PSY5107 · Psychopathology B

Overview

This unit builds on the material covered in Psychopathology A by examining the nosology and clinical assessment of more complex mental health disorders. You will be introduced to psychopharmacology in clinical practice through a range of topics that includes drug classifications, psychedelics, psychoactive pharmaceuticals, management of neurodegenerative disorders, and psychotropic drugs used in psychiatry. Key topics include pharmacokinetics, variability in response to drugs, chemical transmission, and the role of neuroreceptors. Learning and teaching activities in this unit will involve your participation in lectures, case discussions, and group activities. These activities are designed to foster your critical thinking skills and inform a more thorough understanding of specialised topics in mental health.

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. Apply knowledge of psychopathology, including the aetiology, progression, and sequelae of psychological disorders, with due consideration for the sociocultural context, to inform clinical practice.
2. Evaluate basic concepts of psychopharmacology and psychotropic medications for clinical management of mental health disorders.
3. Analyse the interaction between common psychotropic agents and major classes of neurotransmitters, and evaluate their respective roles in the management of mental health disorders.
4. Develop clinically relevant reference documents for psychiatric agents or drugs of potential abuse by synthesising existing knowledge and evidence in the field.
5. Demonstrate the scientist-practitioner approach to clinical practice through active participation and contributions to case discussions regarding formulation, diagnoses, and pharmacological management of mental health disorders.
6. Conduct diagnostic assessments of moderate to severe psychological disorders, with varying levels of complexity, including risk of harm to self or others.

Workload

Twelve seminars of three hours for a total of 36 hours. Preparation / self-directed study: One hour per week for seminars and twelve hours preparation for assessment tasks.

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