Outline

Overview

This unit of study examines the major concepts and principles of community health nursing including self-care, continuity of care, primary health care, health promotion/illness prevention, community assessment, family assessment, and home care. Approaches to the provision of nursing care for people in settings where they live will be critiqued. Particular attention is given to the home visit process: its therapeutic nature, communication skills and safety issues. The nurse's role in health promotion and disease prevention within a developmental life stage approach will be explored. Students will learn the nurse’s role in situations as diverse as participating in national efforts to reduce the population’s disease vulnerability to efforts to support a successful palliation in a community setting. Epidemiological concepts and methodologies integral to community health nursing are also explored. Students will also gain insight into the challenges that face practitioners who need to translate population health information into appropriate individualised healthcare plans for people of all ages from infancy to older age.

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	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Moira Dunsmore, moira.dunsmore@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Assessment 3: Exam Written exam format	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Assessment 1: Team Application - Case Management In class team application	10%	Week 05 Due date: 05 Sep 2025 at 21:00	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 2B: Community Strategic Plan Written task	30%	Week 09 Due date: 12 Oct 2025 at 23:59	1200 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Assessment 2A: Photo-based Community Profile Photographic and Written task	10%	Week 09 Due date: 12 Oct 2025 at 23:59	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1: Team Application - Case Management -
Assessment 2A: Photo-based Community Profile. You have been asked by the Singapore Health Board to develop a community health profile poster of a selected district in Singapore. The purpose of this Community Health Profile poster is to collate the specific characteristics of a geographically defined community of people in Singapore. This poster will be based on photographic evidence and should be visually creative. Please note that no photographs of individuals should be included.
Assessment 2B: Community Strategic plan. You are required to focus on defining a population health problem (from a list on Canvas). Demonstrate how risk factors for the public health problem are identifiable in the chosen community and explore strategies that may be employed by nurses to manage the population health problem in your selected district.
Assessment 3: Written formal exam - This 2-hour exam will include questions addressing all unit content.

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items 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 2014 (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.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

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 04	Block week 1: Monday 25th August Introduction & Welcome Lecture 1 Lecture 2	Block teaching (3 hr)
	Tuesday 26th August. Lectures 3 and 4	Block teaching (3 hr)
	Wednesday 27th August Lectures 5 and 6	Block teaching (1 hr)
	Thurs 28th August. Tutorials 1 & 2	Block teaching (3 hr)
	Friday 29th August Tutorials 1 & 2	Block teaching (3 hr)
Week 05	Block week 2. Monday 1st September Lectures 7 and 8	Block teaching (3 hr)
	Tuesday 2nd September. Lectures 9 & 10	Block teaching (3 hr)
	Wednesday 3rd September. Content Review and application	Block teaching (3 hr)
	Thurs 4th September Tutorial 3: Team application Exercise: Assessment 1	Block teaching (3 hr)
	Friday 5th September. Tutorial 3: Team application Exercise: Assessment 1	Block teaching (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: It is expected that all students participate and fully engage with this unit of study by attending all teaching-related activity (e.g. lectures, tutorials, laboratories, workshops), being prepared for tutorials and laboratories or workshops, contributing to discussions in class and online, and providing and receiving feedback in a respectful and professional manner.
In line with the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) accredited curriculum, students are required to attend a minimum of 90% of all lectures, and 100% of tutorials, clinical simulation laboratories or workshops. Students who are absent for more than 10% of classes in a particular unit of study in any one semester, without permission or approval from the Unit of Study Coordinator are at risk of being deemed to have failed that unit of study.
Updated assessment submission information: Each student is required to submit all assessment items, 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
Referencing guide: 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

See reading list in left hand menu on Canvas

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.

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

LO1. Critically analyse the intersection of the individual, environmental and social determinants of community health through an understanding of key historical and contemporary discourses, frameworks and models in health, such as primary health care (PHC).
LO2. Critically discuss the role of Primary Health Care as a framework for community nursing practice demonstrating. knowledge of public health concepts, for example, the natural history of disease, the epidemiological triangle, levels of prevention and screening of disease.
LO3. Critically analyse the key concepts of social justice, human rights and cultural safety in relation to health inequalities between and within populations in relation to community nursing practice.
LO4. Demonstrate, through written and oral communication, an understanding of key epidemiological and demographic concepts that inform community health needs, specifically, the concepts of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in the planning of programs and priorities to address community health problems
LO5. Describe strategies used by community nurses in comprehensive health assessment and case management to support consumers as partners in care across the life span.
LO6. Explain, in depth, the importance of effective engagement, communication and partnership development with clients, health professionals, organisations and communities to support community health and implement health initiatives.
LO7. Critically evaluate the impact of strategic national and international frameworks, international goals and legislation on community health and community nursing practice.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1. Standard 1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice 1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice 1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice 1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures 1.4. Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions

Responding to student feedback

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

Assessments reviewed and updated. All feedback considered in the review of this unit for 2025

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SNGP3011: Primary Health Care and Community Nursing

Semester 2, 2025 [Block mode] - Singapore

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links