Key facts
UNE unit code: PSYC363
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Introducing you to major psychological disorders, this unit offers you an overview of psychopathology, including exploration of the multidimensional impacts psychological disorders may have on affected individuals across the lifespan.
You will gain insights into the development and maintenance of psychological disorders across the lifespan, including biopsychosocial and cultural factors. You will also learn to differentiate and identify symptomology and presentation of the major disorders, along with current evidence-based treatments and interventions for these disorders.
With opportunities throughout to develop your interpersonal and professional skills, this unit will help you to add to your psychology skillset and broaden your perspectives about the underlying causes of different behaviour.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
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 an understanding of the principal diagnostic categories of psychological disorders that occur at different points across the lifespan and communicate this knowledge effectively to others;
- understand of the historical development, philosophical underpinnings and cultural components of our current conceptualisations of psychological disorders;
- demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of the impact of different types of psychological dysfunction on the life of an affected individual;
- demonstrate an understanding of the aetiology and treatment of psychological disorders from a culturally-sensitive biopsychosocial perspective; and
- demonstrate the development of clinically relevant interpersonal skills.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assesment 3 - Written Assignment | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 2500 |
| Assessment 1 - Mid-Trimester Quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | 100% multiple choice. |
| Assessment 2 - Skills Assessment | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Demonstration of interpersonal skills /oral presentation No. Words: 1500 (spoken) |
| Assessment 4 - Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | 60% multiple choice, 40% short answer There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 1500 |
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.
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th Ed)
ISBN: 9781433832161
American Psychological Association. 7th 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
Psychopathology
ISBN: 9781394196722
Kring, A; Fassnacht, D; Matthewson, M; Johnson, L; Kate, M; Morton, E, John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd 2nd. 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
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