This unit of study is the foundational unit for the Graduate Certificate in Neonatal care. This unit aims to develop students’ understanding of fetal, neonatal, and maternal physiology and pathophysiology and apply this theory to practice. An overview of embryological, fetal, and neonatal growth and development is provided. Students are also guided through the processes of neonatal transition and adaptation. Oxygenation, thermoregulation, and metabolism are discussed concerning maternal and neonatal health in the early newborn period. These concepts underpin the neonatal clinician’s ability to provide evidence-based neonatal care.
| Applied Neonatal Physiology | |
| Unit of study code | 071 |
| Availability | Graduate Certificate in Neonatal Care
GC single unit of study |
| Term | JULY |
| Pre-requisite | N/A |
| EFTSL | 0.125 FTE |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Mode of study | Online |
| Hours of study | 150 |
| Fee* | Tier 1 |
| Recommended texts | While there are no prescribed textbooks for this unit, the following are highly recommended sources of contemporary information.
Blackburn, S.T. (2018). Maternal, fetal, & neonatal physiology: A clinical perspective (5th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN: 9780323449342 Carlson, B.M. (2019). Human embryology and developmental biology (6th ed.). Saunders. ISBN: 9780323523752 Gardner, S.L., Carter, B.S., Enzman-Hines, M., Niermeyer, S. (Eds.) (2020). Merenstein & Gardner’s Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care. An Interprofessional Approach (9th ed.). Mosby Elsevier. ISBN: 9780323569033 Kain, V., & Mannix, T. (2018). Neonatal Nursing in Australia and New Zealand. Principles for Practice. Elsevier. ISBN: 9780729542609 Weiner, G.M., & Zaichkin, J. (Eds.) (2021). American Academy of Pediatrics and American Heart Association- Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation (8th ed.). American Academy of Pediatrics. ISBN-13: 978-1-61002-524-9 |
| Co-ordinated by | Trish Lowe MACN e: patricia.lowe@acn.edu.au |
| Content | Intended learning outcomes for this subject/program
After completing this subject, the learner will be able to:- |
Assessment Tasks | ||
| Type of assessment
Note the completed assessment item (e.g. Assessment 1: Online discussion) |
Weighting
(% of total marks) |
When assessed – academic week
(e.g. Week 8) |
||
| Theme 1: Embryonic and fetal development | a) examine homeostasis, and models of behavioural organisation and development in the neonatal care context | Assessment 1: Formative (compulsory). Initial written response | 5% | 2 |
| Theme 2: Antenatal considerations | b) evaluate the impact of psychosocial assessment, on the provision of culturally safe and respectful antenatal care for vulnerable families | Assessment 2: Multiple choice quiz | 10% | 4 |
| Theme 3: Transition from fetus to neonate | c) distinguish between normal and altered embryonic and fetal development, transition and adaptation | Assessment 3: Essay no. 1 or Essay no. 2 (alt.) | 40% | 6 |
| d) analyse the relationship between maternal and neonatal health outcomes | Assessment 4: Online discussion | 5% | 8 | |
| e) appraise the specialist knowledge and contemporary literature relating to pregnancy and birth physiology and pathophysiology | Assessment 5: Essay or Case analysis (alt.) | 40% | 10 | |
Applied Neonatal Physiology (071) is a Tier 1 unit.
| Tiers | 2025 Member price (10% discount) | 2025 Non-member price |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,403.00 | $2,670.00 |
| Tier 2 | $2,740.50 | $3,045.00 |
| Tier 3 | $3,539.00 | $3,932.00 |
| Tier 4 | $4,166.00 | $4,628.50 |
*Fees are subject to change without notice.
