Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Psychology School
This course will focus on various paradigms for conceptualising mental wellbeing and psychopathology. A biopsychosocial model for assessing the mental health and wellbeing of clients will be emphasised. Students will learn about the major classificatory systems for mental disorders as well as develop an understanding of the major disorders.
This course will introduce students to the concept of mental health and mental illness. Students will learn aboutﾠthe major mental disorders, using aﾠbiopsychosocial model to assess and understand the mental health and wellbeing of clients. Students will be introduced to differing pathways for psychological assessment and report writing and the major classificatory systems for mental disorders.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students who enter the course have a degree within psychology. As such, it is assumed that students have a basic understanding of literature concerning human behaviour, some familiarity with psychological language and theory, and a basic ability to communicate effectively with a variety of people.
Restrictions
Restricted to students in MCouns, MAppSc, GCSocWk, GDipSocWk, MSocWk, or MMusThy.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
There are no tutorials in the first or the last week of classes.
Aims and outcomes
The major aim of this course is to provide advanced knowledge regarding mental health and disorders. The course will cover assessment methods (e.g., self-report, mental status examination), how to write and interpret case studies, and cover the major categories of mental disorders. Students will be asked to think critically and evaluate possible differential disorders, and how disorders might be understood when applying a biopsychosocial approach to mental health. Students will also start developing case formulations in order to help understand the client's story.
The ethos of the class is, "How am I going to take the knowledge and skills that I am learning to help the people I am going to work with in the future?".
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Define and describe the key concepts, determinants, and indicators of mental health and wellbeing.
LO2.
Describe key features of major mental health disorders with reference to current diagnostic classification systems (e.g., DSM-5).
LO3.
Analyse presenting information to consider possible diagnoses and differential diagnoses using current classification systems (e.g., DSM-5).
LO4.
Integrate and apply a biopsychosocial framework to the assessment and formulation of individuals experiencing mental illness and their carers.
LO5.
Conduct a comprehensive assessment including history taking and mental status examination and synthesise findings into a written case report.
LO6.
Demonstrate the ability to select and describe culturally safe strategies for counselling practice with diverse populations.
LO7.
Synthesise assessment data and research evidence to develop coherent, client-centred treatment plans.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Case Study Report | 35% |
20/04/2026 1:00 pm |
| Quiz |
In-Lecture Online Quiz
|
30% 30 MCQ items |
1/05/2026 10:00 am
Online quiz during Lecture in Week 9, 10am. |
| Reflection | Video Assessment with Reflection | 20% |
18/05/2026 1:00 pm |
| Reflection | Reflection on Indigenous Modules 1, 2, 3 | 15% |
28/05/2026 1:00 pm |
Assessment details
Case Study Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
20/04/2026 1:00 pm
Task description
You will watch a video recorded first session between a therapist and a client.
As an observer you are taking notes using the biopsychosocial approach to get a sense of the client's story and you will then produce a detailed case study report (an example template is provided of what a possible Case Study Report can look like on Blackboard).
Criteria and Marking
Maximum 12-double-spaced A4 pages including references – font Times New Roman, Size 12, Margins 2.54.
The case report will be marked using the following criteria:
- Assessment - Evidence of a thorough assessment having been conducted, including a Mental Status Exam (12 marks)
- Diagnosis & Differential Diagnoses - Justification provided for the diagnosis given, and evidence that differential diagnoses have been considered (7 marks)
- Formulation - A clear formulation of the case provided in appropriate format and supported by the assessment information collected (8 marks)
- Treatment Recommendations - Clear treatment recommendations provided, this could include suggestions for further information needed, with reference to empirical research (5 marks)
- Writing style and organisation – The report is written in a clear, professional and well-organised manner. Grammar and spelling are correct. No need for APA formatting but do include referencing in line with APA formatting. (3 marks)
Submission guidelines
Assignments must be submitted in electronic version via Turn-it-in.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam (the web link can be found on the Policies and Procedures tab).
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
In-Lecture Online Quiz
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30% 30 MCQ items
- Due date
1/05/2026 10:00 am
Online quiz during Lecture in Week 9, 10am.
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
Task description
Multiple choice online quiz: Covering all lectures conducted up to and including Trauma Lecture. 30 MCQ items, each item is worth 1%. 45 minutes to complete. Closed book.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam (the web link can be found on the Policies and Procedures tab).
Any deferred quiz to be scheduled with Course Coordinator. Most likely during Tutorial times in the final week of semester (no tutorials in the final week).
Video Assessment with Reflection
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
18/05/2026 1:00 pm
Task description
Video Assessment
- In this video assessment with reflection, you will conduct a role-play assessment with a client. You will be allocated into pairs with another student from the course, by your tutor. In your pairs, in one 20-minute video you will play the role of therapist and your partner will play the client, and then in a second 20-minute video you reverse roles. You will be required to make an 18-20-minute (maximum) video, which you will submit (you only submit the video in which you were the therapist).
- As the Therapist, your job will be focused on conducting a Review of Social Systems by asking SOCIAL questions. S = Social Resources (friends, groups, social influences), O = Occupation (paid word or other social roles valued by others), C = Children & Family (including relatives), I = Income (sources of material resources), A = Abilities (appearance, health, time and other personal resources), and L = Love (and intimate relationships). Your job as the therapist is to ask about these SOCIAL questions in creative ways. You do not have to cover all these questions in the 20 minutes, you are not being assessed on that.
- As the Client you will play either someone presenting with symptoms from either the 1) psychosis, or 2) substance use lecture
- Successful submission of a 20-minute video of you as the Therapist (no less than 18-min and no more than 20-min) will result in an awarding of 10 marks
Written Reflection
- A 1-page, single space, 12-point-font, margins 2.54cm, written reflection is to be submitted via Blackboard regarding the key learnings you have had as a result of the assessment video. Include the link to your video recording in the reflection.
Subheadings to include:
- Strengths - in this section write about 2 things you did well. Give the time stamp of that section in the video (e.g., 12 minutes 22 seconds) and include what you did (e.g., a specific question) and a justification for why you thought this was a good demonstration of skill (e.g., it helped provide clear evidence in support for a certain disorder). (5 marks)
- Areas to Improve - in this section write about 2 things you think you could improve on. Give the time stamp for the section in the video (e.g., 5 minutes and 12 seconds) and include what you did (e.g., a specific question), and a justification for why you thought you needed to improve here (e.g., there were three questions in the one question making it difficult for the client to answer). (5 marks)
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam (the web link can be found on the Policies and Procedures tab).
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Reflection on Indigenous Modules 1, 2, 3
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
28/05/2026 1:00 pm
Task description
Across the semester, in your own time but completed before May 28th at 12pm, you are required to complete three modules on Indigenous Health.
All modules can be accessed through Blackboard, and each Module covers a specific topic, and will include audio and video material.
You will need to complete three modules:
- Module 1: History, Identity, Cultural, Practice, & Policy
- Module 2: Contemporary Health
- Module 3: Cultural Safety in Health and Community Services
Written Reflection
- A 1-page, single space, 12-point-font, margins 2.54cm, written reflection is to be submitted via Blackboard
You will be asked to complete a one-page reflection response to this question:
- Reflecting on what you have learned in the three modules, describe at least three respectful and appropriate approaches you will use to practise cultural safety when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Submission guidelines
Reflections must be submitted in electronic version via Turn-it-in.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
No extensions will be given to this piece of assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 47 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 48 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Percentage marks will be rounded to the nearest whole number ie. 84.4% will round down to 84% and 84.5% will round up to 85%.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
If you fail a piece of assessment, you may re-submit within four weeks of the piece of assessment being returned. The maximum attainable grade on a resubmitted assignment or report is a passing percentage or grade. In other words, no more than 50% of the value of the assessment component may be achieved.
In the interests of fairness to all students, penalties will be imposed on assignments exceeding the word limit (3 marks will automatically be deducted from the mark the assignment would otherwise have received).
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (23 Feb - 01 Mar) |
Lecture |
Mental Health and Well-Being |
Week 2 (02 Mar - 08 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Introduction and Assessment Overview Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Mental Disorders and Classification Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 3 (09 Mar - 15 Mar) |
Tutorial |
DSM-5-TR and Diagnosis |
Lecture |
Anxiety Disorders - Part 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L07 |
|
Week 4 (16 Mar - 22 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Case Assessment |
Lecture |
Anxiety Disorders - Part 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L07 |
|
Week 5 (23 Mar - 29 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Case Formulation Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Mood Disorders - Part 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L07 |
|
Week 6 (30 Mar - 05 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Treatment Planning |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No lecture - Public holiday |
|
Mid-sem break (06 Apr - 12 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester Break - No Classes |
Week 7 (13 Apr - 19 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Case Study Practice 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07 |
Lecture |
Mood Disorders - Part 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L07 |
|
Week 8 (20 Apr - 26 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Case Study Practice 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07 |
Lecture |
Trauma Disorders Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L07 |
|
Week 9 (27 Apr - 03 May) |
Tutorial |
Video Assessment & SOCIAL Questions |
Lecture |
IN-LECTURE ONLINE QUIZ & Psychosis Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L07 |
|
Week 10 (04 May - 10 May) |
Tutorial |
Asking Questions - Psychosis |
Lecture |
Substance Use Disorders Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L07 |
|
Week 11 (11 May - 17 May) |
Tutorial |
Asking Questions - Substance Use |
Lecture |
CALD Populations |
|
Week 12 (18 May - 24 May) |
Tutorial |
Delivering Formulations Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Indigenous Mental Health |
|
Week 13 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No tutorials in the final week |
Lecture |
Personality Disorders Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L07 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: