vcc.ca
PSYC 2300: Abnormal Psychology
Effective date
November 2017
Department
UT Humanities
School
Arts and Sciences
Description
This course explores the clinical features of a wide range of psychological disorders, their biopsychosocial etiologies, as well as commonly used therapeutic approaches.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
PSYC 1100 or PSYC 1200, or equivalent.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze and evaluate research information about psychopathology (psychological disorders) found in academia, the library, in newspapers and television, online, and in other places
- Apply critical thinking skills to the major issues in the field of psychopathology
- Utilize research skills and quantitative/qualitative reasoning in the design of research projects/papers
- Compare, contrast, and integrate biological, psychological, and sociocultural explanations of abnormal behaviour
- Explain the nature of stress and the reactions to it
- Describe the causes and symptoms of the principal mental disorders, including anxiety, behaviour, psychosis, mood, dementia, and personality disorders
- Identify treatments for mental disorders and compare their efficacy in treating such disorders
- Differentiate between pseudoscientific and evidence-based approaches to treating psychological disorders
- ldentify practical issues regarding care provision in contemporary mental health care settings
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 60
Total Hours: 60
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
This course includes lectures, group discussions, and other activities.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
D (50%)
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Participation |
10 |
Attendance and participation |
|
Assignments |
10 |
Quizzes and/or other in-class assignments |
|
Assignments |
20 |
|
|
Exam |
20 |
Exam 1 |
|
Exam |
20 |
Exam 2 |
|
Final Exam |
20 |
Non-cumulative in-class exam |
Course topics
- -Historical and contemporary views of abnormal behaviour -Thinking critically about psychological disorders -Assessment and diagnosis -Emotion, stress and health -Drug abuse and addiction -Eating disorders -Anxiety disorders -Mood disorders -Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders -Personality disorders -Treatment and therapy
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.