Faculty Introduction

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) prepares highly qualified graduates in the areas of nursing, midwifery, exercise science and paramedicine. We are the largest provider of graduate nurses in Australia, an accomplishment that comes from our dedication to research and education specific to the disciplines of health sciences. We are very proud to be introducing physiotherapy to ACU's Brisbane Campus in 2010 and North Sydney Campus in 2011. As the demand for a flexible and responsive health workforce increases across Australia, the introduction of physiotherapy will help to increase the number of health workforce graduates in Australia.

ACU is a truly national university with Faculty staff located across six campuses: a School of Nursing in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory; Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in Queensland and Victoria; and a national School of Exercise Science with courses offered in New South Wales, Melbourne and in 2010 in Queensland.

The courses on offer within the Faculty of Health Sciences focus on health outcomes and range from undergraduate to postgraduate programs of study. Many postgraduate courses have been developed in conjunction with hospitals and health fitness agencies in order to meet specific needs of the professions and industry.

As part of our curriculum in all of our courses, students undertake field and clinical experience that is supervised by experienced and qualified practitioners. Catholic hospitals and other public, private and specialty organisations, as well as schools and various health, fitness and sports centres, are involved with preparing and offering this valued and essential experience. This year our Schools of Nursing have introduced a new curriculum for the Bachelor of Nursing degree, which encourages a learner-centred approach and includes inquiry and situation-based learning for our students.

As a community of scholars the Faculty seeks to promote the uniqueness, personal integrity and potential of each of its members. Our goals are closely linked to and emanate from the mission of the University with key areas of achievement that include learning and teaching, research and scholarship and community engagement with specific objectives regarding internationalisation, quality and resource management. Service to vulnerable communities such as the elderly, disabled and indigenous, are something that our Faculty values and promotes across all Schools.

If you are enrolling in one of our courses for the first time this year, I extend a warm welcome to you. The Faculty of Health Sciences endeavours to promote an approachable, friendly atmosphere in which students can pursue their studies under the direction of qualified and enthusiastic staff. We aim to enhance the dignity of each individual and I am sure you will find your studies with the Faculty of Health Sciences a rewarding experience.

Professor Pauline Nugent
Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences