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 cultural influences. 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Critically evaluate and apply different theoretical models of psychopathology, including biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives.
2. Discuss issues and changes in clinical assessment and psychiatric classification (e.g., DSM-5).
3. Analyse and evaluate symptoms and aetiology associated with psychological disorders and demonstrate ability to apply this knowledge to culturally diverse case examples.
4. Demonstrate preliminary knowledge and appreciate the evidence-based foundations of psychological treatments covered in this course.
5. Collaborate effectively in small groups to analyse case study content.

Research-Led Teaching

Lectures in this course will be based on current research in the field of psychopathology. The chosen textbook incorporates contributions from expert researchers, providing students with access to learning materials that foster a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues and the complex challenges confronted by clinicians and scientists. Moreover, students will be exposed to key research findings illustrating both applied and theoretical aspects of abnormality, encompassing epidemiology, aetiology, and treatment models.

Laboratory classes are designed to complement and expand upon the lecture material. The topics covered will emphasise contemporary issues, challenges, and innovations in clinical psychology. These classes will include discussions derived from research findings, aiming to stimulate critical analysis of both theoretical and empirical aspects of abnormal psychology.

Required Resources

Kring and Johnson. (2022). Abnormal Psychology: The Science and Treatment of Psychological Disorders, 15th Edition DSM-5-TR Update. Publisher: Wiley.

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	NOTE: All modules and labs are indicative only.Module 1.  Introduction to psychopathologyLab 1. Mental illness and self-care	Note: Assessment dates are indicative only.
2	Module 2. Stressor- and trauma-related disorders
3	Lab 2. Stigma	Quiz 1
4	Module 3. Anxiety and depressive disorders
5	Lab 3. Anxiety and depression	Quiz 2
6	Module 4. Child and adolescent disorders	Mid semester exam
7	Lab 4. Body image	Quiz 3
8	Module 5. Psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders	Written Assignment
9	Lab 5. Addiction and schizophrenia	Quiz 4
10	Module 6. Addiction and obsessive-compulsive related disorders
11	Lab 6. ADHD	Quiz 5
12	Module 7. Later life disorders

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Quizzes	10 %	1,2,3,4
Group case study analysis	5 %	1,3,4,5
Written assignment (online submission)	30 %	1,3,4
Exams: (Mid-semester and End of Semester)	55 %	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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Skills website. 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, 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-semester exams indicates the approximate time-frame in which the exam will be held. The 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 these exams.

Assessment Task 1

Quizzes

For every laboratory class, you will receive assigned readings to complete before the scheduled class. These readings are designed to assist you in preparing for and actively participating in the laboratory classes. Your understanding of the readings, which are relevant to both the laboratory classes and discussions, will be evaluated through an online quiz comprising multiple-choice questions.

Due date: During labs 2, 3, 4 5, 6

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

Estimated return date: Marks will be made available on Wattle. General feedback will be given to you at the start of your next laboratory class and/or posted on Wattle.

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

Assessment Task 2

Group case study analysis

The group case study analysis, will involve collaboratively examining a specific case relevant to the course material. The case study will draw from content covered in lectures, seminars, readings, and applicable labs throughout the earlier weeks of the semester. Detailed instructions regarding the content expectations and analysis format will be provided in advance, offering guidance for your collaborative effort.

Tentative due date: Week 10

Value: 5%

Estimated return date: Approximately 2 weeks.

Assessment Task 3

Written assignment (online submission)

You are expected to fulfill a written assignment focused on the mental disorders covered in lectures and readings from your textbook. Specific instructions regarding the content and format of the report will be provided early in the semester through Wattle. Your written assignment is required to be submitted via Turnitin on Wattle.

Value: 30%

Tentative due date: 22 April, 2024

Estimated return date: Approximately 3 weeks

Presentation requirements: APA 7 formatting

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

Assessment Task 4

Exams: (Mid-semester and End of Semester)

Mid-Semester Exams

The mid-semester exam will evaluate the material covered in lectures, seminars, and labs from weeks 1-5 of the semester. The exam may comprise a mix of multiple-choice and short answer question formats.

Tentative due date: Week 6

Value: 20%

Estimated return date: Approximately 3 weeks.

End of Semester Exams

The end -semester exam will evaluate the material covered in lectures, seminars, and labs from weeks 6-12 of the semester. The exam may comprise a mix of multiple-choice and short answer question formats.

Tentative due date: End-semester exam period

Value: 35%

Estimated return date: End of exam period.

The final examination (end-of-semester exam) is a hurdle requirement. A Pass mark (50% or greater) is required in the final examination before the course can be passed as a whole.

To confirm the date, time, and location of both examinations, please check the ANU Examination Timetable, go to: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable

Exam papers are not returned; students can contact the course authority to view their examination papers if they wish to do so.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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 exams (without an approved extension) after the due date will be permitted. If the exam is not completed 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

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

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 Access 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