Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Medical and Health Sciences

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Addiction Studies: Fundamental Concepts

• Unit Code

  ADS1151

• Year

  2018

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Ms Kristine Anne STAFFORD

Description

This unit provides an introduction to the area of alcohol and other psychoactive drug use, drug-related harm, and the most effective ways to reduce such harm. This unit focuses on the Interaction model and social-psychological perspectives to explain drug use. Concepts and skills relating to academic integrity, citation of references and English language written communication are also addressed in this unit.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply the Public Health Model to drug use and drug-related harm.
2. Demonstrate English language written communication skills in relation to drug-related issues.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and practical implications of harm minimisation, supply reduction, demand reduction and harm reduction.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the psycho-social model of dependency and addiction.
5. Discuss and demonstrate academic integrity skills.
6. Explain the primary factors influencing psychoactive drug use and subjective drug experiences.
7. Identify the factors that influence the development of beliefs, attitudes and behaviours concerned with psychoactive drug use.
8. Use theoretical models to classify problems associated with the use of psychoactive drugs.

Unit Content

1. Personal values and drug issues.
2. The Interaction model.
3. Categories and characteristics of psychoactive drugs.
4. Drug, individual, and environmental factors influencing the drug experience.
5. Discussion and analyses of Australian drug-use trends.
6. Classifying problems associated with psychoactive drug use.
7. Harm minimisation philosophy.
8. Demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction strategies.
9. Dependence and addiction.
10. Academic integrity and English language written communication.

Learning Experience

ON-CAMPUS

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

ONLINE

Students will engage in learning experiences through ECU Blackboard as well as additional ECU learning technologies.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, audio visual materials, brainstorming to generate ideas, case studies addressing cross cultural drug-use issues, small group activities and discussions to generate ideas and solve problems, academic skills tutorials and e-learning activities.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Gossop, M. (2013). Living with drugs. (7th ed.). Surrey, England: Ashgate Publishing.
• Gossop, M. (2013). Living with drugs. (7th ed.). Surrey, England: Ashgate Publishing.