Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Nursing, Midwifery & Social Wk
Introduces students to various elements of social work: purpose, values, ethics, knowledge and theory for practice and provides opportunity for students to develop analytical skills for outcome directed and critical reflective practice. The Bachelor of Social Work program is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The AASW Accreditation Standards (2020) stipulate that accredited social work programs are required to include content that addresses the five core curriculum areas listed below. SWSP1033 contains content in curriculum areas 1, 2, 3 and 5. 1. Constructions of social work purpose, place, and practice 2. Power, oppression, and exploitation 3. The history and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 4. Culture, identity, and discrimination 5. Psychosocial health and wellbeing across the lifecycle
SWSP1033 Introduction to Social Work is designed to give you a broad understanding of the basic elements of social work practice.
The knowledge you gain in this course will be relevant in all your subjects through the social work program.
Our aim is to show you how the profession's values, theories, skills and methods all fit together to contribute to making our society fairer and to improving the quality of all people's lives.
Course requirements
Assumed background
No knowledge of social work is assumed. Some understanding of the Australian political system will be helpful but it’s not essential.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Mx Mallory Mao
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
There are three weekly components to SWSP1033.
- Weekly content modules are released each Friday prior to the teaching week at 9:00 am. For example, teaching week 2 starts Monday, 3 March. The content module is released on the course Blackboard site at 9:00 am on Friday, 28 February. These include a range of recorded mini-lectures and exercises linked to the weekly readings. You can work through the modules at whatever time suits you, but try to do it before your tutorial.
- Weekly tutorials are held starting Week 2. Make sure you enrol in a tutorial group and do your best to come along each week. These classes are where you will develop insights into the course content and where you will be able to engage with the course staff and your student colleagues. The tutorials are not recorded. You will get the most out of them if you have done the module reading in advance - we will be assuming you have done that preparation.
- Online drop-in sessions are hosted by John, the Course Coordinator, every Monday from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. As well as addressing any questions about any aspect of the course you might have, these are another opportunity to link up with each other. Everyone is welcome. These sessions are held over Zoom, and the link is HERE .
Aims and outcomes
The aim of SWSP1033 is to explore the nature, goals and methods of social work in contemporary Australia by introducing the themes and topics you will study in greater detail throughout the degree program.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
demonstrate an understanding of the purposes and methods of social work and the ways in which the profession differs from other human services such as psychology or counselling.
LO2.
demonstrate a broad understanding of the values, ethics and standards of practice of the profession and link these to practice.
LO3.
demonstrate a beginning understanding of major social work theories and their practical application.
LO4.
demonstrate an understanding of key social work skills including communication, assessment, intervention and evaluation processes.
LO5.
demonstrate an understanding of the significance of research to social work practice.
LO6.
demonstrate an understanding of the practical base of social work as it is undertaken by government and non-government agencies.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection | Why are you here? Reflective essay | 15% |
21/03/2025 1:00 pm |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Performance, Presentation |
Social work fields and skills: Thematic analysis
|
40% |
2/05/2025 |
| Examination |
End of semester exam
|
45% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Why are you here? Reflective essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
21/03/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
A 750-word reflective essay on students' personal journey to studying this course.
It is essential that students read the full details about this task, including information on AI use, available on the course Blackboard site.
Submission guidelines
All courses require students to submit an electronic version of their assignment via TURNITIN. Please check the companion website assessment area for specific instructions on this process. A link will be made available in the assessment area of your Blackboard course to allow you to submit your assignment electronically. The anti plagiarism software TURNITIN is being used at UQ. The electronic version of your assignment will be submitted via Blackboard, using the TURNITIN software. Work submitted may be subjected to a plagiarism detection process. If this process is used then copies of this work would be retained and used as source material for conducting future plagiarism checks. Please refer to ITS help if you experience difficulties in submitting your assignments in Blackboard or using TURNITIN as instructed on the companion website.
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.
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.
Social work fields and skills: Thematic analysis
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Performance, Presentation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
2/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
A group assignment, producing a 25-minute video recording on social work skills.
It is essential that students read the full details about this task, including information on AI use, available on the course Blackboard site.
Submission guidelines
All courses require students to submit an electronic version of their assignment via TURNITIN. Please check the companion website assessment area for specific instructions on this process. A link will be made available in the assessment area of your Blackboard course to allow you to submit your assignment electronically. The anti plagiarism software TURNITIN is being used at UQ. The electronic version of your assignment will be submitted via Blackboard, using the TURNITIN software. Work submitted may be subjected to a plagiarism detection process. If this process is used then copies of this work would be retained and used as source material for conducting future plagiarism checks. Please refer to ITS help if you experience difficulties in submitting your assignments in Blackboard or using TURNITIN as instructed on the companion website.
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.
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.
End of semester exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
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.
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 | Unmarked English language dictionary |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
This test is closed book, meaning that students can only bring 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 (see below).
Students who arrive late for the test will not receive extra time to complete the test.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
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: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46. |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49.9 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideasﾠ with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to theﾠ conventions of the discipline. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. |
| 5 (Credit) | 64.5 - 74.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 74.5 - 84.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 84.5 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications. |
Additional course grading information
Students must submit all pieces of assessment in order to be eligible to pass this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and/or MT (Machine Translation)
Full details about the use of AI and MT for assessment tasks in this course are available on the course Blackboard site. It is essential that students familiarise themselves with those requirements.
- In order to pass SWSP1033 you must submit all assessable work.
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.
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 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 1 online module: What is social work?, Pt. 1 Work through the online content for this week. Choose a time that suits you, but aim to complete it before your tutorial. Remember: modules are released on Blackboard at 9:00 am on the Friday before the week starts. Sub-activity: Reading for this week: McAuliffe, D., Boddy, J., & Chenoweth, L. (2024). The road to social work and human service practice (7th ed.). Cengage Learning Australia. Chap. 1. Available electronically from UQ Library: https://search.library.uq.edu.au/permalink/f/18av8c1/61UQ_ALMA21320396260003131 Learning outcomes: L01 |
Not Timetabled |
No tutorials Week 1 . Tutorials start Week 2. Make sure you have registered for a group. |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 2 online module: What is social work?, Pt. 2 Work through the online content for this week. Choose a time that suits you, but aim to complete it before your tutorial. Remember: modules are released on Blackboard at 9:00 am on the Friday before the week starts. Sub-activity: Reading for this week: McAuliffe, D., Boddy, J., & Chenoweth, L. (2024). The road to social work and human service practice (7th ed.). Cengage Learning Australia. Chap. 2. Available electronically from UQ Library: https://search.library.uq.edu.au/permalink/f/18av8c1/61UQ_ALMA21320396260003131 Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1 Tutorials are where the online module learning is developed and targeted towards your assignments. We'll be assuming you have done the modules before the class. To get the most out of the tutorials, participate. Come and meet your colleagues. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 3 online module: Fields of practice Work through the online content for this week. Choose a time that suits you, but aim to complete it before your tutorial. Remember: modules are released on Blackboard at 9:00 am on the Friday before the week starts. Sub-activity: Reading for this week: McAuliffe, D., Boddy, J., & Chenoweth, L. (2024). The road to social work and human service practice (7th ed.). Cengage Learning Australia. Chap. 6. Available electronically from UQ Library: https://search.library.uq.edu.au/permalink/f/18av8c1/61UQ_ALMA21320396260003131 Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2 Tutorials are where the online module learning is developed and targeted towards your assignments. We'll be assuming you have done the modules before the class. To get the most out of the tutorials, participate. Come and meet your colleagues. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 4 online module: Social work knowledge Work through the online content for this week. Choose a time that suits you, but aim to complete it before your tutorial. Remember: modules are released on Blackboard at 9:00 am on the Friday before the week starts. Sub-activity: Reading for this week: McAuliffe, D., Boddy, J., & Chenoweth, L. (2024). The road to social work and human service practice (7th ed.). Cengage Learning Australia. Chap. 5. Available electronically from UQ Library: https://search.library.uq.edu.au/permalink/f/18av8c1/61UQ_ALMA21320396260003131 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3 Tutorials are where the online module learning is developed and targeted towards your assignments. We'll be assuming you have done the modules before the class. To get the most out of the tutorials, participate. Come and meet your colleagues. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 5 online module: Relationship-based practice Work through the online content for this week. Choose a time that suits you, but aim to complete it before your tutorial. Remember: modules are released on Blackboard at 9:00 am on the Friday before the week starts. Sub-activity: Reading for this week: Healy, K. (2022). Social work theories in context: Creating frameworks for practice (3rd ed.). Bloomsbury Publishing. Chap. 8. Available electronically from UQ Library: https://search.library.uq.edu.au/permalink/f/12kerkf/61UQ_ALMA51302765580003131 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4 Tutorials are where the online module learning is developed and targeted towards your assignments. We'll be assuming you have done the modules before the class. To get the most out of the tutorials, participate. Come and meet your colleagues. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 6 online module: Systems Work through the online content for this week. Choose a time that suits you, but aim to complete it before your tutorial. Remember: modules are released on Blackboard at 9:00 am on the Friday before the week starts. Sub-activity: Reading for this week: Harms, L. (2021). Understanding human development (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. Chap. 1. Available electronically from UQ Library: https://search.library.uq.edu.au/permalink/f/18av8c1/61UQ_ALMA51300541800003131 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 5 Tutorials are where the online module learning is developed and targeted towards your assignments. We'll be assuming you have done the modules before the class. To get the most out of the tutorials, participate. Come and meet your colleagues. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 7 online module: Communication principles Work through the online content for this week. Choose a time that suits you, but aim to complete it before your tutorial. Remember: modules are released on Blackboard at 9:00 am on the Friday before the week starts. Sub-activity: Reading for this week: Healy, K. (2017). The skilled communicator in social work: The art and science of communication in practice. Palgrave. Chap. 3. Available electronically from UQ Library: https://search.library.uq.edu.au/permalink/f/tbms52/TN_cdi_askewsholts_vlebooks_9781137563477 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6 Tutorials are where the online module learning is developed and targeted towards your assignments. We'll be assuming you have done the modules before the class. To get the most out of the tutorials, participate. Come and meet your colleagues. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 8 online module: Assessment and helping Work through the online content for this week. Choose a time that suits you, but aim to complete it before your tutorial. Remember: modules are released on Blackboard at 9:00 am on the Friday before the week starts. Sub-activity: Reading for this week: McAuliffe, D., Boddy, J., & Chenoweth, L. (2024). The road to social work and human service practice (7th ed.). Cengage Learning Australia. Chap. 8. Available electronically from UQ Library: https://search.library.uq.edu.au/permalink/f/18av8c1/61UQ_ALMA21320396260003131 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 7 Tutorials are where the on-line module learning is developed and targeted towards your assignments. We'll be assuming you have done the modules before the class. To get the most out of the tutorials, participate. Come and meet your colleagues. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 9 online module: Power, structures, discourses, Pt. 1 Work through the online content for this week. Choose a time that suits you, but aim to complete it before your tutorial. Remember: modules are released on Blackboard at 9:00 am on the Friday before the week starts. Sub-activity: Reading for this week: Healy, K. (2022). Social work theories in context: Creating frameworks for practice (3rd ed.). Bloomsbury Publishing. Chap. 9. Available electronically from UQ Library: https://search.library.uq.edu.au/permalink/f/12kerkf/61UQ_ALMA51302765580003131 Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 8 Tutorials are where the online module learning is developed and targeted towards your assignments. We'll be assuming you have done the modules before the class. To get the most out of the tutorials, participate. Come and meet your colleagues. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 10 online module: Power, structures, discourses, Pt. 2 Work through the online content for this week. Choose a time that suits you, but aim to complete it before your tutorial. Remember: modules are released on Blackboard at 9:00am on the Friday before the week starts. Sub-activity: Reading for this week: Healy, K. (2022). Social work theories in context: Creating frameworks for practice (3rd ed.). Bloomsbury Publishing. Chap. 10. Available electronically from UQ Library: https://search.library.uq.edu.au/permalink/f/12kerkf/61UQ_ALMA51302765580003131 Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 9 Tutorials are where the online module learning is developed and targeted towards your assignments. We'll be assuming you have done the modules before the class. To get the most out of the tutorials, participate. Come and meet your colleagues. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 11 online module: Anti-oppressive Practice Work through the online content for this week. Choose a time that suits you, but aim to complete it before your tutorial. Remember: modules are released on Blackboard at 9:00 am on the Friday before the week starts. Sub-activity: Reading for this week: McAuliffe, D., Boddy, J., & Chenoweth, L. (2024). The road to social work and human service practice (7th ed.). Cengage Learning Australia. Chap. 9. Available electronically from UQ Library: https://search.library.uq.edu.au/permalink/f/18av8c1/61UQ_ALMA21320396260003131 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 10 Tutorials are where the online module learning is developed and targeted towards your assignments. We'll be assuming you have done the modules before the class. To get the most out of the tutorials, participate. Come and meet your colleagues. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 12 online module: Social Work Ethics Work through the online content for this week. Choose a time that suits you, but aim to complete it before your tutorial. Remember: modules are released on Blackboard at 9:00 am on the Friday before the week starts. Sub-activity: Reading for this week: McAuliffe, D., Boddy, J., & Chenoweth, L. (2024). The road to social work and human service practice (7th ed.). Cengage Learning Australia. Chap. 3. Available electronically from UQ Library: https://search.library.uq.edu.au/permalink/f/18av8c1/61UQ_ALMA21320396260003131 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 11 Tutorials are where the online module learning is developed and targeted towards your assignments. We'll be assuming you have done the modules before the class. To get the most out of the tutorials, participate. Come and meet your colleagues. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 13: Drop-in session Instead of modules this week, John's online drop-in session will last an extra hour: 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Be there or be square. |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 12 Tutorials are where the online module learning is developed and targeted towards your assignments. We'll be assuming you have done the modules before the class. To get the most out of the tutorials, participate. Come and meet your colleagues. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
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.