PSY5401 Psychopathology 1
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
PSY5401 Psychopathology 1 is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Malaysia. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 2 units, leading on to 3 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 60%
- and 2 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before PSY5401
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After PSY5401
2 units list PSY5401 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Must be enrolled in course code M6047
Overview
In this unit, you will be equipped with a solid foundation in comprehending and assessing psychopathology in the adult population.
You will learn to navigate the diagnostic criteria for a diverse range of adult psychopathological disorders. This knowledge will enable you to competently and ethically assess and differentially diagnose these conditions. Additionally, you will critically explore the aetiological factors contributing to adult psychopathology, integrating biological, psychological, and environmental perspectives for a holistic understanding.
Ethical decision-making is at the core of our curriculum, ensuring you can navigate complex moral dilemmas inherent in clinical practice with integrity and professionalism. You'll also gain proficiency in utilising evidence-based assessment tools, honing your skills to effectively evaluate psychopathological symptoms and assess functional impairments in adult clients.
Furthermore, you will learn to formulate evidence-based treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of adult clients, drawing upon current research and therapeutic modalities. Lastly, our emphasis on effective communication and interdisciplinary collaboration will prepare you to work seamlessly with other professionals in the field, providing holistic care to adults facing psychopathological challenges. This unit promises a rich learning experience, enabling you to become a well-rounded and compassionate clinician in the realm of adult psychopathology.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Group case presentation (45 minutes presentation + 15 minutes Q & A)Presentation40%
- Practice workbook (2,500 words - 50%) and oral exam (10 mins - 10%)Examination60%
- Skills demonstration of clinical interview and MSEDemonstrationCompetency hurdle-
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Apply diagnostic criteria for a range of adult psychopathological disorders to accurate assessment and differential diagnosis.
- 2
Investigate and critically evaluate the multifaceted aetiological factors contributing to adult psychopathology, integrating biological, psychological, and environmental perspectives.
- 3
Apply ethical principles and guidelines in clinical practice and demonstrate the ability to make morally sound decisions when dealing with complex ethical dilemmas related to adult psychopathological cases.
- 4
Formulate evidence-based assessment plan to effectively evaluate the psychopathological symptoms and functional impairments experienced by adults.
- 5
Formulate evidence-based treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of adult clients, integrating current research findings and therapeutic modalities for various psychopathological conditions.
- 6
Develop effective communication and collaboration skills to facilitate integrated care for adult clients with psychopathological concerns.
Workload and teaching
- Assessments6 hours
- Workshops30 hours
Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:
Contact hours for students:
3-hr in-person session per week
Additional requirements for students:
Independent study including individual/ group assignment and self-learning to make up the required minimum hours during the semester.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Justine Thong
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Justine Thong
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PSY5401?
PSY5401 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after PSY5401?
PSY5401 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including PSY5405 and PSY5421. Those lead on to 3 units in all.
When is PSY5401 offered?
In 2026, PSY5401 runs in Semester 1 at Malaysia.
How much work is PSY5401?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does PSY5401 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
More details
- Credit points
- 6
- Level
- 5
- Study level
- Postgraduate
- Faculty
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
- Organisational unit
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences Malaysia
- Type
- Coursework
- EFTSL
- 0.125
- Student contribution
- SCA Band 4
- Study abroad
- Not available
- Handbook years
- 20262027