Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
Course profile

Mental Health (NURS7128)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Nursing, Midwifery & Social Wk

This course is taught in conjunction with SWSP3027, an inter-professional introduction to mental health practice for undergraduate nursing, social work and midwifery students. Content has been developed in conjunction with senior mental health clinicians in Queensland to ensure both contemporary practical relevance and that students will be equipped to meet industry expectations of new graduates. Assessment content has been designed to meet the requirements of a Masters-level program. The course is taught in a highly interactive fashion and, inevitably, class recordings will not fully capture learning opportunities. Regular attendance and pre-session reading is therefore essential.

Welcome to NURS7128.

As the mental health field is predominantly inter-professional in service design, so this course includes nursing, social work and midwifery students. Our goal is to provide you with a contemporary, evidence-based orientation to nursing in the field, with an emphasis on the skills and knowledge you will need to begin practice.

Two points:

First, it is not possible to study mental illness without engaging with potentially confronting issues, such as suicide, sexual abuse, racism and violence. The teaching team are focused on maintaining a learning context which is respectful and inclusive. At the same time, as student midwives, social workers and nurses, it will be important that you exercise self-care and develop resilience in your practice and study. All students are expected to engage with all aspects of the course, but if you find yourself struggling with course content at any time, reach out to any member of the teaching team.

Second, all sessions are recorded, as per standard UQ practice, but be aware that they are highly interactive: the more sessions you can attend, the more you will learn and the better prepared you will be for assessments.

We look forward to working with you all this semester.

Course requirements

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

BIOM7121

Restrictions

MNursSt

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to introduce students to mental health and wellbeing considerations within the context of healthcare delivery. Students will consolidate learning with regard to positive images about mental health recovery and the application of interpersonal skills in preparation for clinical placement in a mental health setting.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

apply knowledge of specific mental illnesses and mental health service delivery to demonstrate a client or woman centered approach when engaging with people experiencing mental health issues.

LO2.

apply the principles of recovery and evidence-based approaches to mental health promotion, early intervention, and illness management across the lifespan, including in the perinatal period.

LO3.

explain the role of the multidisciplinary team and the values, ethical standards, professional and legal responsibilities, and theoretical frameworks that underpin mental health service.

LO4.

demonstrate the capacity to plan and deliver recovery-oriented care in a simulated environment that addresses the needs of people with mental health concerns, across the lifespan and in a variety of settings.

LO5.

describe the differing practice issues in mental health services across diverse cultural population groups, including Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Quiz Inspera Quiz
  • Online
10%

Week 5 Wed - Week 5 Thu

Inspera quiz will open from midday on 21/8/24 to midday on the 22/8/24.

Presentation Video Presentation & PowerPoint Slides
  • Team or group-based
40%

11/09/2024 1:00 pm

Quiz Inspera Quiz
  • Online
10%

Week 10 Wed - Week 10 Thu

Inspera quiz will be open from midday on the 2/10/24 to midday on the 3/10/24

Examination Exam
  • In-person
40%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Assessment details

Inspera Quiz

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
10%
Due date

Week 5 Wed - Week 5 Thu

Inspera quiz will open from midday on 21/8/24 to midday on the 22/8/24.

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

An Inspera quiz covering required reading from weeks 5-9 will be made available for 24 hours from midday 21 August. The quiz will consist of a range of question types. Students will have 45 minutes to complete the quiz once they commence.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Video Presentation & PowerPoint Slides

  • Team or group-based
Mode
Oral
Category
Presentation
Weight
40%
Due date

11/09/2024 1:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

This description is only a summary of the task. For full details, including the marking rubric, please refer to the course Learn UQ (Blackboard) site.


SIMULATED ON-LINE PSYCHOEDUCATION SESSION

This group scenario-based exercise is designed to mirror as closely as possible mental health promotion and community education activities which are often allocated to newly graduated mental health clinicians.

You are required to submit a video of your group delivering a Zoom-based PowerPoint psychoeducation session. Each group member is required to speak for approximately the same amount of time. You are also required to submit a pdf of the PowerPoint slides in Notes view.

There are two scenarios. Students in NURS7128 must do scenario 2.

Groups will be allocated by teaching staff.

Submission guidelines

Every student should submit a pdf of the PowerPoint slides, in notes view showing all references. Your feedback and total mark will be linked to this submission.

IN ADDITION, one person in each group should be tasked with uploading the video recording. Please ensure the recording title shows the names of all group members. The recording only needs to be uploaded once per group.

Instructions for uploading the recording through the assignment submission link are available on the Blackboard.

The written component of this assignment must be submitted as a pdf document via Turnitin, in the form of a PowerPoint presentation in 'notes view' format. Note that you are NOT assessed on the technical quality of the video or audio (which just need to be a suitable quality to allow the marker to see and hear clearly). High definition video is discouraged due to file size.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Applying for an extension 

Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. 

Information about applying for an extension can be found on my.UQ

Extension guidelines 

  • Extension requests should be submitted prior to the assessment deadline. 
  • Extension requests must state the due date and the due time of the assessment. 
  • Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date may not be approved. Late requests must include evidence of the reasons for the late request.  
  • The extension granted should be in proportion to the period of illness or disruption caused by the exceptional circumstances and will typically be no more than the specified maximum extension length. 
  • Students on a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests must still adhere to the extensions request policy outlined. Students need to attach the SAP and a note outlining their current situation with the online extension application. A maximum of 7 days will be granted on the basis of an SAP. An extension request beyond 7 days will require additional supporting information as this request will not be considered on the basis of the SAP, but rather additional events (whether they relate to the circumstances of the SAP or not). 

Outcome of application 

  • Extension requests are generally processed within 2 working days. Students can see the outcome of their application by logging in to my.UQ. 
Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Inspera Quiz

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
10%
Due date

Week 10 Wed - Week 10 Thu

Inspera quiz will be open from midday on the 2/10/24 to midday on the 3/10/24

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

An Inspera quiz covering required reading from weeks 5-9 will be made available for 24 hours from midday 2 October. The quiz will consist of a range of question types. Students will have 45 minutes to complete the quiz once they commence.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Exam

  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
40%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

This will be an in-person, Inspera-based examination, managed by UQ Central Examination.

The 2-hour exam will comprise a combination of questions modes.

The exam questions will derive from class content and required readings.

This test is closed book, meaning that students can only bring writing equipment and a standard unmarked English language dictionary to the test.  

This assessment piece is conducted as an exam and students who fail to attend the test will receive zero marks. If the student believes they have grounds for applying for a deferred exam for this piece they can apply through mySInet. Students who arrive late for the test will not receive extra time to complete the test.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted
Materials

Only bring writing equipment and a standard unmarked English language dictionary to the test.

Exam platform Inspera
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

This assessment piece is conducted as an exam and students who fail to attend the test will receive zero marks. If the student believes they have grounds for applying for a deferred exam for this piece, they can apply through mySInet. Students who arrive late for the test will not receive extra time to complete the test.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0.1 - 29.9

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Your response demonstrates inadequate understanding by: presenting stigmatising, inaccurate information derived uncritically from unreliable, dated sources.

2 (Fail) 30 - 46.99

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Your response demonstrates minimal understanding by: presenting unclear, irrelevant or unsourced information derived from limited or dated academic sources and/or unreliable lived-experience narratives.

3 (Marginal Fail) 47 - 49.99

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Your response demonstrates superficial understanding by: presenting generally accurate information derived from limited academic and unvalidated lived-experience- based sources.

4 (Pass) 50 - 64.49

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Your response demonstrates adequate understanding by: presenting accurate information derived from contemporary academic and lived-experience- based sources.

5 (Credit) 64.5 - 74.49

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Your response demonstrates good understanding by: presenting an effective précis of relevant information derived from a range of contemporary academic and lived-experience- based sources.

6 (Distinction) 74.5 - 84.49

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Your response demonstrates comprehensive understanding by: presenting an accurate , clear précis of relevant information synthesised from a range of contemporary academic and lived- experience-based sources.

7 (High Distinction) 84.5 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Your response demonstrates sophisticated understanding by: presenting an accurate , insightful précis of relevant information synthesised from a broad range of contemporary academic and lived- experience-based sources.

Additional course grading information

In order to be eligible to pass NURS7128 students must submitᅠALL assessment pieces AND sit the examination.

References:

One of the challenges with studying mental health is the large amount of inaccurate or subtly biased information widely available. To ensure that only evidence-based, reliable and ethical material is used I have decided to impose some rules around material which will be acceptable for use in all assessment tasks.

Primary references for all assessment tasks should be academic, peer-reviewed published papers, accessible via UQ Library. These should comprise the majority of references used in all tasks.

Links to other acceptable information sources are available on the course Blackboard site on the Course Help page.

Any of the websites recommended in the course textbook are also acceptable.

Consult with the Course Coordinator if there is a website you would like to use which is not included in this list.

The course text is an excellent general resource but it is not specific enough to be used as a cited reference. Instead, use the text to orient your thinking then research in more detail.

The following may not be used as references in assessment tasks:

  • Lecture notes and PowerPoint slides
  • Personal blogs or websites of for-profit organisations or businesses

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

In order to be eligible to pass NURS7128 students must submit all assessable work.

Referencing in NURS7128 should be according to APA 7 format only.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Student Email

Students are provided with a UQ email account and must monitor the account whilst enrolled at UQ.  Please see the Information Communication Technology Policy and the Personal use of UQ email section in the Acceptable use of ICT Resources guideline for for information regarding the appropriate use of email. Students must use their UQ email account for all correspondence with academic staff. 

You may forward your student email to another email address (https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/information-technology/email/managing-student-email/forwarding-student-email), but it is your responsibility to ensure that you receive your email. Any email which is sent to your student address is deemed to have been received. Even if you forward your email, it is strongly recommended that you check your student account regularly. 

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Filter activity type by

Please select
Clear filters
Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Lecture

Introduction. Defining mental health & illness

Reading for this week:

Hungerford, C., Hodgson, D., Clancy, R., Murphy, G., Doyle, K., Bernoth, M., Cleary, M. (2024). Mental health care: An introduction for health professionals (5th ed.). Wiley. Chapter 1.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

Lecture

Principles of mental health practice. Communication, respect, empathy and self-care. Recovery

Reading for this week:

Bland, R., Drake, G., Drayton, J. (2021). Social work practice in mental health: An introduction (3rd ed.). Routledge. Chapter 3.

Two additional readings are fundamental for this topic and the course as a whole. Neither is long, and the content of both is assessable:

Anthony, W. A. (1993). Recovery from mental illness: The guiding vision of the mental health service system in the 1990s. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 16(4), pp. 11-23.

Deegan, P. E. (1988). Recovery: The lived experience of rehabilitation. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 11(4), pp. 11-19.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Lecture

Mood disorders

Reading for this week:

Hungerford, C., Hodgson, D., Clancy, R., Murphy, G., Doyle, K., Bernoth, M., Cleary, M. (2024). Mental health care: An introduction for health professionals (5th ed.). Wiley. Chapter 7 (skip sec. 7.4, Perinatal mental health issues. We have a whole session on this topic later in the semester).

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

Lecture

Ekka Public Holiday. No class

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

Lecture

Trauma

Reading for this week:

Kimberg, L., Wheeler, M. (2019). Trauma and trauma-informed care. In M. R. Gerber (Ed.). Trauma-informed healthcare approaches: A guide for primary care. Springer. Chapter 2, pp. 25-56.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

Lecture

Eating disorders

Reading to be advised.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Lecture

Psychosis and personality disorders

Reading for this week:

Dodd, S., Jeffs, S. (2018). Psychosis and psychotic disorders. In K. Edward, I. Munro, A. Welch, W. Cross (Eds.). Mental health nursing: Dimensions of praxis (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. Chapter 11.

Trett, R., Peckham, H. (2018). Complexities and rewards of working with people with personality disorders. In K. Edward, I. Munro, A. Welch, W. Cross (Eds.). Mental health nursing: Dimensions of praxis (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. Chapter 12.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

Lecture

Substance use

Reading to be advised.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

Lecture

Suicide and forensics

Hungerford, C., Hodgson, D., Clancy, R., Murphy, G., Doyle, K., Bernoth, M., Cleary, M. (2024). Mental health care: An introduction for health professionals (5th ed.). Wiley. Chapter 8.

Over this week and next you should also read:

Queensland Health. (2022). A guide to the Mental Health Act 2016. Read pp. 1-27 and 58-80.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

Lecture

Doing mental health work

Reading for this week:

Ryan, J., Quinn, C. (2018), Forensic mental health nursing. In K. Edward, I. Munro, A. Welch, W. Cross (Eds.). Mental health nursing: Dimensions of praxis (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. Chapter 23.

Don't forget to also finish reading:

Queensland Health. (2022). A guide to the Mental Health Act 2016. Read pp. 1-27 and 58-80.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

Lecture

Mental health assessment

Reading for this week:

Hungerford, C., Hodgson, D., Clancy, R., Murphy, G., Doyle, K., Bernoth, M., Cleary, M. (2024). Mental health care: An introduction for health professionals (5th ed.). Wiley. Chapter 2.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

Lecture

Perinatal mental health

Reading to be advised.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

Lecture

First Nations People's mental health

Reading for this week:

Hungerford, C., Hodgson, D., Clancy, R., Murphy, G., Doyle, K., Bernoth, M., Cleary, M. (2024). Mental health care: An introduction for health professionals (5th ed.). Wiley. Chapter 4. The whole chapter is important, but our focus is on pp. 120-147. Only these pages are potentially examinable.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.