Students
PSYC8988 – Psychological Assessment and Child and Adult Psychopathology 2
2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances, North Ryde
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Lauren McLellan
Guest Lecturer
Melissa Norberg
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MClinPsych and (PSYC985 or PSYC8985) and (PSYC986 or PSYC8986) and (PSYC987 or PSYC8987)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit will cover theoretical models of the development of psychopathology, as well as evidence-based assessment of adult and child mental disorders such as externalising and internalising disorders, complex disorders such as bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders. Methods for differential diagnosis as well as treatment planning for comorbidity will be covered. Assessment techniques for these disorders in children and adults will include interviewing children, adolescents and their families, as well as acutely unwell clients (e.g. psychotic). It will also involve knowledge of self-report measures, child, parent and teacher rating scales and use of behavioural observations where appropriate. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Assess psychiatric symptoms related to internalising and externalising disorders across the lifespan.
- ULO2: Assess for and identify personality disorders, psychosis, bipolar disorders.
- ULO3: Differentially diagnose complex comorbidities of mental disorders across the lifespan.
- ULO4: Select appropriate evidence based assessment tools.
- ULO5: Demonstrate effective clinical interviewing skills of children and adolescents.
General Assessment Information
Late Submissions
Late submissions, without an approved extension, will receive a 5% per day penalty including weekends and public holidays. If you submit the assessment task 10 days or more beyond the due date, you will be awarded a maximum of 50% of the overall assessment marks. No further submissions will be accepted after the marked assignments are returned and feedback is released to students.
All extensions need to be formally requested via ask.mq.edu.au in line with the special consideration policy.
Word Count Penalty
5% of the possible mark will be deducted per 100 words over the word limit for written assessment tasks. An additional 99 words beyond the limit can be written without penalty.
Grades for Written Assessment Tasks
It is Psychology policy that letter grades, not numeric marks, are released for written assessment tasks.
Final Exam
The final exam for this unit is currently scheduled to occur on Macquarie University campus. Students are expected to make themselves available for the exam, at the date and time set by the University, in line with the Assessment Policy and Procedure.
Sitting the final exam is compulsory in order to be eligible to pass the unit. Any student who does not attempt the final exam will be granted a Fail Absent grade.
Supplementary Assessment Tasks
Supplementary assessment tasks will only be provided following an approved Special Consideration application, and only when appropriate. Supplementary assessment tasks, including supplementary exams, can be in a different format to the original assessment task.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Report | 30% | Yes | Week 6 |
| Video Role Play | 30% | Yes | Week 10 |
| Final Examination | 40% | No | Week 13 |
Case Report
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 30%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Students will be required to demonstrate in 1500 words that they can formulate the presenting problem with predisposing, precipitating and maintaining factors along with a diagnosis and justification.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Assess psychiatric symptoms related to internalising and externalising disorders across the lifespan.
- Assess for and identify personality disorders, psychosis, bipolar disorders.
- Differentially diagnose complex comorbidities of mental disorders across the lifespan.
- Select appropriate evidence based assessment tools.
Video Role Play
Assessment Type 1: Simulation/role play
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 30%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Students submit a 15 minute video demonstrating clinical interview and assessments skills of youth.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Assess psychiatric symptoms related to internalising and externalising disorders across the lifespan.
- Differentially diagnose complex comorbidities of mental disorders across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate effective clinical interviewing skills of children and adolescents.
Final Examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 40%
Final examination held in scheduled class time, in accordance with relevant requirements.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Assess psychiatric symptoms related to internalising and externalising disorders across the lifespan.
- Assess for and identify personality disorders, psychosis, bipolar disorders.
- Differentially diagnose complex comorbidities of mental disorders across the lifespan.
- Select appropriate evidence based assessment tools.
- Demonstrate effective clinical interviewing skills of children and adolescents.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
The unit will be taught using lectures, clinical skills training and readings. Attendance to classes is compulsory in order to achieve a Pass grade or higher in this unit. On campus attendance is essential for completion of components of this unit. Class participation is essential to the learning outcomes. Live demonstrations and role-modelling will be used to teach the practical application of the clinical skills covered in this unit. Students are expected to be present for the entirety of the class session. The material covered in class may not be posted on iLearn. Thus it is the student’s responsibility to attend class and to take notes on the material covered.
If students miss a class, it is University Policy that students MUST make a Request for Special Consideration through https://ask.mq.edu.au/ with appropriate documentation (e.g., medical certificates etc). To be eligible for Special Consideration, a student must notify the University of a serious and unavoidable disruption no later than 5 working days of the due date (see University Policy https://policies.mq.edu.au/document/view.php?id=136 ).
However, in line with Public Health guidelines, this approach will be revised if and when necessary due to the COVID pandemic, in alignment with University policy. Changes or updates will be communicated via iLearn and/or emails sent to student email accounts. Students should stay up to date with the latest University advice at the following website: https://www.mq.edu.au/about/coronavirus-faqs/information-for-students.
Unit Schedule
Week 1: Introduction and Assessment of Personality and Complex Comorbidity I (Lauren)
Week 2: Assessment of Personality and Complex Comorbidity II (Lauren)
Week 3: Assessment of Personality and Complex Comorbidity III (Lauren)
Week 4: Assessment of Personality and Complex Comorbidity IV (Lauren)
Week 5. Generic Assessment Skills with Children, Adolescents and Families (Lauren)
Week 6. Assessment of Child and Adolescent Anxiety (Lauren)
Week 7. Assessment of Child and Adolescent Depression (Lauren)
Recess
Week 8. Assessment of Child and Adolescent Externalising Disorders (Lauren)
Week 9. Assessment of Substance Use Disorders (Melissa)
Week 10. Assessment of Gambling Disorder and Impulse Control (Melissa)
Week 11. Assessment of Psychosis/Bipolar Disorder (Lauren)
Week 12: Assessment of Eating and Feeding Disorders (Lauren)
Week 13: In Class Exam
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2021.01R of the Handbook