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HE Unit Template
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Adult Psychopathology
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PSYCM7015 - Adult Psychopathology
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20270200
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Course
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3.0
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2026-09-10
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2026-09-10
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Psychology
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Institute of Health and Wellbeing
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Psychology
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Postgraduate - Coursework
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15
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.125
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090701
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Psychology
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090701 - Psychology
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<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/psycm7015">View unit fees</a>
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Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
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9
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Introductory
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<p>This unit addresses the common psychological disorders occurring in adulthood. Knowledge and skills will be taught in relation to aetiology and diagnosis of these disorders, the mechanisms that maintain them as well as their neurobiological underpinnings. It will also introduce students to frameworks of assessment, formulation and intervention with consideration of client and clinician variables. Intervention will be approached from a pharmacological as well psychological perspective.</p>
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<p>• Diagnosis of psychological disorders using diagnostic classification systems such as the DSM-5</p>
<p>• Sress and adjustment</p>
<p>• Anxiety Disorders</p>
<p>• Mood disorders</p>
<p>• Neurobiological bases for common mental health problems</p>
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Semester
Semester
0200
Year
Year
2027
Current Year
2026
Breadcrumb Positioning
Handbook
PSYCM7015 - Adult Psychopathology
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PSYCM7015 - Adult Psychopathology
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Unit
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Semester
Semester 1
Semester 2
Summer Semester
Year
2027
2026
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Overview
Key information
Requisites
Learning outcomes
Assessment
Parent Region
Overview
Unit description
<p>This unit addresses the common psychological disorders occurring in adulthood. Knowledge and skills will be taught in relation to aetiology and diagnosis of these disorders, the mechanisms that maintain them as well as their neurobiological underpinnings. It will also introduce students to frameworks of assessment, formulation and intervention with consideration of client and clinician variables. Intervention will be approached from a pharmacological as well psychological perspective.</p>
Unit content
<p>• Diagnosis of psychological disorders using diagnostic classification systems such as the DSM-5</p> <p>• Sress and adjustment</p> <p>• Anxiety Disorders</p> <p>• Mood disorders</p> <p>• Neurobiological bases for common mental health problems</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Health and Wellbeing
Discipline:
Psychology
Study level:
Postgraduate - Coursework
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
090701 - Psychology
Offering:
<p><strong>Semester 1</strong><p>Ballarat - Mt Helen (On Campus)</p><p>Blended Delivery - Berwick (Blended)</p></p> <p><strong>Semester 2</strong><p>Ballarat - Mt Helen (On Campus)</p><p>Blended Delivery - Berwick (Blended)</p></p>
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Fee information:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/psycm7015">View unit fees</a>
Requisites
Prerequisite
None
Corequisite
None
Exclusion
None
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
<p>On successful completion of this unit, students are expected to gain the following [K]nowledge, [S]kills and [A]pplication of knowledge & skills</p>
Learning Outcomes
Ref
Outcome
K1
<p>Accurately and effectively communicate the key features of mental disorders, including prevalence, presenting clinical features, diagnostic criteria (DSM), and comorbidities to peers and clinicians/supervisors.</p>
K2
<p>Effectively and accurately articulate the role of psychopharmacology in psychological practice to peers, clinicians, and clients.</p>
K3
<p>Evaluate complex cases of psychological disorders, analysing and communicating clinical information to inform treatment planning and intervention strategies.</p>
K4
<p>Explore evidence-based approaches to treating psychological disorders and use critical thinking to develop treatment plans for individual clients.</p>
S1
<p>Perform a detailed clinical assessment of adult psychological disorders and evidence-based formulation and treatment plan </p>
S2
<p>Create a detailed diagnosis of adult psychological disorders based on DSM-5 criteria and relevant international taxonomies of classification in conjunction with a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment.</p>
S3
<p>Critically evaluate the relevant literature to create an informed best-practice/evidenced based approach to clinical assessment and diagnosis.</p>
A1
<p>Describe, explain and evaluate the process of clinical assessment and diagnostic procedures.</p>
A2
<p>Communicate professional insights from clinical data and assessments to enhance understanding and clinical decision-making between and within teams.</p>
A3
<p>Incorporate feedback from peers and supervisors on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment practices, showing self-awareness and a commitment to ongoing improvement.</p>
Assessment
Learning Tasks and Assessment
Ref
Learning task
Assessment type
Weighting
Learning outcomes assessed
1
<p>Case study presentation for a multi-disciplinary team in a primary health care setting and written reflection.</p>
<p>Oral Presentation and Written Reflection</p>
<p>40-60%</p>
K1, K2, K3, K4, S1, S2, S3, A1, A2, A3
2
<p>Students will complete a test to demonstrate their knowledge of common psychological disorders, competency in the application of DSM and international diagnostic classification systems for diagnosis and differential diagnosis, and knowledge of the role of psychopharmacology within psychological practice.</p>
<p>Test</p>
<p>40-60%</p>
K1, K2, S1, S2, A1, A2
Supplementary assessment available:
No
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Health and Wellbeing
Discipline:
Psychology
Study level:
Postgraduate - Coursework
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
090701 - Psychology
Offering:
<p><strong>Semester 1</strong><p>Ballarat - Mt Helen (On Campus)</p><p>Blended Delivery - Berwick (Blended)</p></p> <p><strong>Semester 2</strong><p>Ballarat - Mt Helen (On Campus)</p><p>Blended Delivery - Berwick (Blended)</p></p>
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Fee information:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/psycm7015">View unit fees</a>
Additional information
Add Info Static Text
Internal reference: PSYCM7015 - U3.0