PSY4504

Ethics and professional issues ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr D. Vella-Brodrick and Mr G Walker

Offered:
Singapore First semester 2005 (OCL)
Caulfield Second semester 2005 (Evening)
Caulfield Second semester 2005 (OCL)
Singapore Second semester 2005 (OCL)

Synopsis: By completing this unit students should be able to understand the purpose of legislation relating to the practice of psychology and how to comply with such legislation, appreciate the role of ethics in maintaining the integrity and cohesiveness of the profession, become familiar with the ethical principles to be adhered to in psychological practice, understand the psychologist's responsibilities in relation to clients, develop an appreciation of appropriate professional behaviour in a number of potentially complex situations and develop decision making strategies to assist in the maintenance of ethical conduct.

Objectives: On completion of this unit students should be able to: 1. Understand the purpose of legislation relating to the practice of psychology and how to comply with such legislation, appreciate the role of ethics in maintaining the integrity and cohesiveness of the profession; 2. Become familiar with the ethical principles to be adhered to in psychological practice; 3. Understand the psychologist's responsibilities in relation to clients; 4. Develop an appreciation of appropriate professional behaviour in a number of potentially complex situations; 5. Develop decision making strategies to assist in the maintenance of ethical conduct.

Assessment: Essay on a contemporary issue in professional practice (30%) + Written exercise examining ethical issues (OCDL) / Class presentation of ethical issues (on -campus) (20%) + Examination (Ethical & Legal issues) (50%)