Course

Advanced Topics in Applied Behaviour Analysis: Intervention

Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Department
Disability & Community Studies
Course code
DACS 4116
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This course will build on the knowledge presented in previous coursework, with a focus on evidence-based strategies for supporting positive behaviours and reducing problem behaviours. Concepts and principles of ABA, such as reinforcement principles and function-based treatments, will be reviewed as specific applications of ABA interventions that are applicable in a variety of settings for a variety of populations.
Course content

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

  • ABA interventions are evidenced-based.
  • Behaviour analysts rely on scientific knowledge to select and design behavioural interventions. 
  • The overarching goal of ABA is to enrich the quality of people’s lives.
  • Behavioural interventions are thoroughly individualized via detailed assessment processes.
  • Clients have a right to effective treatment. 
  • Clients are involved in the planning and designing of behaviour change programs.
  • Behaviour analysts obtain informed consent from clients prior to implementing assessment and/or behaviour change programs.
  • Behaviour analysts make decisions regarding the continuation, discontinuation, and modification of behaviour change programs based on objective data and client wellbeing. 
  • Behaviour analysts recommend reinforcement-based treatment procedures whenever possible.
  • Behaviour analysts have a responsibility to the profession of behaviour analysis and colleagues to promote an ethical culture. 
Learning activities
  • Lecture, discussion boards, video, guest speakers, group activities, readings, self-directed online learning.
  • Online: any combination of online methods such as but not limited to discussion boards, readings, video, video lectures, zoom/telephone consultations etc.
Means of assessment

Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course.

Course assessment may include the following: Class participation, class presentations, quizzes, exams, and academic papers. 

Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation as part of the student’s graded performance. Expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the instructor's course outline/syllabus.  

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Distinguish between ethical and unethical behaviour interventions in the practice of applied behaviour analysis.
  2. Identify and describe common ABA intervention strategies for teaching positive behaviour.
  3. Identify and describe common ABA intervention strategies for decreasing inappropriate behaviour.
  4. Articulate appropriate methods for selecting interventions, keeping in mind: 
    • Responsible conduct 
    • Responsibility to clients
    • Behaviour assessment
    • Responsibility to the profession of behaviour analysis
Textbook materials

Textbooks and materials to be purchased by students. Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Examples of textbooks and materials include individually assigned readings and/or books.

Requisites

Prerequisites

DACS 4114 

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for DACS 4116
Athabasca University (AU) AU PSYC 3XX (3)
Coast Mountain College (CMTN) No credit
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) No credit
LaSalle College Vancouver (LCV) LCV SOC 4XX (3)
Selkirk College (SELK) No credit
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) TRU SSEL 3XXX (3)
Trinity Western University (TWU) No credit
University Canada West (UCW) UCW PSYC 4XX (3)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) UNBC SOSC 4XX (3)
Yorkville University (YVU) YVU GES 3XXX (3)

Course Offerings

There are no course offerings this semester.