Child Psychopathology

Subject PSYC90023 (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 12 weeks
Total Time Commitment: 54 hours
Prerequisites: The following are prerequisites:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Completion of 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

Dr Lesley Bretherton

Contact

Sarah Drew

sarah@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This component is focused around disorders such as autism, anxiety and depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorders and learning difficulties as well as presentations involving paediatric chronic illness and eating disorders. Emphasis is on identifying such disorders, and understanding possible aetiologies and prognoses from a developmental framework. The complexity of working with a child in the context of the family is also addressed. Treatment of childhood disorders in a behavioural and cognitive behavioural framework is also demonstrated.

Objectives: Students will be given the opportunity to gain an understanding of psychopathology in childhood and adolescence from the theoretical, research and clinical perspectives. Students will acquire an understanding of appropriate use of diagnostic classification systems, such as DSM-IV, and critical appraisal of such systems and their limitations within developmental settings; gain a basic understanding of clinical assessments of children and adolescents for various disorders; and gain introductory knowledge of treatment methods for childhood disorders.
Assessment:

Assignment - a written case scenario will be provided mid semester and the student will be expected to provide a report of not more than 1000 words outlining the assessment process leading to a possible DSM IV diagnosis/es, differential diagnoses and evidences based treatment. 30%

Essay an essay of not more than 2500 words on a given topic relevant to the lecture series will also be required. 70%

Mandatory attendance of at least 80% of the seminars and satisfactory class participation is also required.

Prescribed Texts: No prescribed text. A series of readings will be provided.
Recommended Texts: Marsch, Edward J. & Barkly, Russell A. Child Psychopathology (2nd edition 2003); The Guildford Press: New York
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 intergration and synthesizing skills.

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

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