Adult Psychopathology
Overview
This unit is designed to provide advanced critical appreciation of theoretical and phenomenological models of psychopathology in adults. A further aim is for students to be able to apply this knowledge in assessment, diagnosis and formulation in a range of clinical settings and across a range of client presentations.
Requisites
Admission into DR-CFPSY Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology)
02-November-2025
01-November-2026
Unit learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Integrate theoretical and phenomenological models of psychopathology in adults
- Critically evaluate major taxonomies in psychopathology and their clinical application in a range of settings
- Apply advanced diagnostic and assessment skills.
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| ctivity Type | Activity | Total Hours | Number of Weeks | Hours Per Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus | Class | 24 | 12 weeks | 2 |
| On-campus | Class | 6 | 2 weeks | 3 |
| On-campus | Class | 12 | 12 weeks | 1 |
| Unspecified Activities | Independent Learning | 60 | 12 weeks | 5 |
| Specified Activities | Various | 48 | 12 weeks | 4 |
| Total Hours: | 150 | Total Hours (per week): | 15 | |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Individual | 50% | 1,2,3 |
| Practical Skills Examination | Individual | 50% | 1,3 |
Hurdle
Students need to pass (i.e., achieve 50% or more) on the Practical Skills Examination (OSCE) in order to pass the unit. If a student does not pass the OSCE on the 1st sitting then they will have one attempt at a resit. If they fail the resit then they fail the unit, and will have to re do the unit.
Content
- Critical analysis of diagnostic systems
- Overview of a range of psychopathology presentations, their aetiology and course, including but not limited to:
- Mood and anxiety disorders
- Psychotic disorders
- Eating disorders
- Substance use
- Trauma-related disorders
- Personality disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
- Graduate Attribute 1 (Communication 1 - Verbal Communication)
- Graduate Attribute 2 (Communication 2 - Communicating using different media)
- Graduate Attribute 6 (Digital Literacies 2 - Technical literacy)
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.