Students

PSYC8103 – Clinical Psychology Psychopathology, Assessment & Therapy 3

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Leanne Hall
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MClinPsych and PSYC8985 and PSYC8986 or PSYG8001 and PSYC8987.
Corequisites Corequisites
PSYC8102
Co-badged status Co-badged status
PSYC8993
Unit description Unit description

This unit covers the assessment, case formulation, and treatment interventions based upon evolving case formulations for stress and trauma-related disorders including adjustment disorder and complex trauma, somatization disorders, chronic pain, blood-injection-injury phobia, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other health-related conditions. The focus will be on advanced and interdisciplinary approaches to the assessment, and the implementation of appropriate case-formulated interventions for specialised and complex mental health and illness populations. Models relevant to clinical health psychology will be discussed, including sociocultural factors in health.

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: Critically appraise and apply relevant theoretical models and culturally responsive formulations (including clinical health psychology models) that relate to psychopathology and common health conditions across the lifespan. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 3: Engaged global citizen)
  • ULO2: Report upon evidence-based and culturally responsive assessment (including clinical interviews, self-report measures, and behavioural observations), and case formulations for working with stressed/trauma-related and health-related populations across the life-span. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 3: Engaged global citizen)
  • ULO3: Critically evaluate approaches to collaborate effectively with relevant health service professionals when working with individuals and families with complex mental health problems, medical conditions, and/or comorbidities. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 4: Professional)
  • ULO4: Demonstrate an advanced understanding of methods to monitor therapeutic progress when working with stress/trauma-related and health-related populations across the life-span.  (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • ULO5: Demonstrate appropriate evidence-based interventions for working with health-related populations (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.

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

 

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Practical viva 50% No Week 6
Multidisciplinary Report 20% No 9/10/2025
Case Report 30% Yes 7/11/2025

Practical viva

Assessment Type 1: Viva/oral examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 50%

 

You will demonstrate part of an evidenced- based therapy question based on a vignette provided.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically appraise and apply relevant theoretical models and culturally responsive formulations (including clinical health psychology models) that relate to psychopathology and common health conditions across the lifespan. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 3: Engaged global citizen)
  • Report upon evidence-based and culturally responsive assessment (including clinical interviews, self-report measures, and behavioural observations), and case formulations for working with stressed/trauma-related and health-related populations across the life-span. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 3: Engaged global citizen)
  • Demonstrate appropriate evidence-based interventions for working with health-related populations (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)

Multidisciplinary Report

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 9/10/2025
Weighting: 20%

 

You will work in small groups with other graduate health professional students and then complete a multidisciplinary patient report based on a complex case. 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically appraise and apply relevant theoretical models and culturally responsive formulations (including clinical health psychology models) that relate to psychopathology and common health conditions across the lifespan. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 3: Engaged global citizen)
  • Report upon evidence-based and culturally responsive assessment (including clinical interviews, self-report measures, and behavioural observations), and case formulations for working with stressed/trauma-related and health-related populations across the life-span. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 3: Engaged global citizen)
  • Critically evaluate approaches to collaborate effectively with relevant health service professionals when working with individuals and families with complex mental health problems, medical conditions, and/or comorbidities. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 4: Professional)
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of methods to monitor therapeutic progress when working with stress/trauma-related and health-related populations across the life-span.  (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • Demonstrate appropriate evidence-based interventions for working with health-related populations (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)

Case Report

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 7/11/2025
Weighting: 30%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

You will be required to describe health-related models, assessment, and case formulation based upon a multidisciplinary complex case. The assessment is a hurdle as it relates to key competencies required for clinical practice related to registration with AHPRA. 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically appraise and apply relevant theoretical models and culturally responsive formulations (including clinical health psychology models) that relate to psychopathology and common health conditions across the lifespan. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 3: Engaged global citizen)
  • Report upon evidence-based and culturally responsive assessment (including clinical interviews, self-report measures, and behavioural observations), and case formulations for working with stressed/trauma-related and health-related populations across the life-span. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 3: Engaged global citizen)
  • Critically evaluate approaches to collaborate effectively with relevant health service professionals when working with individuals and families with complex mental health problems, medical conditions, and/or comorbidities. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 4: Professional)
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of methods to monitor therapeutic progress when working with stress/trauma-related and health-related populations across the life-span.  (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • Demonstrate appropriate evidence-based interventions for working with health-related populations (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 seminar/workshop and online learning activities, including videos, podcasts, small group activities, role-plays, and recorded lectures. Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.

Recommended and required readings can be found on iLearn (Leganto) and via weekly modules.

Students are required to prepare for seminars by completing readings and/or iLearn-based material (e.g., videos, readings) where applicable prior to classes in order to benefit most from the Unit.  Additional resources and reading material may be provided throughout the course during the relevant sections, as new publications may emerge during the Session.  

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.

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 connect.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/

Academic Success

Academic Success 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 the Service Connect Portal, 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 & 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 2025.07 of the Handbook