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 cultural influences.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Critically evaluate and apply different theoretical models of psychopathology, including biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives.
- Discuss issues and changes in clinical assessment and psychiatric classification (e.g., DSM-5).
- Analyse and evaluate symptoms and aetiology associated with psychological disorders and demonstrate ability to apply this knowledge to culturally diverse case examples.
- Demonstrate preliminary knowledge and appreciate the evidence-based foundations of psychological treatments covered in this course.
- Collaborate effectively in small groups to analyse case study content.
Other Information
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) required competencies:
As part of the mandatory requirements from the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), students must demonstrate the specific competencies listed in the learning outcomes for this course. For example, group tasks assess the required demonstration of teamwork skills. Some students may be eligible to have recommended reasonable adjustments applied to materials, activities or assessment tasks provided the integrity of the course, and the competencies being assessed, are maintained.
For more information, please contact the Course Convenor.
Indicative Assessment
- Quizzes (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Group case study analysis (5) [LO 1,3,4,5]
- Written assignment (30) [LO 1,3,4]
- Exams (x2) (55) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 1.5 hour lecture per week, 5 x 2 hour seminars, and 6 x 2 hour laboratory classes spread across the semester.
- Approximately 90 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Abnormal Psychology: The Science and Treatment of Psychological Disorders, 15th Edition DSM-5-TR Update.
Assumed Knowledge
PSYC2007 or relevant courses in BiologyFees
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 |
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2727 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |