Course Lecturer Name(s): Hazel Da Breo, PhD
Course Director Name: Hazel Da Breo, PhD
Course Lecturer(s) Contact Information: hdabreo@sgu.edu
Course Director Contact Information: hdabreo@sgu.edu
Course Lecturer(s) Office Hours: By Appointment
Course Director Office Hours: N/A
Course Lecturer(s) Office Location: By Zoom
Course Director Office Location: By Zoom
Course Support: Ms. Nikisha Thomas, nsthomas@sgu.edu, ext. 3692
Course Management tool: To learn to use Sakai, the Course management tool, access the link https://apps.sgu.edu/members.nsf/mycoursesintro.pdf
Course Description:
This course reviews the major psychiatric disorders as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). The salient diagnostic features of the mental disorders are highlighted. Major theories of the etiology of mental illness are reviewed, and neurobiological correlates of abnormal behavior are emphasized when possible. Both psychotherapeutic and biological treatment options and outcome measures for mental illness are covered. Clinical cases and clinical videos illustrating psychopathology are utilized to enhance learning.
Course Objectives:
- Enumerate the symptoms of the major psychiatric disorders and apply the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to clinical scenarios in order to differentially diagnose psychiatric diseases.
- Describe the psychological/environmental and neurobiological contributions to psychiatric illness.
- Specify the major biological and psychological treatment approaches for each of the major mental disorders.
- Develop conversancy in ethical/legal issues relevant to psychiatric patients, and in culturespecific considerations of cause, effect, and treatment.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the pros and cons of psychiatric classification.
- Identify and discuss ethical/legal/cultural issues related to mental disorders.
- Differentiate among diagnoses within the diagnostic categories of mental disorders.
- Explain how etiology informs treatment, with reference to the importance of an integrated treatment approach.
Program Outcomes Met By This Course:
PO-2 Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology including research design, data analysis, and interpretation to relevant issues in the work environment, country and wider region
SAS Grading Scale: Grades will be assigned as follows:
A = 89.5% or better
B+ = 84.5 - 89.4%
B = 79.5 - 84.4%
C+ = 74.5 - 79.4%
C = 69.5 - 74.4%
D = 64.5 - 69.4%
F = 64.4% or less
Course Materials:
Text: Abnormal Psychology, (2015, 13th Edition) by Ann M. Kring et al.
Supplementary Readings/Resources: Electronic versions of course notes are made available in advance on Sakai. Where appropriate, additional reference materials will be provided, and students will be advised accordingly.
Course Grading Requirement:
Quizzes: 30%
Group Presentations: 15%
Participation: 15%
Individual Research Paper: 40%
Course Requirements:
Students are expected to
- be prepared for class
- offer thoughtful contributions to class discussions
- conduct themselves in ways that are appropriate to a respectful, academic environment
Course Schedule:
|
Course Week |
Date |
Topic |
Activity |
|
1 |
Jan.18 |
Introduction to Abnormal Psychology |
|
|
|
Jan.20 |
Psychiatric Classifications |
|
|
2 |
Jan.25 |
Theories of Behavior |
|
|
|
Jan.27 |
Theories and Techniques |
|
|
3 |
Feb.01 |
Laws, Ethics and Mental Illness |
|
|
|
Feb.03 |
QUIZ No.1 |
Quiz No. 1. In Class. |
|
4 |
Feb.08 |
Eating Disorders |
|
|
|
Feb.10 |
Sleep – Wake Disorders |
|
|
5 |
Feb.15 |
Depressive and Related Disorders |
|
|
|
Feb.17 |
Bi-Polar and Related Disorders |
|
|
6 |
Feb.22 |
Substance Related and Addictive Disorders |
|
|
|
Feb.24 |
GROUP PRESENTATIONS |
3 Presentations @15 mins each. |
|
7 |
Mar. 1 |
QUIZ No.2 |
Quiz No. 2. In Class. |
|
|
Mar.03 |
Neurocognitive Disorders |
|
|
8 |
Mar.08 |
MID-TERM WEEK |
|
|
|
Mar.10 |
|
|
|
9 |
Mar.15 |
Anxiety Disorders and Traumatic Disorders |
|
|
|
Mar.17 |
GROUP PRESENTATIONS |
3 Presentations @ 15 mins each. |
|
10 |
Mar.22 |
OCD and Related Disorders |
|
|
|
Mar.24 |
Somatic, Dissociative and Related Disorders |
|
|
11 |
Mar.29 |
Personality Disorders |
|
|
|
Mar.31 |
GROUP PRESENTATIONS |
3 Presentations @ 15 mins each. |
|
12 |
Apr.05 |
Gender Dysphoria and Sexual Dysfunction. |
|
|
|
Apr.07 |
GROUP PRESENTATIONS |
3 Presentations @15 mins each. |
|
13 |
Apr.12 |
Schizophrenia and Related Disorders |
|
|
|
Apr. 14 |
GROUP PRESENTATIONS |
Final 3 Presentations @ 15 mins. Each. |
|
14 |
Apr.19 |
Disruptive, Conduct and Impulse Related |
|
|
|
Apr. 21 |
Wrap Up and Final Research Preparation |
|
|
15 |
Apr.26 |
|
Research Paper due. |
|
|
Apr.28 |
Self-Study Day |
|
|
|
May 3 May 5 |
FINAL EXAM WEEK |
QUIZ No.3 |
School of Arts and Sciences Master Syllabi — Info for All Sections
Academic Integrity
The St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020) states as follows:
“Plagiarism is regarded as a cardinal offense in academia because it constitutes theft of the work of someone else, which is then purported as the original work of the plagiarist. Plagiarism draws into disrepute the credibility of the Institution, its faculty, and students; therefore, it is not tolerated” (p. 48).
Plagiarism also includes the unintentional copying or false accreditation of work, so double check your assignments BEFORE you hand them in.
Be sure to do good, honest work, credit your sources and reference accordingly and adhere to the University’s Honor Code. Plagiarism and cheating will be dealt with very seriously following the university’s policies on Plagiarism as outlined in the Student Manual.
Your work may be subject to submission to plagiarism detection software, submission to this system means that your work automatically becomes part of that database and can be compared with the work of your classmates.
The St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020) states as follows:
“Students are expected to attend all classes and or clinical rotations for which they have registered. Although attendance may not be recorded at every academic activity, attendance may be taken randomly. Students’ absence may adversely affect their academic status as specified in the grading policy. If absence from individual classes, examinations, and activities, or from the University itself is anticipated, or occurs spontaneously due to illness or other extenuating circumstances, proper notification procedures must be followed. A particular course may define additional policies regarding specific attendance or participation” (p. 9).
The St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020) states as follows:
“All matriculated students are expected to attend all assigned academic activities for each course currently registered. Medical excuses will be based on self-reporting by students. Students who feel they are too sick to take an examination or other required activity on a specific day must submit the online SAS medical excuse, which is available on Carenage. Students are only allowed two such excuses a year. Upon consultation with the Director of University Health Service, the third excuse will result in a mandatory medical leave of absence. The policies regarding make-up examinations are at the option of the Course Director” (p.46).
For additional specific examination policies and procedures, refer to the St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020), pages 31 through 37.
The St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020) states as follows:
“A student with a disability or disabling condition that affects one or more major life activities, who would like to request an accommodation, must submit a completed application form and supporting documentation to the Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS) located in the Dean of Students Office. It is highly recommended that students applying for accommodations do so at least one month before classes begin to allow for a more efficient and timely consideration of the request. If a fully completed application is not submitted in a timely fashion, an eligibility determination may not be made, and accommodations, where applicable, may not be granted prior to the commencement of classes and/or examinations” (p. 8).
It is the responsibility of the student to read and understand the policies, laws, rules and procedures that while they could affect your grade for a course, have not been specifically outlined in the course syllabus. These are contained in the St. George’s University Student Manual.