Download PDF

Course Outline

PSY706 Practicum Placement 2

Course Coordinator:Mathew Summers (msummers@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health and Behavioural Sciences

2022Semester 2

Thompson Institute

 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

The USC postgraduate psychology programs are committed to maintaining the primacy of public safety in the delivery of the program within the education and placement environments. This course involves students enrolled in the Master of Psychology (Clinical) program undertaking their second practicum placement, working under supervision in the Psychology Clinic at the University for at least 250 hours. Core components of clinical and professional practice include interns undertaking professional, clinical and administrative duties related to the provision of psychological care of clients of the Psychology Clinic, USC.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus tutorial/workshop - 2 hours 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Placement – Minimum 250 placement hours 250hrs Week 1 Once Only

Course Topics

Course topics (not necessarily in this order) will include: 

  1. crises and risk
  2. functional analysis
  3. sleep problems
  4. substance use problems
  5. problem-solving therapy
  6. consumer-centred mental health services
  7. clinical presentations

What level is this course?

700 Level (Specialised)

Demonstrating a specialised body of knowledge and set of skills for professional practice or further learning. Advanced application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

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 Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills and competencies required to work as a clinical psychologist Knowledgeable
Engaged
2 Demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills and competencies in the design and implementation of clinical psychological interventions Engaged
3 Demonstrate competency and strong knowledge and skills in dealing professionally with clients and with other professionals Engaged
4 Demonstrate competency to communicate knowledge and skills effectively in writing and through oral presentation Empowered
5 Demonstrate strong knowledge of ethical, legal and professional aspects of psychological practice and understanding of using the APS Code of Ethics and its accompanying Guidelines, and other relevant sources, to resolve ethical questions Ethical
6 Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the legal requirements and code of conduct relevant to clinical psychologists. Ethical

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

PSY703 and enrolled in Program AR703

Co-requisites

PSY700

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Knowledge of conducting and evaluating counselling and clinical interviewing, case conceptualisation and formulation, psychometric and clinical assessment, therapeutic interventions, appropriate written and verbal communication, professional, ethical and legal knowledge as they relate to clinical psychology

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Limited Grading (PNP)

Pass (PU), Fail (UF). All assessment tasks are required to be passed for successful completion of the course.

Details of early feedback on progress

Early assessment of your progress in the course will primarily be provided by your supervisor(s), who will closely monitor your casework throughout the course of your practicum

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Placement performance Individual 
250 hours
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) To Supervisor
All 2 Oral Individual 
15 minutes
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) In Class
All - Assessment Task 1:Placement Performance Supervised casework
Goal: 
This task helps you gain knowledge and skills assessing, diagnosing and treating clinical psychological problems.
Product: Placement performance
Format: 
The minimum 250 hours for this course consists of face-to-face client contact, clinical supervision and other clinical activities.

Clinical work involves assessing and treating psychological problems for the USC Psychology Clinic clients. 

Before beginning supervised clinical work, you and your clinical supervisor will complete and sign a supervision contract stating the objectives for the placement, including the range of activities to be covered and the skill base to be developed. This will be signed and approved by the course coordinator. You will also complete a mid-practicum review and an end of practicum review with your supervisor.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and competency in a range of clinical/professional activities (including: assessment, case formulation, treatment planning with ongoing monitoring and revision of formulation and treatment where necessary
 1 2
2 
(cont) implementation of individual/group interventions for adults and/or children, and clinical case reviews and justification of the link between diagnosis, formulation and the chosen intervention).
 1 2
3 
Ability to use advanced counselling and clinical interviewing skills effectively to develop a therapeutic alliance with clients, including collaborative goal setting and treatment planning
 1 2 3
4 
A high level of oral communication and interpersonal skills for effective communication with clients, other psychologists and other professionals
 4 5 6
5 
ability to work as an active member of the clinical team and engaging in constructive working relationships in the Psychology Clinic
 4 5 6
6 
Regular attendance at and participation in supervision sessions with clinical supervisor/s
 1 2 3 4 5 6
7 
Ability to competently undertake mental status examinations
 1 2 3
8 
Ability to make accurate DSM-5 and ICD-10 diagnoses
 1 2 3 4
9 
Ability to research empirical literature to develop plans for interventions and draw on published studies and theories/models relevant to the clinical problem and intervention
 1 2 3 4 5
All - Assessment Task 2:Clinical Presentation
Goal: 
To develop skills organising and presenting clinical information to peers.
Product: Oral
Format: 
Clinical presentations will be scheduled during workshops.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Quality of background research and rationale for clinical presentation
 1 2 3
2 
Demonstration of knowledge and skills of clinical practice.
 1 2 3
3 
Consideration of ethical issues.
 1 2 3
4 
Clarity of presentation
 1

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

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

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

Limited Graded Course:

This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per clause 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Institutional Operating Policy of the USC.

In a course eligible to use Limited Grades, all assessment items in that course are marked on a Pass/Fail basis and all assessment tasks are required to be passed for a student to successfully complete the course. Supplementary assessment is not available in courses using Limited Grades.

Assessment: Submission penalties

You must contact your Course Coordinator and provide the required documentation if you require an extension or alternate assessment.

SafeUSC

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 SafeUSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUSC 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
  • Administration of Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Academic Misconduct
  • 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
Download PDF