Public Law and Ethics

The course is a programme course at first cycle level and is included in the psychologist programme at University of Gothenburg. G2F. The course is part of semester 6.

The course can be part of the following programme: 1) Programme for Master of Science in Psychology (S2PSY)

Only students admitted to the five year Psychology Program at the University of Gothenburg have access to this course.

The course contains two modules:

Sub-courses

1. Public Law (Delkurs 1: Juridik), 4.5 credits

Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)

During this module, general bases are treated such as definitions of different forms of legal rules and legal sources relevant in psychologists' work. Furthermore, central questions are treated such as the principle of public access to official documents and public documents. The emphasis lies on healthcare legislation and secrecy legislation. In other respects, the part of the social welfare legislation that regulates duty to report regarding children that are treated badly and treatment (the Care of Young Persons Act and LVM). Generally oriented about other legislation that can be current in the psychologist's work such as LSS, forensic legislation and school laws.

2. Ethics (Delkurs 2: Etik), 3 credits

Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)

As a basis for ethical analysis is presented during the module example of theories about human rights. Ethical guidelines for psychologists in Scandinavia will be treated as well as different situations where professional ethical dilemmas can arise and how these can be handled.

Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• show knowledge of the ethical guidelines for psychologists in Scandinavia
• show knowledge of the central laws that concern the psychologist's work both in and outside health care

Competence and skills

• master the application of the legislation that regulates the psychologist's profession exercise
• identify ethical dilemmas in psychologists' activities and be able to relate these to ethics and law

Judgement and approach

• critically reflect on the psychologist's professional role in relation to legal sources and legislation as well as ethical principles with special consideration of the human rights

Lectures and seminars.

Language of instruction: Swedish

All teaching can constitute basis for examination. Module 1 is assessed by individual written exam and module 2 with oral and written presentation.

Introductory lecture, exercises and seminars are compulsory. Absence shall be recovered according to the instructions given by the course coordinator.

A student, who without passed result has gone through two tests for a course or a part of a course, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless special reasons speak against it (HF 6 chapters section 22). Such a request should be submitted in writing to the responsible department.

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for special educational support, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, the examiner may decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years, after the course has ceased/been changed. The same applies to placements and professional placements (VFU), although this is restricted to just one additional examination session.

The grading scale comprises: Pass (G) and Fail (U). Passing the course requires:

• active participation in compulsory teaching components
• active participation at seminars where the student in discussion shows that they have read the specified literature
• passed written examination of module 1
• passed written assignment including oral presentation of the work on module 2

The course coordinator is responsible for ensuring that students are given the opportunity to provide an anonymous, written course evaluation at the end of the course. On completion of the course, the course coordinator writes a report of activities which includes a summary of the course evaluation. The report is treated in the Policy group for the psychologist programme and is communicated both to the students who completed the course evaluation and to the students who should start the course. These reports will be made available for students.

If there access to computer, internet or possibly other digital resources withing the course, the student is responsible for having access to such.

This course syllabus was confirmed by Department of Psychology on 2016-11-22 and was revised on 2020-09-09.