Introduction to Psychopathology

Subject PSYC90031 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 6.25
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1.5 hours of lectures/seminars per week for a 12-week semester.
Total Time Commitment: 54 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Completion of APAC approved psychology studies to fourth-year (Honours) level.

Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements, Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Prof Henry Jackson

Contact

Sarah Drew

sarah@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: Thi subject aims to present major approaches to psychological disorders, in which psychopathology is contrasted with "normal" functioning. Reference is made to various theoretical approaches to the aetiologies of disorders/problems, with a focus on recognising the clinical pictures of common psychological disorders/problems that occur in a variety of settings, including depression, the anxiety disorders, and substance abuse/dependence.
Objectives:

The subject aims to introduce studnets to various competing theories of aetiology and maintenance for psychological problems/disorders that commonly present to clinicians:

  • to provide students with an overview of the important criteria by which practising psychologists evaluate theoretical and treatment models; and
  • to develop familiarity with clinical presentations, co-morbidity, prevalence and incidence data, course and outcome, response to treatment for the psychological disorders.
Assessment:

A mid-semester one hour test (50% of assessment) and an end-of-semester one-hour test (50% of assessment).

Prescribed Texts: None. A series of readings will be provided.
Recommended Texts:

American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV). Washington, D.C: Author.

Barlow, D.H. & V.M. Durand. (2002 or 2005) Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach. Belmont, California: Wadsworth, Thomson Learning.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Written, oral and interpersonal communication skills

Analytical, information integration and synthesizing skills.

Related Course(s): Master of Psychology (Clinical Child Psychology)/Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Psychology (Clinical Child)

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