Course coordinator
Professor Nancy Pachana
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Psychology School
Enrolment Note:This course has a delayed enrolment date and will open following the allocation of Honours streams. Students will be advised of the specific date each year when their Honours stream is confirmed and should contact the School of Psychology for further information. External offering is only available to those enrolled in the External offering of the Honours Thesis (PSYC4071/PSYC4091).
This course will critically examine the history and current status of the scientist-practitioner model with a particular emphasis on how practitioners can incorporate an evidence-based approach across a range of applied psychology disciplines. The course will be broadly divided into three components: Principles of Evidence-Based Practice; Principles of Assessment and Psychometrics; and the Scientist-Practitioner in Action.
The Scientist-Practitioner Model in psychology is a framework for training and professional practice, (primarily although not exclusively, in Psychology) that promotes the integration of scientific research and applied practice. It also encompasses using empirical questions arising from applied work and clinical experience to develop empirically testable research questions that can further advance science.ﾠ Psychologists working within this model demonstrate a research orientation in their practice, and a practice relevance in their research.
This course critically examines the application of the Scientist-Practitioner Model with a particular emphasis on how practitioners can incorporate an evidence-based approach across a range of applied psychology disciplines and professional contexts. The course covers a variety of topics including: Ethical and cultural safety considerations and Principles of Evidence-Based Practice; Principles of Assessment and Psychometrics; and the Scientist-Practitioner in Action, in Context. Cultural safety and "walking with communities", particularly with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, is a core feature of the course.
Students will become familiar with the core principles of evidence-based practice, including developing skills in: formulating answerable questions within various contexts; finding the best evidence to answer these questions; critically appraising the evidence; applying the evidence by integrating the results with professional expertise and patient/client values; and evaluating the effectiveness of the approach chosen. Evidence-based interviewing and communication skills are stressed and form a core part of tutorial work. Students will apply knowledge of key psychometric concepts in assessment across a variety of areas such as mental health, organisational practices, working with diverse groups and cognitive assessment. A particular emphasis will be on the application of this knowledge via critical evaluation of the psychometric properties of a range of psychological assessment tools and their use in both research and practice.
The Scientist-Practitioner in Action, in Context portions of the course serves to illustrate the application and integration of Scientist Practitioner Model skills across a range of applied psychology contexts, including applied experimental, public health, regional health, and later life contexts, . Lecturers from a broad range of applied psychological disciplines will discuss their area of expertise and demonstrate how the Scientist-Practitioner Model is applied within it. Finally, reference will be made to key frameworks, guidelines and theoretical bases from both the Australian and global literature throughout the course.
Note: While all care is taken to record lectures, from time to time technical issues do occur. To avoid any problems we highly encourage attendance at all scheduled lectures.
ﾠ
Course requirements
Restrictions
BPsySc(Hons), BSc(Hons) in Psychology, BArts(Hons) in Psychology
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Mark Horswill
Professor Nancy Pachana
Guest lecturer
Dr Alan Ralph
Ms Emma-Jane Harrison
Dr Leander Mitchell
Associate Professor Geoff Argus
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Recordings of lectures will be accessible on Blackboard after each session. Please note that while we strive to record all lectures, technical issues may occasionally arise. We strongly encourage attending all scheduled lectures to avoid any problems
Aims and outcomes
The aim of the course is for students to obtain a comprehensive understanding and extensive knowledge of the Scientist-Practitioner Model and its importance,ﾠand for students toﾠunderstand andﾠapply evidence-based practice across a range of psychology disciplines.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
possess a comprehensive understanding and extensive knowledge of the Scientist-Practitioner Model and articulate the importance of evidence-based practice in psychology
LO2.
apply an evidence-based practice approach, according to the Scientist-Practitioner Model, to issues across diverse populations in applied psychology
LO3.
identify key assessment tools and their psychometric properties to apply them correctly across a range of applied disciplines and contexts
LO4.
use appropriate oral and written communication skills as part of evidence-based practice
LO5.
apply ethical frameworks and standards to key issues in applied psychology and reflect on how your values and experience influence evidence-based practice
LO6.
demonstrate appropriate interpersonal communication and interview skills in situations appropriate to psychological practice and research. This includes active listening, clarifying and reflecting, effective questioning, summarising and paraphrasing, developing rapport, appropriate cultural responsiveness and empathic responding.
LO7.
identify culturally safe and relational approaches in providing healthcare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and how this intersects with professional practice, research, and community engagement in psychology
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
In-Tutorial, Secure Online Quiz (Multiple Choice and Short Answer)
|
20% |
19/08/2025 - 22/08/2025
We will conduct the online quiz during your usual tutorials. Please bring a device (tablet, laptop, or handheld computer) capable of accessing the internet to participate and answer the series of multiple-choice and short answer questions. |
| Quiz |
In-Tutorial, Secure Online Quiz (Multiple Choice)
|
25% |
9/09/2025 - 12/09/2025
We will conduct the online quiz during your usual tutorials. Please bring a device (tablet, laptop, or handheld computer) capable of accessing the internet to participate and answer the series of multiple-choice questions. |
| Practical/ Demonstration, Role play/ Simulation |
Interpersonal Communication and Interview Skills - Video Role-play
|
35% Must receive above 15/30% to pass the course |
20/10/2025 5:00 pm
Please use ECHO360 to record your role play, and upload to Blackboard for submission. Each person of the dyad completing the assignment should upload the video of themselves playing the role of interviewer. Given the nature of the video assignment and the accompanying written assignment, we strongly urge students to begin meeting, doing practice runs, filming, and formulating feedback in their dyads as soon after their honours thesis is handed in, for best outcomes. |
| Reflection |
Written Peer Feedback and Personal Reflection on Video Role-play
|
20% |
20/10/2025 5:00 pm
Given the nature of the video assignment and the accompanying written assignment, we strongly urge students to begin meeting, doing practice runs, filming, and formulating feedback in their dyads as soon after their honours thesis is handed in as possible, for best outcomes. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
In-Tutorial, Secure Online Quiz (Multiple Choice and Short Answer)
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
19/08/2025 - 22/08/2025
We will conduct the online quiz during your usual tutorials. Please bring a device (tablet, laptop, or handheld computer) capable of accessing the internet to participate and answer the series of multiple-choice and short answer questions.
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L07
Task description
This quiz will assess students on the topic Cultural safety in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations (Week 2 lecture content and associated materials) as well as the HMBS Faculty Cultural Safety in Practice, module 3
Format: Multiple-choice and short answer
Submission guidelines
Must attend tutorials to access and complete the quiz.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
If you are unable to attempt the online quiz at the time specified and wish to request a deferred quiz, please complete the online application for deferral of an assessment.
In-Tutorial, Secure Online Quiz (Multiple Choice)
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
9/09/2025 - 12/09/2025
We will conduct the online quiz during your usual tutorials. Please bring a device (tablet, laptop, or handheld computer) capable of accessing the internet to participate and answer the series of multiple-choice questions.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
This quiz will assess students on the topic Psychometric Assessment (Weeks 4 and 5 lecture content and associated materials)
Format: Multiple-choice
Submission guidelines
Must attend tutorials to access and complete the quiz.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
If you are unable to attempt the online quiz at the time specified and wish to request a deferred quiz, please complete the online application for deferral of an assessment.
Interpersonal Communication and Interview Skills - Video Role-play
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 35% Must receive above 15/30% to pass the course
- Due date
20/10/2025 5:00 pm
Please use ECHO360 to record your role play, and upload to Blackboard for submission. Each person of the dyad completing the assignment should upload the video of themselves playing the role of interviewer.
Given the nature of the video assignment and the accompanying written assignment, we strongly urge students to begin meeting, doing practice runs, filming, and formulating feedback in their dyads as soon after their honours thesis is handed in, for best outcomes.
Task description
This task will assess students' foundational interview skills and interpersonal communication skills. Students will submit a videotaped role-play of an interview scenario that is a minimum of 3 minutes to a maximum of 5 minutes in length.
The video role-play is recorded on ECHO360 and uploaded to Blackboard by the due date.
Please refer to your Learn.UQ course site for further information.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment is a hurdle requirement and students must receive a mark above 50% on this piece of assessment (in other words, achieve a mark of 18 or above out of a possible 35 marks) to pass the course.Submission guidelines
All students are required to complete this task and submit their video recorded role-play by the due date. Students will be given the option to re-complete the role-play, if they do not achieve a passing grade.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
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.
Applications for extension should be submitted before the due date. Students with an approved SAP for the appropriate semester who apply for an extension will be granted 1 week without further documentation provided.
Written Peer Feedback and Personal Reflection on Video Role-play
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
20/10/2025 5:00 pm
Given the nature of the video assignment and the accompanying written assignment, we strongly urge students to begin meeting, doing practice runs, filming, and formulating feedback in their dyads as soon after their honours thesis is handed in as possible, for best outcomes.
Task description
Students will demonstrate their skills in critiquing interviewing and communication skills by giving written feedback on their partner's performance as the interviewer, singling out one evidence-based piece of advice on improvement for their partner with respect to either interviewing or communication skills (500 words of text maximum, with minimum 1 and maximum 2 references), and a similar piece of written feedback on their own performance as the interviewer, singling out one evidence-based piece of advice on improvement for themselves with respect to either interviewing or communication skills (500 words of text maximum, with minimum 1 and maximum 2 references). Note references here do not count against word count.
The written reflection will be uploaded to Blackboard by the due date.
Please refer to your Learn.UQ course site for further information.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Blackboard by the due date.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
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.
Applications for extension should be submitted before the due date. Students with an approved SAP for the appropriate semester who apply for an extension will be granted 1 week without further documentation provided.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 39.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 40 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Students must gain a mark of at least 50% on the communication assessment (Video Role-play assignment) to pass the course. If students achieve a passing percentage based on all other assessment items but fail the communication assessment, they will fail the course. All students who fail the hurdle assignment will be given an opportunity to resubmit.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Unless explicitly indicated, all assessment items are to be individually written or produced for this course only, and sources should be fully acknowledged. Plagiarism and collusion (working closely on an assignment with someone else) are serious academic offences. Please refer to the University Policy for more details.
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
Learning resources for this course are available on Blackboard.
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
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture: Scientist Practitioner Foundations and Course Overview Introduction to Scientist-Practitioner Model & Course Overview (Nancy Pachana) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture: Cultural safety in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations Introduction to key principles in cultural humility and cultural safety in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations in research and practice contexts (Tabinda Basit) Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial: Walking alongside diverse clients and research participants in an ethical, safe way Small group discussions on walking alongside clients and research participants in an ethical, safe way. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture: Scientist Practitioner in Action: from bench to society and society to bench Demonstration of scientist-practitioner principles in applied experimental work with external stakeholders (Jason Tangen) |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture: Principles of Assessment Psychometrics I First lecture on principles of psychological assessment, including test selection, evaluation, application in context, and relevant limitations within a scientist-practitioner framework (Mark Horswill) Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial: In-Tutorial, Secure Online Quiz (Multiple Choice and Short Answer) on Cultural Safety We will conduct the online quiz during your usual tutorials. Please bring a device (tablet, laptop, or handheld computer) capable of accessing the internet to participate and answer the series of multiple-choice and short answer questions. Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture: Principles of Assessment Psychometrics II Second lecture on principles of psychological assessment, including test selection, evaluation, application in context, and relevant limitations within a scientist-practitioner framework (Mark Horswill) Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial: practice in assessment strategies, questions about psychometrics Tutorials consist of small group discussions of principles of psychological assessment, including test selection, evaluation, application in context, and relevant limitations within a scientist-practitioner framework, and questions answered by tutors regarding assessment issues in preparation for the quix on this topic. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture: Interpersonal Communication and Interviewing Skills Presentation of empirical literature on interpersonal communication and interviewing skills from a psychology perspective; plentiful scenarios and case examples offered. (Fiona Barlow) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial: Practive in interviewing skills Small group practice in interviewing skills. |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture: Ethical principles and Personal Reflections on Ethics for Psychologists Overview of national and international guidelines and standards for ethics and ethical behaviour for psychologists, plus case examples of managing ethical issues from an evidence-based perspective offered. (Nancy Pachana) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial: In-Tutorial, Secure Online Quiz (Multiple Choice and Short Answer) on Assessment Practice We will conduct the online quiz during your usual tutorials. Please bring a device (tablet, laptop, or handheld computer) capable of accessing the internet to participate and answer the series of multiple-choice and short answer questions. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture: Multiple Stakeholders Issues in Organisational Psychology Practice Material on ethical issues within an organisational context with respect to both clients and research best practice. (Emma-Jane Harrison) Learning outcomes: L02, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial: small group discussions involving ethical decision-making Small group discussions on case examples of ethical issues within an organisational context with respect to both clients and research best practice. Learning outcomes: L02, L05, L06 |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture: Interpersonal ethical issues in Clinical Psychology Practice Material on ethical issues within a clinical/counselling context with respect to both clients and research best practice (Leander Mitchell). Learning outcomes: L02, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial: small group discussions involving ethical decision-making Small group discussions on case examples of ethical issues within a clinical / counselling psychology context with respect to client outcomes. Learning outcomes: L02, L05, L06 |
|
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
NO LECTURE, NO TUTORIALS - Honours thesis due Wednesday October 8 NO LECTURE, NO TUTORIALS - Honours thesis due Wednesday October 8 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture: Scientist Practitioner in Action: Triple P as a Public Health Innovation Scientist Practitioner in Action: Triple P as a Public Health Innovation (Alan Ralph) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial: consultation session in preparation for video assignment submission Consultation with tutors regarding video assignment and written reflective feedback questions in tutorials this week. It is better if you have started the assignment and can bring real issues to this tutorial. |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture: PULLING TOGETHER your knowledge of work as a scientist and as a practitioner for JOB / POST-GRAD interviews PULLING TOGETHER your knowledge of work as a scientist and as a practitioner for JOB / POST-GRAD interviews in your future, and wrap up on what we have learned (Nancy Pachana) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial: interviewing practice; pulling together ethics, assessment and cultural safety Small group exercises in how to think about COMMERCIALISATION (such as that demonstrated in the Triple P Lecture) in applied and research practice. |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Lecture: Scientist Practitioner in Action: Regional and Rural Health Issues for Psychologists in Australia Public health and healthcare systems data with respect to applied psychology and interprofessional practice in regional and rural Australia (Geoff Argus) |
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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: