Outline

Overview

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. 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.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Psychology Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Adam Wright, adam.wright2@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
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Clinical viva WAIS-5 Clinical viva	0%	Week 05	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Clinical Interviewing Assignment Students will conduct a clinical interview with an AI agent that is playing a mock client for an assessment case. Details to be found on Canvas.	0%	Week 07 Due date: 13 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 11 May 2026	40 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Clinical viva WISC-V Clinical viva	0%	Week 09	50 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Child report writing assignment Clinical report	0%	Week 12 Due date: 18 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Jun 2026	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Clincal viva WAIS-5: Students are to demonstrate competence in administration of WAIS 5 in a clinical viva. Clinical vivas will be conducted face to face in the psychology clinic.
Child report writing assignment: Students will be provided with case information they will need to score, analyse, interpret and integrate to produce an child assessment report.
Clinical viva WISC-5: Students are to demonstrate competence in administration of WISC 5 in a clinical viva. Clinical vivas will be conducted face to face in the psychology clinic.
Clinical Interviewing Assignment: Students will be assesssed on their clinical interviewing skills, interacting with an AI agent playing a mock client for a psychometric assessment.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

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

Result	Code	Description
Pass with Merit	PM	The material or clinical practice substantially exceeds the expected level of competence for the stage of training. Reserved for work of an exceptionally high standard that demonstrates independent thought, originality and comprehensive knowledge of the subject area. In order to be awarded a ‘Pass with Merit’, a student needs to perform in the top 10% of students.
Pass	P	The material or clinical practice meets the expected level of competence for the stage of training. A pass is considered to signify work that is of a good to very good standard, according to the relevant expectations.
Meet with Marker	MEET	The written material or clinical practice demonstrates some misunderstanding or a minor deficiency in level of competence. The student must meet with the examiner to discuss the problems with the work. If the marker is satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, the work is given a pass. Alternatively, the student may be required to resubmit or repeat the work.
Resubmit	RE	The written material or clinical practice does not meet the required competency. The student must resubmit or repeat the work within a period of time determined by the CPU and the work will be re-marked. Resubmitted or repeated work that on this basis fails to meet the required competency will then be marked independently by a second marker, and a third marker if the two initial markers disagree. Work that is deemed to have failed to meet course requirements by two markers will be assigned a Fail.
Fail	F	The written material or clinical practice is of a sufficiently low standard, or demonstrates unethical or dangerous practice. Any piece of written work that is marked with Fail will be marked independently by a second marker, and by a third marker if the two initial markers disagree. Where required, the three markers meet to decide upon a final mark to be awarded. Work that is deemed to have failed to meet course requirements by two markers will be assigned a Fail. In most cases, written assessments and clinical practice assessments examine core clinical competencies, and the Fail mark will result in the Unit of Study being failed. Any Unit of Study that the student is deemed to have failed will have to be repeated, and the student will be required to re-enrol in that Unit of Study. Students are only eligible to repeat Units of Study once.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties If you do not submit an assessment by the due date, and do not have an approved special consideration application, late penalties will apply. The following penalties apply for any assessment submitted late without an extension approved through special consideration: • Less than 1 week late > Meet with Marker (MEET) Requirement: Student to meet with Unit Coordinator plus either Director of Clinical Training or Head of the Clinical Psychology Unit. • 1-2 weeks late > Resubmit (RE) Requirement: Student to complete a new piece of work and resubmit within one week (e.g. new assignment or new case report or new research report). Unit Coordinator to provide new assignment question or instructions. • 2 weeks late > Fail (F) Requirement: Result reported as Fail for unit of study on student academic transcript.

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 unit, Principles of assessment, Administering the WAIS-5	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Scoring and interpreting the WAIS-5 (Wright)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Specific Learning Disorder - The WJIV, WRAT-5 and the WIAT-III	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	ADHD and Clinical Interviewing (Wright)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Clinical Viva: WAIS-5 (Wright & Kumfor)	Practical (12 hr)
Week 05	Child psychometric assessment, introduction to the WISC-V (Wright)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Memory, memory disorders across the lifespan, and memory tests (Kumfor)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Introduction to Report Writing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Clinical Interviewing Exercise	Practical (1 hr)
Week 08	Neuropsychological testing of attention, language and social cognition (Kumfor)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Clinical Viva: WISC-V (Wright)	Practical (8 hr)
Week 10	Executive Functioning: Assessment through questionnaires and neuropsychological tests (Kumfor)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Assessment of cognitive impairment, brain disease and dementia in adults/older adults (Kumfor)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Psychometric considerations in mental disorders (Kumfor), Assessment of ASD (Wright)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Cultural considerations in psychometric assessment (Lester), Integration of assessment skills (Wright)	Lecture (3 hr)

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. demonstrate advanced knowledge of current diagnostic features and developmental progression of major neurodevelopmental disorders
LO2. demonstrate advanced knowledge of biological, psychological and social factors underpinning neurodevelopmental disorders and impacting the outcomes
LO3. utilise this advanced knowledge in case analyses and formulation of hypotheses prior to assessment
LO4. structure clinical interviews that will test clinical hypotheses generated from background case information
LO5. select assessment tools that are suitable for testing clinical hypotheses and have adequate psychometric properties
LO6. administer psychometric instruments
LO7. interpret scores obtained on psychometric instruments
LO8. integrate background, interview and psychometric data with the knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders to arrive at case interpretation, diagnosis and oral and written recommendations.

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 - 3.2. Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsiveways. 3.5. Identify psychological disorders using a recognised taxonomy.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 3.2. Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsiveways. 3.7. Monitor outcomes and modifications based on evolving case formulation, including health and health concerns, family and support networks, and organisational, cultural or community contexts, with care given to the appropriateness of interventions for the client within their wider context.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 3.2. Apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsiveways. 3.6. Conduct professional interviews and assessments and synthesise information from multiple sources, including assessment of risk, to formulate a conceptualisation of the presenting issues to determine the most appropriate interventions, including management of risk. 3.7. Monitor outcomes and modifications based on evolving case formulation, including health and health concerns, family and support networks, and organisational, cultural or community contexts, with care given to the appropriateness of interventions for the client within their wider context.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 3.3. Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients. 3.4. Perform appropriate standardised psychological testing, as part of broader assessment,to assess and interpret aspects of functioning. 3.6. Conduct professional interviews and assessments and synthesise information from multiple sources, including assessment of risk, to formulate a conceptualisation of the presenting issues to determine the most appropriate interventions, including management of risk.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 3.4. Perform appropriate standardised psychological testing, as part of broader assessment,to assess and interpret aspects of functioning. 3.6. Conduct professional interviews and assessments and synthesise information from multiple sources, including assessment of risk, to formulate a conceptualisation of the presenting issues to determine the most appropriate interventions, including management of risk.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 3.3. Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients. 3.4. Perform appropriate standardised psychological testing, as part of broader assessment,to assess and interpret aspects of functioning. 3.6. Conduct professional interviews and assessments and synthesise information from multiple sources, including assessment of risk, to formulate a conceptualisation of the presenting issues to determine the most appropriate interventions, including management of risk.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 3.4. Perform appropriate standardised psychological testing, as part of broader assessment,to assess and interpret aspects of functioning. 3.6. Conduct professional interviews and assessments and synthesise information from multiple sources, including assessment of risk, to formulate a conceptualisation of the presenting issues to determine the most appropriate interventions, including management of risk.
	Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - 3.4. Perform appropriate standardised psychological testing, as part of broader assessment,to assess and interpret aspects of functioning. 3.6. Conduct professional interviews and assessments and synthesise information from multiple sources, including assessment of risk, to formulate a conceptualisation of the presenting issues to determine the most appropriate interventions, including management of risk. 3.7. Monitor outcomes and modifications based on evolving case formulation, including health and health concerns, family and support networks, and organisational, cultural or community contexts, with care given to the appropriateness of interventions for the client within their wider context.

Responding to student feedback

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

The Clinical Interviewing assignment is a new addition to this unit, replacing the Adult Report Summary assignment from previous years.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PSYC6083: Assessment Across the Lifespan

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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links