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Unit of Study PSYC6001 - Psychological Assessment and Psychopathology: Adults (2027)

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Unit Snapshot

  • Unit type

    PG Coursework Unit

  • Credit points

    12

  • Faculty/College

    Faculty of Health

  • Placement

    No

  • Enrolment information

    This unit includes a compulsory residential at an SCU campus in week 6. Students must successfully complete the residentials before progressing to placement. Those unable to attend should enrol in this unit only when they are able to participate in the required residentials.

Unit description

This unit develops knowledge and skills in the assessment and formulation of psychopathology and cognitive functioning in adults. Diagnostic classification systems and psychometric principles are applied to administer, interpret, and evaluate standardised psychological assessments. A biopsychosocial and client-centred framework underpins case formulation and communication of results. The unit emphasises culturally responsive and contextually informed assessment practice, including considerations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other socio-culturally diverse populations.    

Unit content

  1. Conceptualisation of psychopathology and adult mental health
  2. Common psychological disorders and classification systems
  3. Assessment of psychopathology and cognitive functioning in adults
  4. Risk assessment and case formulation
  5. Psychological testing and communication of results
  6. Culturally responsive assessment and diagnosis in diverse adult populations

Availabilities

Location Domestic International
Online
Term2
Term2

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

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

identify and evaluate risk factors, as well as presenting symptoms of common psychological disorders across the adult lifespan

administer and interpret standardised psychological assessments (including assessment of risk), and evaluate the strengths and limitations of different methods and modes of delivery in varied practice contexts

formulate diagnoses and case formulations based on assessment data and relevant classification systems, using ethical, reflective, and culturally responsive reasoning

communicate assessment findings and evidence-based recommendations using culturally appropriate language in oral and written formats for clients, families, and other health professionals.

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts
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Prescribed Resources/Equipment
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Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.