Overview
GCAP 632: Professional Ethics examines the ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities that guide counselling and psychological practice. Learners critically explore ethical theories, principles, and decision-making frameworks while examining how personal, professional, cultural, and collective values, assumptions, and worldviews influence ethical reasoning and professional practice.
The course emphasizes the application of the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists, professional standards and practice guidelines, and relevant legislation and jurisprudence to complex ethical situations. Topics include professional regulation, informed consent, confidentiality, professional boundaries, competence and sustainable practice, supervision and consultation, technologically aided practice, social justice, cultural responsiveness, and relational and decolonizing approaches to ethics. Particular attention is given to regulated psychological practice in Alberta while recognizing the ethical, legal, and professional requirements relevant to learners' intended jurisdictions of practice. Throughout the course, learners develop ethical decision-making skills, professional judgment, critical reflexivity, and culturally responsive practice.
Evaluation
To receive credit for GCAP 632, learners must complete and submit all required course activities. The passing grade for the course is B- (70%). The final course grade is calculated based on the weighted assessment activities outlined below.
| Activity | Weight |
| Assessment 1: Ethics Autobiography | 19% |
| Assessment 2: Integrative Essay (Part I, II, and III) | 40% |
| Assessment 3: Ethical Knowledge Translation Resource and Presentation | 15% |
| Assessment 4: Weekly Class Discussions (Weeks 1-13) | 26% |
| Total | 100% |
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Truscott, D., & Crook, K. H. (2021). Ethics for the practice of psychology in Canada (3rd ed.). University of Alberta Press.
Instructional resources, required readings and professional resources will be made available or linked through the course learning environment, including:
- Canadian Psychological Association's Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists and related professional resources.
- College of Alberta Psychologists' Standards of Practice, practice guidelines, and other regulatory resources.
- Relevant federal and provincial legislation, jurisprudence, and regulatory resources, with particular attention to Alberta and learners' intended jurisdictions of practice.
- Additional scholarly readings, professional guidelines, and learning resources assigned throughout the course.