Graduate Program
Academic Calendar for 2008
Courses

Back to Calendar
  GP016 - Prevention in Practice
CREDIT POINTS:
15
PREREQUISITES:
Perspectives in Drugs Use;
AOD Treatment, Assessment and Planning
COST:
$1000
DATES:
Monday Evenings 5:30pm - 8:00 pm
3 March - 26 May 2008
SUBJECT COORDINATOR:
Caroline Clark
CENSUS DATE:
4 April 2008
SUBJECT/UNIT SUMMARY:
This subject will provide students with a sound understanding of frameworks, models and principles of drug prevention, with an emphasis on initiatives which have shown promise nationally and internationally. Students will examine the theoretical foundations of drug prevention and community development in the AOD sector. Given the many common antecedents of drug problems and other social and behavioural problems, this subject emphasises synergistic prevention initiatives which link drug prevention with broader prevention programs. It also focuses on a systems approach to drug prevention, which acknowledges multiple levels of influences on patterns of drug use and drug-related harm and on delivery of interventions, and the importance of overall consistency of programs. Contexts/settings for prevention activities that are considered include local communities, specific communities, law enforcement and policy regulation.

This subject takes a project-based learning approach, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge to their current workplace or area of interest.

SUBJECT/UNIT OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Describe the common antecedents of drug problems and other social and behavioural problems, understanding of which underpins synergistic prevention programs
  2. Evaluate drug prevention projects according to principles of prevention and in the light of available evidence
  3. Analyse relevant evidence to create a theoretically sound drug prevention program
  4. Use their knowledge and understanding to develop a practical example of a prevention initiative which is based on good practice

ASSESSMENT:

Students will develop a plan for a drug prevention project that could be implemented through their work or community.

  • Brief literature review and statement of project (1,000 words) 20%
  • Class presentation: 15%
  • Project proposal of 2,500-3,000 words: 65%