MODULE DESCRIPTOR

TITLE ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (HK)

SI MODULE CODE [HK] 77-7443-00N
CREDITS 15
LEVEL 7
JACS CODE C800
SUBJECT GROUP Psychology
DEPARTMENT Psychology, Sociology, and Politics
MODULE LEADER Stephen Mann
NOTIONAL STUDY Tutor-led Tutor-directed Self-directed Total Hours
HOURS BY TYPE 24: 18 face- 126 150
to-face, 6
on-line

MODULE AIM

This module introduces students to abnormal and clinical psychology. It provides students
with a broad-based knowledge of classification, diagnosis, treatment and causes of mental
illnesses. These themes will be explored across different international settings and cultures.

MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES

By engaging successfully with this module a student will be able to demonstrate that they
are able to:

1. Outline and evaluate the different criteria for diagnosing a range of

psychopathologies
2. Critically analyse the different factors that are thought to cause different
psychopathologies
3. Explain the debates regarding the problems in categorising psychopathology
4. Critically evaluate clinical interventions and clinical research

INDICATIVE CONTENT

The module may include the following:

 Aetiology, assessment, classification, diagnosis and treatments of:

 Personality disorders
 Schizophrenia and the psychoses
 Mood and anxiety disorders
 Eating disorders
 Autism spectrum disorders
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

Students will be supported in their learning, to achieve the above outcomes, in the following
ways

The module will be delivered via a combination of keynote lectures, problem based
workshops and student directed activities, as well as through more traditional seminars.
Students will be supported in their learning, and preparation of their assessments, via face-
to-face sessions and via electronic resources on the VLE. See the section on “Feedback”
below for more information on how students will be supported in preparation of their
assessments.

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY AND METHODS

The students will be asked to submit a case study in 3000 words. Students will be given two
case scenarios, one child /adolescent, the other an adult, from which they can choose one
to work on. The case study is expected to include a psychological explanation of the case,
treatment strategies and its evaluation, and the professional ethics involved.

Task No. TASK DESCRIPTION SI Code % Weighting of Word In-module

overall module Count / retrieval
mark Duration available
1 Course work: case TBC 100% 3000 words N
study

FEEDBACK

In line with the Faculty feedback policy students will receive appropriate peer and tutor
feedback during timetabled seminar session discussion. Summative feedback will be
provided after the assignment in a timely manner.

LEARNING RESOURCES (INCLUDING READING LISTS)

A module handbook normally including:

 A module description
 Directed learning activities
 Assessment requirements and criteria
 VLE information
 Class contact information

VLE site including:

 Module handbook
 Study guides, lectures and key chapters
 Discussion Forum
  Research papers
 Formative self-assessment questions

The majority of the work in this module will be supported by key texts and journal articles.

Key Texts:

 American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental

Disorders, 5th Edition. Washington, DC: APA.
 Davey, G. (2008). Psychopathology: Research, Assessment and Treatment in Clinical
Psychology. New York: Wiley.

Recommended journals include:

 Behaviour Research and Therapy

 British Journal of Clinical Psychology
 British Medical Journal
 Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
 Clinical Psychology Review
 International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology
 Journal of Abnormal Psychology
 Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry
 Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology

REVISIONS

Date Reason
Oct 2015 Confirmed in Approval of collaborative delivery
with SCOPE, Hong Kong validation