Unit Outline

This unit introduces you to the foundational theories and practices in oncology nursing, focusing on the biological, genetic, and pathophysiological aspects of cancer. You will develop advanced assessment and problem-solving skills for holistic patient care and evaluate various treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, biotherapy, and radiation. Reflective practice is encouraged to identify areas for innovation. This unit lays the groundwork for Oncology Nursing 2, which delves into symptom management and palliative care, and Oncology 3, which emphasises self-directed learning and literature review to explore patient experiences and outcomes. Together, these units provide comprehensive knowledge to apply in oncology nursing.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Examine applied biological, genetic, pathophysiology and epidemiological theories underpinning cancer risk, prevention, screening, diagnostic classification and staging.
2	Apply advanced evidence-informed assessment and problem-solving skills related to the holistic care of the oncology patient.
3	Evaluate a variety of treatment modalities used to treat, manage and palliate the oncology and haematology patient.
4	Reflect on current practice, identifying areas for development or innovation.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Student feedback informed minor updates to activities and expanded case studies to ensure stronger alignment with the diverse roles in cancer nursing.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Annotated Bibliography	Week 4	10 %	LO1
Assessment Task 2:	Case Study	Week 7	35 %	LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Narrated Presentation	Week 11	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	Reflective Journal	Week 12	15 %	LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Annotated Bibliography

Task Description:

This assessment provides you with the opportunity to source relevant academic literature, synthesise key points and evaluate the contribution to your future practice.
You will select articles based on your plan for assessment 2.

Task Length:

500 words

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Briefly summarise the main arguments of the source.	LO1
2	Evaluate the credibility, relevance and quality of the source.	LO1

Assessment Task 2: Case Study

Task Description:

You are required to complete a patient case study demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the diagnostic process of a particular cancer.

Task Length:

1600 words

Due Date:

Week 7

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Examine the pathophysiology underpinning the case and relate to presenting symptoms.	LO1
2	Analyse the diagnostic classification and staging of the case.	LO1
3	Justify the diagnostic tool chosen and explain how it contributed to the diagnosis of the case.	LO1, LO2
4	Critically analyse the role of the nurse during the diagnostic period.	LO2, LO4

Assessment Task 3: Narrated Presentation

Task Description:

You are required to complete a narrated presentation examining a patient receiving one form of cancer treatment. Following the case study presentation, you will review the shared presentations of your peers and engage in online discussions related to each topic.

Task Length:

Part A 8-10 minutes. Part B – 500 words.

Due Date:

Week 11

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Analyse how the cancer treatment is used to manage the underlying pathophysiology.	LO3
2	Identify the patient’s physical and psychosocial concerns prior to commencing treatment and critically reflect on the role of the nurse in meeting these needs.	LO2, LO3, LO4
3	Examine complementary therapies relevant to the case.	LO2, LO3
4	Provide a respectful and constructive response that extends the understanding of a case or topic presented by a peer.	LO2
5	Demonstrates academic integrity and own voice to communicate oncology nursing knowledge to peers.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 4: Reflective Journal

Task Description:

You are required to complete a reflective journal throughout the semester that is aligned with each module.
Each reflection will briefly consider your learning and how it relates to your current and future nursing practice.

Task Length:

750 words

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Critically reflect on learning from each module, relating insights to current nursing practice and proposing recommendations for future practice improvements.	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.