The Psychopathology of Everyday Life (PSYC30014)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject covers phenomena such as hallucinations and delusions, anxiety, somatisation, depression, dissociation, and changes in memory and cognition, and places them in the context of everyday experiences. It discusses the various factors, processes and mechanisms thought to lead some people who experience such phenomena to develop full-blown disorders. A theoretical basis for this continuum model is provided and students are encouraged to consider mental health issues from this humanistic perspective in comparison to the traditional categorical model.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students will demonstrate the following outcomes:

Knowledge


On completion of this subject students will demonstrate knowledge of:

  • prominent theoretical models, seminal empirical findings, diagnostic criteria, and non-clinical experiences relating to diverse areas of psychopathology, including but not limited to anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, psychotic disorders, dissociative and somatoform disorders, and trauma-related disorders.
  • two competing theoretical and methodological approaches to psychopathology, including a categorical model of classification and diagnosis, and an alternative approach, which conceptualizes phenomena as lying on continua with 'normal' experience residing on one end of the continuum and psychiatric disorder at the opposing end.
  • core theoretical models and empirical findings regarding stigma about mental illness.
  • key cross-cultural considerations in the consideration of psychopathology.
  • theoretical approaches and influential empirical findings pertaining to psychological distress and wellbeing.

Skills


On completion of this subject students will demonstrate skills in the following areas:

  • argument formation, logical reasoning, sensitive and respectful discussion and debate on various psychopathology topics.
  • critical analysis of major theories and empirical literature in diverse areas of psychopathology.

Application of Knowledge and Skills


On completion of this subject students will be able to apply knowledge and skills to:

  • communicate an argument, drawing on theory, empirical evidence, and cultural and consumer considerations as they pertain to diverse manifestations of psychopathology.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students will have had the opportunity to develop skills in:

  • Applying critical thinking skills to new issues.
  • argument formation, logical reasoning, and essay writing skills.
  • conducting discussion and debate on sensitive topics in a respectful manner.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites


Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects


Recommended background knowledge

Prior coursework in at least two Level 2 psychology subjects is recommended. Level 2 psychology subjects are: Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Personality & Social Psychology

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage
Hurdle requirement: Attendance of at least 80% of the laboratory classes is a hurdle requirement. In case of failure to meet the hurdle requirement, additional work will be required before a passing grade can be awarded.Throughout the teaching periodN/A

One piece of written work

  • 2000 words
Mid semester50%

An examination

  • 30 minutes
Mid semester12.5%

An examination

  • 90 minutes
During the examination period37.5%

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorChris Groot
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Principal coordinator:

    Dr Chris Groot
    grootc@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment for this subject is 170 hours.

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025