Unit Outline

This unit aims to introduce students to a range of psychiatric disorders including psychological symptoms, theoretical models, assessment and evidence-based treatments. Consideration is given to a range of cognitive-behavioural strategies employed by clinical psychologists in the treatment of various mental health conditions. Students will participate in both face-to-face and self-directed practical classes, which will facilitate their understanding of a range of psychological and psychiatric disorders.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Describe the major symptomatology, aetiology, and outcomes associated with a range of mental health conditions.
2	Evaluate the evidence based therapeutic approaches used in clinical and related mental health settings, including the effects of cultural, individual, and social factors which might influence treatment efficacy and outcomes.
3	Apply research evidence and critical thinking skills to solve problems encountered by psychologists in clinical settings, including ethical practice.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	PSY124 plus 12.5cp 100 level psychology unit
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	KHA200 AND KHA220 AND KHA254 AND KHA255 AND KHA354 AND KHA355 KHA305

Alterations as a result of student feedback

As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit in 2025, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s Unit Survey following your completion of the unit. In response to feedback we have added more information about the written assignment.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Online Practical Quiz	See the MyLO site for the due date	10 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Practical Skill Development.	See the MyLO site for the due date	10 %	LO2
Assessment Task 3:	Case Formulation and Treatment Plan.	Week 9	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 4:	Exam	Exam Period	40 %

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Online Practical Quiz

Task Description:

You will be required to complete an online multiple-choice quiz that measures your understanding of the practical (both in class and self-directed practical) content of the unit.

Task Length:

30 minutes

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Correctness of response.	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 2: Practical Skill Development.

Task Description:

You will be assessed on your engagement with activities in practical classes, including role plays and related therapeutic activities.
Due Weekly

Task Length:

N/A

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Engagement with practical class activities, including role play of therapeutic interactions which demonstrate inclusive and culturally safe practice.	LO2

Assessment Task 3: Case Formulation and Treatment Plan.

Task Description:

You will be required to prepare a case formulation and recommendations for treatment using the case example provided.
See the Assessment folder on MyLO for details.

Task Length:

5 pages

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of psychopathology and mental processes through case formulation	LO1
2	Demonstrate an understanding of evidence based therapeutic approaches of mental health disorders through treatment planning	LO2
3	Evaluate, analyse and synthesise information in a client-centred manner	LO3

Assessment Task 4: Exam

Task Description:

Open book examination consisting of multiple choice questions and short answer questions.

Task Length:

2 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.