Unit Catalogue

Back to Unit Search

HEA534 - Mental Health Care and Substance Misuse

2024

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Nursing

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

The consumption of substances, such as alcohol, tobacco and other drugs has a range of negative health, social and economic impacts on the population. This impact is especially severe on vulnerable population groups, such as people with mental disorders. Students will explore the relationship between mental health and substance misuse within different population groups. The unit will examine evidence-based psychosocial approaches designed to promote mental health, facilitate recovery and prevent the future harmful use of substances. The knowledge and skills taught are designed to equip students as healthcare professionals to work collaboratively with service consumers to reduce the negative impact of substance misuse on their mental and physical health.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Critically analyse available data about the prevalence of substance use and effects on mental health in Australia.
2.	Research the existing empirical evidence of the inter-relationships between substance misuse and major diseases and illnesses, including severe mental illnesses.
3.	Critically evaluate the relationship between trauma and substance misuse between different vulnerable population groups, including people with diagnosed mental disorders.
4.	Critically appraise the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions that aim to promote mental health, facilitate recovery, minimise the negative impact of substance misuse and reduce consumption levels.
5.	Design and plan evidence-based strategies to support a person or group to control substance dependence and minimise associated harms to mental and physical well-being.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Test (30 mins)	20%	1 - Critically analyse available data about the prevalence of substance use and effects on mental health in Australia. 2 - Research the existing empirical evidence of the inter-relationships between substance misuse and major diseases and illnesses, including severe mental illnesses. 5 - Design and plan evidence-based strategies to support a person or group to control substance dependence and minimise associated harms to mental and physical well-being.
2.	Essay (1500 words)	40%	1 - Critically analyse available data about the prevalence of substance use and effects on mental health in Australia. 2 - Research the existing empirical evidence of the inter-relationships between substance misuse and major diseases and illnesses, including severe mental illnesses. 3 - Critically evaluate the relationship between trauma and substance misuse between different vulnerable population groups, including people with diagnosed mental disorders. 4 - Critically appraise the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions that aim to promote mental health, facilitate recovery, minimise the negative impact of substance misuse and reduce consumption levels.
3.	Case Study (2000 words)	40%	1 - Critically analyse available data about the prevalence of substance use and effects on mental health in Australia. 2 - Research the existing empirical evidence of the inter-relationships between substance misuse and major diseases and illnesses, including severe mental illnesses. 3 - Critically evaluate the relationship between trauma and substance misuse between different vulnerable population groups, including people with diagnosed mental disorders. 4 - Critically appraise the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions that aim to promote mental health, facilitate recovery, minimise the negative impact of substance misuse and reduce consumption levels. 5 - Design and plan evidence-based strategies to support a person or group to control substance dependence and minimise associated harms to mental and physical well-being.

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2024	Semester 2	External	External Studies	OLR	View

* Timetable will be displayed in new tab or window depending on your browser's configuration; ensure Pop-ups are allowed for this site to view the timetable.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2025 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2025 Incidental Fees (PDF)