Students

PSYX3337 – Psychopathology

2023 – Session 1, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Melissa Norberg
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
20cp from (PSYX or PSYU or PSY units at 2000 level) including PSYX248 or PSYX2248 or PSY248 or PSYU2248
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This online unit focuses on so-called abnormal behaviour. Following a general introduction to the nature and study of abnormality, each of the main forms of psychopathology is discussed, along with theories of psychopathology and their evidence (when available) as well as science-based interventions. Tutorials are online. An intermediate level of research methodology and statistical knowledge is a pre-requisite for this unit, as this knowledge is required to understand the scientific basis of psychopathology and its theories.

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: Demonstrate an understanding of the multiple definitions of abnormal behaviour and how to assess it.
  • ULO2: Identify the signs, symptoms and science-based treatments of the psychological disorders covered in this unit.
  • ULO3: Demonstrate awareness of the prevalence and demographics typical for the psychological disorders covered in this unit.
  • ULO4: Demonstrate a basic understanding and appreciation of theory and typical research findings relating to cause and maintenance of the psychological disorders covered in this unit.
  • ULO5: Display communication and critical analysis skills: in particular, analyse the theoretical and empirical literature and professionally communicate research findings.

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.

Word Count Penalties

5% of the possible mark will be deducted per 100 words over the word limit for the written assessment task. An additional 99 words beyond the limit can be written without penalty.

Late Submissions

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE MARK) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern. 

 For example:

Number of days (hours) late

Total Possible Marks

Deduction

Raw mark

Final mark

1 day (1-24 hours)

100

5

75

70

2 days (24-48 hours)

100

10

75

65

3 days (48-72 hours)

100

15

75

60

7 days (144-168 hours)

100

35

75

40

>7 days (>168 hours)

100

-

75

0

No further submissions will be accepted after the marked assignments are returned and feedback is released to students.

Late submission of time sensitive tasks, such as timetabled tests/exams, scheduled performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs, will be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application.  

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. 

Final Examination

Students are expected to make themselves available for the final 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.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Final examination 50% No Final Exam Period
Online Quiz 10% No Weeks 4, 8, 12
Case Study 40% No Week 7

Final examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Final Exam Period
Weighting: 50%

 

Final examination held within the University’s formal exam period, in accordance with relevant requirements.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the multiple definitions of abnormal behaviour and how to assess it.
  • Identify the signs, symptoms and science-based treatments of the psychological disorders covered in this unit.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the prevalence and demographics typical for the psychological disorders covered in this unit.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding and appreciation of theory and typical research findings relating to cause and maintenance of the psychological disorders covered in this unit.

Online Quiz

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Weeks 4, 8, 12
Weighting: 10%

 

Three online multiple-choice quizzes testing unit content.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the multiple definitions of abnormal behaviour and how to assess it.
  • Identify the signs, symptoms and science-based treatments of the psychological disorders covered in this unit.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the prevalence and demographics typical for the psychological disorders covered in this unit.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding and appreciation of theory and typical research findings relating to cause and maintenance of the psychological disorders covered in this unit.

Case Study

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 45 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 40%

 

A written report, in APA format, that diagnoses a case vignette, and uses a science-based theory to describe the case’s condition and recommended treatment.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify the signs, symptoms and science-based treatments of the psychological disorders covered in this unit.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding and appreciation of theory and typical research findings relating to cause and maintenance of the psychological disorders covered in this unit.
  • Display communication and critical analysis skills: in particular, analyse the theoretical and empirical literature and professionally communicate research findings.

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 online learning activities, including lectures, practicals, videos, and readings. Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit. This unit is delivered as an online unit via Open Universities Australia (OUA). Please read this Unit Guide in conjunction with information provided about studying a Macquarie University unit via OUA at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/other-study-options/open-universities-australia

All lectures are pre-recorded and available on iLearn. There are six fortnightly practicals to be completed, commencing in week 2 of the session. The practical material can be found on iLearn. 

Required Readings

Barlow, David H.Durand, Vincent Mark ; Hofmann, Stefan G. (2022). Psychopathology An Integrative Approach to Mental Disorders. 9 edition. Cengage Learning

For other readings, refer to the reading list (Leganto) in the iLearn unit homepage.

Technology Used

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

You will need access to the internet for accessing the iLearn unit homepage for the following:

  • Up-to-date information about the unit
  • lecture recordings
  • practial activities
  • online submission of the written assignment
  • online quizzes

Unit Schedule

Weeks

Topic/Theme

Week 1

Introduction to the Unit & Guidance on Assessments

Week 2

Introduction to Psychopathology

Week 3

Introduction to Psychopathology

Week 4

Anxiety and Related Disorders

Week 5

Anxiety and Related Disorders

Week 6

Mood Disorders and Suicide

Week 7

Eating Disorders and Obesity

Week 8

Sexual Dysfunction, Paraphilic Disorders, and Gender Dysphoria

Week 9

Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders

Week 10

Personality Disorders

Week 11

Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

Week 12

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Week 13

Study Week

For further details, please see the iLearn site for this unit. 

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.

OUA policies

For information and administrative processes specific to OUA studies, please see this website: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/faculties/open-universities-australia

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.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
10/02/2023 Week 7 content was revised.

Unit information based on version 2023.02 of the Handbook