SWM5132 AOD (drug and alcohol) and social work
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
SWM5132 AOD (drug and alcohol) and social work is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Summer B at Caulfield. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Summer B
- Caulfield
- Assessment
- No exam
- 2 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review SWM5132.
Requisites
Before SWM5132
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After SWM5132
No unit lists SWM5132 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
Must be enrolled in a postgraduate course.
Overview
This unit aims to build knowledge around the Drug and Alcohol (AOD) sector exploring policies and historical context (nationally and internationally) and interventions (from assessment to referral). It will equip you with specific knowledge considering a biopsychosocial approach and the principles of harm minimisation. The unit covers an understanding of addiction of licit and illicit substances, current debates around drug use, the main organisations in the AOD sector in Australia, the biopshychosocial impact of drug misuse in distinct client groups, evidence-based assessment and interventions in different stages of behavioural change.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester (extended) | Caulfield | Online |
| Summer semester B | Caulfield | Online |
Assessment
- Case study analysis (Written assignment 2,500 words)Written60%
- Critical reflection (Equivalent 2,000 words)Written40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explain what is a drug and addictive behaviour as well as differentiate between types of drugs, their effects and presentations.
- 2
Analyse the historical and contextual use of drugs, contrast and critically analyse distinct policies nationally and internationally.
- 3
Explain and apply the social work framework stages of change to construct intervention plans, case management and referrals.
- 4
Compare and contrast different interventions applying the concepts of harm minimisation, relapse prevention, client’s self-determination and strengths-based approach.
- 5
Justify potential psychosocial interventions distinguishing the different client groups and stages of change.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials12 hours
- Teaching approachOnline learning
This is an online unit offered over an intensive period of 8 weeks for both on campus and off campus students. The workload requirements and contact hours will reflect the MNHS Online Teacher Engagement Business Process. You will be expected to watch 1 x 2-hour prerecorded lecture and 1 x 1.5-hour tutorial per week, and to spend up to 12 hours each week in self-directed study related to the unit content.
For full details of the teaching approach to this unit, please refer to Moodle.
Where it fits
SWM5132 is part of 1 area of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Melissa Petrakis
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Melissa Petrakis
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for SWM5132?
SWM5132 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is SWM5132 offered?
In 2026, SWM5132 runs in Semester 1 and Summer B at Caulfield, with an online option.
Does SWM5132 have an exam?
No. SWM5132 has 2 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include SWM5132?
SWM5132 is part of Policy studies.