Students

PSY 337 – Psychopathology

2018 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Melissa Norberg
Contact via melissa.norberg@mq.edu.au
C3A 714
by appt
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
6cp from PSY or PSYC units at 200 level
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit focuses on so-called abnormal behaviour. Following a general introduction to the nature of abnormality, each of the main forms of psychopathology is discussed. In each case the disorder is described, demographic features are covered, and theories of cause and maintenance are discussed. Psychological, social, and biochemical factors are included. As much as possible, empirical evidence supporting the theories is highlighted. This unit is a blend of online and face-to-face delivery. All tutorial classes remain face-to-face.

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:

  • To understand the multiple definitions of abnormal behaviour
  • To know the signs and symptoms of most of the major psychological disorders
  • To be aware of the prevalence and demographics typical for each disorder
  • To develop a basic understanding and appreciation of the typical research findings relating to cause and maintenance of each of the major disorders
  • To develop communication and critical analysis skills: In particular the analysis of literature and the professional communication of research findings

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Research paper 40% No see unit outline on iLearn
Online Discussions 10% No see unit outline on iLearn
Final exam 50% No see unit outline on iLearn

Research paper

Due: see unit outline on iLearn
Weighting: 40%

Students need to write an 1800 - 2000 word literature review / project proposal. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To understand the multiple definitions of abnormal behaviour
  • To know the signs and symptoms of most of the major psychological disorders
  • To be aware of the prevalence and demographics typical for each disorder
  • To develop a basic understanding and appreciation of the typical research findings relating to cause and maintenance of each of the major disorders
  • To develop communication and critical analysis skills: In particular the analysis of literature and the professional communication of research findings

Online Discussions

Due: see unit outline on iLearn
Weighting: 10%

Students need to contribute to five online discussions


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To understand the multiple definitions of abnormal behaviour
  • To know the signs and symptoms of most of the major psychological disorders
  • To be aware of the prevalence and demographics typical for each disorder
  • To develop a basic understanding and appreciation of the typical research findings relating to cause and maintenance of each of the major disorders
  • To develop communication and critical analysis skills: In particular the analysis of literature and the professional communication of research findings

Final exam

Due: see unit outline on iLearn
Weighting: 50%

Final exam


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To understand the multiple definitions of abnormal behaviour
  • To know the signs and symptoms of most of the major psychological disorders
  • To be aware of the prevalence and demographics typical for each disorder
  • To develop a basic understanding and appreciation of the typical research findings relating to cause and maintenance of each of the major disorders
  • To develop communication and critical analysis skills: In particular the analysis of literature and the professional communication of research findings

Delivery and Resources

1.   MindTap® Psychology for Barlow/Durand/Hofmann’s Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Approach, 8th Edition (available for purchase through iLearn)

2.   Three 1-hour face-to-face meetings: week 1 (Q&A about the unit), week 2 (lecture related to literature review / project proposal) and week 6 (Q&A about the literature review / project proposal).

3.   Videos available through iLearn

4.   Online discussions conducted through iLearn.

5.   Six, 2-hour tutorials.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, 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.

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 improve your marks and take control of your study.

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

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.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • To develop communication and critical analysis skills: In particular the analysis of literature and the professional communication of research findings

Assessment task

  • Online Discussions

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment tasks

  • Research paper
  • Online Discussions

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment tasks

  • Research paper
  • Online Discussions

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To understand the multiple definitions of abnormal behaviour
  • To know the signs and symptoms of most of the major psychological disorders
  • To be aware of the prevalence and demographics typical for each disorder
  • To develop a basic understanding and appreciation of the typical research findings relating to cause and maintenance of each of the major disorders
  • To develop communication and critical analysis skills: In particular the analysis of literature and the professional communication of research findings

Assessment tasks

  • Research paper
  • Online Discussions
  • Final exam

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To understand the multiple definitions of abnormal behaviour
  • To know the signs and symptoms of most of the major psychological disorders
  • To be aware of the prevalence and demographics typical for each disorder
  • To develop a basic understanding and appreciation of the typical research findings relating to cause and maintenance of each of the major disorders
  • To develop communication and critical analysis skills: In particular the analysis of literature and the professional communication of research findings

Assessment tasks

  • Research paper
  • Online Discussions
  • Final exam

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To understand the multiple definitions of abnormal behaviour
  • To know the signs and symptoms of most of the major psychological disorders
  • To be aware of the prevalence and demographics typical for each disorder
  • To develop a basic understanding and appreciation of the typical research findings relating to cause and maintenance of each of the major disorders
  • To develop communication and critical analysis skills: In particular the analysis of literature and the professional communication of research findings

Assessment tasks

  • Research paper
  • Online Discussions
  • Final exam

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • To develop communication and critical analysis skills: In particular the analysis of literature and the professional communication of research findings

Assessment tasks

  • Research paper
  • Online Discussions

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment task

  • Online Discussions

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment task

  • Online Discussions