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

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Lecture engagement See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	5%	Ongoing	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 1 See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	5%	Week 04	15 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Essay - case study See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	30%	Week 08 Due date: 20 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 May 2026	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 2 See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	5%	Week 09	20 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 3 See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	5%	Week 13	20 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Reflective Summaries - lived experience See the 'Assessment summary' below and Canvas site for details.	5%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Jun 2026	800 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Quizzes: Students complete 3 quizzes during their allocated tutorials. Quiz 1 will be MCQ only, Quiz 2 and 3 will be a combination of MCQs and SAQs. 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: The essay will involve case scenario and focus 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 essay', 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 (materials provided on Canvas). If you miss submitting the Reflective Summaries by the end of sememster, 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.
Lecture Engagement: Students who attend lectures in person will participate in an activity during each lecture, and receive a fixed % for each recorded participation. Students who cannot attend in-person lectures should instead watch the recording of each lecture (via Canvas) during the week that the lecture runs, and will receive a fixed % for each lecture watched on time. See Canvas for details.
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)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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	Introduction to PSYC3018 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	Transdiagnostic constructs (Death anxiety); Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Anxiety & Depressive Disorders	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Depressive Disorders; Bipolar and Related Disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders; Mental Health and Deaf Population	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Eating Disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Personality Disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic disorders	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Neurodiversity: ASD & ADHD	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Eating Disorders	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Sexual Dysfunctions; Health Psychology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Personality Disorders	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Mental Disorders in Children (Internalising)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Health Psychology & Climate Change	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Mental Disorders in Children (Externalising)	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. Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics: 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 1.2. Apply knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals. 1.3. Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats. 1.4. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology. 1.6. Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology. 2.2. Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal communication and interview skills in situations appropriate to psychological practice and research. This includes active listening, clarifying and reflecting, effective questioning, summarising and paraphrasing, developing rapport, appropriate cultural responsiveness and empathic responding. 2.4. Explain how basic psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts. 2.5. Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology. 3.5. Identify psychological disorders using a recognised taxonomy. 3.8. Interpret and communicate findings in oral and written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language. 4.2. Clinical psychology Taking into account the broad diversity of clients and development across the lifespan, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to competently and ethically: 4.2.2. Apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive assessment in the area of clinical psychology, including: 4.2.3. Apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive interventions in the area of clinical psychology, including:
	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.

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1		APAC Level 1 Foundational Competencies
1.1		Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics:
1.1.2		individual differences in capacity, behaviour and personality
1.2		Apply knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
1.3		Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
1.4		Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology.
1.6		Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.
2		APAC Level 2 Pre-Professional Competencies
2.1		Demonstrate successful (prior or concurrent) achievement of foundational competencies.
2.3		Demonstrate basic assessment strategies in situations appropriate to psychological practice and knowledge of psychometric theory and principles of the construction, cultural considerations, implementation and interpretation of some of the more widely used standardised psychological test instruments.
2.4		Explain how basic psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts.
2.5		Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.
3.17		Investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology

Responding to student feedback

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

removal of the written group assignment, which was introduced last year but did not work as intended. This assessment is to be replaced with “Lecture Engagement” to encourage lecture attendance, active reflection during lectures, and ongoing engagement with lecture content.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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)

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, 2026 [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)

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