This course will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the application of psychological theory and research to mental health, and major paradigms including behaviourism, cognitivism, psychobiology and the scientist-practitioner approach.

In this course you will be introduced to major conceptualisations of psychological wellbeing and pathology (e. g., symptoms and functioning) and major taxonomies related to mental health.

The course will also introduce professional regulation and ethics in psychology, including the functions of the Psychology Board of Australia and the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the application of theory and research in professional psychology
2. Apply and evaluate psychological approaches to psychological wellbeing and pathology
3. Demonstrate sound knowledge of the APS Code of Ethics and key requirements for Provisional Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia

Research-Led Teaching

The content of the classes is derived from regulatory and professional and ethical guidelines relevant to psychological practice in Australia. Content is also evidence-based or based on current clinical recommendations where evidence is lacking. Lecturers in this course will share with you their own research where relevant.

Field Trips

Not applicable

Examination Material or equipment

There will be no permitted materials for examinations in this course.

Required Resources

Students will be provided with required readings for each week of the course. These will be made available in advance of relevant lectures through the course wattle site.

Recommended Resources

The following resources are recommended for this course:

• American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
• Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics
• American Psychological Association (APA) Style 7th Edition Manual

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

•  Verbal feedback on strengths and areas for improvement based on discussions and activities undertaken during class time.

•  Written feedback on strengths and areas for improvement, and an overall grade, for each written assessment piece.

•  A mark for each section of the exam and an overall grade.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Students must pass all assessment tasks in order to pass the course. Students should ensure attendance requirements as outlined in the Master of Professional Psychology program handbook.

Referencing Requirements

Psychology uses the referencing style endorsed by the American Psychological Association:

American Psychological Association. (2019). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Student feedback to staff:

In addition to student feedback provided through ANU Student Experience of Learning Support (SELS) surveys, students may also be invited to provide course-specific feedback through a feedback survey developed by the lecturers within the Master of Professional Psychology program.

In-class teaching:

This course is part of the Master of Professional Psychology Program/Clinical Psychology Program, which requires in-person contact for all coursework. In-person attendance, in the context of COVID-19, has been approved by the College of Health and Medicine and the ANU. Coursework for this program focusses, in large part, on psychological skill development, which requires in-person demonstration, observation and practice, especially through the use of role playing and simulating clients. As a result, in-person delivery is essential to meet the learning goals in this professional training program. Students will be informed of this during their orientation week and encouraged to discuss any potential concerns with the course conveners. All in-person delivery is conducted in accordance with ANU COVID-19 policy.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	(23/2) Course introduction; Professional psychology in Australia
2	(2/3) Regulatory standards and professional psychological practice
3	(9/3) Evidence-based practice and the scientist-practitioner
4	(16/3) Diagnostic taxonomies and the DSM-5: History, purpose and practice
5	(23/3) Diagnostic taxonomies and the DSM-5: Prevalent disorders
6	(30/3) Models of psychopathology I
7	(20/4) Models of psychopathology II	Report (40%) due 23/4/21
8	(27/4) Models of psychopathology III
9	(4/5) Models of adaptive functioning and well-being
10	(11/5) Professional practice I: The reflective practitioner
11	(18/5) Professional practice II: The self-aware practitioner
12	(25/5) Professional practice III: Lifelong learning in professional psychology	Group task reflection (20%) due 28/5/21
13	Exam period	Exam (40%) 8 June, 9-11am

Tutorial Registration

Not applicable

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Written Report	40 %	23/04/2021	1, 2
Group Assessment Task Reflection	20 %	28/05/2021	1, 2, 3
Final Exam	40 %	08/06/2021	1, 2, 3

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students will be marked in accordance with criteria and/or a rubric for each assessment task. The Group Assessment Task will be based on four in-class activities from which a student selects ONE to write and submit a reflective piece on. As such, students must be present for the Group Assessment Task activities during semester.

Examination(s)

A final exam is included in this course which will be undertaken during the formal university examination period. Students will be provided with detailed information about this, and other assessment tasks in the course, through the course site.

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date for a mid-semester exam indicates the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held; the due and return date for end of semester exams indicate the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of Semester results are released on ISIS. Students should consult the course wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Assessment Task 1

Written Report

The written report provides an opportunity for students to critically engage with problems relevant to professional psychology, and explore in depth one psychological factor which plays a causal role in the development of a specific problem. The assessment piece takes the form of a written report in which a student must (1) select and define a problem of their choice which is relevant to practice in professional psychology; (2) consult empirical literature to identify and define ONE psychological factor which plays a role in the aetiology (development) of the focal problem; (3) review and critique empirical literature (including identification of gaps and limitations) to argue for the importance of the psychological factor in the development of the focal problem, and; (4) integrate the evidence discussed to formulate future research directions relevant to professional practice in psychology. Detailed information on assignment requirements and a marking rubric will be made available on the course site.

Assessment Task 2

Group Assessment Task Reflection

Students will participate in four group discussion tasks during classtime throughout the semester focused on professional practice, the scientist-practitioner model, diagnosis, and theories of pathology. These tasks will provide students an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of course content through peer consultation. Activities will be structured around discussion questions and/or activities, but the aim is for students to actively and critically engage with course content in a safe, supportive and reflective space with their peers to optimise their learning. Students will then select one of the topics as the focus of a written reflective task for submission. The focus of this reflective piece is to (1) outline the chosen topic, (2) demonstrate self-awareness of the experience of peer consultation on the topic, such as before, during and after the activity, and what was (or was not) challenging, (3) discuss and reflect on the learning and insight gained from peer consultation, and (4) outline how this learning will be applied to inform the student’s practice and training in professional psychology. Detailed information about the assignment requirements and a marking rubric will be made available on the course site.

Please note that although this assessment is due at the conclusion of the semester on account of the four topic options for students, lecturers will provide the class with feedback through a debrief after each peer consultation activity. As such, there is ongoing formative feedback available to students as related to this assessment task throughout the semester, which will assist students in tracking their progress in the course.

Assessment Task 3

Final Exam

The assessment is designed to determine the student’s:

1)   Knowledge and understanding of professional psychological practice, including ethical and regulatory frameworks, evidence-based practice and the scientist-practitioner model, diagnostic taxonomies, diagnostic criteria for prevalent disorders, theories of psychopathology and well-being, and professional practice including self-reflection and awareness; and

2)   Ability to describe and apply key components of the scientist-practitioner model, professional and ethical practice, diagnosis, and models of psychopathology and well-being.

Please note that students will not be permitted any materials in the examination except writing materials (for example, pen, pencil, eraser). Students will be required to bring their student identification to the examination.

The date range indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the course Wattle site and the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location of the exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

Not applicable.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned electronically through the course wattle site approximately two weeks after the due date.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Grading in the Master of Professional Psychology program reflects achievement of competencies as appropriate to developmental level. As such, students will be provided with grades indicating that competency has been met (Course Requirement Satisfied: CRS) or not met (Fail).

Failure to submit an assignment of a high standard which meets requirements for a passing grade (50%) will result in a student receiving feedback on the area/s requiring remediation and one opportunity for resubmission of the assignment to address these issues. This opportunity is provided only in circumstances where a genuine attempt to address the assignment requirements was determined to be made in the first submission. If the resubmission satisfactorily addresses the issues identified, a grade of CRS will be awarded for the task. The need to re-submit the same assignment twice due to inadequate performance will result in overall failure of the assessment piece, and thus the course, which will need to be repeated in a future offering.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students