PYB306 Psychopathology

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This unit covers the principles of diagnosis and treatment for psychopathology. Disorder aetiology, treatment approaches, and the standard of evidence that underpins our knowledge of psychopathology are discussed. You will learn about the formal systems that are used to define a clinical disorder, and how to apply classification systems for the identification of psychopathology. An integrative approach to the understanding of psychopathology is emphasised, highlighting the reciprocal influence of biological, psychological, cultural and social factors on pathological functioning. This unit will provide you with a strong understanding of the evidence and scientific methods underpinning contemporary approaches for the identification, classification, and treatment of major classes of mental illness.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Describe a biopsychosocial approach to psychopathology and the underpinning evidence
2. Identify and critique principles and practices underpinning a major diagnostic classification system
3. Evaluate cultural perspectives and personal biases relevant to psychopathology
4. Analyse and reflect on approaches to diagnosis

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit is conducted over a series of lectures and tutorials. Lectures are intended to provide the theoretical foundations of the subject area. Tutorials will provide you with the opportunity to: apply knowledge you have acquired in a manner used in many professional work settings (collegial discussions with peers); develop peer-peer study groups; and practice psychodiagnostic reasoning skills. Drop-in sessions are available for consultation.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:

• You may seek formative feedback on your learning by consulting with teaching staff
• For work that you prepare for summative assessment, feedback will be supplied via Canvas
• For some tasks, you may receive class feedback, for example, via comments or materials on QUT Canvas
• You may receive feedback from your peers and tutor during tutorials

Assessment

Overview

Continuous assessment is employed in this unit. The first assignment is designed to give feedback about progress and contributes 40% of the final mark. The final assessment task (exam) will assess the overall standard of achievement on completion of this unit.

Excluding exams, all assessment in this unit will be submitted electronically. You will be required to submit your assessment via Turnitin content-matching software. Assessment will be marked online and your feedback will be supplied via Canvas.

This is an internally offered unit; students are required to attend examinations in person, on QUT Brisbane campuses.

How your grade will be determined: You will receive a numerical mark for each individual assessment item in PYB306 (assignment and exam). Feedback will be provided on the assignment according to the criteria and standards provided in the rubric.

Note that for the assignment, while you will receive a mark out of 100, this will be weighted so it contributes 40% toward your final grade. At the end of semester, marks for individual items will be summed to determine your overall percentage.​

Note that prior to release of marks, the unit coordinator undertakes a moderation process to ensure that the criteria and standards have been applied consistently and fairly. Final grades are not confirmed until reviewed by the relevant Faculty Assessment Committee and approved by the Executive Dean at the completion of each teaching period.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Case Analysis

(Formative/Summative). You will be given a case history and asked to formulate an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan for a hypothetical client. This report will allow you to demonstrate your psychodiagnostic reasoning skills and understanding of specific types of psychopathology. You will use online resources including the DSM to complete this task.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Final Examination

(Summative). A final examination will be scheduled in the examination period. The exam will be based on material presented throughout the semester (i.e., lectures, compulsory textbook readings, and tutorials). The exam will contain multiple-choice and cases-based questions.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Hooley, J.M., Nock, M,K., Butcher, J.N., & Mineka, S. (2021). Abnormal psychology (Eighteenth edition. Global edition.). Pearson.

Risk Assessment Statement

You should be aware that some content in this unit may be confronting to certain audiences. Please exercise your own discretion when participating in classroom activities or discussions and, if appropriate, advise teaching staff if you do not wish to participate. The QUT Student Counselling service is also available and free of charge to all QUT students.

Course Learning Outcomes

PY45 Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)

1. Describe and evaluate the core scientific perspectives of psychology with reference to theories, methods and research, from diverse perspectives, including first-nations perspectives.
   Relates to: Case Analysis, Final Examination
2. Critically examine the scientific discipline of psychological research and theories using oral, written and digital communication to address psychological issues in a respectful, ethical and professional manner.
   Relates to: Case Analysis
3. Employ strategies for self-reflection, with regards to your conduct, values and impact on others and the profession in a culturally sensitive, inclusive, ethical and sustainable way.
   Relates to: Case Analysis
4. Implement a range of digital capabilities to access, examine and utilise evidence-based information in the context of effectively responding to, and communicating, real world problems.
   Relates to: Case Analysis