Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module PSYC2197: ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

Department: Psychology

PSYC2197: ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

Type Open Level 2 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2019/20 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • o Either (i) or (ii) or (iii): (i) Level 1 modules to the value of 100 credits from C800 Psychology; OR (ii) PSYC1062 IPR plus PSYC1071 Intro 1 and/or PSYC1081 Intro 2; OR (iii) PSYC1071 Intro 1 plus PSYC1081 Intro 2

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of theory and research in abnormal and clinical psychology

Content

  • This module will cover historical issues surrounding the study of psychological disorder, the issue of psychiatric classification, the main classes of psychological disorder, including, for example, affective disorders, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders
  • It will include discussion of some issues surrounding clinical practice in abnormal psychology
  • The content will be delivered through weekly lectures
  • Individual student support will be provided through a weekly surgery hour

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • A broad knowledge of the most common types of mental illness and the key concepts in psychiatric diagnosis, with in-depth knowledge of some topics
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Understand the relationship between theory and data, including the ability to evaluate theories and concepts
  • Ability to formulate research questions and hypotheses
Key Skills:
  • Effective retrieval and organisation of material
  • Location, reading, and review of a body of research evidence
  • Critical evaluation of the quality of evidence and arguments
  • Ability to adopt different theoretical positions and see relationships between them

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Acquisition of knowledge and understanding in this area is facilitated by the material covered in lectures, and the provision of detailed reading lists. Evidence of wider reading (i.e. not in set reading) will be required for higher marks
  • Knowledge and understanding will be assessed through examination
  • The examination uses a multiple choice format to assess the breadth of knowledge of the full syllabus, and a written format to assess the ability to organise, review and evaluate evidence and theory, to provide critical appraisal, and to contrast theoretical positions
  • Feedback on progress in the module will be provided via in-class activities
  • Subject-specific and Key skills are fostered through lectures and discussion and will be assessed via the examination

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 1 Per Week 2 hours 20
Preparation and Reading 80
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Examination 90 minutes 100%

Formative Assessment:

Formative exercises within lectures


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University