Studying online
There are now 3 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Units available in Online Restricted mode have been adapted for online study only for those students who require the unit to complete their studies and who are unable to attend campus owing to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. To be enrolled in a unit in Online Restricted mode, students should contact their Student Advising Office through askUWA
Click on an offering mode for more details.
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; (5) design and implement novel research approaches that enable evaluation of important hypotheses concerning the mechanisms that underpin vulnerability to psychopathology; and (6) identify and explain pertinent multi-cultural considerations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, in the development and evaluation of psychological assessments of emotional functioning.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments; (2) laboratory assessments; 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
- Incompatibility
- Unit(s) PSYC2214 Adult Psychopathology
- Contact hours
- lectures: 2 hours per week (for 13 weeks)
labs: 2 hours per week (for 6 weeks) - 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.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.