Abnormal Psychology
- Education
- 800 level
- 2 credit units
- 155 pages
- 15 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of EGC817, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
EGC817 · Unit 5: Schizophrenia
The presentation schedule included in this course material gives you the important dates of this year for the completion of tutor-marked assignments and for attending tutorials. Remember, you are required to submit all your assignments by the due date. You should guard against falling behind in your work.
What you should be able to do
- Define abnormal psychology
- Explain historical perspectives
- Differentiate normality from abnormality
- Discuss psychodynamic perspectives
- Discuss behavioral perspectives
What it prepares you for
- Counselor
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Mental Health Professional
- Therapist
- Healthcare
- Education
- Social Services
- Mental Health Clinics
- Rehabilitation Centers
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: The Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abnormality
Unit 1: The Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abnormality
Abstract concepts and complex interrelationships between id, ego, and superego require critical thinking.
- Module 3: Mental Retardation
Unit 3: Somatoform and Dissociative Disorders
Requires understanding of complex diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 42 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: The Concept of Abnormal Psychology
Unit 1: The Concept of Abnormal Psychology · 3 hours
Define abnormal psychology. Discuss cultural and gender relativism. Explain unusualness and discomfort.
- Week 2Module 1: The Concept of Abnormal Psychology
Unit 2: Historical Perspectives on Abnormal Psychology · 3 hours
Explain supernatural theories. Discuss Hippocrates' biological theories. Describe psychological theories.
- Week 3Module 1: The Concept of Abnormal Psychology
Unit 3: The Differences Between Normality and Abnormality · 3 hours
Differentiate normality from abnormality. List qualities of good mental health. Discuss characteristics of abnormality.
- Week 4Module 1: The Concept of Abnormal Psychology
Unit 4: The Scope and Importance of Abnormal Psychology · 3 hours
Explain the scope of abnormal psychology. Examine the importance of abnormal psychology. Discuss research approaches.
- Week 5Module 1: The Concept of Abnormal Psychology
Unit 5: Causes of Abnormal Behaviour · 3 hours
Explain biological causes. Discuss neurotransmitter imbalances. Explain genetic vulnerabilities.
- Week 6Module 2: The Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abnormality
Unit 1: The Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abnormality · 3 hours
Explain psychosocial viewpoints. Discuss Freud's psychoanalytic theory. Explain anxiety and defense mechanisms.
- Week 7Module 2: The Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abnormality
Unit 2: New Psychodynamic Perspective · 3 hours
Explain object relation theory. Discuss the interpersonal perspective. Explain attachment theory.
- Week 8Module 2: The Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abnormality
Unit 3: Behavioural Perspective · 3 hours
Discuss classical conditioning. Analyse operant conditioning. Explain modeling and observational learning.
- Week 9Module 2: The Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abnormality
Unit 4: Cognitive, Humanistic and Existential Perspectives · 3 hours
Explain cognitive theories. Discuss global assumptions. Explain cognitive therapy.
- Week 10Module 2: The Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abnormality
Unit 5: Classification of MentalDisorders · 3 hours
Give a brief history of classification. Explain the evolution of DSM. Compare DSM with ICD-10.
- Week 11Module 3: Mental Retardation
Unit 1: Mental Retardation · 3 hours
Explain the meaning of mental retardation. Identify levels of mental retardation. Explain causes of mental retardation.
- Week 12Module 3: Mental Retardation
Unit 2: Mood (Affective) Disorders · 3 hours
Explain the meaning of mood disorders. Discuss types of mood disorders. Identify causal factors.
- Week 13Module 3: Mental Retardation
Unit 3: Somatoform and Dissociative Disorders · 3 hours
Explain somatoform disorders. Explain dissociative disorders. Discuss treatment models.
Unit 4: Eating Disorder: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulima · 3 hours
Explain anorexia nervosa. Explain bulimia nervosa. Discuss treatment approaches.
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking Modules 1-3 key theories
- Practice applying DSM-IV-TR criteria to case studies (Units 5, Module 2)
- Review defense mechanisms (Unit 1, Module 2) and their applications
- Focus on differential diagnosis for somatoform and dissociative disorders (Unit 3, Module 3)
- Summarize key symptoms and treatments for schizophrenia (Unit 5, Module 3)
Questions students ask about this course
What is EGC817 about?
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.
How many units does EGC817 have?
EGC817, Abnormal Psychology, has 15 units across 3 modules, over 155 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is EGC817?
EGC817 carries 2 credit units, at 800 level in Education.
Is EGC817 hard?
EGC817 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does EGC817 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is EGC817 assessed?
EGC817 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with EGC817?
Counselor, Psychologist, Social Worker, Mental Health Professional and Therapist.