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Advanced Psychological Practice 2 (PSYC90016)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 6.25On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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This subject will provide students with an overview of medications used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including their mechanisms of action and side effects. Students will gain an understanding of the role of psychologists in working alongside other health practitioners who prescribe and monitor these treatments.  Students will also be introduced to a range of biological aspects of psychological functioning, including the role of endocrine factors in normal functioning and psychological disorders. Students will gain an understanding of the role of psychologists in developing interventions based on these biological perspectives.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should:

Knowledge

  • Illustrate a comprehensive knowledge of the classes of psychotropic medications;
  • Recognise and appreciate the indications for the use of psychotropic medications;
  • Outline the pharmacological basis of the mechanism of action of psychotropic medications and their common side effects;
  • Recall topics in biological aspects of psychological functioning, such as sleep;
  • Recount the role of endocrine factors in psychological functioning;
  • Explain the biological mechanisms involved in high prevalence disorders, such as anxiety and depression;
  • Describe the biological mechanisms in psychological interventions for psychological disorders.

 Skills


On completion of this subject students should:

  • Apply critical evaluation skills to published material relating to the evaluation and use of psychotropic medications;
  • Critically evaluate literature relating to the evaluation and application of biological factors in psychological functioning;
  • Demonstrate skills in the development of treatment plans incorporating understanding of biological factors .

Application of Knowledge and Skills


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

  • Integrate their understanding of psychotropic medications and their use and actions with their knowledge of psychopathology and treatment planning;
  • Generate treatment plans that Integrate their understanding of biological factors in psychological functioning;
  • Communicate with members of other health disciplines with regard to treatment plans.

Generic skills

Time management skills by planning and submitting work by the required deadlines.

Last updated: 8 November 2024