Mental Health and Substance Abuse (5cr)

Evaluation methods and criteria

Overall grade, numerical assessment 0-5: - Seminar presentations and seminar participation (Pass-Fail) - THL online course (Pass-Fail) - Learning assignment (0-5, 70 percent of the overall course grade) - Moodle exam (30 percent of the overall course grade) All components must be completed in order to receive the overall grade. Successful completion of the course requires active participation in contact teaching sessions and submission of course assignments according to the schedule. Late submission may result in a lower grade. Assessments are carried out according to the degree regulations within four weeks of submitting assignments. Periods of leave will extend the assessment period by the length of the leave. Assessment criteria are the general assessment criteria of Metropolia. The terminology of the assessment framework, competence levels, and stages of professional development are adapted to suit the described course and degree programme. The student is able to: Excellent 5 - use discipline-specific terminology and knowledge expertly - justify the use of information sources - justify actions based on research or reports - operate in varied and international duties and work situations - act in a client-oriented and business-minded manner - act responsibly and with consideration for safety - justify actions according to the ethical principles of the profession - organise and supervise the activities of a group and project Good 4-3 - use discipline-specific terminology and knowledge consistently - search for information and critically evaluate and use information sources - apply theoretical knowledge in professional tasks - use professional competence in various work duties - act independently and responsibly in professional situations - plan actions with consideration for safety - act according to the ethical principles of the profession - work purposefully in a team and in projects Satisfactory 2-1 or Pass - demonstrate familiarity with the field’s knowledge base and core content - search for information from diverse sources - operate in various tasks in different operational environments - demonstrate achievement of core competence objectives - demonstrate familiarity with key safety practices in the profession - act according to ethical principles - contribute own expertise to the group or project Fail 0 - lacks sufficient knowledge or appreciation of the field - does not know or cannot use discipline-specific terminology - insufficient professional skills - does not act according to training and guidance - does not seek to develop oneself or one’s actions - is indifferent to safety or ethical conduct within the profession - is unmotivated or does not participate in group or development work The terminology of the assessment framework, competence levels, and stages of professional development are adapted to suit the described course and degree programme.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

The students understand the phenomena and challenges related to mental health. They identify the special needs of client groups. They understand and are able to apply key legislation and basic concepts in the field. The students recognize the service system and are able to guide and support the client to the services. The students are able to reflect on their professional activities and identify the limits of their own professional competence in the work of a Bachelor of Social Services. The students are able to evaluate current discussions related to mental health and substance abuse and understand the importance of structural work in the fields of mental health and substance abuse.

Content

Mental health Protective factors / risk factors. Being normal / abnormal. History of mental health work. Mental health components. Challenges in Mental health. The students have the ability to support suicidal clients and their close ones. Supporting a person prone to suicide and loved ones. Substance use in the life of an individual. Addictions as phenomena. Trends in substance abuse work. Client-respecting encounters, speaking up and motivating. Legislation safeguarding the fundamental rights of the individual. The students are able to guide and support the client to services. Key services and guiding the client to them. Preventive, corrective and rehabilitative mental health and substance abuse work.

Location and time

Lecture schedule: 19.01.2026 09:00 - 12:00 Orientation + Mental Health and Substance Abuse Work 26.01.2026 09:00 - 12:00 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Work 19.02.2026 09:00 - 12:00 Exam 23.02.2026 09:00 - 12:00 Online: Seminar: Guest Lecturers 02.03.2026 13:00 - 16:00 Practical Case Exercise In cases of absence, the student is obliged to complete a compensatory assignment defined by the teacher on pedagogical grounds. Changes are possible.

Materials

Material to be provided in the Moodle workspace. Laws: Healthcare Act 1326/2010 Social Welfare Act 1301/2014 and its Application Guide 2024 Mental Health Act 1116/1990 Substance Abuse Services Act 1308/2014

Teaching methods

Seminar work Moodle exam Learning assignment *1 THL online course (2h) Completion of the study unit requires a passing assessment of the exam, learning assignments, and seminar work, as well as completion of the online course. Attendance at the orientation meeting is compulsory, and by participating in the orientation you secure your place in the study unit. If you are unable to attend the orientation meeting, please arrange this with the teacher. The student must be prepared to use a camera and microphone during online lectures. The camera must remain on throughout the entire online lecture.

Employer connections

Seminars and learning assignment.

Exam schedules

19.2.2026 Moodle examination concerning legislation and services - the examination is a single attempt, and the points constitute 30 percent of the total course grade. A resit examination will be organised one month after the first examination.

Completion alternatives

An application related to the identification and recognition of previously acquired competence (AHOT) must be submitted before the start of the course. AHOT coordinator: Anu Pellinen

Student workload

A five-credit course corresponds to approximately 135 hours of work. One credit corresponds to approximately 27 hours of work.