PSY5106 · Psychopathology A

Overview

In this unit, you will develop a foundational knowledge of psychopathology and high prevalence psychiatric disorders, with a focus on the core clinical skills required for effective mental health practice: clinical assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions. There is a strong emphasis on integrating theory with clinical practice throughout this unit. You will participate in a range of teaching and learning activities including weekly seminars, clinical skills practice, and self-reflection exercises. These activities are designed to complement clinical training activities and other coursework units, and to support professional engagement with the community.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Describe and discuss major classes of psychiatric illness based on DSM-5 nosology and emerging trends for diagnosis.
2. Synthesise clinical information and related literature into a concise and contemporary written evaluation of selected psychiatric disorders.
3. Conduct a psychiatric clinical interview to assess and differentiate between high prevalence psychiatric disorders.
4. Observe and document Mental State Examination (MSE).
5. Critically analyse and reflect on psychological knowledge to inform diagnostic assessment, clinical evaluation, and ongoing professional development needs.

Workload

Eleven seminars of three hours for a total of 33 hours. One asynchronous applied session of two hours that utilises video resources of clinical interviews focused on mental status examination, assessment of risk, and high prevalence disorders. This material will consolidate learning from synchronous delivery. Preparation / self-directed study: One hour per week for seminars, two hours for the applied session and twelve hours preparation for assessment tasks.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.