PYM3P1-Development of Psychopathology

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: h.f.dodd@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Aims:
This module considers factors involved in the development of psychopathology, such as anxiety and mood disorders, during childhood and adolescence. Classes will focus on specific developmental periods and central considerations during each period. The course will include some focus on parental influences, including parenting styles, parental psychopathology and parent-child attachment, as well as the psychobiology of adolescent development and the role of genes. Central tenets of the developmental psychopathology approach will be explored.

Aims:
The purpose of this module is to inform students of the fundamental concepts and central developmental considerations in the study of the development of psychopathology.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Describe some of the theoretical notions in developmental psychopathology
- Describe important inter-personal and biological considerations for the development of psychopathology, with reference to specific developmental periods
- Be able to outline and evaluate recent empirical work in the field
- Apply their knowledge in the evaluation of a piece of relevant research

Assessment will be by coursework, on subjects such as:
- The relationship between parental mental health and child outcomes
- The role of parents in the development of psychopathology
- The importance of focusing of specific developmental periods to inform understanding of the development of psychopathology
- Features of adolescent development that may expose individuals to risk of psychopathology

Additional outcomes:
This module is designed to inform subsequent work by students on postgraduate courses in psychology, as well as further postgraduate training in related disciplines.

Outline content:
Foundations and genesis of developmental psychopathology; assessment in developmental psychopathology; the development of psychopathology in middle childhood; developmental changes during adolescence and links to increased vulnerability to psychopathology.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Students will be given directed readings which they will be expected to have read before attending seminars. Seminars will last approximately 3 hours. Typically, a faculty member will give a brief overview lecture on the important learning points, and then facilitate a discussion with the whole class.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Students will complete a coursework essay from a selection of possible titles.

Formative assessment methods:
Students will contribute to class discussions and will be invited to give presentations in the course of the module.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:
The coursework assessment may be retaken by arrangement with the Examinations Officer.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 10 April 2019