HPS978 - Biological and Neuropsychological Perspectives on Disorder

Unit details

Note: You are seeing the 2022 view of this unit information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year:

2022 unit information

Important Update:

Unit delivery will be in line with the most current COVIDSafe health guidelines. We continue to tailor learning experiences for each unit to achieve the best possible mix of online and on-campus activities that successfully blend our approaches to learning, working and research. Please check your unit sites for announcements and updates.

Last updated: 4 March 2022

Enrolment modes:Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne)
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Unit Chair:Trimester 1: Tim Silk
Prerequisite:

HPS914 and HPS977

Corequisite:

Nil

Incompatible with:

HPS778

Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

Scheduled learning activities - campus:

2 x full day workshops

7 x 2 hour seminars

Content

This unit is focused on applying a biopsychosocial model of health into the practice of clinical psychology. This aligns with contemporary perspectives on health and mental health that take into account a range of determinants across the biological, psychological and social domains. It begins by examining psychopharmacology as it relates to a comprehensive treatment plan for many psychological disorders and in doing so introduces the integrated nature of biology and psychology in the treatment of mental disorders. Students will be extended to consider how biological and psychological treatments can be effectively integrated, including through the review of key principals of inter-professional practice. They will also specifically focus on the treatment of Pain as a clinical psychology application of these principals.

The Unit is also designed to review and extend students overall understanding of behavioural neuroscience and neuroanatomy. This is achieved by examining these concepts through the lenses of Psychological Medicine and the Neuroscience of Interpersonal Development and how these specialty areas of clinical psychology support the assessment, prevention and treatment of mental disorders commonly seen by Clinical Psychologists. A highlight of the Unit is the examination of how contemporary perspectives on the neurobiology of mental disorders has supported the development of third wave evidence based psychological therapies including somatic therapies. Consistent with the wider intended learning outcomes of the Clinical post-graduate program, emphasis is placed on developing students capacity to formulate and communicate treatment planning for clients within the inter-professional context and taking into account a biopsychosocial view of complex psychological disorders.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1

Extend and apply knowledge of neuroscience, neurobiology and psychopharmacology to enhance understanding of the origins of psychopathology and effective clinical treatments.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

ULO2

Integrate and apply knowledge of the Biopsychosocial model of health in the development and justification of case formulations for simulated client presentations.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO7: Teamwork

ULO3

Integrate and apply knowledge of neuroscience and neurobiology to enhance the development of treatment plans and treatment sessions for simulated clients presenting with complex psychological disorders.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

ULO4

Compose succinct and appropriate reports in the inter-professional context that reflect an understanding and appreciation of the integration of biological and psychological factors in many psychological disorders.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

ULO5

Synthesise knowledge regarding the psychological and biological bases of psychological disorders and effectively communicate this knowledge to consumers in ways that support their engagement in evidence based treatment and relevant lifestyle choices.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication

These Unit Learning Outcomes are applicable for all teaching periods throughout the year

Assessment

Trimester 1:
Assessment description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Assessment 1: Assessment and Treatment Recommendation Report to Primary Care 1500 words Ungraded Pass/Fail
  • Information not available yet
Assessment 2: Simulated psychoeducation session 30 - 40 minute video plus self-reflection, 500 words Ungraded Pass/Fail
  • Information not available yet
Assessment 3: Understanding Mental Disorder through the Biopsychosocial model of Health Video Blog, 5-7 minutes Ungraded Pass/Fail
  • Information not available yet

This unit is Pass Grade only. All assessments must be passed in order for the unit to be passed.

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning Resource

There is no prescribed text. Unit materials are provided via the unit site. This includes unit topic readings and references to further information.

Unit Fee Information

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