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Course Outline

PSY403 Ethical and Professional Issues In Psychology

Course Coordinator:Mathew Summers (msummers@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Psychology

2025Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course focuses directly on ethical and professional issues that arise in the professional practice of psychology. The style is dialectical, requiring discernment of the ethical issues, argument about the issues, and knowledge of how to approach new issues in order to engage in ethical best practice.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus tutorial/workshop - 3 hours 3hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

Course content encompasses professional practice and ethics associated with contextual decision-making, informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, managing subpoenas, professional competence, multiple relationships, record keeping and assessments, treatments and endings, relationships and advertising, working in rural and remote settings, reflective practice and registration requirements. 

What level is this course?

400 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
1 Demonstrate knowledge of the APS Code of Ethics and associated Guidelines regarding the practice of psychology. Knowledgeable
Ethical 
2.2, 2.3
2 Demonstrate knowledge of the major ethical issues confronting psychologists in professional practice. Knowledgeable
Ethical 
2.2, 2.3
3 Apply that knowledge to analyse and formulate responses in hypothetical practice situations. Creative and critical thinker
Ethical 
2.2, 2.3
4 Apply ethical decision making approaches to the formulation and analysis of ethical dilemmas across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways. Creative and critical thinker
Ethical 
2.2, 2.3

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
2.2 Taking into account broad diversity, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically demonstrate appropriate interpersonal communication and interview skills in situations appropriate to psychological practice and research. This includes active listening, clarifying and reflecting, effective questioning, developing rapport, appropriate cultural responsiveness and empathic responding.
2.3 Taking into account broad diversity, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically demonstrate basic assessment strategies in situations appropriate to psychological practice and knowledge of psychometric theory and principles of the construction, cultural considerations, implementation and interpretation of some of the more widely used standardised psychological test instruments.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

SC407 or AR403 or (AR405 and PSY300, PSY301, PSY302, PSY303, PSY304, PSY305, PSY306 AND PSY307).

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Early formative feedback will be incorporated into class activities.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 30% 
10 minutes per week, over 10 weeks.
 Refer to Format Online Test (Quiz)
All 2 Report Individual 50% 
Refer to format
 Refer to Format Online Submission
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 20% 
60 minutes
 Exam Period Online Test (Quiz)
All - Assessment Task 1:Quiz/zes
Goal: 
You will complete weekly online quizzes via Canvas to facilitate the integration of theory and practice taught throughout the program regarding knowledge of the APS Code of Ethics, the APS Ethical Guidelines, ethical issues in professional psychology practice, and ethical decision-making.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format: 
Weekly online quizzes comprised of multiple-choice questions. The questions will be based on material covered during the learning materials (Weeks 3-13) and from the prescribed textbooks. Each quiz will be 10 minutes in duration; you are permitted to refer to the APS Code of Ethics and APS Ethical Guidelines as required.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Responses to the quiz questions will be marked on accuracy of responses.
 1 2
Generic Skills: 
Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Report: Professional ethics
Goal: 
With reference to a specific circumstance (details to be given on Canvas), you will critically discuss those circumstances to which the APS Code of Ethics is referring to from the point of view of: 

(a) psychologist responsibilities 

(b) tools that psychologists have at their disposal to assistant in this context

(c) ethical guidelines that have been developed to assist psychologists to act in accordance with the APS Code 

(d) relevant research and professional writing in psychology relevant to the context. 

You will also be integrating reflective practice into your response.
Product: Report
Format: 
Written report to be submitted via Canvas. 

This assessment task will be due between weeks 6-9 of the teaching semester. The final date of submission for this task will be determined once public holidays and the course timetable have been published prior to the commencement of semester. Please refer to your course Canvas site at the commencement of the teaching semester to confirm the due date for this assessment task.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Thorough review of the major ethical, professional and legal issue(s) relevant to case
 1 2
2 
Use of relevant and appropriate resources (e.g., professional guidelines, research papers etc.)
 2 3
3 
Ethical decision-making model appropriately and effectively applied throughout
 1 3 4
4 
Inclusion of relevant self-reflection
 2 3
5 
Quality of presentation, including the use of APA style
Generic Skills: 

                        

                    

                

                

                    

                        

                            
                                All - Assessment Task 3:Quiz
                            
                        

                        

                            Goal:
                            
You will complete the quiz via Canvas to demonstrate your knowledge of the APS Code of Ethics, the APS guidelines and the various common ethical issues faced by psychologists. In the quiz you will also demonstrate your ability to engage in ethical decision making.

                        

                        

                            Product:
                            Examination - Centrally Scheduled
                        

                        

                            Format:
                            
You will provide a response to questions covering the content from Weeks 1 - 13. You are encouraged to refer to the APS Code of Ethics and the APS ethical guidelines as required.

                        

                        

                            Criteria:
                            
                                

                                    
                                        

                                            No.
                                            
                                            Learning Outcome assessed
                                        

                                    
                                    
                                            

                                                1
                                                
Response to the quiz questions will be marked on accuracy of responses.

                                                
                                                        1
                                                        2
                                                        3
                                                        4
                                                
                                            

                                    
                                

                            		
                        

                        

                            Generic Skills:
                            

                        

                    

                

        

    

    

        

            

                
Directed study hours

                
A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

            

        

    


    

        

            

                
What resources do I need to undertake this course?

                

                    Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.
                

            


            

                
Prescribed text(s) or course reader

                    

                        Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed  below. Resources may be required or recommended.
                    

                    

                        
                            

                                Required?
                                Author
                                Year
                                Title
                                Edition
                                Publisher
                            

                        
                        
                                

                                    Required
                                    Alfred Allan,Anthony Love
                                    2010
                                    Ethical Practice in Psychology
                                    n/a
                                    Wiley
                                

                        
                    

            

        


        

            

                
Specific requirements

                    
Information regarding prescribed texts or other associated resources will be made available on the Canvas site prior to commencement of study.

            

        

    


    

        

            
How are risks managed in this course?

            
Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

        

    


    

        

            

                
What administrative information is relevant to this course?


                
Assessment: Academic Integrity

                

                    Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.
                

            

            

                

                    Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.
                

            

            

                

                    In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.
                

            

        


        

            

                
Assessment: Additional Requirements

                
Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You must contact your Course Coordinator and follow the relevant procedure on Canvas to provide the required documentation if you require an extension or alternative assessment.

            

        


        

            

                
Assessment: Submission penalties

                
Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.
The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

            

        


        

            

                
SafeUniSC

                

                    UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app.  For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.
                

            

            

                

                    The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma.  To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.
                

            

        


        

            

                
Study help

                

                    For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.
                

                

                    If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.
                

            

        


        

            

                
Wellbeing Services

                

                    Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.
                

                

                    To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.
                

            

        


        

            

                
AccessAbility Services

                

                    Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.
                

                

                    To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.
                

            

        


        

            

                
Links to relevant University policy and procedures

                

                    For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:
                    
    
                        
  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
    • 
                        
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
    • 
                        
  • Supplementary Assessment
    • 
                        
  • Central Examinations
    • 
                        
  • Deferred Examinations
    • 
                        
  • Student Conduct
    • 
                        
  • Students with a Disability
    • 
                    

                

                

                    For more information, visit
                    https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching
                

                

            

        


        

            

                
Student Charter

                

                    UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful.  The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.
                

            

        


        

            

                
General Enquiries

                
    
                    
  • 
                        In person:
                        
      
                            
    • 
                                UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
                            
      • 
                            
    • 
                                UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
                            
      • 
                            
    • 
                                UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
                            
      • 
                            
    • 
                                UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
                            
      • 
                            
    • 
                                UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
                            
      • 
                            
    • 
                                UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
                            
      • 
                        
    
                    
    • 
                    
  • 
                        Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
                    
    • 
                    
  • 
                        Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
                    
    • 
                

            

        

    







    

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