Outline

Overview

This unit critically examines the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of major mental health conditions across the lifespan, centering the stories of individuals who have experienced these conditions. The mental health conditions discussed are; anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder), obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, trauma- and stress-related disorders, depressive disorders, childhood disorders, eating disorders (such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating), addictive behaviors (including drug, alcohol, and gambling), psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and sexual dysfunctions. This unit utilises a culturally reflective lens that considers the various determinants influencing mental health, particularly within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations and First Nations communities. By fostering greater awareness and understanding, the unit aims to offer culturally sensitive insights into mental health, address the challenges and stigma faced by those living with mental health conditions, and explore the dynamic and evolving nature of psychological research and practice.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Psychology Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(PSYC2010 or PSYC2910 or PSYC2011 or PSYC2911 or PSYC2015 or PSYC2915)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	(PSYC2014 or PSYC2017)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ilona Juraskova, ilona.juraskova@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell, rebekah.laidsaar-powell@sydney.edu.au
	Ilona Juraskova, ilona.juraskova@sydney.edu.au
	Sally Gainsbury, sally.gainsbury@sydney.edu.au
	Shannon Webb, shannon.webb@sydney.edu.au
	Daniel Pearson, daniel.pearson@sydney.edu.au
	Tanja Hirvonen, tanja.hirvonen@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Critical Evaluation of Literature See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	10%	Week 04 Due date: 21 Mar 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 Apr 2025	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Quiz 1 See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	5%	Week 05	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Essay See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	30%	Week 08 Due date: 14 Apr 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 12 May 2025	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Quiz 2 See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	5%	Week 09	20 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Quiz 3 See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	5%	Week 13	20 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Reflective Summaries See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	5%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Jun 2025	See Canvas for details.
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Quizzes: Students complete 3 quizzes during their allocated tutorials. Quiz 1 will be MCQ only, Quiz 2 and 3 will be MCQ and SAQ. If you miss any of the Quizzes, you may apply for Special Consideration, from which the only outcome is a 'mark adjustment' for the Quiz(zes) that you missed. (N.B: if you miss two or more quizzes and are approved for Special Consideration for all of them, you will be required to complete an alternative assessment). If you do not complete any of the Quizzes and are not awarded Special Consideration, you will simply receive 0 for the Quiz(zes) you missed.
Essay: An essay focusing on diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. If you do not attempt the Essay by the closing date, you may apply for Special Consideration, from which the only outcome is a 'replacement', details of which will be sent to you by the Unit of Study Coordinator by the end of the semester. If you do not attempt the Essay by the closing date and are not awarded Special Consideration, you will simply receive 0 for the Essay.
Reflective Summaries: You will be asked to reflect on lived experience of people with mental illness. If you miss any of the Reflective Summaries, you may apply for Special Consideration, from which the only outcome is a 'mark adjustment' for the Reflective Summaries you missed. If you do not complete any of the Reflective Summaries and are not awarded Special Consideration, you will simply receive 0 for the Reflective Summaries you missed.
Critical Evaluation of Literature: You will be asked to critically evaluate evidence based literature of treatment for mental health conditions. Simple Extensions are not available for this assessment. If you do not attempt the Critical Evaluation of Literature, you may apply for Special Consideration, from which the only outcome is a 'replacement', details of which will be sent to you by the Unit of Study Coordinator by the end of the semester. If you do not attempt the Critical Evaluation of Literature by the closing date and are not awarded Special Consideration, you will simply receive 0 for the Critical Evaluation of Literature.
Final Exam: Topics from the lecture series and the Essay will be assessed in a two-hour closed book exam held after the teaching period ends. If you do not attempt the Final Exam, you will need to apply for Special Consideration, from which the only outcome is a 'replacement', which will be held in the University's Replacement Exam period. If you do not attempt the Final Exam and are not awarded Special Consisderation, you will receive an Absent Fail (AF) grade for this unit, as the Final Exam is a compulsory assessment.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Culturally Reflective and First Nations Mental Health	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Anxiety Disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to Mental Health Conditions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, Illness Anxiety Disorder	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Culturally Reflective Mental Health	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Depressive Disorders, Bipolar and Related Disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Anxiety Disorders	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders, Q&A with a Clinical Psychologist	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Neurodiversity: ASD & ADHD	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Personality Disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Eating Disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Personality Disorders	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Mental Disorders in Children (Internalising)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Eating Disorders	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Mental Disorders in Children (Externalising)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Mental Disorders in Children	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Sexual Dysfunctions, Q&A: Lived Experience of Mental Illness	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Summary and Feedback	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

As per Section 60(5)(c), 68(2)(a), and 68(3) of the University’s Coursework Policy, a student must comply with a Unit of Study’s attendance requirement – for this Unit of Study, a student must be recorded as having attended at least 7 of 10 tutorials, and if a student does not meet this requirement, they will receive an Absent Fail (AF) grade.

Also, as noted in the Assessment table, the Final Exam is a compulsory assessment, so a student who does not attend it and is not approved to miss it will receive an Absent Fail (AF) grade.

Please note, the Quizzes are held during tutorials, so to achieve the marks associated with the Quizzes, you will need to attend the relevant tutorial, however failure to attend will simply result in forgoing the marks associated with Quizzes, there is no other consequence.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand core concepts in abnormal psychology in their historical and philosophical contexts
LO2. identify the core diagnostic features of specific psychological disorders and differentiate these from normal behaviours, as well as from the features of other disorders
LO3. compare and contrast theoretical perspectives on the nature, causes, and maintenance of psychological disorders
LO4. seek, identify and critically examine empirical evidence concerning the causes, maintenance and treatment of psychological disorders.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 1.1.1. the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social, 1.1.11. culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement 1.1.3. psychological health and well-being 1.1.4. psychological disorders and evidence-based interventions
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 1.1.11. culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement 1.1.3. psychological health and well-being 1.1.4. psychological disorders and evidence-based interventions
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 1.1.3. psychological health and well-being 1.1.4. psychological disorders and evidence-based interventions
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 1.1.3. psychological health and well-being 1.1.4. psychological disorders and evidence-based interventions 1.2. Apply knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals. 1.4. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PSYC3018: Mental Health Conditions

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links