Overview
Normal anatomy and physiological function across the lifespan with an introduction to pathophysiological processes, genetics, immunology and microbiology. Particular foci on scientific principles that align with students' clinical placements.
This paper is designed to enable students to develop an integrated and extensive knowledge of the bioscience that underpins the discipline of nursing. By the end of the paper students will have developed the ability to use this knowledge for clinical reasoning, decision making and problem solving in nursing practice.
About this paper
| Paper title | Nursing Science 1 |
|---|---|
| Subject | Nursing |
| EFTS | 0.125 |
| Points | 15 points |
| Teaching period | 1st Non standard period (16 February 2026 - 17 July 2026) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,676.50 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- MNSc
- Eligibility
An undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least three years' full-time study and a B average in the final two years of the degree.
- Contact
- More information link
- View more information about the Master of Nursing Science (MNSc)
- Teaching staff
- Teaching Arrangements
Taught face-to-face on the Christchurch campus. Some online attendance may be possible for distance learners.
- Textbooks
Required: Craft and Gordon (2020). Understanding Pathophysiology 4th Edition), Elsevier.
Recommended: Patton and Thibodeau (2021). Anatomy and Physiology (11th Edition), Elsevier.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Critical thinking, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Evidence of a high level of knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
- Evidence of a coherent integrated knowledge of cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, genetics, and homeostasis and regulation
- Evidence of the ability to use integrated bioscience knowledge to provide the evidence base for nursing assessment, clinical reasoning, decision-making and problem solving in nursing practice
- Evidence of a high level of knowledge of the key structural and functional changes that occur within major body systems over the life-span from birth to death
- Evidence of knowledge of bioscience concepts relevant to infection control
- Evidence of problem solving skills integrating bioscience knowledge and relevant research in case-based learning experiences and clinical practice
- Effectively communicate the relevance of anatomical and physiological concepts to clients and families/whanau
- Use knowledge of anatomy and physiology to clearly articulate clinical reasoning in communications with the health care team practice in accordance with the Nursing Council of New Zealand Registered Nurse competencies, and professional standards.
Overview
Normal anatomy and physiological function across the lifespan with an introduction to pathophysiological processes, genetics, immunology and microbiology. Particular foci on scientific principles that align with students' clinical placements.
This paper is designed to enable students to develop an integrated and extensive knowledge of the bioscience that underpins the discipline of nursing. By the end of the paper students will have developed the ability to use this knowledge for clinical reasoning, decision making and problem solving in nursing practice.
About this paper
| Paper title | Nursing Science 1 |
|---|---|
| Subject | Nursing |
| EFTS | 0.125 |
| Points | 15 points |
| Teaching period | 1st Non standard period (11 February 2027 - 16 July 2027) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- MNSc
- Eligibility
An undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least three years' full-time study and a B average in the final two years of the degree.
- Contact
- More information link
View more information about the Master of Nursing Science (MNSc).
- Teaching staff
- Teaching Arrangements
Taught face-to-face on the Christchurch campus. Some online attendance may be possible for distance learners.
- Textbooks
Required: Craft, J., Gordon, C., Huether, S. E., McCance, K. L., Brashers, V. L., & List, S. (2022). Understanding Pathophysiology (4th ed.). Elsevier.
Recommended: Patton, K. T., Bell, F. B., Thompson, T., & Williamson, P. L. (2022). Anatomy and Physiology (11th ed.). Elsevier.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Critical thinking, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will show:
- Evidence of a high level of knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
- Evidence of a coherent integrated knowledge of cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, genetics, and homeostasis and regulation.
- Evidence of the ability to use integrated bioscience knowledge to provide the evidence base for nursing assessment, clinical reasoning, decision-making and problem solving in nursing practice.
- Evidence of a high level of knowledge of the key structural and functional changes that occur within major body systems over the lifespan from birth to death.
- Evidence of knowledge of bioscience concepts relevant to infection control.
- Evidence of problem-solving skills integrating bioscience knowledge and relevant research in case-based learning experiences and clinical practice.
- Ability to effectively communicate the relevance of anatomical and physiological concepts to clients and families/whānau.
- Usage of knowledge of anatomy and physiology to clearly articulate clinical reasoning in communications with the health care team practice in accordance with the Nursing Council of New Zealand Registered Nurse competencies, and professional standards.