Abnormal Psychology
Unit code: LSY304
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| Contact hours | 36 hours over the teaching period (normally 3 hours per week) |
| Campus | Lilydale |
| Prerequisites | LSQ200 Design and Measurement 2 and one of |
Related course(s)
Effective 2010
Aims and objectives
The unit of study is designed to introduce students to the ways in which human behavioural patterns have been conceptualised as ‘abnormal’ or dysfunctional. In examining such abnormal behaviours, students are introduced to major systems of classifying mental disorders, in particular the multiaxial system adopted in DSM-IV-TR. The unit focuses on major examples of psychological disorders in terms of their phenomenology and nosology, as well as theories about aetiology.
Teaching methods
Units will be taught in a variety of modes including face to face, online, distance and blended modes. Delivery of this unit may be through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, laboratories, seminars and online.
Generic skills outcomes
This unit will provide discipline-based knowledge and professional capabilities and experiences contributing to students progress in attaining generic skills such as:
• Analysis skills and problem solving skills:
? Development of theoretical thinking and critical evaluation of research
? Appreciate historical development of ideas
• Communication skills
• Written and oral communication skills
• The ability to work independently
Content
The general approach taken to understanding disorders is multidimensional, seeking to integrate information from biological, sociocultural and psychological research. Specific disorders examined may include: eating disorders; substance-related disorders; disorders first diagnosed in childhood and adolescence; dissociative disorders; intellectual disability and personality. Additional topics covered may include suicide, violent behaviours, mental disorders and the law.
Reading materials
Comer, RI, Abnormal Psychology, 4th edn, Freeman, New York, 2001.
Davison, GC, Neale, JM & Kring, A, Abnormal Psychology, 9th edn, John Wiley, New York, 2003.
Nevid, JS, Rathus, SA & Green, B, Abnormal Psychology in a Changing World, Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 2003.
