Key facts

UNE unit code: PSYC503

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • Yes
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

An understanding of common adult psychological disorders can assist you in your career in a range of settings.

Studying this unit, you will explore the clinical presentation, classification, development and consequences for the common adult psychological disorders.

You will examine major diagnostic systems and diagnostic criteria, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

This unit will also equip you with an understanding of the biopsychosocial approach to constructing a culturally responsive case conceptualisation for adult clients presenting with mental health issues.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

StartFinishDurationAttendanceOfferingsNotes
11 April 202411 April 20241 dayMandatory Intensive SchoolTrimester 1, OnlineMandatory online intensive school for online students only (Master of Professional Psychology, Master of Psychology (Clinical) Rule C entry). Concurrently with PSYC504.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in MProfPsych or MPsych(Clin) or PhD(ClinPsych)

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Amy Lykins
Amy LykinsAssociate Professor - Faculty of Medicine and Health; School of Psychology

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of the clinical presentations, prevalence, course and known causes of common adult psychological disorders;
  2. demonstrate a critical awareness of major classificatory systems including a more detailed knowledge of the DSM-5 diagnostic classification system;
  3. apply autonomy and judgement in making psychiatric diagnoses, including differential diagnosis and comorbidity issues;
  4. write case formulations and Mental State Examinations for adult clients presenting with mental health issues, with the ability to communicate these effectively to others; and
  5. demonstrate the ability to effectively consider relevant cultural context and subsequent case formulation, clinical diagnosis, and mental status/clinical presentation issues.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Diagnostic AssessmentYes30%All offerings

It is mandatory to pass this assessment task in order to pass this unit.

No. Words: 2200

EssayYes40%All offerings

It is mandatory to pass this assessment task in order to pass this unit.

No. Words: 2750

Final Take Home ExaminationYes30%All offerings

It is mandatory to pass this assessment task in order to pass this unit.

No. Words: 2500

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

The Handbook of Adult Clinical Psychology: An Evidence-based Practice Approach

ISBN: 9781138806306

Carr, A. and McNulty, M. (eds), Routledge 2nd ed. 2016

Note: The 1st edition (ISBN: 9781583918548) is also acceptable.

Text refers to: All offerings

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Stay connected

Register your interest and we'll keep you updated

UNE collects personal information to help with your enquiry and for marketing. Information may be disclosed outside of NSW and Australia through third parties acting for UNE. By entering your details you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Notice and consent to this disclosure.

Why study with us?

Graduate and mother Claire Haiek at work as a parenting producer at kidspot.com.au

I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.

Claire Haiek, graduate, Pathways Enabling Course (photo: kidspot.com.au)

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.