University of Sydney Handbooks - 2016 Archive

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Clinical Psychology

Unit of study descriptions

PSYC6072 Case and Research Seminars 1

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2-hour weekly seminars Assessment: Research proposal; Attendance at case and research seminars; Attendance at the School of Psychology Colloquium (100%). Students must demonstrate satisfactory performance on all assessments to satisfy requirements for this unit of study. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Degree Association: MCP
This unit of study will continue the case and research seminars introduced in PSYC6069 Ethics and Professional Practice. The unit of study will comprise attendance at formal weekly presentations, where Year 2 students will present a clinical case for discussion and Year 3 students will present their research findings. All students are required to attend throughout the semester, and are expected to attend the School Colloquium. It is expected that students will spend one day per week during this semester researching their chosen topic. Students are expected to be meeting with their supervisors during this semester to finalise aspects of their study design and methodology. If the research involves the recruitment of clinical samples off-site, students should expect to meet with their key individuals who will be involved with their research off-campus to negotiate the details of their project, the recruitment of subjects and to ensure its feasibility. Students are required to submit a formal written research proposal, which will form the basis of the research proposal presentation in the following semester.
PSYC6073 Case and Research Seminars 2

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2-hour weekly seminars Assessment: Research presentation; Case report; Attendance at case and research seminars; Attendance at the School of Psychology Colloquium (100%). Students must demonstrate satisfactory performance on both assessments to satisfy requirements for this unit of study. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Degree Association: MCP
This unit of study will continue the case and research seminars introduced in PSYC6072 Case and Research Seminars 1. The unit of study will comprise attendance at formal weekly presentations, where Year 2 students will present a clinical case for discussion and Year 3 students will present their research findings. All students are required to attend throughout the semester and are expected to attend the School Colloquium. Students are to prepare a written case report.
PSYC6075 Case and Research Seminars 3

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2-hour weekly seminars Assessment: Case presentation; case report; brief research presentation (all requirements must be satisfied; 100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney.
Students will attend a research seminar where they will listen to first year students present their final research proposals (early in semester) and will also present their own research study (late in semester). The format will be poster/mini presentations to allow all students to showcase their research. Students will also present a clinical case in this seminar series.
Textbooks
None
PSYC6076 Research Project 1

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Practical work Prerequisites: PSYC6089 Assessment: Research plan and progress report (50%); literature review (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney.
During this unit students will be involved in data collection for their studies, with the expectation that at least a day a week will be involved in data collection and will write their literature review. Students will write a progress report that contains sections including an overview of the research question and design, the start and estimated completion date of recruitment, target recruitment numbers and the total recruited to date, obstacles encountered, plans to overcome obstacles.
Textbooks
None
PSYC6077 Research Project 2

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Practical work Prerequisites: PSYC6089 Assessment: Empirical paper (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney.
Students will conduct analysis and interpretation of the data they have collected in their empirical research project. They will write a draft of an empirical paper that is in the form of a manuscript ready for submission to a peer reviewed journal. If appropriate, following feedback, the student and their supervisor will submit the paper for publication.
Textbooks
None
PSYC6078 Clinical Skills and Placement 1A

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 4-hour weekly workshops for 9 weeks; Clinical placement: 2 days/ week for 6 weeks Assessment: Clinical Viva; Contract; Mid placement review; log (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney.
The unit of study allows students to develop the practical skills of clinical psychology practice and put these into practice during their introductory placement in the Psychology Clinic. Clinical skills will be developed through observation of demonstration of model clinical skills, and role play practice with staff feedback. The placement will encompass adult psychometric assessment and therapy practice.
PSYC6079 Placement 1B

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Clinical placement: 2 days/ week for 24 weeks Prerequisites: PSYC6078 Assessment: Contract, mid-placement review, clinical log (compulsory requirements for accreditation) end-of-placement review (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney.
The unit is designed to provide students with intensely supervised practice in conducting the fundamentals of clinical assessment, diagnosis, formulation, treatment planning, and treatment implementation for adult patients, psychometric assessments for adults and children/adolescents and child, adolescent and family work. A cognitive-behavioural approach is predominant in this placement for adult work. It will also provide an introduction to the practice of conducting psychometric assessments with the aim of achieving competency in the administration, scoring, interpretation and report writing for these assessments. It is expected that three to four cases will be undertaken, but additional cases may be prescribed until a student reaches competency. All students will also conduct child, adolescent or family therapy under the supervision of clinical psychologists with expertise in this area. Students may be offered the opportunity to run a group, subject to availability. Students will be allocated to specific supervisors for adult and child, adolescent and family therapy. While supervisors vary in the format in which they offer supervision, with a mixture of individual, group and observation formats being offered, supervision is intense and with a high level of observation by supervisors throughout the placement.
Textbooks
None prescribed. A wide range of clinical texts are available for consultation in the School of Psychology Test Library.
PSYC6080 External Placement 1

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Clinical placement, 24 wks, 2 days/week (includes face-to-face patient contact, reading/preparation, patient-related administration tasks such as notes and reports) Prerequisites: PSYC6079 Assessment: Contract, mid-placement review, clinical log (compulsory requirements for accreditation) end of placement review (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney.
This unit of study involves students completing a placement in a setting external to the University Psychology Clinic. The placement will expose students to a range of presentations in one of the following settings, including hospitals and community health settings.
Textbooks
None prescribed. A wide range of clinical texts are available for consultation in the School of Psychology Test Library.
PSYC6081 External Placement 2

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Clinical placement, 24 wks, 2 days/week Assessment: Contract, mid-placement review, clinical log (compulsory requirements for accreditation) end of placement review (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney.
This unit of study involves students completing a placement in a setting external to the University Psychology Clinic. The placement will expose students to a range of presentations in one of the following settings, including hospitals and community health settings. As the final clinical placement, this unit represents a capstone experience in bringing together learning from prior coursework and clinical placements.
Textbooks
None prescribed. A wide range of clinical texts are available for consultation in the School of Psychology Test Library.
PSYC6082 Treatment Across the Lifespan

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3-hour weekly lectures Assessment: One 2hr exam, one 500w assignment and 40 minute video, weekly readings (students must pass all assessment components). Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney.
This unit introduces current perspectives and on the conceptualisation and treatment of child and adult psychopathology. Core theories and models are presented within a developmental-ecological framework, and examined in relation to the aetiology, course, and maintenance of common psychological problems. Theoretical and practical skills-based training addresses core consultation processes (e.g., relational skills, engaging families) as well as key formats for intervention (e.g., individual, group, parent/family, school-based). Emphasis is placed on the learning of strong practical skills that can be applied to treatment targets in the context of evidence-based, formulation-driven practice. Attention is given to the clinical issues of unique importance to intervention in distinct periods across the lifespan, with respect to case formulation, treatment planning, therapeutic process, and evaluation of outcomes.
Textbooks
Barlow, D. (2007). Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders (4th Edition). New York: Guilford Press. Dadds, M. R., & Hawes, D. J. (2006). Integrated family intervention for child conduct problems. Brisbane, Queensland: Australian Academic Press. Dishion, T. J., & Stormshak, E. A. (2007). Intervening in children's lives: An ecological, family-centered approach to mental health care. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Kendall, P.C. (2006). Child and adolescent therapy: Cognitive-behavioral procedures (3rd ed.). NY: Guilford. Leahy, R.L. (2003). Cognitive Therapy Techniques: A practitioner's guide. New York: Guilford Press. Mash, E. J., & Barkley, R. A. (2002). Child psychopathology, 2nd ed. NY: Guilford Press. Mash, E. J., & Barkley, R. A. (2007). Assessment of Childhood Disorders, 4th ed. NY: Guilford Press. Page, A., & Stritzke, W. (2006). Clinical Psychology for Trainees: Foundations of Science-Informed Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Wells, A. (1997). Cognitive Therapy of Anxiety Disorders: A practice manual and conceptual guide. Chichester, UK: Wiley & Sons.
PSYC6083 Assessment Across the Lifespan

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3-hour weekly lectures Assessment: WAIS-IV pass out, WISC-IV pass out, adult report writing assignment, child case assignment (students must achieve competency for each course component), preparation for pass outs, scoring exercises Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney.
In this unit students will develop expert understanding of theories and acquire advanced clinical skills that are important for psychological assessment of children and adults. The unit is based on the scientist-practitioner model which highlights the importance of critical thinking and utilisation of up to date research in selection of instruments and techniques to be used in assessments. The unit will promote a clinical approach that integrates clinical history, presentation and results obtained from psychometric testing (when appropriate) to form an opinion. Assessment and management of suicide risk will also be covered. It will develop a conceptual framework for understanding core psychological and developmental disorders, and assessment of these disorders. The unit will focus on assessment of behaviour, affect and cognition across the lifespan. Students will be taught how to undertake psychological assessments and how to communicate these complex findings to a range of audiences.
PSYC6084 Health and Neuropsychology

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 4-hour weekly seminars Prerequisites: PSYC6083 Assessment: One written assignment (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney.
This unit aims to integrate neuropsychology and health psychology to understand the psychological implications of health disorders/disabilities across the lifespan. The health psychology component will examine the relationships between psychological and physical functioning across a range of medical disorders and the way in which cognitive and behavioural factors influence psychological and physical functioning of those with health related problems. This component of the course will be concerned with theories and interventions that improve quality of life for people with medical problems. The course will aim to investigate theories and practice in the areas of adjustment to illness, working with patients and their families with chronic illness and dealing with death and dying. The neuropsychology component of this unit of study will introduce students to core neuropsychological syndromes and rehabilitation. Lectures will include theoretical components, case presentations and discussions.
Textbooks
Feinberg T. M.J (2003). Behavioural neurology & neuropsychology. Second Edition. USA: McGraw-Hill. Hunter, S.J., Donders, J (2007). Pediatric neuropsychological intervention. UK: Cambridge University Press. Morgan, J.E., Ricker, J.H. (2008). Textbook of clinical neuropsychology. New York: Taylor & Francis.E., Farah.
PSYC6085 Specialised Areas of Practice

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3- to 6-hour weekly seminars Assessment: Three written assignments (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to specialised modes of assessment and treatment beyond the core models and diagnoses they have learned about to date. This includes both complex presentations in individuals and complex dynamics and interventions in couples and families.
Textbooks
Rhodes, P. & Wallis, A. (2011) A Practical Approach to Family Therapy: Structured Guidlines and Key Skills
PSYC6086 Reflective Practice and Placement 2

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2- to 4-hour weekly lectures; 2-hour weekly seminars Prerequisites: PSYC6079 Assessment: Three written assignments (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney.
This unit is designed to extend clinical assessment, formulation, treatment planning, and treatment implementation skills and knowledge for adult and child patients. It also extends trainees' knowledge and experience conducting and interpreting psychometric assessments. Trainees will be allocated to new supervisors for this placement and supervision methods will become less intense, more individual and begin to reflect formats available in external placements. A secondary aim of this unit is to develop students' awareness of complex processes in the therapy room, both those presented by the client, in the therapeutic relationship and in the internal dialogue of the clinician. Units include a focus on complex psychodynamic phenomenon, as conceptualised in contemporary evidence-based practice and support the development of mature reflective children who are able to focus on both professional and personal development across their careers.
Textbooks
McWilliams, N. (2011). Psychoanalytic Formulation: Understanding Personality Structure in the Clinical Process. Guildford: NY. Stedmon & Dallos (2009). Reflective Practice in Psychotherapy and Counselling. OUP: NY. Kenny, D. (2012). Bringing Up Baby: The Psychoanalytic Infant Comes of Age. Karnac: London. White, M. (1997). Narratives of Therapists' lives. Adelaide, South Australia: Dulwich Centre Publications.
PSYC6087 Advanced Models and Seminars

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 4-hour weekly seminars Prerequisites: PSYC6082 Assessment: 3 x 2500w essays Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney
This unit is designed to provide students with advanced level training in psychotherapeutic approaches. For example, the unit will cover responses to complex human problems, including personality disorders, from a wider variety of clinical orientations. It focuses on a range of advanced models of therapy, including from time to time, seminars by visiting clinical academics or practitioners with expertise in specific therapeutic approaches.
PSYC6089 Research, Ethics and Professional Practice

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2- to 4-hour weekly lectures; 2-hour weekly seminars. Assessment: Ethical viva 0.5hr; research proposal 1000w Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Science
Note: Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology degree at the University of Sydney
This unit will introduce students to current standards of ethical and professional practice in clinical psychology and promote life-long learning and understanding. The unit will also strengthen theory-practice links by exposing students to a range of topics that are relevant to ethical and professional issues that present in the Psychology Clinic and later in professional life, including cultural competence. Students will attend lectures on research methods and evaluation in clinical research, and a series of seminars where they will listen to second year students who will present clinical cases and brief research presentations. Within this unit of study, students will also begin to plan their own research project and submit a preliminary research proposal.
Textbooks
Psychiatric Ethics: Third Edition. Edited by Sidney Bloch, Paul Chodoff and Stephen Green, Oxford University Press, 1999. Page, A, Stritzke, W (2006). Clinical Psychology for trainees. Foundationsof Science - Informed Practice, Cambridge University Press