ASC5001 Fundamentals of addiction science and addiction policy
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
ASC5001 Fundamentals of addiction science and addiction policy is a level 5, 12-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2024 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 12
- Offered in 2024
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2024 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before ASC5001
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After ASC5001
No unit lists ASC5001 as a prerequisite in the 2024 handbook.
Enrolment rules
Overview
This unit introduces you to the concept of addiction and addictive substances, addiction theories and models, drug policy and public health responses to alcohol and other drug use. Consideration is given to identifying biological, psychological, sociocultural, and environmental factors that may contribute to the development of addiction. You will be engaging with evidence from neuroscience, genetics, psychological and sociological theories to understand how addiction can develop or be maintained.
You will be introduced to Australian drug laws and policies within an international context. Prevention and harm minimisation approaches are considered regarding their impact on moderating addiction-related complications and consequences for different populations.
Students completing this unit will integrate key theoretical models of addiction with public health and policy approaches to minimising harm. This unit provides the necessary foundational knowledge in addiction theory to undertake further study in this area.
Offerings in 2024
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Online |
Assessment
- Skills exercises (approx 1,000 words each exercise = total 3,000 words)30%
- iSAP case (student response 2,000 words, reflection 500 words = total 2,500 words)30%
- Report (draft 1,000 words - 10%, report 3,000 words - 30% = total 4,000 words)40%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe characteristics of substances and substance use, addiction, and addictive behaviours in context of classification and diagnostic criteria.
- 2
Employ strategies that promote inclusivity and reduce stigma for individuals using substances or experiencing addiction.
- 3
Discuss the evidence base for biological, psychological, and social causes of addiction.
- 4
Differentiate the biopsychosocial model of addiction as a holistic alternative from other theories and models of addiction.
- 5
Recognise key evidence in relation to addiction theories, frameworks, models in the context of public health responses.
- 6
Identify primary, secondary, and tertiary public health prevention strategies for addiction.
- 7
Evaluate the impact of harm minimisation approaches, policies and public health interventions.
- 8
Engage in reflective practice to enhance professional skills and knowledge.
Workload and teaching
- Teaching approachOnline learning
Students enrolling in ASC5001 will be expected to contact the course coordinator regularly throughout the semester and participate in online discussion with fellow students and academic staff. Students should expect to spend around 24 hours a week of self-directed learning. This includes accessing online lectures, podcasts and resources as well as participating in forum discussions questions and quizzes via Moodle in addition to conducting offline independent study such as reading, research and writing activities.
For full details of the teaching approach to this unit, please refer to Moodle.
Learning resources
Required resources
This unit will be delivered online using the Monash Moodle software delivery system. All learning resources including reading lists will be provided within the unit in Moodle and via Research and Learning Online.
Monash Library Unit Reading Lists can also be searched for via the Library, here.
Required resources: It is essential that students have access to a computer with stable internet connection during this unit of study. Support for logging into Moodle, and recommended settings to improve students' Moodle experience can be found here.
Students will be required to have access to appropriate software to complete assessment tasks and participate in online activities. A range of software is available for download onto Monash and personal devices for students with a Monash Authcate account through the My.Monash Virtual Environment (for example, Microsoft Office 365 is available to enrolled students at no cost). Alternately, students can search the Monash software catalogue here.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Irene Lichtwark
- Dr Jennifer Sun
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Kirsten Schliephake
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ASC5001?
ASC5001 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is ASC5001 offered?
In 2024, ASC5001 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton, with an online option.
Does ASC5001 have an exam?
No. ASC5001 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.