PSYCHOL 7233 - Psychopathology and Clinical Practice

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2025

This unit aims to describe psychological problems as they present and are diagnosed and treated across the lifespan ? with special reference to diagnostic systems, ethical principles and pharmacological treatments. On completion of this unit the student will be able to demonstrate: thorough and critical understanding of the most commonly-used diagnostic classification systems (e.g. DSM, ICD) and techniques for diagnostic assessment (e.g. SCID, MINI, psychometric scales); knowledge of the causes, presentation, diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems from childhood to old age; a basic understanding of the SA mental health system and its supporting legislation; and a critical approach to the research evidence-base and to professional development activities.

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Course Details

Course Code	PSYCHOL 7233
Course	Psychopathology and Clinical Practice
Coordinating Unit	Psychology
Term	Semester 1
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	N
Prerequisites	PSYCHOL 7230 and PSYCHOL 7231
Assumed Knowledge	Psychology Honours degree and relevant undergraduate introductions to abnormal psychology and evidence-base practice
Restrictions	Available to M Psych (Health) and PhD/MPsych(Health) students only or by permission of Head of School
Assessment	Assignments & exam

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr John Baranoff

john.bararnoff@adelaide.edu.au

School of Psychology Office: psychologyoffice@adelaide.edu.au; ph +61 8313 5693

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

Details of the timetable are located in MyUni.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1.    Apply and evaluate critically the most commonly-used diagnostic classification systems and techniques for diagnostic assessment.
2.   Demonstrate a strong working knowledge of the causes, presentation, diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems from infancy to old age
3.    Apply common approaches to assessing symptoms and signs of psychological disorders.
4. Demonstrate ability to identify appropriate interventions for common psychological disorders, taking into account individual differences.

最新糖心Vlog Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	1,2,3,4
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	3,4
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	3,4
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	1,2,3,4
Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.	2,4
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	4

Learning & Teaching Modes

Face-to-face interactive seminars, complemented with reading, reflection, and on-line resources.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

Seminars: 13 x 3 hours: 36 hours
Diagnostic exercise: 10 hours
Mental status examination exercise: 5 hours
Exam preparation: 39 hours
Final test: 1 hours
Independent reading and research: 60 hours

Learning Activities Summary

Week	Topic	Lecture
Week 1	Course introduction. Diagnostic systems and treatment planning.	Abnormal Psychology
Week 2	Diagnostic interviewing and assessment.	Abnormal Psychology
Week 3	Psychosis.	Abnormal Psychology
Week 4	Anxiety disorders.	Abnormal Psychology
Week 5	Mood disorders and Adjustment disorder.	Abnormal Psychology
Week 6	Eating disorders.	Abnormal Psychology
Week 7	Substance abuse.	Abnormal Psychology
Week 8	Personality disorders.	Abnormal Psychology
Week 9	Childhood disorders.	Abnormal Psychology
Week 10	Childhood disorders.	Abnormal Psychology
Week 11	Mental health problems of older people.	Abnormal Psychology
Week 12	Introduction to Psychopharmacology	Abnormal Psychology
Week 13	Lived Experience	Abnormal Psychology

Disclaimer: This program may be changed or updated.

Specific Course Requirements

On the initial enrolment into one of the Master’s programs, all students (unless already a Registered Psychologist) MUST apply for and obtain provisional registration with the Psychology Board of 最新糖心Vlog. All students are required to provide a copy of their registration details to the Program Administrator on their first day in the Program: this will be required for the Summer School courses Interviewing & Intervention and Evidence-Based Practice. The application form and details of fees payable are available from the PBA website:

Candidates are required to consent to a police check as part of their application to the Psychology Board of 最新糖心Vlog for Provisional Registration, a requirement of enrolment in the program. A satisfactory current police check is a mandatory requirement for acceptance to and continuation within the program.

The 最新糖心Vlog's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Assessment Type	Weighting	Learning outcome(s) being addressed
Diagnostic Exercise.	Summative	40%	1,2,4
Mental status examination exercise	Summative	20%	3
Final OSCE test	Summative	40%	1,3

Assessment Related Requirements

Attendance at all seminars is mandatory to ensure students attain and can demonstrate the relevant required competencies. Should students fail to meet mandatory attendance requirements by being absent this may lead to a fail grade for the course. Exemptions to mandatory attendance requirements may be granted for up to 2 seminars by the Course Coordinator if there are exceptional medical,
compassionate, or extenuating circumstances as defined by the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy. Students will be required to complete redemption exercises to the satisfaction of the Course Coordinator for any seminars missed.

In order to pass the course overall, students must pass each of the 3 components of the assessment.

Assessment Detail

The aim of these assessments is to encourage students to read and reflect on core course materials and content, while also engaging in active learning activities.

The final test is completed in the week following the final class.

Further details about these assessments will be provided at the commencement of the course.

Submission

The School of Psychology undertakes to adhere to the 最新糖心Vlog’s Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy, Procedure 6a, which requires that assessments are returned within 4 weeks of the deadlines for submission.

Extension of time for an assignment may be granted at the discretion of the Course Coordinator, to whom students should apply in writing (or email) before the due date and time.

No requests for extensions will be considered if made after the due date and time.

Please refer to the Univerity Assessment Policy.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

GS8 (Coursework Grade Scheme)
Grade	Description
CN	Continuing
FNS	Fail No Submission
NFE	No Formal Examination
F	Fail
NGP	Non Graded Pass
P	Pass
C	Credit
D	Distinction
HD	High Distinction
RP	Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

In order to achieve specified grades for a course in a professional program, students must demonstrate the following:

Non-graded Pass
(a) Satisfies minimum competence in the assessment tasks.
(b) Familiarity with core texts and materials.
(c) Satisfactory knowledge of relevant principles and concepts;
(d) Evidence of ability to construct coherent argument based on evidence.
(e) Evidence of minimum competence in analytical and evaluative skills.
(f) Satisfactory competence in applying fundamental concepts and skills.
(g) Satisfactory competence in expression and presentation; accurate and consistent acknowledgement of sources.

Fail

(a) Fails to satisfy minimum competence in the assessment tasks.
(b) Insufficient evidence of having read core texts and materials.
(c) Insufficient knowledge of relevant principles and concepts.
(d) Insufficientevidence of ability to construct coherent argument based on evidence.
(e) Insufficient evidence of competent analytical and evaluative skills.
(f) Insufficient demonstration of competence in applying fundamental concepts and skills.
(g) Unsatisfactory skills in expression and presentation; inaccurate and inconsistent acknowledgement of sources.

Students will have an opportunity to resubmit any assessment that receives a failed grade.

Final results for this course will be made available through .

Student Feedback

The 最新糖心Vlog places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the 最新糖心Vlog to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available through MyUni.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator

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