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 contextual influences. Prevention and treatment of different psychological disorders will be discussed, but are not a major focus of the course.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe and apply different models and major theories of psychopathology
2. Think critically about issues and changes in psychiatric classification (e.g., DSM-5)
3. Describe the symptoms and aetiology associated with psychological disorders and apply this knowledge to case examples
4. Demonstrate preliminary knowledge of evidence-based treatments for the psychological disorders covered in this course

Research-Led Teaching

Lectures will drawn from contemporary research in the field of Psychopathology. The selected textbook includes contributions from expert researchers based in Australia; students will have access to learning material driven by research and applied specifically to the Australian context – allowing for an in-depth understanding of the field and contemporary issues within the national and international setting. Students will also be presented with key research findings to demonstrate applied and theoretical aspects of abnormality, including epidemiology, aetiology and to a limited extent treatment models.

Laboratory classes will focus on supplementing and extending lecture material. Topics covered will highlight contemporary issues, challenges and innovation in clinical psychology, and will include discussion drawing from research findings. These classes aim to stimulate critical analysis of abnormal psychology and highlight the complexities of the field, including theoretical and empirical aspects.

Required Resources

Rieger, E. (Editor). (2017). Abnormal Psychology: Leading Researcher Perspectives (4th Ed.). Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education Pty Ltd, Australia.

This text is available for short-term loan in the Hancock Library or can be purchased as an e-book or printed book.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam, speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	(Indicative) Lecture 1. Introduction and models of psychopathology	Note: Online quizzes are due during laboratory classes. All assessment dates are outlined on PSYC3025 Wattle site.
2	(Indicative) Lecture 2. Clinical assessment and diagnosis; Lab 1. Mental illness and stigma	(Indicative) Quiz 1
3	(Indicative) Lecture 3. Stress, anxiety and phobias
4	(Indicative) Lecture 4. Anxiety disorders; Lab 2. Anxiety	(Indicative) Quiz 2
5	(Indicative) Lecture 5. Depression
6	(Indicative) Lecture 6. Eating Disorders; Lab 3. Depression	(Indicative) Quiz 3
7	(Indicative) No Lecture	(Indicative) Mid semester exam (scheduled during exam period)
8	(Indicative) Lecture 7. Addiction; Lab 4. Addiction
9	(Indicative) Lecture 8. Personality, bipolar and schizophrenia	(Indicative) Written Assignment
10	(Indicative) Lecture 9. OCD spectrum and related disorders; Lab 5. Bipolar and schizophrenia	(Indicative) Quiz 4
11	(Indicative) Lecture 10. Child and adolescent psychopathology
12	(Indicative) Lecture 11. Aging and psychopathology; Lab 5. ADHD	(Indicative) Quiz 5

Tutorial Registration

See Wattle page for details

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Quizzes (online)	10 %	*	1,2,3,4
Written assignment (online submission)	30 %	05/05/2021	1,3,4
Mid-semester exam (online)	30 %	*	1,2,3,4
End-semester exam (online)	30 %	*	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to actively participate in all activities and contribute towards discussions.

Examination(s)

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date for mid-semester exams indicate the approximate time-frame in which the exam will be held; the due and return date for end of semester exams indicate the approximate time-frame in which the exam will be held and the date official end of Semester results are released on ISIS. Students should consult the course Wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date and time of the exam.

Assessment Task 1

Quizzes (online)

For each laboratory class, you will be provided with readings to do before attending your class. These readings will help you prepare and participate in the laboratory classes. Your knowledge of the reading for the laboratory classes, laboratory discussions and the lecture material for the relevant topic will be assessed via an online quiz that may include short-answer and multiple-choice questions.

Due date: The due date for each quiz is outlined on Wattle.

Value: Total of 5 quizzes worth 2% each, comprising 10% of assessment for the course.

Estimated return date: Each quiz will be marked after the laboratory class and marks made available on Wattle. General feedback will be given to you at the start of your next laboratory class. General feedback from the final quiz will be posted in a discussion forum in Wattle.

Note: There are multiple activities associated with this task, each with individual due dates.

Assessment Task 2

Written assignment (online submission)

You will be required to complete a written assignment related to the mental disorders discussed in lectures and required readings from your textbook. You will be provided with specific instructions regarding the content and format of the report early in the semester (on Wattle). You will be required to submit your written assignment online via Turnitin on Wattle.

Due date: 5th May 2021, 23:59pm 

Value: 30%

Estimated return date: Week 11

Presentation requirements: APA 7 formatting

Word limit: 2,000 (including in-text references but excluding reference section)

Assessment Task 3

Mid-semester exam (online)

The mid-semester online exam will assess content covered in lectures, readings and labs during weeks 1-6 of the semester. The exam format will likely consist of a combination of multiple-choice, short answer, long answer and other question formats. The specific format will be announced closer to the exam.

Due date: During mid-semester exam period. Details of the exact date will be outlined on Wattle following confirmation of the ANU Examination Timetable.

Value: 30%

Estimated return date: Week 10

Hurdle Requirement: Passing this exam is a hurdle requirement, meaning that you must score a minimum score of 50% on this assessment to pass the course.

Assessment Task 4

End-semester exam (online)

The final online exam will assess content covered in lectures, readings and labs during weeks 7-12 of semester. The exam format will likely consist of a combination of multiple-choice, short answer, long answer and other question formats. The specific format will be announced closer to the exam.

Value: 30%

Due date: During end-semester exam period. Details of the exact date will be outlined on Wattle following confirmation of the ANU Examination Timetable.

Estimated return date: End of exam period.

Hurdle Requirement: Passing this exam is a hurdle requirement, meaning that you must score a minimum score of 50% on this assessment to pass the course.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

NA.

Late Submission

No submission of mid-semester exam without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If the mid-semester exam is not not submitted by the due date and time, a mark of 0 will be awarded. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Written assignments will be returned via Turnitin.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of the written assignment is allowed prior the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students