HPS788 - Psychopathology

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

Enrolment modes:Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online
Trimester 3: Online
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Unit Chair:Trimester 2: David Hallford
Trimester 3: Yoon Hee Yang
Cohort rule:

This unit is at a postgraduate level and students enrolled in undergraduate courses cannot undertake it. Postgraduate students not enrolled in H603 must check with their course adviser before enrolling in the unit.

Prerequisite:

Nil

Corequisite:Nil
Incompatible with: HPS308
Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment:

1 x 2 hour online lecture per week 
1 x 2 hour on-campus seminar per fortnight

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment:

1 x 2 hour online lecture per week 
1 x 2 hour online seminar per fortnight

Note:

Drop-in Q&A online sessions will be scheduled throughout the trimester; see the unit cloud site for more details.

Content

The unit has the dual aims of allowing you to learn and explore concepts of mental disorders, and also of understanding your appreciation of the stigma and impact of such disorders on the lives of those affected. In so doing, this unit focuses on providing an introduction to abnormal and clinical psychology from a descriptive, theoretical and experimental perspective. In particular, we will focus on theories of psychology that integrate multiple perspectives - a so-called multidimensional integrative perspective.

Topics covered will include models and theories of abnormal psychology with emphasis on an integrative approach to understanding psychopathology; diagnosis and classification; as well as an examination of the major classes of disorders such as the anxiety, mood, and schizophrenia-related disorders. Where appropriate, there will be a discussion and evaluation of therapeutic interventions and ethical issues pertaining to intervention.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

ULO1

Integrate general psychological knowledge, empirical evidence and clinical belief into a multidimensional integrative understanding of the mental disorders. This central learning outcome includes being able to identify putative causes and theoretical explanations as to the development and maintenance of major psychological disorders. This includes the influence of culture on these factors, and in particular Australian Indigenous cultures.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO2

Identify the clinical features of major psychological disorders, including the influence that culture has on these factors including Australian Indigenous Peoples. Students also should be able to apply the ability to recognise the most common mental disorders.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO3

Evaluate approaches to treatment for major mental disorders, including being able to interpret research evidence for efficacy, and integrate knowledge of causal factors, theoretical perspectives and cultural considerations when considering potential treatment approaches.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO4: Critical thinking

ULO4

Demonstrate an understanding of the presence of stigma regarding mental illness; recognize its impact on the lives of people with mental disorders.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO6: Self-management
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO5

Compose scientific arguments, reports, or commentaries, based on empirical evidence, in a form that is appropriate for psychology. This includes utilizing online technologies in locating online resources and literature; evaluating relevant cutting-edge empirical literature; identifying and critiquing the factors that contribute to the development of unhealthy attitudes and behaviours.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO8: Global citizenship

Assessment

Trimester 2 and Trimester 3:
Assessment description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Assessment 1: Quiz Multiple choice and short answer questions 30%
  • Week 6
Assessment 2: Written assignment 1500 words 40%
  • Week 9
Assessment 3: Quiz Multiple choice and short answer questions 30%
  • Week 11

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning Resource

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: HPS788 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

Unit Fee Information

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

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