PSY3206 Abnormal Psychology Assessment Brief 2026 | Lingnan University

PSY3206 Abnormal Psychology

Brief Course Description

This course will introduce the basics of clinical psychology through a broad survey of various aspects of abnormal behavior. The course will cover common psychological disorders, such as mood disorders, eating disorders,personality disorders, and schizophrenia. Assessment and treatment of these psychological disorders will also be discussed.

Objectives

The purpose of this course is to study abnormal human behaviors with the following emphases:

1. To critically review the concepts and models of mental health and mental disorders.
2. To familiarize with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) classification, thediagnostic assessment procedures and the common intervention strategies of mental disorders.
3. To acquire knowledge about common abnormal behaviors of children, adolescents, and adults.
4. To examine the multi aspects of mental disorders and their implications on human functioning.

Learning Outcomes

The overall aim of this course is to introduce students to the study of abnormal psychology. On completing thecourse, students are expected to at least be able to:

1. Define major psychological problems and disorders as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual forMental Disorders (DSM) and explain the rationale behind it.
2. Discuss procedures used to evaluate and diagnose abnormal behavior.
3. Compare, contrast, and integrate biological, psychological, and psychosocial cultural explanations of abnormalbehavior.
4. Explain the nature of stress and how that relates to psychopathology.
5. Discuss the role of psychological, behavioral and psychosocial and cultural factors in the causation of mentalhealth and physical problems.
6. View the multiple causes of psychopathology from a variety of theoretical perspectives.
7. Explain the rationale behind psychological intervention.
8. Describe symptoms of common mental disorders.
9. Develop basic understanding about the treatments and preventions for mental disorders.
10. Apply what they have learned about the conceptualization, causation, and treatment of mental disorders tocase examples presented in class or encountered in everyday life.

Course Format

This course will be conducted through lectures, case illustrations, group discussions, and student presentations.Films and video material may be used whenever appropriate. The medium of instruction is English. There arerequired text and additional readings throughout the course, which will be assigned as the semester progresses.

Measurement of Learning Outcomes

1. Students’ comprehension and synthesis of knowledge of psychological disorders, including assessment and treatment will be assessed in term paper and final examination.
2. Students’ ability toapply what they have learned about psychological disorders will be assessed through term paper and group presentation.
3. Students’ comprehension of the scientist-practitioner model in psychopathology and their ability toeffectively communicate these concepts will be assessed through presentations and tutorial participation.

Assessment

Required/Essential Readings

Jill M. Hooley & Matthew K. Nock (2025). Psychopathology: A clinical science approach (19th ed.). Pearson.Jill M. Hooley, Matthew K. Nock, & James N. Butcher (2020). Abnormalpsychology (18th ed.). Pearson (17th ed. is acceptable).