Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

School: Psychology and Social Science

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

  Advanced Developmental and Professional Issues in Psychology

• Unit Code

  PSY5188

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This unit critically evaluates advanced lifespan developmental psychology as a framework for understanding the systemic and developmental factors that inform the ethical practice of psychology in different professional contexts. Students will further their knowledge of advanced developmental psychology through an intensive residential school.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply knowledge pertaining to ethical conduct to working with clients in different professional contexts.
2. Appraise the Australian Psychological Society's Code of Ethics as it applies to the profession of psychology.
3. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate and communicate controversial research issues, through the examination and group presentation of original research in contemporary developmental and systems psychology.
4. Develop a critical understanding of the historical, theoretical and legal foundations that under lie the professional rules that govern the psychologist-client relationship.
5. Evaluate the advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge in developmental psychology, and how this knowledge is applied to issues in working with clients across the lifespan.
6. Evaluate the contribution of advanced developmental, social, cultural and abnormal psychology theory and evidence in understanding legal and ethical decision-making concerning individuals in different professional and legal contexts.

Unit Content

1. How Lifespan Developmental Psychology theory and research on different life stages and transitions, including specific issues in working with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, families and different cultural groups informs issues in professional practice.
2. Legal and professional rules that govern psychological practice, with particular reference to The Australian Psychological Societys Code of Ethics.
3. Professional and personal development of the practitioner.
4. Psychological theory and empirical bases informing contemporary systemic approaches to lifespan development and their impact upon professional psychology.
5. The application of advanced psychological research, methods, and expertise to issues in the law relating to individuals and families across the lifespan, including civil and criminal competencies, abuse, child custody, and guardianship.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Online delivery supported by discussion groups, study modules and prescribed texts with an on-campus residential school (Joondalup campus).

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.

Text References

• Australian Psychological Society (2003). Code of ethics.
• Keith-Spiegal, P., & Koocher, G. P. (1998). Ethics in psychology: Professional standards and cases. New York: Random House
• Fulero, S., & Wrightsman, L. (2008). Forensic psychology (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth

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