This course offers an integrative approach to psychological disorders, in which abnormal behaviour and psychopathology are contrasted with "normal" functioning. The course uses case examples, video material and knowledge from both research and clinical perspectives to help bring alive the challenges of diagnosis, assessment, conceptualisation and treatment of major psychological disorders across the lifespan. Specific focus is given to clinical descriptions, individual differences, and biological, psychological, social and contextual influences. Prevention and treatment of different psychological disorders will be discussed, but are not a major focus of the course.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- Critique different models and major theories of psychopathology
- Think deeply and critically about issues and changes in psychiatric classification (e.g., DSM-5)
- Recognise and describe the symptoms and aetiology associated with psychological disorders and apply this knowledge to case examples
- Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based treatments for the psychological disorders covered in this course
Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:Laboratory quizzes (10%) – LOs 1-4
Written assignment (30%) – LOs 1, 3, 4
Exams (60%) – LOs 1-4
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
This course consists of 12 lectures (2 hours per week) and 6 compulsory laboratory classes (2 hours) spread across the semester.Prescribed Texts
Rieger, E (Editor). Abnormal Psychology: Leading Researcher Perspectives (most recentedition). Publisher: McGraw-Hill Pty Ltd, Australia.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 4B
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4290 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $6120 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.