Department of Psychology, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
PS30122: Clinical psychology |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Honours |
| Period: | Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| EX 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take PS20092 and take PS20106 and take PS20107 and take PS20108 and take PS20109 |
| Description: | Aims: To introduce the work of clinical psychologists in the main areas of Adult Mental Health and work with older adults. To introduce the main models of counselling and psychotherapy used in clinical practice. Learning Outcomes: After completing the unit students will be able to * Critically examine a number of general issues, including concepts of abnormality, diagnostic systems frequently used to classify mental health disorders and their alternatives * Critically examine psychological, biological and social factors that contribute to the development of disorders. * Assess and evaluate a number of approaches to the prevention and treatment of mental health disorders including cognitive behaviour therapy and psychoanalysis as well as more biological treatments. * Discuss the causes and treatment of a variety of disorders including schizophrenia, depression, sexual problems, anxiety and personality disorders. * Compare and contrast the psychological, social, and biological perspectives on abnormal psychology. Skills: Understands the scientific underpinnings of psychology as a discipline, its historical origins, development and limitations. (T/F A) Recognises the inherent variability and diversity of psychological functioning and its significance. (T/F A) Can demonstrate systematic knowledge and critical understanding of a range of influences on psychological functioning, how they are conceptualised across the core areas, and how they interrelate. The core knowledge domains within psychology include (i) research methods, (ii) biological psychology, (iii) cognitive psychology, (iv) individual differences, (v) developmental psychology and (vi) social psychology. In addition to these core areas it is expected that students will gain knowledge of conceptual and historical perspectives in psychology. (T/F A) Has detailed knowledge of several specialised areas and/or applications, some of which are at the cutting edge of research in the discipline. (T/F A) Can reason scientifically, understand the role of evidence and make critical judgements about arguments in psychology. (T/F A) Can adopt multiple perspectives and systematically analyse the relationships between them. (T/F A) Can detect meaningful patterns in behaviour and experience and evaluate their significance. (T/F A) Can communicate ideas and research findings both effectively and fluently by written, oral and visual means. (T/F A) Can solve problems by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions and evaluating outcomes. (T/F A) Can undertake self-directed study and project management in order to meet desired objectives. (T/F A) Is able to take charge of their own learning, and can reflect and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses for the purposes of future learning. (T/F A) Content: The content of this unit consists of * Examining the various different perspective on the nature and treatment of abnormal psychology (eg The psychological perspective; biological explanations). * Moving beyond the individual and examining the various social and cultural factors that impact on abnormal psychology * Exploring the nature and process of therapy * Understanding the nature of schizophrenia; anxiety disorders; mood disorders; trauma-related disorders; sexual disorders; personality disorders; neurological disorders. |