Ethics and Professional Issues

Subject 512-907 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 6.25
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1.5 hours of lectures/seminars per week for 12 weeks. Estimated Total Time Commitment: 54 hours
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:
  • PSYC00029 Graduate Research Methods
  • PSYC00030 Psychological Assessment across the Lifespan
  • PSYC00031 Introduction to Psychopathology
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Nola Rushford

Contact

Dr Nola Rushford
Subject Overview:

This component is organised around three major areas: theoretical foundations of ethics; ethical problems and the application of ethical principles to practice, and legal and institutional regulations; and codes of practice and guidelines. The exploration, clarification and possible resolution of selected ethical dilemmas commonly faced by psychologists will be covered and may include:

  • psychologist/client relationships (for example, confidentiality, boundary violations, assessment of dangerousness, patient and client rights, professional responsibility, special groups, such as children, employer-psychologist ethical differences);
  • psychologist/institutional relationships (eg. state regulation of professional practice, legal requirements, certification, mandatory reporting, unprofessional conduct);
  • research ethics, and personal ethical development.
Objectives: Students will be given the opportunity to become familiar with the ethical codes and guidelines of the APs and the Victorian Psychologists Registration Board and the operation of their regulating bodes; explore in depth, within the context of ethical practice, professional issues related to working with clients or patients, other professionals, employers and employees and institutions and organisations; become familiar with current ethical theories as they relate to professional practice and proficient in analysis of ehtical issues and problems that psychologists are likely to encounter in their professional practice; and develop a personal conceputal framework for approaching ehtical and professional issues.
Assessment:

Scheduled seminar presentations including case studies on ethics (20%)

Ethical Issue Report of 500 words to be submitted after presentation of seminar case study (10%)

1000 word end-of-semester essay (70%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students will gain:

  1. Understanding of the conceptual and cultural foundations of the study of ethics;
  2. Experience and skill in exploring, clarifying and resolving selected ethical dilemmas and problems commonly faced by people in everyday life;
  3. Improved written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
Related Course(s): Master of Psychology (Clinical Child)
Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology)
Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Master of Psychology(Clinical Neuropsychology)/Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Psychology(Clinical Psychology)/Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Psychology/PhD (Clinical Child)

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