Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Addictive behaviours in the form of alcoholism, substance abuse, and gambling, are recognized as a major problem nationally and internationally. The purpose of this unit is to focus extensively on the psychological aspects of the addictive behaviours. To establish a framework for learning, lectures will initially review normality and abnormality of behaviour and the relevant definitions of addiction. Subsequent lectures will aim to develop a thorough understanding of the symptomatology, etiology, assessment and intervention of alcoholism, drug dependence and gambling. The unit will also focus on providing you with specific critical analysis and decision-making skills in order to enhance your understanding and knowledge of assessment and management strategies used to treat problem behaviours associated with alcoholism, drug addiction and gambling.

Aims

This unit aims to develop and extend your understanding of issues relating to psychological factors associated with addictive behaviours, with a particular focus on psychological interventions that may be used in the treatment of problems associated with dependence and addiction.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you should:

1. have an understanding of the nature, etiology and epidemiology of addictive behaviours and the research methods used in this area.


2. have an understanding of relevant diagnostic criteria and the related issues of multiple diagnoses, comorbidity and risk factors.


3. have a basic understanding of the rationale and the process of clinical assessment in the area of addictive behaviours.


4. have an understanding of the different types of individual, group and community based treatment strategies for addictive behaviours.

Content

This unit covers the following: group, individual, and therapeutic-community based interventions for addictive behaviours, assessment and diagnosis of addiciton and dependence, and relapse prevention.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is conducted in block mode. A series of lectures and tutorials will be delivered in a one-week intensive program, with assessment due in the weeks following classes. Lectures are intended to provide the theoretical foundations of this subject area, and where possible, guest speakers including, researchers and practitioners in the area will be invited to speak to you. Tutorials will provide you with the opportunity to apply and consolidate knowledge you have acquired in lectures and will include opportunities for small group project work.

Assessment

Continuous assessment is employed including, written exercises, critical analysis of a case, and an exam. Assessment in this unit will be of formative and summative type. The assessment items aim to strengthen your skills by providing you with constructive feedback (formative assessment) as well as to evaluate the overall standard of achievement in this unit (summative assessment).

In addition to submitting hard copies of your assessment you are required to electronically submit all written assignments through SafeAssign for content matching checks.

Assessment name: Written Exercise
Description: In line with the concepts that you will learn as a part of the tutorial activities and workbook, you will be asked to complete written exercises (2000 words). The aim of the assessment is to strengthen your understanding of addictive disorders as well as the research methodology. This assignment will give you the opportunity to demonstrate and extend skills in the following areas: information literacy, critical thinking and evaluation, and written communication. Due date to be advised by first class.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, & 4
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: First half of Sem

Assessment name: Critical Analysis Case Study
Description: Formative / summative assessment). A case study will be provided to you. You will be asked to write a plan on how a psychologist may manage the client (2000 words). You will have to discuss best practices of assessment, therapy and steps that can be taken to prevent relapse prevention. You will also have to indicate what DSM-TR (or ICD 10 or another classification) diagnoses the case is falling into. Additionally, at each level you will provide evidence in favour of your plan and decision and indicate how it is supported by the literature. The aim of the assessment is to strengthen your understanding of the assessment and management of a substance abuse client as well as the relevant literature. This assignment will give you the opportunity to demonstrate and extend skills in the following areas: information literacy, critical thinking and evaluation, and written communication. Due date to be advised by first class.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: First half of Sem

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: (Summative assessment). A 2 hour multiple choice final examination will be scheduled at Kelvin Grove Campus. The exam questions will be based on the compulsory reading and the material presented throughout the workshops. Exam date to be advised by first class.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, & 4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 1 of Sem 2

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Text:
Capuzzi, D. & Stauffer, M.D. (2012). Foundations of Addictions Counseling. 2nd Ed. New Jersey: Pearson.

References:
Items will be placed on CMD during the course of the semester for your use. References will also be included in your workbook.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 11-Jul-2012