Unit of Study MIDW1003 Foundations of Midwifery (2025)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit
Credit points

12
Faculty & College

Faculty of Health
Placement

No

Unit description

Introduces students to an overview of their program of study. The history of midwifery, contemporary midwifery practice issues and the philosophical underpinnings and primary health care philosophies aligned with midwifery are discussed. The politics of health systems, professional regulation, and legal and ethical issues are examined, and the influence of feminism on women and midwifery in society are explored. The foundational skills required for entry to the healthcare environment, including principles of work health and safety, communication and reflection on practice are introduced.

Unit content

History of health provision from an Australian and global perspective
Historical context of health
Midwifery in society - The history of midwifery
Midwifery professional regulation
Legal and ethical considerations in the maternity care context
Providing quality, safe and culturally appropriate midwifery practice

Availabilities

Location	Domestic	International
Coffs Harbour	Term2	Term2
Gold Coast	Term2	Term2

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

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

discuss the history of Australia’s health care system, and how the history of midwifery in Australia, impacts contemporary midwifery care

define the principles and philosophy of contemporary midwifery from a feminist perspective

apply legal, ethical theories and legal principles to discussions on common dilemmas in practice, women's rights, and health care practice

discuss midwifery as a public health strategy that improves maternal health outcomes, and quality and safety

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method

Tutorial 2 hrs (Weekly)

Workshop 1 hr (Weekly)

Assessment
Portfolio	45%
Presentation	55%

Teaching method

Tutorial 2 hrs (Weekly)

Workshop 1 hr (Weekly)

Assessment
Portfolio	45%
Presentation	55%

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts

Prescribed text information is not currently available.

Prescribed Resources/Equipment

Prescribed resources/equipment information is not currently available.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
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Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full-fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees.

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