Go to Courses and units

Neonatal Intensive and Special Care Theory unit (CNA516)

eStudent Enquire

Unit year 2026

View 2025 unit information

View previous years unit information

Quick Help

2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information

Location: Online

Introduction

In this unit, you will explore the science of neonatology and examine the theoretical basis of pathophysiology, therapeutic intervention and evidence-informed practice essential to delivering care for complex and critically ill neonates and growing preterm neonates. You will examine aspects of prematurity, or problematic adaptation to extrauterine life, and the consequential pathophysiological processes which may arise. Acute and chronic variations of health, as well as the diverse needs of premature and term newborns and neonates, are analysed

Summary

Unit name Neonatal Intensive and Special Care Theory
Unit code CNA516
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
School of Nursing
Discipline Nursing
Coordinator Mrs Nicol Franz
Delivered By
Level Postgraduate

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology to deliver evidence-informed, holistic care for complex and critically ill and preterm neonates.
  • Rationalise management of complex and critically unwell neonates based on interpretation of clinical investigations and evidence-informed literature.
  • Use evidenced-informed literature to analyse and evaluate the clinical management of the complex and critically unwell neonates.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
060315 $592.00 $592.00 not applicable $3,178.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Individual Study – This unit is offered fully online via MyLO (My Learning Online). You are expected to devote around 10 hours per week to the study materials, assessment tasks and self-directed learning.

Online webinar - 1 hour, 3 times per semester.

AssessmentCase Study (25%)|Case Study (25%)|Practice Evaluation (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Kain, V., & Mannix, T. (2022).  Neonatal care for nurses and midwives: Principles for practice (2nd ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences

 

The resources below are available via the Reading List link in MyLO, or the unit Reading List on the University Library website.

Gardner, S., Carter, B., Enzman-Hines, M., & Niermeyer, S. (Eds.). (2020). Merenstein and Gardner’s handbook for neonatal intensive care nursing: An interprofessional approach (9th ed.). Elsevier.

Kenner, C.,  Altimier, L., D.  & Boykova, M. V. (Eds.). (2020). Comprehensive neonatal nursing care. (6th ed.). Springer Publishing Company.

Verklan, M. T., Walden, M., & Forest, S. (Eds.). (2020). Core curriculum for neonatal intensive care nursing (6th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
Recommended

Recommended Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator via the Reading List link in MyLO, or the unit Reading List on the University Library website.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.