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EGC817Education2 Unitsintermediate

Abnormal Psychology

This course introduces students to the concept of abnormal psychology. It explores historical perspectives, differentiating between normality and abnormality. The course covers the scope and importance of abnormal psychology, including research methods. Students will learn about causal factors, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and existential perspectives. It also covers classification of mental disorders, mental retardation, mood disorders, somatoform, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, and schizophrenia.

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Abnormal PsychologyMental DisordersPsychopathologyBehavioral PerspectivesCognitive Theories

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Abnormal Psychology

2

Historical Perspectives

3

Psychodynamic Theories

4

Behavioral Theories

5

Cognitive Theories

6

Classification of Mental Disorders

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Counselor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Psychologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Mental Health Professional

Apply your skills in this growing field

Therapist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

HealthcareEducationSocial ServicesMental Health ClinicsRehabilitation Centers

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: The Concept of Abnormal Psychology

3h

Unit 1: The Concept of Abnormal Psychology

3 study hours
  • Define abnormal psychology
  • Discuss cultural and gender relativism
  • Explain unusualness and discomfort
Week
2

Module 1: The Concept of Abnormal Psychology

3h

Unit 2: Historical Perspectives on Abnormal Psychology

3 study hours
  • Explain supernatural theories
  • Discuss Hippocrates' biological theories
  • Describe psychological theories
Week
3

Module 1: The Concept of Abnormal Psychology

3h

Unit 3: The Differences Between Normality and Abnormality

3 study hours
  • Differentiate normality from abnormality
  • List qualities of good mental health
  • Discuss characteristics of abnormality
Week
4

Module 1: The Concept of Abnormal Psychology

3h

Unit 4: The Scope and Importance of Abnormal Psychology

3 study hours
  • Explain the scope of abnormal psychology
  • Examine the importance of abnormal psychology
  • Discuss research approaches
Week
5

Module 1: The Concept of Abnormal Psychology

3h

Unit 5: Causes of Abnormal Behaviour

3 study hours
  • Explain biological causes
  • Discuss neurotransmitter imbalances
  • Explain genetic vulnerabilities
Week
6

Module 2: The Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abnormality

3h

Unit 1: The Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abnormality

3 study hours
  • Explain psychosocial viewpoints
  • Discuss Freud's psychoanalytic theory
  • Explain anxiety and defense mechanisms
Week
7

Module 2: The Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abnormality

3h

Unit 2: New Psychodynamic Perspective

3 study hours
  • Explain object relation theory
  • Discuss the interpersonal perspective
  • Explain attachment theory
Week
8

Module 2: The Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abnormality

3h

Unit 3: Behavioural Perspective

3 study hours
  • Discuss classical conditioning
  • Analyse operant conditioning
  • Explain modeling and observational learning
Week
9

Module 2: The Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abnormality

3h

Unit 4: Cognitive, Humanistic and Existential Perspectives

3 study hours
  • Explain cognitive theories
  • Discuss global assumptions
  • Explain cognitive therapy
Week
10

Module 2: The Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abnormality

3h

Unit 5: Classification of MentalDisorders

3 study hours
  • Give a brief history of classification
  • Explain the evolution of DSM
  • Compare DSM with ICD-10
Week
11

Module 3: Mental Retardation

3h

Unit 1: Mental Retardation

3 study hours
  • Explain the meaning of mental retardation
  • Identify levels of mental retardation
  • Explain causes of mental retardation
Week
12

Module 3: Mental Retardation

3h

Unit 2: Mood (Affective) Disorders

3 study hours
  • Explain the meaning of mood disorders
  • Discuss types of mood disorders
  • Identify causal factors
Week
13

Module 3: Mental Retardation

6h

Unit 3: Somatoform and Dissociative Disorders

3 study hours
  • Explain somatoform disorders
  • Explain dissociative disorders
  • Discuss treatment models

Unit 4: Eating Disorder: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulima

3 study hours
  • Explain anorexia nervosa
  • Explain bulimia nervosa
  • Discuss treatment approaches

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking Modules 1-3 key theories

2

Practice applying DSM-IV-TR criteria to case studies (Units 5, Module 2)

3

Review defense mechanisms (Unit 1, Module 2) and their applications

4

Focus on differential diagnosis for somatoform and dissociative disorders (Unit 3, Module 3)

5

Summarize key symptoms and treatments for schizophrenia (Unit 5, Module 3)

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