General Information
This subject introduces students to the history of clinical psychology and current practices in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. An emphasis is placed on critical thinking and the scientist-practitioner model through the examination of clinical psychology research methods and evidence-based therapies for adults, children, families, and groups. This subject also covers professional practice and ethical issues in clinical psychology.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Society & Design Subject code: PSYC71-404 Subject title: Clinical Psychology Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: January 2025 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Forum: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Weekly Forum
- Tutorial: x12 (Total hours: 12) - Weekly Tutorial
- Personal Study Hours: x13 (Total hours: 84) - Personal/ self-directed study
Attendance and learning activities: -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Trull, T. & Prinstein, M. (2013). Clinical Psychology. 8th Edition, CA, USA Wadsworth
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Society & Design |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | PSYC71-404 |
| Subject title: | Clinical Psychology |
| Subject level: | Postgraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2025 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
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| Attendance and learning activities: |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.
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| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate comprehension and application of 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.
- 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.
- Explain how basic psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts including consideration of cultural responsiveness.
- Cultural responsiveness for clinical psychology, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Essay Case Study Report. 50.00% Week 6 1,2,3 Take-home Examination Examination questions released in week 12 for submission via ilearn in week 13. 50.00% Week 13 1,2,3,4 - * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Case Study Report. | 50.00% | Week 6 | 1,2,3 |
| Take-home Examination | Examination questions released in week 12 for submission via ilearn in week 13. | 50.00% | Week 13 | 1,2,3,4 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A student who has not established a basis for an extension in compliance with University and Faculty policy either by 1) not applying before the assessment due date or 2) by having an application rejected due to failure to show a justifiable cause for an extension, will receive a penalty on assessment submitted after its due date. The penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment for every day late, with the first day counted after the required submission time has passed. No assessment will be accepted for consideration seven calendar days after the due date. Where a student has been granted an extension, the late penalty starts from the new due date and time set out in the extension.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
This subject contains content that some students may find distressing, disturbing or culturally challenging. Students with concerns about the content of any subject are encouraged to discuss this with their teacher and consider how best to prepare themselves to study challenging material in a way that is appropriate for them. Specifically, the subject includes discussion of trauma and mental health issues that may be sensitive content for some students.
Subject curriculum
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Introduction to Clinical Psychology
A discussion of the history of Clinical psychology, and an introduction to the clinical interview and developing rapport with clients.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate comprehension and application of 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.
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Classification and Diagnosis
An overview of the major Diagnostic systems as well as a discussion of the aims and benefits of diagnosis, as well as a discussion about the 'labelling controversy'.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate comprehension and application of 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.
- 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.
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Clinical interview and assessment
A range of diagnostic assessment tools will be briefly introduced, as well as the mental status examination - a clinical 'snapshot' of the client's presentation.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate comprehension and application of 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.
- 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.
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Formulaion and treatment planning
The 7Ps will be reviewed, as well as behavioural formulations using the SORCK, and functional analysis.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate comprehension and application of 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.
- Explain how basic psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts including consideration of cultural responsiveness.
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
This week provides an overview of both cognitive and behavioural strategies for intervention, with a focus on depression and anxiety.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate comprehension and application of 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.
- Explain how basic psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts including consideration of cultural responsiveness.
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Trauma
This week is usually delivered by a guest lecturer, who specialises in interventions with clients who have experience trauma, understanding the etiology and neurobiology of trauma. Treatment options and methods are also discussed.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate comprehension and application of 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.
- 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.
- Explain how basic psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts including consideration of cultural responsiveness.
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Acceptance Commitment therapy
This week covers the major intervention strategies involved in acceptance commitment therapy, including mindfulness and focussing on assessment and practice of valued actions.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate comprehension and application of 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.
- 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.
- Explain how basic psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts including consideration of cultural responsiveness.
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Schema therapy and personality disorder
Personality disorders are described and Young's schema model is introduced as well as the more recent mode model of schema therapy. The major therapeutic techniques of schema therapy are discussed.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate comprehension and application of 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.
- Explain how basic psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts including consideration of cultural responsiveness.
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Psychodynamic and humanistic psychotherapy
Origin, Goals, and Approaches associated with psychodynamic therapy, and client- centred therapy are described.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate comprehension and application of 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.
- Explain how basic psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts including consideration of cultural responsiveness.
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Professional practice and ethics
This week discusses the APS Code of Ethics and focuses on a number of ethical obligations and dilemmas, including boundary violations. Considerations when working with clients from different cultural backgrounds are also discussed.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate comprehension and application of 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.
- Explain how basic psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts including consideration of cultural responsiveness.
- Cultural responsiveness for clinical psychology, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
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Research in Clinical psychology
This week covers the concept of the scientist practitioner model and what is meant by evidence-based practice. It discusses some of the major research findings across a range of clinical psychology topics.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate comprehension and application of 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.
- Explain how basic psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts including consideration of cultural responsiveness.
- Cultural responsiveness for clinical psychology, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
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Groups, Families, Relapse and termination
Working with groups and families (including couples) is covered, as well as ethical and professional issues around the ending of the therapeutic relationships.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate comprehension and application of 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.
- Explain how basic psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts including consideration of cultural responsiveness.