Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Psychology School
The aims of the course are to provide students with (i) a working knowledge of descriptive psychopathology, a basic understanding of nosology, current aetiological theories of major psychiatric syndromes, and (ii) a set of practical skills for assessing adult psychopathology. On completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate a critical appraisal of major classificatory systems, a critical appraisal of predominant models of aetiology and psychopathology and accurate and clear documentation of assessment. The course assessments, tutorials and lectures are integrated with clinical practice in the professional placement, therefore PSYC7191 must be undertaken concurrently with a placement course.
Course requirements
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
PSYC8301
Restrictions
MPsychClin, MClinPsyClinNeurPsy and DPsych
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The aims of the course are to provide students (I) with a working knowledge of descriptive psychopathology, basic nosology, and current aetiological theories of major psychiatric syndromes, and (II) a set of practical clinical skills for assessing, describing, and formulating adult psychopathology.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Critically evaluate the major classificatory systems
LO2.
Comprehend and critically apply the predominant etiology models of the major psychiatric disorders in DSM-5
LO3.
Demonstrate competency in interviewing for the purposes of assessing psychopathology
LO4.
Demonstrate ability to obtain all relevant information necessary in order to reach an accurate diagnostic formulation
LO5.
Apply a range of assessment skills and strategies appropriate to individual clients (within role plays and Internship settings) such as, clinical intake interviewing, interviewing of significant others for corroborative information, mental state examination, cognitive testing, and the use of structured interview schedules, behavioural assessment strategies, and other assessment instruments
LO6.
demonstrate ability to develop an accurate formulation of a client's presenting problems
LO7.
demonstrate ability to accurately classify presenting problems according to the DSM-5
LO8.
demonstrate accurate and clear documentation of assessment
LO9.
demonstrate ability to verbally present a concise case summary
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role play/ Simulation |
Role play: Client Descriptions, Formulations and Feedback
|
15% |
25/03/2025 - 6/05/2025
Client description and formulations must be submitted via Turntin on the day of the role play. The interview feedback should be handed to the tutor at completion of the role play. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Written Case Study Report | 35% |
21/05/2025 1:00 pm
submission via Turnitin |
| Performance |
Clinical Competencies Assessment
|
Pass/Fail |
13/06/2025 1:00 pm
Submit via Turnitin |
| Examination | Exam | 50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Role play: Client Descriptions, Formulations and Feedback
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
25/03/2025 - 6/05/2025
Client description and formulations must be submitted via Turntin on the day of the role play. The interview feedback should be handed to the tutor at completion of the role play.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09
Task description
Role-plays: Client Descriptions, Formulations and Peer Feedback (15% of final grade): This assessment is associated with the role plays are conducted during the tutorials, commencing around week 5. Each student will prepare in writing and act-out separate role-plays of two fictitious "clients”, each with a different mental health disorder. The written material must be in the format specified in the Course Handbook, typed, and no longer than two pages text (A4, double spacing) with an additional single 1 page presenting the formulation as a diagram. Each Client Role-play Summary must be submitted via Turnitin at the end of the tutorial in which the role-play was conducted. Each Client Role-play Summary will be assessed and assigned either a “pass” (5/5) or “fail” (0/5). If a student’s Client Role-play Summary receives a “fail”, the student must repeat the exercise and provide a video-recording of another role-play and a Client Role-play Summary for assessment. This process will be repeated until the student has passed two Client Role-play Summaries. It is a requirement that students "pass" both case studies in order to satisfy requirements of the course.
Each student will also complete and submit two interview feedback forms associated with their role as the observer during the role plays. Each will be assessed as "pass" (2.5/2.5) or "fail" (0/2.5). This is completed during the role play and handed to the tutor at the end of the role play. Please consult the course manual for for information about this assessment.
This component contributes 15% to the final grade.
If a student who is scheduled to role-play a client is unable to attend for the role-play at the scheduled time, the student will need to arrange to do a role-play and have it video-recorded. The video-recording and an accompanying written Client Role-play Summary must then be submitted to the tutor via Turnitin to be assessed.
Hurdle requirements
It is a requirement that students "pass" both case studies in order to satisfy requirements of the course. Students are given the opportunity to repeat the task until a pass is reached.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
There are no extensions available for this assessment. If you are unable to complete the assessment item on the due date, please contact the Course Coordinator directly.
Written Case Study Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
21/05/2025 1:00 pm
submission via Turnitin
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09
Task description
One written case study is to be completed on one of the clients seen through the Internship. The case study should be based only on the intake interview which ideally should be completed in one session. The case study is to be typed (A4, double spacing, font 12 and page numbers); maximum length 6 pages text and a one page diagram on a separate page (ie max 7 total). The length restrictions for the case study are important because in clinical practice it is essential that intake interviews are written up in charts, files or reports in a concise, clear and professional manner. It is expected that the quality of the case study report be such that it could be placed in the client’s UQ Psychology Clinic file and could be forwarded to another professional. The case study is worth 35%. Guidelines to assist in the writing of the case studies and the marking criteria for the case study are provided in the course manual. No identifying information (e.g. name, DOB, address, names of relatives etc) should be used in the case study. Over Length Case Studies: Written material beyond the designated page length will not be read. The student must obtain written consent (using the appropriate Psychology Clinic forms) from the client.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct
Submission guidelines
Submit electronic copy via Turnitin
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.
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.
Clinical Competencies Assessment
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Performance
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
13/06/2025 1:00 pm
Submit via Turnitin
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09
Task description
Each student must video-record one assessment interview with a client from the Internship. The goal here is to allow direct assessment of the students' clinical skills. The student’s Internship supervisor will assess the student’s video using the Clinical Competencies Checklist. Based on the video-recording, both the student and the supervisor complete a competency checklist on the student's interviewing skills. The student then presents their formulation of the case to the supervisor, and the student and supervisor both evaluate the adequacy of the student's assessment and formulation of the case. The supervisor provides feedback to the student on these skills. The assessment is pass/fail. If a student fails an assessment, additional clinical competencies assessments must be undertaken until an adequate level of competency is reached. After the supervisor has discussed his/her assessment of the student's interview with the student, the supervisor or student should upload the completed Clinical Competencies Checklist to Turnitin. The student must obtain written consent (using the appropriate Psychology Clinic forms) from the client to video-tape the interview. You can complete this task with the same client as your written case report.
Hurdle requirements
The assessment is pass/fail. If a student fails an assessment, additional clinical competencies assessments must be undertaken until an adequate level of competency is reached.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Contact Course Coordinator
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.
Exam
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
A 2 hour exam consisting of one exam question relevant for each of major lecture topics: mood disorders, anxiety and anxiety-related disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, stressor related disorders, eating disorders, psychopharmacology, personality disorders, and/or other topic to be advised. There are two parts to the exam: Part A will consist of 4 compulsory questions, Part B will consist of 3 questions, only 2 of which need to be answered. Hence, 6 exam questions must be completed.
The exam questions are open-ended and will assess knowledge and understanding of classification, aetiology, course and treatment recommendations for adult psychopathology acquired primarily through the lecture program. The exam will be held in the exam period. Practice exam questions are provided during the course. Preparation for the exam should include revision of DSM-5 and any required readings assigned during the course.
More information will be provided about the timing and format of the exam during class time.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
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
Students are required to obtain at least 50% in both the exam and case study assessment components and must pass the clinical competencies assessment and the Role-play Client Descriptions & Formulations to successfully complete the course.ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
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.
Additional learning resources information
ﾠ
There is a prescribed text, but students are expected to read widely in the area. Further information on relevant readings will be provided on Blackboard.
ﾠ
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 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Models of psychopathology, conducting assessments Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial - Introduction, interviewing Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
MSE and Case Formulations Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial - MSE Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Mood Disorders I (Major Depression) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L07 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial - Formulation and case conceptualisation Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L09 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Anxiety Disorders I Basic principles, specific phobias, panic disorder, agoraphobia Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L07 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial - Role Plays 1 Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Anxiety Disorders II Social phobia and generalised anxiety disorder Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L07 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial - Role Plays 2 Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorders Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial - Role Plays 3 Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Eating disorders Guest lecturer: Dr Kate Murphy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial - Working transculturally Guest presenter Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid semester break |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial - Role Plays 4 Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Lecture |
Substance Use Disorders Guest lecturer: Prof Mark Daglish Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L07 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial - Role Plays 5 Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Lecture |
Trauma and stressor related disorders Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L07 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial - Role Plays 6 Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Lecture |
Psychotic Disorders Guest lecturer: Prof Dan Siskind Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L07 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Mood disorders II (Bipolar) Guest lecturer: TBC Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L07 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial - Complex cases and group formulations Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L09 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Personality Disorders Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial - Complex cases and group formulations and review Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L09 |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: