Course coordinator
Dr Simon Byrne
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
- Psychology School
The purpose of this course is to familiarise students with relevant codes of ethics and to examine ethical and professional issues and standards related to the practice of psychology within the areas of Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, Counselling Psychology, Health Psychology, and Sport and Exercise Psychology. The course also aims to examine a range of research approaches and issues and to train students to communicate about their research, both in terms of presenting papers on their thesis projects, and in writing research documents. A combined academic and practical approach will be adopted
This course has two parts: 1) to examine ethical issues related to working as a professional psychologist, and 2) to prepare students to undertake their Masters research thesis. The course will be run in a workshop format, where students are expected to do preparation and to discuss this material during class.ﾠ First, the course examines ethical and professional issues and standards related to the practice of Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, Counselling Psychology, Health Psychology, andﾠSport and ExerciseﾠPsychology. The course examines legislation relevant to general psychology (e.g., Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act, 2009) and clinical work (e.g., National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce and theﾠMental Health Act Qld).ﾠStudents will also be familiarized with the code of ethics. A new code of conduct is under development - if the latest ﾠversion of the code is available at the time of teaching, it will be used.ﾠThe course examines frameworks for ethical decision making andﾠhow to support best practice. Second, the course introduces students to different research approaches, to train them toﾠdesign effective and relevant research that is appropriate for examining specific questions. The course aims to train students to communicate about their research. Specificﾠresearch-related ethical issues are examinedﾠand the process for seeking ethical approval for different types of research are discussed. To allow room for flexible class discussion, the course may not always follow the exact timeline outlined in the ECP. This course also includes Interprofessional Collaborative Practice module.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PSYC7082, PSYC7092
Restrictions
Restricted to students in MPsychClin, DPsych or MPsych
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Simon Byrne
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
Familiarise students with the legislative requirements and obligations of being a psychologist
Familiarise students with relevant Codes of Ethics, guidelinesﾠand legislation
Determine whether students can apply ethical analysis and decision-making in relation to clients, colleagues,ﾠthe profession of psychology and other health professions
Evaluate methods to support best practice
Familiarise students with different research approaches
Examine ethical issues in a research context
Assess students’ competence in formulation of research questions, develop research design and summarise relevant literature.
Assist students to develop or advance their relevant research activities in a timely manner
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Know and understand the legislative requirements and obligations of being a psychologist
LO2.
Have a good knowledge of the APS Code of Ethics and the associated APS Guidelines
LO3.
Demonstrate ethical analysis and decision-making in relation to clients, colleagues, the profession of psychology and other health professionals
LO4.
Apply the theoretical principles of the codes of practice to daily situations arising in psychology practice
LO5.
Understand the key factors to be considered in research design
LO6.
Identify potential ethical issues in a research context
LO7.
Formulate specific research questions
LO8.
Recognise and reflect on interprofessional practice skills including role clarification, team functioning, interprofessional communication, conflict management, collaborative leadership, and client-centred care.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Project |
GEMS IPCP Curriculum Assessment
|
Pass/Fail |
2/08/2024 4:00 pm |
| Reflection, Tutorial/ Problem Set | Workshop Preparation | Pass/Fail |
18/09/2024 - 23/10/2024 |
| Presentation |
Research Proposal Presentation
|
Pass/Fail |
16/10/2024 - 23/10/2024
Students will complete a presentation about their proposed research |
| Reflection, Role play/ Simulation |
Competency Assessment - The Ethical Clinic
|
Pass/Fail |
4/11/2024 - 5/11/2024
Students will be assigned a time to complete the role play within the designated dates. |
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
GEMS IPCP Curriculum Assessment
- Hurdle
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Project
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
2/08/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L08
Task description
The assessment will be completed in the tutorial class on 26th July. Allocate to one of the tutorials available on this day.
This is a team assessment and all team members are expected to contribute equally to the team’s assessment items during the tutorial. Teams will be assigned prior to the tutorial. There are two (2) parts to this assessment both based upon a client video that your team will choose during the tutorial class.
Part one requires you to complete a worksheet and will draw on the online and face-to-face content of the GEMS IPCP module one, focusing on role-clarification and client-centred care.
Length: There is no word limit for the worksheet.
Part two requires you to complete a table and will draw on the on the online and face-to-face content of the GEMS IPCP module one, focusing on interprofessional communication, team functioning and client-centred care.
Length: There is no word limit for the worksheet
Teams will need to submit both assessment pieces in the Assessment tab on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site prior to the end of the tutorial class. Additional information regarding submission will be provided on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site.
Please refer to the assessment information on Learn.UQ for further details and requirements for the assessment.
The IPCP module is a Pass/Fail assessment task.
- Students who pass the module will receive a course grade based on their passing the remaining must pass assessment/s in the course.
- Students who are unable to attend the module because they are away from Brisbane or ill on the day of the tutorial class, will be given an opportunity to complete the assessment individually. Successful completion of the assessment will again enable a PASS grade for the module as above depending on other pass requirements within the course.
- For all students who submit a genuine attempt at the assessment but do not achieve a pass grade for their submitted work, they will be given a second opportunity to pass the module by completing a reflective essay. If this is task is successfully completed, a grade for the course will be awarded based on the remaining assessment in the course.
- Students who do not engage with the module and do not submit a genuine attempt, will be given an opportunity to complete a 5,000 word assignment on teamwork. Successful completion of this assignment will enable the student to be eligible to pass the course with a maximum grade of 4 (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a grade higher than 4, a maximum grade of 4 will be awarded).
- Students who fail the module, who do not complete either the reflective essay or the teamwork assignment above will be awarded a maximum grade of 3 (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a grade higher than 3, a maximum grade of 3 will be awarded).
Hurdle requirements
Students mass pass this assessment to pass the course.Submission guidelines
This assessment will be completed in the allocated tutorial on 26th July and due within a week on 2nd August 2024
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
No late submission is available for this assessment
Workshop Preparation
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
18/09/2024 - 23/10/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L08
Task description
Students will be given readings and tasks in preparation for their next workshop. Students will be expected to read, reflect and prepare for the workshops in advance.
Students will be required to hand in five worksheets at the start of class for the last five workshops.
Students will need to submit 4/5 worksheets to pass this section of the course.
Submission guidelines
Worksheets must be submitted via Turnitin and must be submitted at the start of each tutorial.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
No late submission is accepted for this assessment.
Research Proposal Presentation
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
16/10/2024 - 23/10/2024
Students will complete a presentation about their proposed research
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L06, L07
Task description
Outline:
Students will be asked to present a brief research proposal to the class. This will allow each student to discuss their research, highlight any potential difficulties, seek feedback on their proposal, and identify potential opportunities for collaboration. Students will be asked to respond to questions and suggestions. Supervisors are encouraged to attend seminar presentations and students will be responsible for notifying them of the nominated time and date. All students are required to attend the two half day presentations and present their research.
Format:
Students will have a maximum of 10 minutes in which to present their research (maximum 8 minutes) and answer questions (2 minutes). The presentation should focus on a brief rationale, the research design, proposed analyses and potential difficulties. This is an opportunity to refine your research proposals and seek input from colleagues and supervisors. Penalties will apply for non–adherence to the allocated time. All students who are not presenting will be asked to generate questions and to provide feedback to the presenter as well as potential direction. A marking rubric for presentations will be give to students early in semester.
Prior to their presentation, students will also be asked to submit an abstract describing their research protocol (approximately 150 words). Details of the abstract format will be provided early in semester.
Hurdle requirements
Students must pass this assessment to pass the courseSubmission guidelines
This assessment is completed in person.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Students unable to complete the assessment at the designated day and time should contact the course coordinator.
Competency Assessment - The Ethical Clinic
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Reflection, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
4/11/2024 - 5/11/2024
Students will be assigned a time to complete the role play within the designated dates.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L08
Task description
Individual students will be asked to role play an ethical dilemma in a mock psychology clinic - the "Ethical Clinic". In the Ethical Clinic they will negotiate an ethical dilemma, while interacting with actors playing clients, colleagues and managers.
Students need to demonstrate competency in assessing and responding appropriately to a dilemma during the role play. Students will also provide written responses regarding the Ethical Clinic at the end of the role play, assessing their ethical reasoning.
Students will need to demonstrate the ability to identify the ethical issues, an understanding of the relevant ethical and legal guidelines appropriate to the dilemma, the capacity to respond to the dilemma in an appropriate manner and the ability to self-reflect on their own performance. The actual assessment will run for about 30 minutes, but students may be required to wait until it is their turn to be assessed.
Hurdle requirements
Students must pass this assessment to pass the course. Students who fail this assessment recycle in an individual role play with the course lecturer or tutor. Only one recycle is permitted. Students will be given a marking outline regarding this assessment early in semester.Submission guidelines
This assessment is completed in person. The written component of the assessment will be completed immediately after the role play.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Students unable to complete the assessment at the designated day and time should contact the course coordinator.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Pass/Fails | Description |
|---|---|
| P |
Course grade description: In order to pass the course students must complete and pass allﾠ components of the course. |
| F |
Course grade description: Students will be deemed to fail the course if they do notﾠcomplete and pass all components of the course. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
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 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Tutorial |
GEMS Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Module You will work in small teams in the tutorial with students from: Audiology, Dentistry, Dietetics, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Social Work and Speech Pathology. There is one module consisting of on-line preparation and a face-to-face tutorial class. You will work in your small team to engage in a range of learning activities to develop your knowledge and skills to help prepare you for working in interprofessional collaborative teams when caring for clients. Learning outcomes: L08 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Workshop |
Ethical Foundations & Professional Regulation This workshop will initially provide an overview for the course. We will discuss ethical theory, particularly utilitarian vs. principal-based ethics. We will discuss and consider the code of ethics. We will discuss the role of AHPRA in regulating professional psychology practice. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L08 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Workshop |
Professional Ethics I & Research Ethics We will discuss professional issues around establishing appropriate boundaries during psychology practice. We will discuss the importance of maintaining confidentiality. We will discuss ethical issues related to conducting research. We will consider different types of research methodologies appropriate for your masters thesis. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Workshop |
Professional Ethics II and Proposal Preparation In this class, we will workshop ideas for your thesis. We consider the importance of record keeping. We will consider some of the more complex legal issues associated with professional practice. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Workshop |
Professional Practice in Specialized Populations In this workshop, we consider particular ethical issues, such as working with young people, working with First Nations populations or working with athletes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L08 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Workshop |
Professional Ethics III & Presentations I We will consider ethical issues associated with bullying and harassment in the workplace. We will consider issues associated with both making and receiving a complaint. The second part of the workshop will involve students presenting their research proposal to the class. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Workshop |
Professional Ethics IV & Presentations II In this workshop, we will discuss ethical issues associated with self-care. Depending on time and class interest, we may cover and additional current ethical issue. We will review the main issues and themes from the course. We will spend some time preparing for the competency. The second part of the workshop will involve students presenting their research proposal to the class. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
- Fitness to Practise
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: