UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This unit lays a broad foundation in the area of abnormal psychology by identifying the genetic, biological, neurochemical, cognitive-behavioural and social frameworks that guide and constrain approaches to the definition, understanding and treatment of abnormal psychological functioning. Building on this theoretical foundation and empirical research findings, students are introduced to a wide range of psychopathology such as dementia, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and substance use disorders. Explanatory models derived from alternative frameworks are discussed and evaluated within a contemporary, multidimensional, integrative model of psychopathology. The implications of these theoretical models for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are emphasised.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Details for undergraduate courses

• Level 3 core unit in the Psychology; Psychological and Behavioural Sciences major sequences
• Level 3 elective

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the approaches commonly employed to better understand, assess, and treat psychopathology; (2) describe the clinical symptoms and diagnostic criteria for each class of psychological disorder introduced within the unit; (3) explain and compare alternative theoretical models of psychological disorders, and the specific treatment implications of each such model; (4) identify ethical issues in psychopathology research and practice, and demonstrate awareness of applications of psychopathology research to social and public policy issues; and (5) identify and describe pertinent multi-cultural considerations, including those relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignment; (2) laboratory assessment; and (3) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Ben Grafton

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Successful completion of

three Unit(s) PSYC1101 Psychology: Mind and Brain
and Unit(s) PSYC1102 Psychology: Behaviour in Context
and Unit(s) PSYC2203 Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Psychology

Incompatibility

Unit(s) PSYC2214 Adult Psychopathology

Contact hours

lectures: 2 hours per week
labs: 2 hours per week

Note

Enrolled students can access unit material via the LMS (Learning Management System).

Students are exposed to topics in psychology units that may cause some discomfort or distress in certain individuals (e.g. depression, suicide, trauma, eating disorders). They also require to demonstrate skills across a variety of different formats and contexts (e.g. written assessments, participation in practical work, contribution to group discussions, oral presentations, examinations), and so it is important that students carefully consider whether they are able to cope with the demands of studying psychology and whether there is anything that would impact upon their ability to complete the requirements of the unit. Refer to individual unit outlines for more detailed unit information.