Entry requirements

The student should be admitted to the Master's programme in Psychology. For admission to the course, at least 82.5 higher-education credits should be completed within the Psychologist programme, courses 1-12. Possible remaining credit points should derive from semester 3. Admission to the course can also be gained by students who have been given permission from the department's director of first-cycle studies to take part in supplementary studies to obtain a Swedish psychologist certificate.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should – be able to account for the structure and contents of the DSM-system – be able to make a multi-axial assessment based on the DSM-system – be able to account for, discuss and compare different theories of causes of psychopathological states – be able to generally account for the most commonly occurring psychopharmacological treatment methods – be able to discuss psychopathological states from a community perspective

Content

Course's aim is to give basic knowledge about psychopathological states, their aetiology and treatment. Further, it aims to, with the basic knowledge as a basis, stimulate discussions and ideas about which prerequisites and conditions that are required for integrative actions within society's psychiatric health service The course presents current knowledge of the psychopathological states of children and adults and how these states are diagnosed. It also presents established treatment methods with medical, pharmacological and psychological contents and the implications for these treatment actions. The course is divided into three different assignments: assignment I) diagnostic skill for children, youths and adults, II) mental disturbances from a societal perspective.

Instruction

The teaching follows a set-up from problem-based learning (PBL) and consist of teaching sessions, seminars/group work and supervision in connection with practical assignments.

Assessment

Assessment of the student's knowledge takes place through written tests and through presented, individual or group assignments. Assessment also takes place at participation in seminars and group work. For examination, the grades used are passed and failed. The contents of lectures can constitute a basis for examination even when the lectures are not compulsory.

Other regulations

Other requirements, prerequisites and conditions for participation in and the fulfilment of the course, e.g. compulsory attendance, design of own work, etc., are evident from information given at the course introduction. A student who does not meet the mandatory requirements for a passing grade is usually given the opportunity to complete remaining parts the following term and/or is given complementary assignments by the course director.