| Type: | Postgraduate Subject |
|---|---|
| Code: | PSYC71-611 |
| EFTSL: | 0.125 |
| Faculty: | Faculty of Society and Design |
| Semesters offered: |
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| Credit: | 10 |
| Study areas: |
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| Subject fees: |
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Description
This subject introduces the study of the effects of psychoactive pharmacology on the brain and behaviour, including the medications widely prescribed for the management of psychological disorders and commonly used for social or recreational purposes. In addition students will learn evidence based assessment and interventions for substance related disorders.
Subject details
Learning outcomes
- Analyse the mechanisms of action, therapeutic indications and adverse effects of medications prescribed for psychological disorders.
- Evaluate the implications of a client’s pharmacological treatment for psychological assessment, formulation and intervention planning.
- Critically evaluate the research evidence on the efficacy of pharmacological and combined treatments for psychological disorders.
- Conduct an evidence-based assessment of alcohol and substance use to identify severity, risk and treatment needs.
- Select evidence-based psychological interventions for alcohol and substance-use disorders, accounting for the client’s stage of change and cultural context.
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: |
This subject is not available to
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is an accredited 5th and 6th Year pathway towards registration as a Psychologist. Entry into this program is based on a calculated GPA derived from a completed four year sequence of study in Psychology as accredited by APAC as well as invitation into the degree. As such, this subject can only be taken by those students successfully admitted to the degree. This subject is not available as a general elective. To be eligible for enrolment, the subject must be specified in the students’ program structure. |
Subject outlines
- January 2026 [Intensive - Psychopharmacology and Pharmacotherapy]
- January 2025 [Standard - Psychopharmacology and Pharmacotherapy]
- January 2024 [Standard - Psychopharmacology and Pharmacotherapy]
- January 2023 [Standard - Psychopharmacology and Pharmacotherapy]
- January 2022 [Standard - Psychopharmacology and Pharmacotherapy]
- January 2021 [Standard - Psychopharmacology and Pharmacotherapy]
- January 2020 [Standard - Psychopharmacology and Pharmacotherapy]
- January 2019 [Standard - Psychopharmacology and Pharmacotherapy]
- January 2018 [Standard - Psychopharmacology and Pharmacotherapy]
Subject dates
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January 2026
Non-Standard Offering Enrolment opens: 16/11/2025 Semester start: 26/01/2026 Subject start: 26/01/2026 Last enrolment: 29/01/2026 Teaching census: 17/02/2026 Withdraw - Financial: 18/02/2026 Withdraw - Academic: 05/03/2026
| Non-Standard Offering | |
|---|---|
| Enrolment opens: | 16/11/2025 |
| Semester start: | 26/01/2026 |
| Subject start: | 26/01/2026 |
| Last enrolment: | 29/01/2026 |
| Teaching census: | 17/02/2026 |
| Withdraw - Financial: | 18/02/2026 |
| Withdraw - Academic: | 05/03/2026 |