Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit provides an introduction to problems in psychological functioning and reviews research and theory relating to the major classes of mental disorder identified in DSM-IV TR, the diagnostic and classification manual most frequently employed in Australia and the United States. An integrative approach to the understanding of psychopathology is emphasised, highlighting the reciprocal influence of biological, psychological, cultural and social factors on behaviour.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with a solid grounding in psychopathology, and the evidence-base for contemporary approaches to the identification, classification, and treatment of major classes of mental illness.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you should:

1. Gain a broad understanding of theoretical aspects of abnormal psychology.


2. Understand the principles and procedures underpinning DSM-IV TR diagnostic classification system.


3. Have an understanding of indigenous and cross-cultural perspectives in relation to mental illness.


4. Have an understanding of the psycho-diagnostic reasoning process.


5. Have an understanding of a range of research methods in psychopathology.

Content

This unit covers a range of mental illnesses including:

1. Mood, anxiety, personality, dissociative, psychotic, substance-related, amnestic, eating and sleeping disorders.


2. Details on the epidemiology, diagnosis, aetiology, assessment, treatment, and evidence-base for specific disorders will be presented.

This unit will provide an opportunity for skill development in the following areas: psychodiagnostic reasoning, group work, communication, information literacy, and problem-solving.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is conducted over a series of lectures and tutorials. Lectures are intended to provide the theoretical foundations of this subject area. Tutorials will provide students with the opportunity to: apply knowledge they have acquired in a manner used in many professional work settings; develop peer-peer study groups; practice psychodiagnostic reasoning skills.

Assessment

Continuous assessment is employed in this unit. The first two assessment items in this unit (lab report and case analysis assignment) are designed to give feedback about progress (formative assessment) and contribute 60% of the final mark (summative assessment). The final assessment task (exam) is summative and will assess the overall standard of achievement on completion of this unit.

Assessment name: Laboratory Report
Description: You will be asked to write a 2500 word laboratory report. Your lab-report will be based on a study you conduct using a single-case experimental design.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Case Analysis
Description: (Formative/Summative). You will be given a case history and asked to formulate an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan for a hypothetical client (2500 words). This report will allow you to demonstrate your psychodiagnostic reasoning skills and understanding of specific types of psychopathology.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 & 4.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Final Exam
Description: (Summative). A 2-hour final examination will be scheduled in the examination period. The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions. Multiple-choice questions will be based on material presented throughout the semester (i.e., lectures, compulsory textbook readings, and tutorials).
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 & 4.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Texts:
Oltmanns, T. R, & Emery, R. E. (2010). Abnormal psychology (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

References:
Items will be placed on CMD during the course of the semester for your use.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 17-May-2012