experience technical issues submitting your assessment:
· Phone toll-free 1300 666 620
· Email tasac@cqu.edu.au
Marking Criteria
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned. Assessment re-attempt is not available for this Supplementary Assessment task.
Week 6 Wednesday (27 Aug 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Please upload your assessment to the Moodle unit assessment upload zone by the due date.
Week 9 Wednesday (17 Sept 2025)
Please allow three weeks for marking to be completed and the return of your marked assessment.
No Assessment Criteria
- Interpret the complex factors that may present during the childbearing continuum and their impact on the woman, neonate and family
- Analyse the care required for a woman experiencing complexity within the childbearing continuum
- Apply the Australian College of Midwives 'National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral' to the management of maternity care.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
- Social Innovation
2 Oral Examination
Assessment 2
Type: Viva Voce Oral Examination
Due date: Exam week (Monday 13th – Friday 17th October 2025)
Extensions: Available as per policy
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment
Return Date: Friday 31st October 2025
Weighting: 50%
Completion time: 30 minutes
Unit Coordinator: Kelly Haynes
Learning Outcomes Assessed
1. Interpret the complex factors that may present during the childbearing continuum and their impact on the woman, neonate, and family.
2. Analyse the care required for a woman experiencing complexity within the childbearing continuum.
3. Apply the Australian College of Midwives ‘National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral’ to the management of maternity care.
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to demonstrate and apply your understanding of the complications encountered throughout the perinatal period, and their potential impact on both the mother and fetus/neonate. You will demonstrate your ability to integrate evidence and adhere to clinical guidelines to propose strategies for managing complex factors across the childbearing continuum, thereby ensuring the provision of high-quality, safe and effective care.
Instructions
Students will attend an oral Viva examination via an online Zoom meeting. Each student will be allocated an individual Zoom meeting for a particular day and time during exam week, Term 2, 2025. Students will be sent the details for the Viva Voce via email. Students must reply to this email confirming their:
· Receipt of the Zoom meeting link
· Confirmation of attendance at the allocated time. It is compulsory to attend this examination.
1. Viva Voce scenarios are drawn from a bank and will be randomised.
2. Students will be given a verbal handover and questions relating to a specific clinical scenario. You are permitted to take notes whilst receiving the handover.
3. You will then have reflection and thinking time for 10 minutes. During this time, you are permitted to continue taking notes. You can refer to your hard copy learning materials during your attempt. Students should be familiar with the unit content as time limits apply.
4. The assessment question and answer time is scheduled for 15 minutes and will be recorded by the examiner for marking and quality purposes. Your Viva will relate to the provision of midwifery care for a woman experiencing a complicated pregnancy/childbirth/postpartum period which will be selected randomly on the day of the assessment. You will be assessed on your communication skills as well as your clinical midwifery knowledge.
The topics for the Viva Voce assessment will be covered within the Foundations of Midwifery Two study guides and lectures and are as follows:
· Complex pregnancy
· Complex labour and birth
· The complex postpartum period
· Challenges during lactation and breastfeeding
· The complex neonate.
Important considerations for being successful in the Viva Voce:
You must be prepared to answer questions relating to your scenario and discuss your course of action in relation to the midwifery care of the woman/fetus/neonate. This will require you to be ‘present’ in the scenario (verbalising what you would do if faced with this in practice).
When answering the exam questions, students will consider the following NMBA Midwife Standards for Practice (standards 1, 2, 3 and 6), which state that midwives should:
Standard 1: Promote evidence-based maternal health and well-being.
Standard 2: Engage in respectful partnerships and professional relationships.
Standard 3: Demonstrate the capability and accountability for midwifery practice.
Standard 6: Provide safe and quality midwifery practice.
Requirements
You will need:
· Computer access with a reliable internet connection, microphone and Zoom access.
· Relevant unit learning materials available to access during the Viva Voce oral examination.
· If you have any technical issues let the unit coordinators know immediately. You are required to take a screenshot or photo of the issue and email it to the unit coordinators as soon as possible. We will assist you with resolving the issue or refer you to TaSAC for further assistance (toll-free phone number 1300 666 620).
Resources
· This is an open-book examination. You may refer to hard-copy resources during the examination only. Electronic resources are not permitted.
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 examination scenarios or responses is not permitted at any time.
· The use of electronic resources is not permitted within this assessment.
· The use of any generative artificial intelligence is not permitted as per Level 1 (No AI) in the AI Assessment scale tool indicators.
· The content and questions of Viva Voce examinations are strictly confidential. Students must not disclose or discuss these scenarios with peers.
Marking Criteria
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more details on how marks will be assigned. Results will be available by the return date provided.
Assessment re-attempt is not available for Assessment Two.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
· In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
An allocated Zoom time slot between 9-5 Mon-Friday in week 13 will be provided to each student earlier in the term.
Students will be provided with their marks as soon as possible and no later than the end of week 14.
No Assessment Criteria
- Interpret the complex factors that may present during the childbearing continuum and their impact on the woman, neonate and family
- Analyse the care required for a woman experiencing complexity within the childbearing continuum
- Apply the Australian College of Midwives 'National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral' to the management of maternity care.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
- 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?
