Credit Points 10

Description The purpose of this subject is twofold. It develops students’ knowledge in pharmacology including, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and the quality use of medicine in midwifery. The subject also builds knowledge in microbiology and the impact of microorganisms on maternal, fetal and newborn health and examines the body’s natural defences including the microbiome.

School Nursing & Midwifery

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Pre-requisite(s) NURS 1010 - Midwifery Knowledge 2
NURS 1013 - Midwifery Professional Practice 2

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 4684 Bachelor of Midwifery.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain principles of pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics 
2. Explain the quality use of medicine during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium including indications, classification, and potential adverse events, for safe drug administration
3. Analyse the role of microorganisms in health breakdown within the community and health care facilities with particular relevance to midwifery
4. Describe the role of the immune system and the body’s defence mechanisms

Subject Content

• Principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
• Administration routes
• Quality use of medicines in midwifery (Mothersafe) 
• Common medication groups for midwifery
• Common medications used during pregnancy, labour and birth and in the postnatal period
• Legislation related to medication administration and responsibilities of health professionals
• Scheduling of drugs 
• Non-pharmacological and complementary therapies
• Immunisation 
• Storage of drugs including cold chain
• Fundamental microbiology 
• Host-microbe interactions
• The immune system 
• Infection control
• The bodies defence mechanisms 
• The microbiome