Run by School of Human and Behavioural Sciences

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Azlina Amir Kassim

This module introduces students to psychopathology, by systematically examining the history, classification, causes and treatment of psychological disorders. The module takes an integrative approach and critically examines the contribution of psychological, biological and sociocultural determinants of mental illness.

The module begins by considering the historical context of mental illness and the development of the diagnostic classification system (DSM-5) before considering in detail several mental disorders as characterised by the DSM-5.

excellent

Shows a comprehensive and accurate coverage of the topic area. Shows good clarity of argument and expression. Demonstrates depth of insight into theoretical issues. Shows extensive background reading and study. A highly focused answer that is well structured and written in the required academic/APA manner/style. Few grammatical and punctuation errors. Shows original thought, interpretation and deliberation. Evaluates the evidence base presented, rather than being a shallow over-view without any depth of understanding. Has a good evidence base (Grade level: A- to A*).

threshold

Shows a poor coverage of the topic area. Has poor clarity of argument and expression. Demonstrates a weak insight into theoretical issues. Shows limited background reading and study. A poorly focused answer that is unstructured and not written in the required academic/APA manner/style. Many grammatical and punctuation errors. Fails to show any original thought, interpretation and deliberation. Fails to evaluate the evidence base presented, it is just a shallow over-view without any depth of understanding or meaning. Has a weak evidence base (Grade level: C+ to C-).

good

Reasonable coverage of the topic area. Shows a reasonable level of clarity of argument and expression. Demonstrates a reasonable level of depth of insight into theoretical issues. Shows a reasonable level of background reading and study. A reasonably focused answer that is reasonably structured and written in the required academic/APA manner/style. Some grammatical and punctuation errors. Shows some level of original thought, interpretation and deliberation. Shows some evaluation of the evidence base presented, rather than just being a shallow over-view. Has a reasonable evidence base (Grade level: B- to B+).

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V)

2. Define and identify the major psychopathological disorders as classified by the DSM-V

3. Think critically regarding the biological, sociocultural and psychological perspectives of psychopathological disorders, and apply evidence based knowledge in conceptualising the causes and treatment of these disorders.

4. Understand the key concepts and issues associated with the current approach to the classification of psychopathological disorders.

5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the major psychopathological disorders and their treatments.

6. Demonstrate written communication skills appropriate for the discussion of psychopathology.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
ESSAY	Written Assignment		40.00
CLASS TEST	Class test		20.00
EXAM	Final Exam		40.00

		Hours
Lecture	Two hour weekly lecture	22
Private study		78

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
• Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
• Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
• Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

• Understand the scientific underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
• Apply multiple perspectives to psychological issues and integrate ideas and findings across the multiple perspectives in psychology.
• Communicate psychological concepts effectively in written form.
• Be computer literate for the purpose of processing and disseminating psychological data and information.
• Retrieve and organise information effectively.
• Handle primary source material critically.
• Be sensitive and react appropriately to contextual and interpersonal psychological factors.
• Use effectively personal planning and project management skills.
• Work effectively under pressure (time pressure, limited resources, etc) as independent and pragmatic learners.
• Problem-solve by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions, making critical judgements, and evaluating outcomes.
• Reason scientifically and demonstrate the relationship between theory and evidence.
• Understand and investigate the role of brain function in all human behaviour and experience.
• Comprehend and use psychological data effectively, demonstrating a systematic knowledge of the application and limitations of various research paradigms and techniques.
• Employ evidence-based reasoning and examine practical, theoretical and ethical issues associated with the use of different methodologies, paradigms and methods of analysis in psychology.
• Be aware of ethical principles and approval procedures.

Resource implications for students

Core textbook: Davey, G. (2014). Psychopathology: Research, Assessment and Treatment in Clinical Psychology (BPS Textbooks in Psychology Series).

Compulsory in courses:

• X320: BA Astudiaethau Plentyndod ac Ieuenctid a Seicoleg year 2 (BA/APIS)
• LC31: BA Criminology & Crim Justice & Psychology (with Int Exp) year 2 (BA/CCJPIE)
• MC98: BA Criminology/Psychology year 2 (BA/CRP)
• X319: BA Childhood and Youth Studies and Psychology year 2 (BA/CYP)
• CQ83: BA English Language & Psychology year 2 (BA/ELPSY)
• R181: BA French with Psychology (with International Experience) year 2 (BA/FPIE)
• R1C8: BA French with Psychology year 2 (BA/FPSY)
• R2C8: BA German with Psychology year 2 (BA/GPSY)
• Q1C8: BA Linguistics and Psychology year 2 (BA/LP)
• CL83: BA Sociology/Psychology year 2 (BA/PS)
• CL84: BA Social Policy/Psychology year 2 (BA/SPP)
• C80B: BSc Psychology (Bangor Uni Intl Coll) year 2 (BSC/BICPS)
• C880: BSC Psych with Cl & Hlth Psych year 2 (BSC/PHS)
• C88B: BSc Psychology w Clin & Health Psy (4yr with Incorp Found) year 2 (BSC/PHS1)
• 8X44: BSc Psychology with Clinical & Health Psychology (Int Exp) year 2 (BSC/PHSIE)
• C88P: BSc Psychology with Clinical & Health Psy with Placement Yr year 2 (BSC/PHSP)
• C804: BSc Psychology (with International Experience) year 2 (BSC/PIE)
• C800: BSC Psychology year 2 (BSC/PS)
• C81B: BSc Psychology (4 year with Incorporated Foundation) year 2 (BSC/PS1)
• C80F: BSc Psychology year 2 (BSC/PSF)
• C80P: BSc Psychology with Placement Year year 2 (BSC/PSP)
• C813: BSc Psychology with Forensic Psychology year 2 (BSC/PSYFP)
• C84B: BSc Psychology with Forensic Psych (4 yr with Incorp Foundn) year 3 (BSC/PSYFP1)
• C81P: BSc Psychology with Forensic Psychology with Placement Year year 2 (BSC/PSYFPP)
• C801: BSC Psychol w Neuropsychol year 2 (BSC/PSYN)
• C83B: BSc Psychology with Neuropsychology (4yr with Incorp Found) year 2 (BSC/PSYN1)
• C809: BSc Psychology with Neuropsy (with International Experience) year 2 (BSC/PSYNIE)
• C84P: BSc Psychology with Neuropsychology with Placement Year year 2 (BSC/PSYNP)
• M1C8: LLB Law with Psychology year 2 (LLB/LPSY)
• C808: MSci Psychology with Clinical & Health Psychology year 2 (MSCI/PHS)
• C807: MSci Psychology year 2 (MSCI/PS)

Optional in courses:

• N5C8: BSc Marketing with Psychology year 2 (BSC/MP)