Students

PSYC8987 – Child and Adult Psychopathology 1

2023 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor and Lecturer
Melissa Norberg
Lecturer
Jennifer Cornish
Philippe Gilchrist
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MClinPsych
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit aims to develop students' conceptual and diagnostic understanding of the mental disorders contained within the DSM-5's categories of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-and stressor-related disorders, and the obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Importantly, this unit will discuss the evidence (or lack of evidence) for these disorders and their existing theoretical models in light of the history of the DSM and its alternatives. Moreover, this unit will take a lifespan approach, by exploring potential variations in mental disorders in childhood, adulthood, and later life. Lastly, this unit will provide an overview of the biological bases of and pharmacotherapies for ADHD/ASD, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders, and for schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.

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: Recognise, differentially diagnose, and assess DSM disorders, taking into account an individual's context. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • ULO2: Explain key demographic and epidemiological characteristics, along with the psychological theories underlying their aetiology and maintenance, the evidence supporting them, as well as risk and protective factors of the main disorders. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • ULO3: Identify an appropriate theoretical model for understanding a disorder and for guiding its culturally responsive assessment and treatment based on scientific evidence, and in different settings and teams. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 3: Engaged global citizen)
  • ULO4: Explain the history of the DSM, its strengths and weaknesses, and alternative classification models. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • ULO5: Demonstrate understanding of the neuroscience and pharmacology of common mental disorders. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • ULO6: Critically integrate scientific findings into culturally informed case formulations and treatment planning. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)

General Assessment Information

General assessment Information

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.

All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor.

Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure (clause 128).

To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn.

 

Special Consideration

If you are unable to complete an assessment task on or by the specified date due circumstances that are unexpected, unavoidable, significantly disruptive and beyond your control, you may apply for special consideration in accordance with the special consideration policy. Applications for special consideration must be supported by appropriate evidence and submitted via ask.mq.edu.au.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Final examination 50% Yes Week 13
Psychopathology Presentation 30% No Weeks 7-11
In class test 20% No Week 5

Final examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 50%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

Final examination in final week of semester, in accordance with relevant requirements.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognise, differentially diagnose, and assess DSM disorders, taking into account an individual's context. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • Explain key demographic and epidemiological characteristics, along with the psychological theories underlying their aetiology and maintenance, the evidence supporting them, as well as risk and protective factors of the main disorders. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • Identify an appropriate theoretical model for understanding a disorder and for guiding its culturally responsive assessment and treatment based on scientific evidence, and in different settings and teams. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 3: Engaged global citizen)
  • Explain the history of the DSM, its strengths and weaknesses, and alternative classification models. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • Demonstrate understanding of the neuroscience and pharmacology of common mental disorders. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • Critically integrate scientific findings into culturally informed case formulations and treatment planning. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)

Psychopathology Presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 9 hours
Due: Weeks 7-11
Weighting: 30%

 

Throughout the semester, articles covering the various disorders discussed during this class are assigned. Students are expected to read these articles and adequately participate in class discussions about these articles, as well as present one of the articles to the class

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognise, differentially diagnose, and assess DSM disorders, taking into account an individual's context. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • Explain key demographic and epidemiological characteristics, along with the psychological theories underlying their aetiology and maintenance, the evidence supporting them, as well as risk and protective factors of the main disorders. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • Identify an appropriate theoretical model for understanding a disorder and for guiding its culturally responsive assessment and treatment based on scientific evidence, and in different settings and teams. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 3: Engaged global citizen)
  • Critically integrate scientific findings into culturally informed case formulations and treatment planning. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)

In class test

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 20%

 

Multiple choice questions in 1 hour

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of the neuroscience and pharmacology of common mental disorders. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)

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

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of face-to-face, and at times online learning activities, such as readings, videos, lectures, practical skill demonstrations, etc. Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.

Recommended and required readings can also be found on Leganto and on the iLearn site for this unit. 

Technology Used:

Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device. Students who do not own their own laptop computer may borrow one from the university library.

Unit Schedule

This Unit integrates science, theory, and critical thinking as the foundation for practice. Students are required to prepare for seminars by completing readings and/or material (e.g., videos, links, etc.) available via iLearn and Leganto in advance.  Additional resources and reading material may be provided throughout the unit.  Engagement with assigned material and participation in class is essential. 

Please see iLearn for schedule.  Timetables for seminars, where applicable, can be found on the University website at: https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2023

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:

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

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Inclusion and Diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

Professionalism

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.


Unit information based on version 2023.03 of the Handbook