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Unit outline_

OCCP5222: Psychosocial and Cognitive Strategies

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Students will develop knowledge and skills required to provide occupational therapy for people whose occupational performance is compromised by psychosocial and cognitive impairments. A variety of theoretical perspectives used to guide practice will be covered. Students will learn how to evaluate performance, design occupation-embedded therapy programs, clearly articulate the theoretical and evidence-based rationale for their programs, and select methods to evaluate outcomes from therapy

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Participation Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
OCCP5217
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Justin Scanlan, justin.scanlan@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Participation hurdle task Class participation and collaborative learning skills demonstration
Class participation and collaborative learning skills demonstration
0% Ongoing n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Evidence summary / Translation document
Consumer-accessible summary of research evidence
30% Week 08
Due date: 16 Sep 2024 at 23:59
1 page poster plus 1500 word explanation
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO6
Skills-based evaluation hurdle task End of semester oral assessment
Case-based oral assessment.
40% Week 13
Due date: 28 Oct 2024 at 23:59
2000 word report, 10 minute discussion
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Tutorial quiz Weekly in class quiz
In-class quiz based on assigned readings.
30% Weekly 10 mintues
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Class participation and collaborative learning skills demonstration: Students will work in learning teams throughout the semester and will learn from and with their peers. Contribution from each student is essential to optimise the learning of the team.

Weekly in-class quizes: Each week, at the commencement of class, students will complete a short quiz based on their assigned readings for that week. This will provide regular feedback and tracking of progress as well as ensuring that students are prepared for the team-based discussion and peer-to-peer learning in the unit.

Evidence summary / Translation document: Students will develop a one-page "poster" based on a research paper that is designed as an easy-to-access resource for consumers. This poster is designed to interpret and "translate" research findings in ways that will be understandable to consumers of mental health services. Students will also submit an explanation document outlining their rationale for the poster.

End of semester oral assessment: This assessment is based on a complex case study. Students will select from one of two case studies to focus on and will prepare a report outlining considerations for intervention planning, developing therapeutic relationships with the client and other topics covered in the unit. This will then be discussed in the oral assessment (10 minutes duration).

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Outstanding level of achievement: Moves well beyond what would normally be expected for the student’s level of learning.  The work is structured appropriately, deeply analytical and well supported.

Distinction

75 - 84

Excellent level of achievement: Clearly structured and presented.  Ideas/arguments are well articulated and systematically presented.  All tasks set by the assessment item are completed.  Work is comprehensive, analytical and presents evidence of critical thinking.

Credit

65 - 74

Above average level of achievement:  Incorporates many of the aspects listed above but without the same degree of analysis or critical thinking.  Demonstrates a sound understanding of the content.

Pass

50 - 64

Acceptable level of achievement: Work submitted meets the basic requirements of the set task.  Demonstrates a basic understanding of the topic/issue/concern but is less precise and less discriminating than higher level responses.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Understanding mental health / mental illness. Exploring own beliefs and understanding. Workshop (3 hr) LO1
Week 02 Therapeutic use of self / Boundaries and boundary violations / Trauma informed care Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6
Week 03 1. Recovery; 2. Recovery orientation of services; 3. Positive risk taking Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 04 1. Goal exploration; 2. Supporting individuals to make change Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Medical knowledge: Diagnosis, mental state examination; risk assessment and management Independent study (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 06 1. Occupational therapy assessment; 2. Functional implications of mental illness Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 07 Self-management strategies and Physical health interventions Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 08 Case-based application of interventions Workshop (3 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Groupwork skills labs / Case based assessment preparation Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Groupwork skills labs / Case based assessment preparation Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Groupwork skills labs / Case based assessment preparation Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Oral Assessment Practice sessions Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Oral assessments Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: There is an 80% attendance requirement for this unit of study. Students who do not meet this attendance requirement may be awarded a fail grade for the unit of study. Students are expected to actively participate in discussions and activities.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate an understanding of the lived experience and impact on occupational engagement due to illness or disability with particular emphasis on people with mental illness and on others (e.g. carers) with psychosocial needs
  • LO2. understand the concept of recovery of people with mental illness and recovery as a guiding philosophy and practice within mental health field
  • LO3. understand the role of occupational therapy within the scope of mental health services and mental health specialist and generalist roles such as in early intervention, acute care, rehabilitation and community support
  • LO4. assess, using relevant occupational therapy assessments, the extent and nature of occupational performance in people with mental illness and with other psychosocial issues
  • LO5. analyse therapist’s own use of self as a therapeutic tool and apply therapeutic use of self in rapport building, engagement, assessment and intervention with clients
  • LO6. apply theoretical perspectives and best practice models in planning and implementing occupational therapy programs for people with psychosocial issues as individual sessions and within group therapy

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         
LO6         
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.10 P A Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise
1.11 P A Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts
1.15 P A Addresses issues of occupational justice in practice
1.3 A Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships
1.4 A Recognises and manages conflicts of interest in all client and professional relationships
1.7 P A Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice
1.9 P A Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice
2.1 P A Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
2.2 P A Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making
2.3 P A Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making
2.5 P Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting
2.6 P A Maintains and improves currency of knowledge, skills and new evidence for practice by adhering to the requirements for continuing professional development
2.8 A Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice
2.9 A Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and
3.1 A Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement
3.10 P Reviews, evaluates and modifies plans, goals and interventions with the client and relevant others to enhance or achieve client outcomes
3.11 P Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice
3.12 P Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning
3.13 A Uses appropriate assistive technology, devices and/or environmental modifications to achieve client occupational performance outcomes, and
3.3 P Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals
3.4 P A Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals
3.7 P A Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making
4.1 P Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively
4.11 P Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.
4.2 P Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context
4.9 P Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to feedback from previous cohorts, the amount of content in this unit has been revised and lived experience educators have been included.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.