PYB159 Alcohol and Other Drug Studies
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | PYB159 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | PYB159 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Colette Roos | c.roos@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Drug and alcohol use and abuse is of growing concern in the community. This unit introduces you to theories of prevention and treatment of alcohol and other drug problems from a range of diverse perspectives. You will be exposed to multidisciplinary learning where you can identify career pathways while considering the field in relation to ethics, values and a range of population targets. This unit provides a useful foundation for PYB360, Interventions for Addictive Behaviours. You will participate in discussions and assessment pieces designed in conjunction with industry professionals, to embed learning with current real world issues.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the prevailing theories and models of prevention and treatment of alcohol and other drug problems.
- Evaluate the process of change and the key components of effective treatment and prevention programs.
- Identify issues impacting on effective treatment and prevention programs such as dual diagnosis.
- Explain and evaluate theories and models of prevention and harm minimisation to target drug or alcohol use towards a target population utilising digital capabilities to disseminate your information.
Content
You will be introduced to the prevalence of substance use in Australia and the principle of harm minimisation, and be introduced to theories of facilitating change, specialist interventions for substance abuse, and related issues such as dual diagnosis with other psychological disorders. Content will be contextualised in real-world examples. Cultural and ethical issues including discussion of First Nation peoples and LGBTIQ communities will be presented. This unit expects the responsible and ethical use of generative artificial intelligence technologies, which includes the critical evaluation of generative artificial intelligence capabilities, limitations, accuracy and biases.
Learning Approaches
This unit includes weekly lectures. These lectures include a formal lecture and active components, such as class discussions around key issues or case studies. All necessary materials will be uploaded to the unit Canvas site.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in this unit through formative and summative feedback. General formative feedback will also be provided in the lecture, particularly through the active components. Summative feedback will be provided through the assessment tasks detailed below.
Assessment
Overview
An important aspect of this unit is critically evaluating theories of prevention and treatment of drug use. The written assignment is designed to assess this component of the unit. In order to complete this successfully, you will need to engage with digital technology to research, write and format your assignment. You are required to submit all written assignments electronically for content matching checks. As this is an internally offered unit, final examinations are expected to be undertaken in-person on QUT Brisbane campuses.
Note that prior to release of marks, the unit coordinator undertakes a moderation process to ensure that individual markers have applied criteria and standards consistently and fairly. Actively reading the feedback provided will enhance your learning success.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Report
From the perspective of a drug and alcohol professional, you will explore a contemporary issue, in order to provide recommendations in a report to your employer. You will describe relevant theories, models, or policy, as relevant to the topic, and conduct analysis or commentary of the issue, which may include treatment, prevention, and/or harm minimisation. You will produce an appendix which summarises your findings and recommendations.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Final Examination
A range of multiple choice and case-based questions will assess the understanding and the knowledge of the unit content.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Risk Assessment Statement
You should be aware that some content in this unit may be confronting to certain audiences. Please exercise your own discretion when participating in classroom activities or discussions and, if appropriate, advise teaching staff if you do not wish to participate. The QUT Student Counselling service is also available and free of charge to all QUT students.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PY45 Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)
- Describe and evaluate the core scientific perspectives of psychology with reference to theories, methods and research, from diverse perspectives, including first-nations perspectives.
Relates to: Report, Final Examination - Critically examine the scientific discipline of psychological research and theories using oral, written and digital communication to address psychological issues in a respectful, ethical and professional manner.
Relates to: Report, Final Examination - Implement a range of digital capabilities to access, examine and utilise evidence-based information in the context of effectively responding to, and communicating, real world problems.
Relates to: Report