Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Critically evaluate proposed models for the aetiology and treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions.
Critically evaluate a range of theoretical approaches to psychological treatments and synthesise these in constructing psychological formulation.
Critically evaluate and analyse alternative perspectives to traditional psychopathology from both historical and cross-cultural perspectives.
Critically understand the scientific basis underpinning contemporary psychiatry and be able to evaluate critically the problems posed for the profession within the current social and political climate.
Critically evaluate the use of a range of approaches to mental health issues within the community with a particular awareness of the challenges faced by psychologists working with different populations

Content:

Introduction to psychopathology (including history of mental health in relation to psychiatry and psychology). Overview of diagnostic systems. An awareness of the sector in which such knowledge would be applied. Models of mental health (medical and psychological). Critical examination of the scientific basis underpinning psychiatry. Consideration of a range of mental health conditions and their medical and psychological interventions. Overview of alternative explanations of psychological distress. Service user-led research.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module will be taught using a mixture of interactive workshops, the majority of which will be student-led. Students will be expected to prepare for the sessions by reading set texts, sourcing independent reading and completion of tasks set in class or via the VLE, as well as taking part in a wide range of learning activities, such as group discussions and presentations.

Workshops
Hours: 20
Intended Group size: Cohort

Independent guided study
Hours: 130

Assessment:

001 Essay (letter to Editor) 1000 words mid sem 2 35%
002 Essay 2000 words end of semester 2 65%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - DAVID SMAILES
Level - 7
Credit Value - 15
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -