Students

PSYH4499 – The Scientist Practitioner Model

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Natasha Todorov
Daniela Peiris
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to BPsychSci(Hons) or BPsych(Hons)
Corequisites Corequisites
PSYH4401 or PSYH4490 or PSYH4495 or PSYH4491 or PSYH4492
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit will critically examine how practitioners apply advanced psychological knowledge that incorporates an evidence-based, ethical approach across a variety of applied psychology disciplines. The unit will comprise three themes facilitating the application of this knowledge across both research and practice: 1) Principles of evidence-based practice, including knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks; 2) Applied principles of assessment and psychometrics, and 3) Intentional interviewing and counselling across applied psychology disciplines, taking social and cultural contexts into account. Role-plays, live demonstrations, case examples, and a viva examination will be employed to teach interviewing and assessment skills.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and extensive knowledge of the Scientist-Practitioner Model and articulate the importance of evidence-based learning in the context of a range of contemporary issues in applied psychology.
  • ULO2: Explain the psychometric principles, implementation and interpretation of common psychological assessment instruments.
  • ULO3: Use appropriate oral and written skills to convey principles of evidence-based practice and research significance.
  • ULO4: Describe and discuss the ethical standards and legislative frameworks governing research and practice in psychology, and exhibit an awareness of the importance of ethics in maintaining the integrity of the profession.
  • ULO5: Demonstrate competence in interviewing and counselling skills across a range of applied psychological disciplines, taking into account social and cultural contexts.

General Assessment Information

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.

All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor.

Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure (clause 128).

To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

The final exam for this unit will take place on Macquarie University campus. Students are expected to make themselves available for the final exam, at the date and time set by the University, in line with the Assessment Policy and Procedure.  

Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn.

 

Late Submissions

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE MARK) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern. 

 

 For example:

Number of days (hours) late

Total Possible Marks

Deduction

Raw mark

Final mark

1 day (1-24 hours)

100

5

75

70

2 days (24-48 hours)

100

10

75

65

3 days (48-72 hours)

100

15

75

60

7 days (144-168 hours)

100

35

75

40

>7 days (>168 hours)

100

-

75

0

 Late submission of time sensitive tasks, such as timetabled tests/exams, scheduled performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs, will be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application.  

Special Consideration

If you are unable to complete an assessment task on or by the specified date due circumstances that are unexpected, unavoidable, significantly disruptive and beyond your control, you may apply for special consideration in accordance with the special consideration policy. Applications for special consideration must be supported by appropriate evidence and submitted via Service Connect | Macquarie University.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Reflection Workbook 10% No 9/9/2025
Viva demonstrating interviewing and counselling skills 40% No 22/9//2025
Final Examination 50% No 4/11/2025

Reflection Workbook

Assessment Type 1: Log book
Indicative Time on Task 2: 6 hours
Due: 9/9/2025
Weighting: 10%

 

You will be asked to complete practice-based activities and reflect on critical interpersonal and counselling skills developed in tutorials.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain the psychometric principles, implementation and interpretation of common psychological assessment instruments.
  • Use appropriate oral and written skills to convey principles of evidence-based practice and research significance.
  • Describe and discuss the ethical standards and legislative frameworks governing research and practice in psychology, and exhibit an awareness of the importance of ethics in maintaining the integrity of the profession.
  • Demonstrate competence in interviewing and counselling skills across a range of applied psychological disciplines, taking into account social and cultural contexts.

Viva demonstrating interviewing and counselling skills

Assessment Type 1: Viva/oral examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 22/9//2025
Weighting: 40%

 

You will demonstrate interviewing and counselling skills, submitted as a 15-minute video.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and extensive knowledge of the Scientist-Practitioner Model and articulate the importance of evidence-based learning in the context of a range of contemporary issues in applied psychology.
  • Explain the psychometric principles, implementation and interpretation of common psychological assessment instruments.
  • Use appropriate oral and written skills to convey principles of evidence-based practice and research significance.
  • Demonstrate competence in interviewing and counselling skills across a range of applied psychological disciplines, taking into account social and cultural contexts.

Final Examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 46 hours
Due: 4/11/2025
Weighting: 50%

 

Final examination held in scheduled class time, in accordance with relevant requirements.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and extensive knowledge of the Scientist-Practitioner Model and articulate the importance of evidence-based learning in the context of a range of contemporary issues in applied psychology.
  • Explain the psychometric principles, implementation and interpretation of common psychological assessment instruments.
  • Use appropriate oral and written skills to convey principles of evidence-based practice and research significance.
  • Describe and discuss the ethical standards and legislative frameworks governing research and practice in psychology, and exhibit an awareness of the importance of ethics in maintaining the integrity of the profession.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of online and face-to-face learning activities, including readings, online modules, videos, lectures and tutorial discussions and activities.  

 All tutorials in this unit commence in WEEK 1, are conducted on campus, and are compulsory. Tutorials run in weeks 1-3 and 5-7 with a break in week 4.

The lectures will be delivered in various formats eg F2F and online via echo360 and commence in WEEK 1.

Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.

 

Recommended Readings

Lecture and tutorial readings can be found on the unit ilearn page.

 

Technology Used

Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device. Students who do not own their own laptop computer may borrow one from the university library.

Unit Schedule

Wk

Date

(week starting)

Lecture Topic

 

See workbooks for more information 

 

 

 

Tutorial

 

 

COMPULSORY READINGS 

 

(Examinable in Final Exam)

Also check booklets for any other assessable content. Some are stated here. 

1

28 July 2025

Evidence Based Practice I Daniela Peiris

F2F lecture  

 TUTE 1

 

Lecture readings for week 1: 

Spring, B. (2007). Evidence‐based practice in clinical psychology: What it is, why it matters; what you need to know. Journal of clinical psychology, 63(7), 611-63.

Frueh, B.C., Ford, J.D., Elhai, J.D., & Grubaugh, A.L. (2012). Evidence-Based Practice in Adult Mental Health. In Handbook of Evidence

 

 

2

4 Aug  2025

Evidence Based Practice II Daniela Peiris F2F lecture

TUTE 2

 

 Lecture readings for week 2: 

Chapters 1, 4, 9 (Special populations- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples section only) and the executive summary of: Phoenix Australia (2023). Australian PTSD Guidelines. https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/australian-guidelines-for-ptsd/

 

 

3

11 Aug 2025

Ethics I  Dr Natasha Todorov

Lecture material online as well as

F2F Seminar this week in lecture theatre.

TUTE 3

 

 

 

Lecture readings week 3 MAFS Case study is examinable in the final exam. You can find details in the week 3 booklet. Reading Material Examinable for Ethics lectures in final examAHPRA code of conduct (new in 2025)

Code of Ethics

4

18 Aug 2025

Ethics II Dr Natasha Todorov

Lecture material online only

NO TUTORIAL THIS WEEK

 

 

 

     5

25 Aug 2025

Ethics III  Dr Natasha Todorov

Lecture material online as well as

F2F Seminar this week in lecture theatre.

 

TUTE 4  

 

 

 

 

     6

1 Sept 2025

Principles of Psychological Assessment Dr Natasha Todorov

Lecture material online only

 

TUTE 5

Lecture reading for week 6: Reading for principles of psych assessment lecture examinable in final exam: Chapter 7 of The Assessment of Intelligence using the Wechsler IQ tests: A Primer (see weekly lecture booklet)

7

8 Sept 2025

Educational Assessment Dr Natasha Todorov

Lecture material online only Tutorial workbook due

 TUTE 6

 

Lecture reading for week 7:

NAPLAN Case study is assessable in the final exam. Look up the weekly lecture booklet

 

8

15 Sept 2025

Health Psychology Professor Kerry Sherman F2F Lecture

 

TUTORIAL  PROGRAM HAS FINISHED

 Lecture readings for week 8: Readings for health lecture examinable in final exam: See references in weekly lecture booklet - Sherman et al. (2022), and Michie et al. (2011) COM-B model.

Recess

Viva Video due Monday of first week of recess.

 

9

7 Oct 2025 note public holiday Monday of week 9

Clinical Psychology A/Prof Carly Johnco

F2F lecture  

 

 

10

13 Oct 2025

Organisational Psychology Dr Ben Morrison F2F Lecture

 

 

 Lecture reading for Week 10: Case study discussed during lecture is assessable. See weekly booklet

11

20 Oct 2025

Clinical Neuropsychology A/Prof Heather Francis

F2F Lecture

 

 

12

27 Oct 2025

Reading and Revision - do practice exam

No lectures Today

 

 

13

3 Nov 2025

 Final Exam held in week 13 On campus, in person, closed book, invigilated, m/choice

In our lecture theatre, in our usual lecture time slot 2-4pm 01WW G03 on November 4, 2025

 

 

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Inclusion & Diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

Professionalism

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including tutorials, clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students and all staff with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.

We expect all students to act ethically and with high levels of professionalism in this unit.


Unit information based on version 2025.03 of the Handbook