VPSYD6210 Mental Health and Traumatic Stress Course description

The course covers human reactions to trauma, violence and suicide, as well as key work methods and prevention strategies at an individual, group and society level. The student will acquire knowledge and skills in order to evaluate and interact with human beings in various phases, situations and contexts.

Admission to the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student has in-depth knowledge of

• demanding life experiences, crises, and human reactions to these issues in a social and cultural context at various life stages
• how attitudes and communication impacts interpersonal relationships and care
• the significance of interpersonal relationships when encountering people with disorders related to trauma, violence and suicide
• key explanatory models and work methods relating to people with disorders related to trauma, violence and suicide

Skills

The student is capable of

• applying research-based knowledge in order to analyse issues relating to people with disorders related to trauma, violence and suicide at an individual, group and society level
• analysing links between treatment models and work methods, as well as using these analyses in academic and ethical reasoning
• using knowledge about relationships to familiarise themselves with the users/patients' life situation and establish a climate for collaboration and dialogue
• applying recognised principles for mapping and assessing suicide risk in collaboration with the persons concerned
• assisting with various work methods in interaction with users/patients, next of kin and the local community

Competence

The student is capable of

• analysing the connections between different theories, different perspectives on humanity, different attitudes and different actions in the interaction with people with disorders related to trauma, violence and suicide
• communicating academic knowledge, insight and assessments to users/patients, next of kin, professionals and the public

Study groups, lectures, seminars and self-study.

The syllabus amounts to approx. 800 pages.

The following must have been completed and approved in order for a student to be permitted to take the exam:

Attendance in compulsory activities

• minimum attendance of 80 % in study groups and seminars

Group assignment

• Scope: 700 words (+/- 20%)

Home exam in groups

• up to 3 students
• during the course period
• Scope: 2500 words (+/- 20 %)

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Pass/fail

All answer papers are assessed by two examiners. At least 20% per cent of the exam papers will be assessed by an external examiner. The external examiner's assessment shall benefit all the students.

May Vatne

VPSY6210, VPSYD6210 and MAPSD4210 overlap 100%