PSYCHOL 7230 - Evidence-based Practice

North Terrace Campus - Summer - 2023

This course provides the student with the advanced research and professional skills required to practice within the scientist- practitioner model. On completion of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the ethical, professional and legal responsibilities of a practising psychologist. The student will have the ability to identify ethical issues and to locate, understand and apply the major supporting documentation (e.g. Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics). Additionally, the student will have the knowledge and skills to undertake applied research and evaluation in a range of settings.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PSYCHOL 7230
    Course Evidence-based Practice
    Coordinating Unit Psychology
    Term Summer
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact 3 hours per day for 12 days
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Restrictions Available to M Psych (Health) students only, or by permission of Head of School
    Assessment Written and online assessment
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Anna Chur-Hansen

    School of Psychology Office:
    Ph - +61 8313 5693
    Email - psychologyoffice@adelaide.edu.au
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.


    Details of the timetable are located in MyUni.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate application of skills to evaluate and undertake research in applied settings.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge of and aptitude for fulfilling statutory and other professional responsibilities.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of psychological case formulation approaches.
    4. Interrogate personal cultural positioning and the implications for competent service delivery.
    5. Draw connections between the impacts of history on contemporary Aboriginal health outcomes.
    6. Explore the diversity of Aboriginal identities in Australia.
    7. Become familiar with basic principles and protocols underpinning ethical cross-cultural practice.
    8. Develop a personal resource list of relevant policy and protocol documents.

    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2, 3

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    3

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    2

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    2, 4

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    4, 5, 6, 7

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    4, 5, 6, 7

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    1

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    2, 3, 4
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources
    The Library is a major resource centre for students. The Research Librarians for Psychology provide useful information through the Internet at http://libguides.adelaide.edu.au/psychology. The website contains a list of databases, links to tutorials and help with searching methods.

    Other resources will be provided as the course proceeds.

    Online Learning
    This course will use MyUni for one or more of the following:

    - Communication with students via Announcements and Discussion Board
    - Submission of assessments
    - Access to resources such as additional readings and the Yaitya Parunna module
    - Self-directed learning activities
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    Face-to-face interactive seminars.

    On-line seminar and exercises, including the Yaitya Purruna Indigenous Health module on MyUni.




    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Seminars: 12 x 3 hours - 36 hours
    Self-directed learning: 25 hours
    Independent reading: 84 hours
    Assignments: 11 hours
    Learning Activities Summary
    Session Topic Lecture
    1 Introduction: Evidence-Based Practice Evidence-based Practice
    2 Literature Searching in Evidence-Based Practice Evidence-based Practice
    3 Mixed Methods Research Evidence-based Practice
    4 Making Sense of the Numbers Evidence-based Practice
    5 Qualitative Research Evidence-based Practice
    6 Case Formulation Evidence-based Practice
    7 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Practice Online
    8 Integrating Practice and Ethics Evidence-based Practice
    9 Diversity and Indigenous Practice Evidence-based Practice
    10 Reflective Practice and Self-Care Evidence-based Practice
    11 Yaitya Parunna module Online


    This is a summer intensive course run over consecutive days.

    Disclaimer: Program may be subject to change.

    Specific Course Requirements
    On the initial enrolment into one of the Master’s programs, all students (unless already a Registered Psychologist) MUST apply for and obtain provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. All students are required to provide a copy of their registration details to the Program Administrator on their first day in the Program: this will be required for the Summer School courses Interviewing & Intervention and Evidence-Based Practice. The application form and details of fees payable are available from the PBA website: http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Forms.aspx.  

    Candidates are required to consent to a police check as part of their application to the Psychology Board of Australia for Provisional Registration, a requirement of enrolment in the program. A satisfactory current police check is a mandatory requirement for acceptance to and continuation within the program.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Assessment Type Weighting Learning outcome(s) being addressed
    Evidence-based Practice review exercise Summative, non-graded pass 70% 1 - 8
    Yaitya Purruna Module Summative, non-graded pass 30% 4 - 8
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Attendance at all seminars is mandatory to ensure students attain and can demonstrate the relevant required competencies. Should students fail to meet mandatory attendance requirements by being absent this may lead to a fail grade for the course. Exemptions to mandatory attendance requirements may be granted for up to 2 seminars by the Course Coordinator if there are exceptional medical,
    compassionate, or extenuating circumstances as defined by the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy. Students will be required to complete redemption exercises to the satisfaction of the Course Coordinator for any seminars missed.

    Students are required to pass all pieces of assessment in order to pass the course.
    Assessment Detail
    1. Satisfactory completion of the online module Yaitya Parunna Indigenous Health and Medical Sciences curriculum (30%). Non-graded pass.

    2. Evidence-based Practice Review Exercise (70%). Non-graded pass.
    Students will complete a reflective portfolio based on each of the sessions in the course, highlighting what they have learned and where knowledge gaps have been identified, for future learning and continuing professional development.

    Submission
    Usual supplementary examination opportunities apply. Assessments are forwarded to the course coordinator electronically via MyUni. The School of Psychology undertakes to adhere to the University’s Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy, Procedure 6a, which requires that assessments are returned within 4 weeks of the deadlines for submission.

    Extension of time for an assignment may be granted at the discretion of the Course Coordinator, to whom students should apply in writing (or email) before the due date and time.

    No requests for extensions will be considered if made after the due date and time.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    GS8 (Coursework Grade Scheme)
    Grade Description
    CN Continuing
    FNS Fail No Submission
    NFE No Formal Examination
    F Fail
    NGP Non Graded Pass
    P Pass
    C Credit
    D Distinction
    HD High Distinction
    RP Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    In order to achieve a Non-Graded Pass for a course in a professional program, students must demonstrate the following: (a) high level of understanding and competence in the assessment tasks; (b) thorough understanding of texts and materials; (c) sound knowledge of relevant principles and concepts; (d) well-reasoned argument based on evidence; (e) evidence of analytical and evaluative skills; (f) ability to apply fundamental concepts and skills; (g) good skills in expression and presentation, and accurate acknowledgement of sources.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.


    Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available through MyUni and through the Masters Advisory Committee.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.