Course Title: Specialist Practice 1

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Specialist Practice 1

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BESC1463

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

150H Health Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014

BESC1475

Bundoora Campus

Research

150H Health Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013

Course Coordinator: Dr Prasad Podugu

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7722

Course Coordinator Email: prasad.podugu@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 201.03.010


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

System Enforced Pre-requisites (Enforced by SAMS)

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. For further information go to: www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit/he

 


Course Description

Specialist Psychological Practice 1 is designed to build on your theoretical and practical knowledge and skills by extending and focusing training on specific ‘specialised’ areas of professional practice. This course focuses on the application of empirically validated interventions in the management of specific psychological problems in adults and the broader issues associated with chronic health conditions.  During this course you will focus on the following aspects of psychological practice:

  • Adult Clinical Intervention 2
  • Health Psychology


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Course Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course you should be able to:

  • identify the historical basis of the biomedical and biopsychosocial theoretical models of health care and identify the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
  • critically evaluate the empirical research literature relating to a variety of clinical interventions used in the treatment of adult psychological problems and identify major models of health protective behaviour as they relate  to clinical populations.
  • select appropriate psychological techniques for intervention in a variety of specific adult psychological problems and discuss sources of stress associated with acute and chronic illnesses.
  • evaluate, in the context of day to day clinical practice, the effectiveness of a variety of interventions used in the treatment of adult psychological problems
  • reflect on and synthesise practical experiences gained in health care agencies with the psychological theory pertinent to illness behaviour.
  • appraise behaviour patterns in patients experiencing illness and hospitalisation and identify appropriate interventions.


Program Learning Outcomes
This course contributes to the development of the Program Learning Outcomes:

  • PLO 1:  demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the theories, models and scientific underpinning of professional psychological practice and its application across behavioural and organisational systems.
  • PLO2: develop a comprehensive and critical understanding  of the legislative frameworks and ethical codes and guidelines that guide professional psychological practice at a personal and professional level.
  • PLO 3: design, analyse, synthesise and communicate information from a wide variety of psychological assessments and techniques appropriate to the developmental stage, cognitive level and cultural background of the client, and appropriate to the purpose of the assessment.


Overview of Learning Activities

Your learning activities include a mixture of lectures/ seminars, tutorials and skill development activities. Lectures will build on your knowledge gained in your program and will provide a solid theoretical and practice driven basis to help you to achieve professional practice
Tutorials are used to explore your critical analysis and clinical thinking.
The skill development activities will support your entry into Professional Psychological practice.
You will be expected to read widely the academic literature related to your areas of study.


Overview of Learning Resources

The learning resources associated with this course will include targeted readings taken from a range of both primary and secondary sources. Material chosen may be digitally available to you. Lecture material may utilise a variety of available technologies including Discussion Board interaction and Blackboard Collaborate workshops. Skill development activities will be provided in a variety of ways, including simulated learning activities. RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.


Overview of Assessment

The assessment associated with this course will comprise a formative and summative assessment and incorporate a variety of assessment modes. Your diagnostic and formative assessments will take the form of tests, assignments and practice based exercises. Your summative assessment may include formal examinations and practical evaluations.
Assessments may also include use of online technology and are designed to require students to demonstrate a critical analysis of the core principles presented in the course.
For information on grades used in RMIT courses see: www.rmit.edu.au/students/grading/highered
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
This course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced, at: www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment