Issues in Contemporary Clinical Psychology is designed to complement other psychology courses by integrating biological, developmental, cognitive, social and ethical aspects of psychology into a broader understanding of individual functioning and psychopathology within a contemporary evidenced based treatment framework.
Course topics include Ethics in Psychology, the Practice of Psychology within a Scientist-Practitioner Framework, the Biopsychosocial Model of Psychopathology, Mental Health Stigma, the Development of Psychotherapy and Contemporary approaches to Treatment, and an Introduction to Resilience and Psychological Growth.
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:1. Understand the basic ethical principles pertaining to psychological testing, research and practice, including an awareness of the APS Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines
2. Understand the impact of the scientist-practitioner model on the practice of psychology, including the requirement for evidence-based research.
3. Gain an basic understanding of the interaction of biological, developmental, psychological, social and contextual influences on psychopathology
4. Gain an basic understanding of the clinical presentation of the most common psychological disorders within a bio-psycho-social theoretical framework
5. Gain a basic understanding of the development and evolution of psychotherapy across the 20th Century and the most prominent psychological models influencing contemporary approaches to psychopathology.
6. Gain a basic understanding of the processes involved in identity formation and development within a functional context
7. Gain a basic understanding of the basic tenets of positive psychology and the development of resilience and personal growth
Indicative Assessment
6 x Laboratory Quiz (15%)
Research essay - Response to Ethical Dilemma (20%)
Clinical Assessment Report Case Study (25%)
End of Semester Exam (40%)
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
13 x
lectures (2 hours a week)
6 x tutorial attendance (approx 12 hours per semester)
required additional reading (approx 6 hours per week)
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There is no prescribed text due to the broad nature of the subject material.Students will be provided with weekly handouts and articles to support lectures and tutorials.
Preliminary Reading
APS Handout – Ethical Decision Making
APS Code of Ethics
APS Ethical Guidelines (Selected guidelines)
ANU Code of Research Conduct
Black Dog Institute - Positive Psychology Fact Sheet
CBT Handout - CBT
CBT Handout – Unhelpful Thinking
Fava, G.A, & Sonino, N, (2008), The Biopsychosocial Model Thirty Years Later, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 77:1–2
Harris, R. (2006) Embracing Your Demons: an Overview of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychotherapy in Australia, 12 (4).
Levant, et.al. (2006). Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology, American Psychologist, 61(4), 271-285
Mental Health Association NSW - Depression Kit, Anxiety Kit, Schizophrenia Kit, Personality Disorders Fact Sheet, Building Resilience Fact Sheet
Thomas, M. L. (2006), The Contributing Factors of Change in a Therapeutic Process, Contemporary Family Therapy, 28, 201-210
A Life Without Stigma, SANE Australia (selected extracts)
British Psychological Society (2011), Good Practice Guidelines on the use of Psychological Formulation, Sections 6-9,
Client Guide to Schema Therapy – Extract from Young,J. (1994) Cognitive Therapy for Personality disorders, Revised edition, 1994
Martin, P.R. & Birnbrauer J.S. (1996) Introduction to Clinical Psychology, in Clinical Psychology: Profession and Practice in Australia, Martin, P.R. & Birnbrauer J.S (eds), MacMillan Education , South Melbourne, pp3-20.
Assumed Knowledge
PSYC1003, PSYC1004Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and 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). You can find your student contribution amount for each course 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 |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $3660 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $5160 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3960 | 19 Feb 2018 | 27 Feb 2018 | 31 Mar 2018 | 25 May 2018 | In Person | N/A |
