The aim of the module is to introduce students to the bio/medical, psychological, trauma, cultural, spiritual and legal explanations of mental health, mental illness and distress. Students will be able to recognise mental illness/distress: affective disorder, psychosis, anxiety disorder and personality disorder. A clinical placement opportunity will support the linking of theory to practice.

The continuum of mental health/distress/illness; Classifications of mental illness (Diagnostic/biomedical); Introduction to the manifestation of mental health disorders (mood, anxiety and psychosis); and trauma aware care/approaches; Aetiology (biopsychosocial/trauma/stress vulnerability theories) and epidemiology of mental health disorders; Understanding of the health continuum; person as bio psychosocial being in socio-economic, cultural and political contexts. Understanding service users' personal accounts of mental distress/illness and family perspectives. Assessment and case formulation: predisposing, precipitating, perpetuating and protective factors; Introduction to mental health legislation. This module will incorporate clinical placement. Clinical Skills: Bio psychosocial Assessment and Mental State Examination. Care Planning in Mental Health Care using case scenarios. Admission procedures. Promoting Personal care skills; hygiene, elimination, monitoring and assisting with oral intake of food and drink.

(Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis) Upon successful completion of the module the student will be able to: Discuss the theories and models relating to mental illness and mental health. Outline the Mental Health Act 2001.

(Attitudes and Values) Upon successful completion of the module the student will be able to: Describe the bio-psycho-social impact of mental health disorders on individuals and significant others. Demonstrate an appreciation of the concept of mental health and mental illness.

(Physical Skills) Upon successful completion of the module the student will be able to: Demonstrate skills of therapeutic engagement in assessment and care planning of people experiencing mental health difficulties. Demonstrate the ability to perform personal care skills relating to hygiene, elimination, monitoring and assisting with oral intake of food and drink.

The module aims to develop students to become knowledgeable, responsible and articulate in their delivery of care within mental health settings. This will be achieved through participation in the learning environment through engagement in teaching and learning strategies e.g. lectures, clinical skills laboratories, practice placement, discussions, group work, self-directed learning, recommended reading, reflection, seminars, small group teaching, practical demonstration, observation, case scenarios, role-play, use of audio-visual aids. Students will also be expected to engage in self-directed study to supplement their learning.The syllabus and assessment mechanisms will reflect the most recent developments in the field and will reflect research in the area Mental Health Nursing practice.