Key facts
UNE unit code: PSYC503
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
An understanding of common adult psychological disorders can assist you in your career in a range of settings.
Studying this unit, you will explore the clinical presentation, classification, development and consequences for the common adult psychological disorders.
You will examine major diagnostic systems and diagnostic criteria, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
This unit will also equip you with an understanding of the biopsychosocial approach to constructing a culturally responsive case conceptualisation for adult clients presenting with mental health issues.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 1 day | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Mandatory online intensive school. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of the clinical presentations, prevalence, course and known causes of common adult psychological disorders;
- demonstrate a critical awareness of major classificatory systems including a more detailed knowledge of the DSM-5 diagnostic classification system;
- apply autonomy and judgement in making psychiatric diagnoses, including differential diagnosis and comorbidity issues;
- write case formulations and Mental State Examinations for adult clients presenting with mental health issues, with the ability to communicate these effectively to others; and
- demonstrate the ability to effectively consider relevant cultural context and subsequent case formulation, clinical diagnosis, and mental status/clinical presentation issues.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Assessment - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass this assessment task in order to pass this unit. No. Words: 2500 |
| Final Take Home Examination | Yes | 30% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass this assessment task in order to pass this unit. No. Words: 2300 |
| Mental Status Exam Assessment - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass this assessment task in order to pass this unit. No. Words: 2300 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
The Handbook of Adult Clinical Psychology: An Evidence-based Practice Approach
ISBN: 9781138806306
Carr, A. and McNulty, M. (eds), Routledge 2nd ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
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