Discuss this phenomenon in relation to the reasons for this increase. In your answer consider gender specific differences and the nurse’s role in the treatment and
management of the illness.

Assessment Task 1 – Assignment (1500 words)

Due date:

Friday 28th August, 2015 by 23:59pm

Weighting:

40%

Length and/or format:

1500 words

Purpose:

This assessment aims to enhance students learning related to
contemporary mental health issues including reasoning, critical
thinking, reflection and care planning. The essay will provide an
opportunity for students to be analytical and synthesize
information within the expectations of academic writing.

Learning outcomes assessed:

1, 2

How to submit:

This essay will be submitted electronically into turnitin via the
LEO unit page.

You must complete and attach: The ACU assignment cover sheet. Students need to attach an
ACU Coversheet to the assignment ensuring they have signed
the statement that the work is original. The current ACU
Assignment Cover Sheet is downloadable from
http://students.acu.edu.au/154914.
Return of assignment:

The assignment will be returned via the LEO turnitin with a grade
and feedback summary.

Assessment criteria:

The assignment will be marked based on the criterion
assessment rubric on next page.

Assignment Topics:
Students will be provided with two contemporary mental health topics with the choice of one to be
submitted. Please see topics to choose below:
Topic 1
Contemporary literature has identified the increasing incidence and prevalence of depression
in Australia. Discuss this phenomenon in relation to the reasons for this increase. In your
answer consider gender specific differences and the nurse’s role in the treatment and
management of the illness.
OR
Topic 2
Individuals who experience borderline personality disorder often have difficulties in emotional
regulation leading to unstable and intense interpersonal relationships. Discuss this
statement and the use of pharmacological and non- pharmacological treatments and nursing
interventions for these individuals.
The discussion is to be supported with relevant and credible references. There are to be a minimum
of ten references at least two (2) being researched based journal articles. No Wikipedia and only
two (2) web based sites.

Page 13 of 20

There is evidence of
breadth of reading. An
argument is presented
with supported evidence.
Emphasised the
importance of
consumer/carer
perspectives throughout
most of the discussion.
There is a concluding
paragraph which restates
the topic, provides a
summary of most of the
key points, and presents
an overall conclusion

There is a concluding
paragraph which restates
the topic, provides a
summary of all of the key
points, and presents an
overall conclusion.

There is a clear introduction
that outlines some of the
topic, and profiles some
content.

There is a clear
introduction that outlines
the topic, and profiles
most the scope, content
and the sequence of the
essay topic.
The content is relevant to
the topic. Student has
highlighted in detail all
the relevant significant
factors; explained and
analysed the concepts
and or issues and their
importance.
Evidence and examples
are presented of varying
quality.

There is a concluding
paragraph which restates
the topic, and provides a
summary of most of the
key points.

Most content is relevant to
the topic. Student has
highlighted most of the
relevant significant factors;
explained and analysed the
concepts and or issues and
their importance on most
occasions.
Evidence and examples are
presented of varying
quality.
An argument is presented
with some supported
evidence.
Emphasised the importance
of consumer/carer
perspectives throughout
some of the discussion.

Expected Credit (CR)
Standard

Expected Distinction (D)
Standard

There is evidence of both
depth and breadth of
reading. An argument is
presented and well
supported with evidence.
Emphasised the importance
of consumer/carer
perspectives throughout
the discussion.

Expected High Distinction
(HD)
Standard
There is a clear introduction
that outlines the topic, and
contextualises and profiles
the scope, content and the
sequence of the essay
topic.
The content is relevant to
the topic. Student has
highlighted in detail all the
relevant significant factors;
explained and analysed the
concepts and or issues and
their importance.
Referred to relevant theory
and literature to support
their reasoning and
examples are presented.