1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. Adult Psychopathology

Adult Psychopathology (PSYC90031)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 6.25On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2019 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
You’re currently viewing the 2019 version of this subject

Overview

Availability
Summer Term - On Campus
FeesLook up fees

This subject aims to present major approaches to psychological disorders, in which psychopathology is contrasted with "normal" functioning. Reference is made to various theoretical approaches to the aetiologies of disorders/problems, with a focus on recognising the clinical pictures of common psychological disorders/problems that occur in a variety of settings, including, depression, the anxiety disorders, substance abuse/dependence and neurocognitive disorders

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • describe the key features of the major mental disorders, including primary presenting features, co-morbidity, prevalence and incidence data, course and outcome.
  • critique the various models of classification of mental disorders;
  • explain the dominant psychological models explaining the aetiology and maintenance of the major mental disorders;
  • critically evaluate the empirical status of the dominant psychological models explaining the aetiology and maintenance of the major mental disorders.
  • describe a biopsychosocial framework for understanding the onset and course of major mental disorders.

Generic skills

Written, oral and interpersonal communication skills

Analytical, information integration and synthesizing skills.

Last updated: 8 February 2026