*The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (see
Withdrawal dates explained for more information).
This unit contains two major components. The first provides an introduction to psychopharmacology and the underlying physiological systems that are involved in psychopathological disturbances. Students will also be introduced to pharmacological interventions currently used in Australia for particular disorder classes, their mechanisms of action, and the evidence base for their effectiveness. Additionally, the effects of these drugs on cognitive and behavioural function are examined where relevant to the practice of clinical psychology.
The second component aims to introduce students to the impact of psychoactive drugs on brain chemistry and behaviour, biopsychosocial models of development of dependence and addiction, and the strategies employed in assessment and the clinical treatment of people experiencing problems in relation to substance use. There will be a focus on the types of drugs most commonly used recreationally within Australia (alcohol, cannabis, methamphetamine, ecstasy and related drugs, heroin and prescription opioids and benzodiazepines) and the effects of such use on brain function at both the neurophysiological and cognitive levels. Students will also be introduced to clinical strategies for helping people overcome problems associated with substance use, such as motivational interviewing, problem solving skills, behavioural self-management, and relapse prevention training.
WEIGHT:
6.25%
ASSESSMENT: Seminar and clinical role-play participation (20%), internalassessments (20%),client or clinical information guides(60%)
TEACHING PATTERN: 2-hr seminar weekly (13 wks)
FLEXIBLE & ONLINE STUDY OPTIONS Note: Class attendance may still be required
Resource supported teaching & learning -
H
Additional resources are provided for your optional use; e.g. audio taped lectures
About Flexible Study Options
REQUISITE INFO
M.Excl
KHA752
TEXTS Information about any textbook requirements for Semester (Sem 2) will be available from mid April 2010
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Campus - H Hobart, L Launceston, W Burnie. Study Centre - V Sydney, R Rozelle. Distance units may also have a campus identifier of I Isolated, N Interstate, O Overseas. Units delivered in Transnational Education (TNE) Programs have a campus identifier of A Hangzhou, F Fuzhou, G Shanghai, J Indonesia, K KDU Malaysia, Q Kuwait or Z New Zealand.
Special approval is required for enrolment into TNE Program units - campuses A, F, G, J, K, Q and Z click here for more information.
Resource supported teaching & learning -
H
