PHARM 7018EX - Treatment of Addiction: Psychosocial Interventions
External - Trimester 1 - 2015
This course/module is designed to explore the scientific basis and treatment of substance misuse from a psychological perspective germane to the management of drug, alcohol and nicotine dependence. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate the principles of different theoretical approaches underlying psychological assessment and evidence-based practice.
During this course/module students will develop a critical awareness of the current literature related to psychological theories of addiction. Students will examine the use and comparative efficacy of different psychological therapies in clinical practice including brief interventions, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Motivational Interviewing /MET. Other interventions (case management, group work, self-help, integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders etc) will also be examined alongside the evidence base for Relapse Prevention, Contingency Management and Therapeutic Communities. Students will also have the opportunity to explore psychological approaches used with specialist populations such as young people and adolescents.
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code PHARM 7018EX Course Treatment of Addiction: Psychosocial Interventions Coordinating Unit Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Term Trimester 1 Level Postgraduate Coursework Location/s External Units 4 Contact Online Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N Restrictions Available to M.SciAddictSt, GradCert & GradDip in International Addiction Studies students only Assessment Assignment, discussion board participation and exam Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Femke Buisman-Pijlman
This course is taught by from King's College London (UK).Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
This schedule is indicative of the timetable only.Schedule Week 1 Topic 1 Week 2 Topic 2 Week 3 Topic 3 Week 4 Topic 4 Week 5 Topic 5 Week 6 Topic 6 / Essay Week 7 Topic 7 Week 8 Topic 8 Week 9 Topic 9 / Essay Week 10 Conclusion and Revision Week Week 11 Exam Week -
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1 To explore the scientific basis for the assessment and treatment of substance misuse and dependence from a psychological perspective. 2 To examine the use and comparative efficacy of different psychological therapies in clinical practice, including different behavioural therapies. 3 To examine the philosophy of Therapeutic Communities. 4 To consider the evidence base for Relapse Prevention and Contingency Management. 5 Work in an interdisciplinary international group in an online environment 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) Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-4 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 4 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 5 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 5 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 2-4 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 4 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 2-5 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
The Master of Science in Addiction Studies Programme curriculum has been designed to be self-contained. You will be provided with the following study aids for each course/module:
- Lectures: Lectures are provided online. Lecture duration varies between 30 and 90 minutes. The lectures outline and exemplify core concepts necessary to grasp the topic. Your readings will expand on material presented in these lectures. Lecture handouts are provided online in PowerPoint pdf files that can be viewed, downloaded or printed out.
- Course Handbook/Syllabus: A course handbook/syllabus is available online for each course. These contain specific information about the course/module including course learning objectives, assessments and course timetable.
- Topic Outlines: Topic outlines are provided online for each study topic and include learning objectives, title of the concept lecture, list of readings and revision questions for each topic. The revision questions are provided at the end of each topic outline and are intended to help you revise the content of the topic. You do not need to provide your answers to us.
- Readings: A series of suggested readings are listed in the Topic Outline. Some of these are essential (i.e., their content may be assessed) and others are optional. Readings may be provided in the VCU library course reserve or online (in the form of pdf files or as links to relevant websites). Additional or further readings are not a compulsory component but are a useful addition to the core content. The online readings include both journal articles and book chapters chosen from a variety of sources, which may also represent a wide range of disciplines necessary for the examination of drug-related issues.
- Discussion Board: The Discussion Board is a useful tool for exchanging information and ideas and is an important part of your summative assessment. You will be expected to discuss study topics with other students, but you can also discuss problems you may encounter while studying. A set number of contributions is compulsory.
- Online Tests: The online tests are self-assessments designed to help you determine your progress. The tests are provided for most of the topics, and their completion may be compulsory in some courses/modules. However, the mark for the tests usually does not contribute to the overall mark for the course/module. You may be required to attempt each test at least once in order to be eligible to sit for the examination, but you are encouraged to take the tests as many times as you wish until you are satisfied with the result. In addition to the correct answers, brief individual feedback is provided for some of the tests. Please note that these tests are not included in the topic outline.
- Blackboard – Online Education Service: Blackboard provides online access to course study material (handbook, topic outlines, lectures, lecture notes, readings and assignments/tests), Programme Guidelines and Policies and related forms, announcements, grades (your own and class average), Discussion Board, student email and other online tools.
Online Learning
The International Programme in Addiction Studies is delivered entirely online; no campus attendance is required. The programme is available to students from all countries, however, online lectures, assignments and correspondence are in English only. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
STUDY MATERIAL
Each week new material is released that you will work through. Your first focus should be on the Topic outline as this describes what you need to master on a certain topic and what information is available to you. Each study topic is comprised of the following components:
- learning objectives
- revision questions
- concept lecture
- readings
- quiz to test your understanding (not graded)
- discussion forum
Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
The expected work load for the course is 20 hours a week. This will be spent on reviewing the video and reading material, doing the revision quizzes, engaging in discussion and preparing for the assessments.Learning Activities Summary
The following topics may be taught:
Topic 1: Introduction to Psychosocial Interventions - Dr Anna Williams; The Stages of Change - Dr Kim Wolff
Topic 2: Relapse Prevention - Dr Shamil Wanigaratne
Topic 3: Motivational Interviewing - Mr Clive Tobutt
Topic 4: Contingency Management - Prof Maxine Stitzer
Topic 5: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Dr Tim Meynen
Topic 6: Mindfulness - Dr Robert Hill
Topic 7: Family and Social Interventions - Prof Alex Coppelo
Topic 8: Therapeutic Communities Group - Dr Charalampos Poulopoulos
Topic 9: Self-help Groups - Mr Barney Straus
Conclusion and Revision Week - Dr Anna Williams
Exam Week - Dr Anna Williams -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Learning Outcome Online Tests Formative Weeks 1-9
Discussion Board participation Summative Weeks 1-4 & 6,7,9 20% Written Essay Assignment 1 Summative Week 6 25% Written Essay Assignment 2 Summative Week 9 25% Short Answer Exam Summative Week 11 30% Assessment Detail
FORMATIVE
Formative assessment in this module includes short tasks that are designed to help you increase your level of understanding of the module material. Please note that formative assessments are only meant to improve your learning and they do not contribute to your final grade in anyway.
SUMMATIVE
Discussion Board
In this module, as in most others within the IPAS Programme, there will be seven required discussion forums during the class. Although students will be responsible for reading and responding to discussion topics each week, the level of participation expected will vary for each student by week.
Essay Assignments
The two essay assignments combined are worth 50% of your overall grade for this module (each essay being equally worth 25%). Each essay should be 1,500 words in length; longer or shorter essays (+/- 10% than the word limit) will be marked down by 10%. They should demonstrate scholarly knowledge of the literature, but also personal and creative engagement with the ideas raised. The essay titles and instructions are available on VCU Blackboard for you to access from Week 1 for the first essay and from Week 6 for the second essay.
Short Answer Examination
This exam is designed to test your broad understanding of the topics covered in the module and is worth 30% of your overall grade for this module. You should prepare yourself by taking the time to listen to each topic presentation and by reading around the material. The exam will be available for you to access on Blackboard for a period of 24 hours to allow students based in different time zones to complete the exam on the day. It is essential that you check your local time zone to ensure you have given yourself sufficient time to complete the exam. Submissions will not be possible after the deadline and late submissions by other means will be treated as a fail.Submission
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
You will receive and submit your written assignments electronically via the Assignment section in Blackboard or via email if you are instructed to do so. In each course where written assignments are required, you will receive specific instructions as to the manner in which you will be expected to make assignment submissions.
EXAMINATION
Several courses use exams that can be either supervised written exams or computer-based open book exam. These exams will have a specific time at which they need to be completed. The duration and mode of the examination may vary by course/module at the discretion of the course/module director.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination 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.
Final results for this course will be made available through .
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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.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
As this course is part of a joint degree, the IPAS program handbook holds the most important information. Normal University regulations may not apply as another university will be your host university. -
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鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.
The 成人大片 is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 成人大片 therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
