Program Overview

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Overview of the University Program

The Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers a comprehensive range of programs for students. The university is committed to providing high-quality education and research opportunities.

Study at ACU

ACU provides various study options, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Students can choose from a range of courses, including business, education, health sciences, law, and theology.

Find a Course

ACU offers a wide range of courses, including:

• New courses
• ACU Online
• Course types explained
• Course guides
• Core Curriculum

Why Study at ACU

ACU provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The university is committed to helping students achieve their academic and professional goals.

How to Apply

The application process for ACU programs varies depending on the course and student type. Students can apply as undergraduate or postgraduate students, and there are also options for short courses and individual units.

International Students

ACU welcomes international students from around the world. The university provides support and resources to help international students settle into university life.

How to Apply

International students can apply to study at ACU through the university's online application portal. Students will need to provide documentation, including academic transcripts and English language proficiency test results.

English and Pathway Programs

ACU offers English language programs and pathway courses to help international students prepare for university study.

Student Life

ACU provides a range of student services and support, including academic skills development, career counseling, and counseling services.

Campus Facilities

ACU has campuses in various locations, including Ballarat, Blacktown, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Rome, and Strathfield. Each campus offers a range of facilities, including libraries, gyms, and food outlets.

Research and Enterprise

ACU is committed to research and enterprise, with a focus on innovation and collaboration. The university has a range of research centers and institutes, and partners with industry and community organizations to drive research and development.

Research Community

ACU's research community includes researchers, institutes, and centers. The university provides support and resources for researchers, including funding opportunities and research training programs.

About ACU

ACU is a public university with a strong commitment to social justice and community engagement. The university has a range of faculties and schools, including education, health sciences, law, and theology.

Leadership and Governance

ACU has a strong leadership and governance structure, with a vice-chancellor and president, and a range of senior executive officers.

Faith and Values

ACU is a Catholic university with a strong commitment to faith and values. The university provides a range of spiritual and pastoral support services for students and staff.

Paramedicine Theory and Practice: Primary

The Paramedicine Theory and Practice: Primary unit is a 10-credit point course that introduces students to the theory, practice, and people-centered care required of primary care presentations commonly encountered by paramedics.

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

The unit aims to introduce students to the theory, practice, and people-centered care required of primary care presentations commonly encountered by paramedics. Students will learn about primary care, continuum of care, interdisciplinary roles and teams, and introduction to technology in healthcare.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Identify the aetiologies, epidemiology, pathophysiology, presentations, clinical assessments, implications, and management principles of injuries and illnesses within a paramedicine clinical decision-making framework.
2. Discuss evidence-based practice principles and appropriate healthcare pathways that encompass a biopsychosocial approach to primary care within the scope of paramedicine.
3. Integrate appropriate clinical assessments, therapeutic, social, and cognitive skills into a paramedic decision-making framework to assist people affected by illnesses and injuries typical of primary care presentations.
4. Reflect upon their application of a paramedic decision-making framework, culturally safe therapeutic skills, and professionalism in the practice environment.

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

To pass this unit, students are required to submit all assessment tasks and gain an aggregate mark of 50% within the written assessment and exam. The assessment tasks include:

• Examination (50%)
• Written Assessment (50%)
• Clinical Portfolio (hurdle)
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) (hurdle)

Representative Texts and References

The unit uses a range of texts and references, including:

• Bryant, B., & Knights, K. (2015). Pharmacology for health professionals (5th ed). Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier Australia.
• Bullock, S., & Hales, M., (2018) Principles of Pathophysiology (2nd ed.). Melbourne, VIC: Pearson Australia.
• Curtis, K., & Ramsden, C. (2019). Emergency and trauma care for nurses and paramedics (3rd ed.). Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier Australia.
• Hall, J.E., (2015). Guyton And Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. (13th ed.). Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
• Talley, N.J. & O'Connor, S. (2018). Talley & O'Connor's Clinical Examination. (8th ed.). Volumes 1 and 2. Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier.
• Tortora, G., & Derrickson, B. (2016). Principles of anatomy and physiology (15th ed). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley and Sons.
• Townsend, R., & Luck, M. (2019). Applied paramedic law and ethics (2nd ed.). Australia and New Zealand. Sydney: Elsevier.