Outline

Overview

The ability to undertake a focused and comprehensive patient assessment is fundamental to nursing practice. Conducting patient assessment allows nurses to gather the requisite information to make sound clinical judgements. With an emphasis on the systematic collection of reliable and valid assessment data, this unit of study examines the knowledge, capabilities and clinical skills required to undertake comprehensive health assessment, inclusive of physical, mental health, social, ethnic and cultural dimensions in complex clinical situations. Underpinning any patient assessment is a detailed understanding of normal physiological processes and the ways in which illness and injury alters these processes.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Agness Tembo, agness.tembo@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Assessment 2(PartB): Comprehensive assessment and clinical judgement report Case study report	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 10 Jun 2026 at 23:59	2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 1 (part A): Reliability & validity of a clinical assessment tool Written assessment	10%	Week 03 Due date: 11 Mar 2026 at 23:59	250 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 1 (part B): Reliability & validity of a clinical assessment tool Written assessment	30%	Week 06 Due date: 01 Apr 2026 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Assessment 1 (part C): Reliability & validity of a clinical assessment tool In-class, handwritten, limited open book, small test	10%	Week 08 Due date: 21 Apr 2026 at 23:59	45 minute	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 2(Part A): clinical notes for cogniti agent assessment Written assessment	10%	Week 10 Due date: 06 May 2026 at 23:59	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment 1 (part A): Reliability and validity of a clinical assessment tool: In essay format, students will provide a description of the chosen tool in relation to a specific clinical context and population.
Assessment 1 (part B): Reliability and validity of a clinical assessment tool: In essay format, students will critically evaluate the reliability and validity of the chosen tool in relation to a specific clinical context and population.
Assessment 1 (part C): Reliability and validity of a clinical assessment tool: Students will complete an in-class, small test building on previous submissions for Assessment 1 and critically evaluating the reliability and validity of the chosen tool in relation to a specific clinical context and population. In this case you will reflect on an assessment tool you used to interact with the cogniti simulation agent.
Assessment 2 (Part A): 1. Comprehensive assessment Clinical Notes - Students are to identify a patient in their clinical specialty from the cogiti agents that have been created for them to undertake a comprehensive patient assessment suitable for a case study. Cogniti agents have been created to ensure designing for diversity, equity and inclusion in the interest of fairness. Informed patient (verbal) consent should be obtained as you would for a real patient in your workplace prior to the comprehensive patient assessment.Students are then required to perform a comprehensive patient (cogniti agent) clinical assessment using an approach that is appropriate for their clinical setting, and the patient’s clinical condition. (An assessment template has been provided as a guide). Students are then required to download and submit clinical notes (transcript) from the agent interaction via Canvas for marking.
Assessment 2 (Part B). Comprehensive assessment and clinical judgement report: In this assessment students are required to complete a case study report on the assessment findings from Assessment 2 Part A clinical notes. This must be a critical discussion with citations.

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items including cognit agent transcripts, and each submission needs to be of an assessable standard, in order to be eligible to pass this unit. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Grade	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Where an assignment is submitted late without an approved extension, a late penalty will apply. 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be deducted each calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date, zero marks will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to the unit, person-centred framework, cultural safety, clinical judgement and decision making, reliability & validity of clinical assessment tools, artificial intelligence in healthcare, advanced communication skills	Lecture (14 hr)
Week 08	Conducting, analysis, and diagnostic reasoning of assessment data for cardiac conduction & contraction; ventilation, oxygen & perfusion; neurological; abdominal; mental health; and drug & alcohol	Lecture (16 hr)
Week 10	The physiology of stress	Self-directed learning (0.8 hr)
	Assessment of delirium	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
	Common medications and their side effects	Self-directed learning (1.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance and participation are monitored. Students are expected to attend, engage and participate in scheduled classes and required learning activities. Students must notify the school if they are, or will be, unable to attend a required learning activity; and apply for special consideration or special arrangements; or have an academic plan with relevant adjustments, where appropriate.

(a) Students who fail to attend a required learning activity will be recorded as absent.

(b) Students must attend/participate in all intensive study days and related in-person or synchronous online required learning activity scheduled per unit of study.

(i) no absences without permission from the Unit of Study Coordinator or Program Coordinator are permitted

(c) At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where relevant, an alternative (catch-up) learning activities may be approved and provided to students absent from all/part of an intensive study day or other scheduled learning activity, due to unforeseen circumstances or with an approved planned absence:

(i) maximum two intensive study day absences permitted per unit of study where an approved alternative (catch-up) learning activities are completed.

(ii) where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, this will be recorded

Note: Students must apply for Special Consideration for absence from any scheduled required learning activity which includes an assessment.

Referencing Style: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 7th Edition, 2020 as its official referencing style. This is an author-date style of referencing.

Assignment formatting guidelines: Unless the unit coordinator has indicated otherwise, please make sure your submitted assessments are formatted as follows:

font: use Calibri or Times New Roman in 11 - 12 point
double line spacing
margins: 2.5cm each side
use page numbers
refer to assessment instructions for use of title and headings

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Talley, N.I. & O’Connor, S. (2021). Talley & O’Connor’s Clinical Examination, 9th Ed. Chatswood: Elsevier.
Craft, J., Gordon, C., Huether, S. E., McCance, K. L., & Brashers, V. L. (2022). Understanding pathophysiology Australia and New Zealand edition (4th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. acquire knowledge and skills needed to undertake comprehensive clinical assessment of patients, interpret this clinical data and determine the clinical significance
LO2. analyse assessment data and its relationship to normal or altered physiology within the context of patients with common clinical presentations
LO3. evaluate the research basis for the reliability and validity of assessment tools used in clinical practice
LO4. incorporate a person-centred perspective to patient assessment and clinical judgement.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Assessment 1 has been adjusted to accommodate early feedback to students.

Additional information

Sensitive materials in teaching: Please note that in this Unit of Study sensitive and potentially distressing or disturbing content may be presented and/or discussed from time to time. This may include reference to for example, illness, or death and dying or culturally sensitive issues. These topics are relevant to your learning in this unit of study and your knowledge and skill development for nursing practice. You will be advised before the information/topic is presented. If you are participating in the teaching session/activity online, you are advised to use headphones and ensure that anyone not participating in the session cannot see images that you may be watching on your device. If the nature of the content makes you feel uncomfortable or distressed, it is important that you contact the unit coordinator or another member of the academic team to discuss this with them.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS5012: Assessment and Clinical Judgement

Semester 1, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links