module specification

PY7191 - Psychopathology (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Psychopathology
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 20
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 200
 
164 hours Guided independent study
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 60%   Essay
Individual Presentation 40%   Presentation
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Wednesday Morning

Module summary

This module will introduce you to core topics in psychopathology and clinical practice, including treatments for a range of mental health conditions and neuropsychological disorders. It will allow you to explore the nature of mental health conditions and neuropsychological disorders through biological, social, behavioural, and cognitive perspectives, as well as mental health service users’ experiences. You will learn how to diagnose and assess a range of mental health disorders and to appreciate how social and cultural factors can influence these practices. The module will utilise a variety of teaching and learning methods to provide an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to understanding psychopathology. These features will include introduction to formal classification systems such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) and skills in research and professional practice.

Prior learning requirements

N/A

Syllabus

Topics covered in the module will be drawn from: definition and perspectives of psychopathology (e.g., biological, social, behavioural, and cognitive perspectives); clinical presentation of a range of mental health and neuropsychological disorders; assessing and diagnosing psychopathology (e.g., observation, interviewing, testing); practical, ethical and cultural issues; classification and description of the major disorders as described in DSM-5 (e.g., anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, personality and neuropsychological disorders); and research methods in the study of psychopathology.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The learning objectives will be achieved through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops, seminars, supplementary guided web-based learning, and self-managed independent study. You will be encouraged to reflect on your learning throughout the module, particularly using formative feedback, and to take responsibility for identifying developmental needs.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychopathology and understand the importance of multidisciplinary approaches.
  2. Critically evaluate the main principles of diagnosis, assessment, and treatment for a range of mental and neuropsychological disorders.
  3. Understand how clinical psychologists conduct research on psychopathology, including ethical considerations.
  4. Acknowledge the importance of service users’ experiences in shaping clinical practice and research on psychopathology.

Bibliography