Courses
Addictions and Mental Health-2025/2026
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| BSCI-6031 | Fundamentals of Addictions | 3 | ||
| This course will introduce students to substance-related and behavioural addictions as indicated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Through the biopsychosocial and trauma informed lens, students will critically analyze different theories of addiction and current initiatives in field addiction services. The signs and symptoms of dependence, abuse, problematic, and occasional patterns of substance use will be addressed. Throughout the course, students will engage in self- reflection regarding their understanding of addictions with the aim to challenge one's own beliefs and assumptions. | ||||
| BSCI-6032 | Fundamentals of Mental Health | 3 | ||
| In this course, the bio-psycho-social perspective will be used to help students gain knowledge and understanding of concurrent mental health and substance abuse issues in our diverse society. The description, prevalence, causative factors, outcomes, and treatment of mental health disorders will be presented in relation to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual. Students will have opportunity to examine current legislation, policy and initiatives in Mental Health. Throughout the course, students will engage in self-reflection regarding their understanding of mental health with the aim to challenge one's own beliefs and assumptions. | ||||
| BSCI-6033 | Professionalism in Person Centred Care | 3 | ||
| The focus of this course will be on the role and responsibilities of an addiction and mental health worker. Guiding principles for ethical, legal and professional practice will be addressed in relation to case management and advocacy. Students will be introduced to the components of case management including rapport and relationship building skills, screening and assessment tools as well as a strength- based documentation format. | ||||
| BSCI-6034 | Promotion & Prevention | 3 | ||
| This course focusses on the understanding of the key elements of health and wellness in our clients and ourselves. Students will consider the different levels and approaches to prevention of addiction and mental health problems. Using Anti-oppressive practice principles, students will learn to analyze and implement prevention programs servicing diverse populations in a range of milieus. | ||||
| BSCI-6035 | Social Justice: Equity & Diversity | 3 | ||
| In this course students will engage in self- analysis while exploring issues of privilege, power and stigma as it relates to individuals, families, and communities challenged by addiction. Through an anti-oppressive framework, students will examine current local initiatives aimed to reduce systemic inequities in the field of addiction and/or mental health through the lens of social change and advocacy. | ||||
| FLDP-6036 | Field Preparation | 1 | ||
| This introductory field preparation course will prepare AMH students for Field Practicum in level 2. Students will have the opportunity to learn and practice professionalism, reflective practice, and self-assessment skills in preparation for Field Practicum. Students will identify personal and professional strengths and learning needs and prepare documentation needed for practicum matching and interviews. Students will analyze the Field Practicum course learning outcomes and review the preplacement requirements, roles and responsibilities of students while on Field Practicum. | ||||
| RSCH-6013 | Lifespan Development | 3 | ||
| Students will gain a greater understanding of human development across the lifespan by exploring the physical, cognitive, and social- emotional stages of development. Selected theoretical approaches will be investigated in order to understand factors contributing to addiction as well as the impact of addiction on human development. | ||||
| RSCH-6014 | Capstone Project Development | 3 | ||
| Serving as an introduction to capstone project course in level 2 of this program, students are introduced to several foundational concepts related to research literacy. This course provides the theory and skills required for direct application toward successful completion of capstone research projects in level 2. Key course components include an introduction to research ethics and design, how to search and evaluate for credible sources, basic skills for critiquing and reviewing the literature as well as developing a focused research question. Students will also be introduced to field placement practice. | ||||
| Level 2 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| PHRM-6009 | Pharmacology | 3 | ||
| Through module readings and extensive video links, this one-semester course covers the pharmacology of drugs used in the treatment of mental health disorders and some of the drugs that are commonly abused. Learners are introduced to the basics of pharmacology with a discussion of the pharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic phases of drug action, and the way that information travels in the nervous system. The course also addresses factors that contribute to epidemics of drug abuse. The mechanism of addiction is explored with a discussion of the role played by receptors and pathways in the brain that are involved in repetitive behaviour. The course continues with a look at the pharmacologic activity of a select group of psychopharmacologic drugs involved in addiction and mental health, and concludes with a discussion of drugs used as reversal agents in overdose situations and those used as maintenance medications to treat addiction. | ||||
| BSCI-6036 | Treatment Approaches in Addiction | 3 | ||
| In this course students will examine the roots and history of professional addiction work and its place in the workforce. Students will explore major conceptual frameworks and approaches that inform current and emerging evidence-based treatment practices. These frameworks will be used to critically analyze services that individuals and families may navigate in the course of seeking help and wellness. | ||||
| BSCI-6037 | Change Stages & Motivational Interview | 3 | ||
| In this course students will examine the roots and history of professional addiction work and its place in the workforce. Students will explore major conceptual frameworks and approaches that inform current and emerging evidence-based treatment practices. These frameworks will be used to critically analyze services that individuals and families may navigate in the course of seeking help and wellness. | ||||
| RSCH-6015 | Capstone Project | 3 | ||
| In this course, students will continue to work with their Capstone Project Group members from RSCH 6014 in level 1 of the AMH program. Following the facilitation of their professor, and the mentorship of their collaborating community professionals, students will create and implement solutions suitable for the community setting. Students will present the results of their group process, analysis, and solution to peers in a collaborative presentation. A final report will be submitted summarizing all facets of the project, as well as limitations encountered within one's scope of practice. Students will also articulate examples of how their professional skills, related to the Fanshawe College 7 Job Skills Initiative, have been honed by participating in a simulated interview experience. | ||||
| FLDP-6028 | Field Placement-Addiction & Mental Hlth | 5.2 | ||
| During this field placement, students will have the opportunity to integrate their vocational knowledge and skills while working collaboratively with various professionals in a community. Inter-professional experiences that allow for exploration and practice in addictions and mental health, recreation and leisure, therapeutic modalities and community-based practice, and focused concepts will be fostered. Opportunities to demonstrate competent leadership abilities in a work place setting will be a core outcome of the field placement. | ||||
| FLDP-6032 | Field Seminar | 2 | ||
| This course is designed to enhance the ongoing personal and professional development process by encouraging wholistic reflection and peer support regarding students' field placement experiences in the field of Addictions and Mental Health. Rooted in Circle Pedagogy, Field Seminar groups are facilitated by a Field Supervisor. | ||||
| Program Residency | ||||
| Students Must Complete a Minimum of 11 credits in this program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency requirement and graduate from this program | ||||