Key facts
UNE unit code: HSNS481
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
This unit provides an overview of infection prevention and control principles in healthcare settings. You will examine infection prevention, including the chain of infection, modes of transmission, and principles of microbial control. You will also gain insight into the epidemiology of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and their impact on patient outcomes and healthcare systems.
Utilising evidence-based approaches, you will learn to identify risk factors for infection transmission and implement preventive measures to mitigate these risks effectively. In your professional role as a registered nurse you will promote, communicate and advocate for safety of patients in residential and health care settings using evidence-based practice including surveillance for the containment of infection outbreaks. You will learn to develop and implement infection control policies, educate staff, the public and those in your care to protect patients.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- analyse clinical governance, and legal and ethical frameworks related to infection prevention and control practices, and understand the nurses' role in their application to provide safe, high-quality care;
- apply evidence-based guidelines and best practices to assess, prevent, and manage healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in diverse settings;
- coordinate care that considers the psychosocial and ethical dimensions of Infection prevention and control, including patient education, communication strategies, and advocates the rights of individuals in the context of infectious disease prevention; and
- plan, implement, and evaluate antimicrobial stewardship programs tailored to the needs of and resources available in a diverse range of healthcare settings.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Oral Presentation No. Words: 1200 |
| Assessment 2 - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam during the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Healthcare-Associated Infections in Australia
ISBN: 9780729543644
Shaban, Z.R ., Mitchell, G.B., Macbeth, D., Russo, P., Elsevier 1st ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
