Fall 2018 - PSYC 391 D100

Selected Topics in Psychology (3)

Intro to Clinical Psychology

Class Number: 2915

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2018
    Sun, 3:30–5:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Shona Adams
  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description.

COURSE DETAILS:

Introduction to Clinical Psychology introduces the main topics in clinical psychology. Unit 1 includes basic principles, differentiates between clinical psychology and other professions, and explores the history of assessment, intervention and prevention. Unit 2 explores the different types of assessments used in clinical psychology. In Units 3 and 4, we will learn about different interventions and the different settings where clinical psychologist work. We will have some guest speakers talking about their work, with the chance to ask them questions. Unit 5 explains other activities of clinical psychologists, such and research, supervision, consultation, and service development. Unit 6 explains the path to training as a clinical psychologist and how this differs from other similar career paths. This unit also covers professional issues within clinical psychology, including ethics. We will have a guest speaker from graduate training department to explain the application process and answer your questions.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will give you a good understanding of what clinical psychologists do and how we approach problems. The course will have many interesting examples of case studies and examples of how clinical psychologists work. By the end of the course, you will know a) the basic principles in clinical psychology, b) the difference between clinical psychologists and other mental health professions, c) be able to summarise a brief history of some different strands within clinical psychology, d) state benefits and limitations of the medical model and describe two main diagnostic systems, e) explain different types of assessments, f) describe what a formulation is, f) identify which types of interventions and assessments are used in different settings, g) explain difference between audits and clinical research, h) understand the different types of clinical research, i) describe other clinical psychologists’ activities, j) understand the types of experience that will help you get into graduate training, and k) be aware of professional issues related to the profession. This course is highly recommended for those who are interested in pursuing a career in clinical psychology, as well as those who would just like to learn more about what a clinical psychologist does.

Grading

  • Weekly in class quizz: 40%
  • Optional written assignment: 0%
  • Written assignment: 20%
  • Final exam: 40%

NOTES:

Prerequisite: 241 Abnormal psychology.

Recommended courses would be one or more of 250, 260, 352, 355, 356, 357, 359,365, 367, 381,388 and 371. All of these courses are related to different aspects of clinical psychology and the course. It could be an advantage to have that information and perspective from one of these courses.

Re:  Grading

40% of the grade will be based on multiple choice in-class quizzes to help you keep up to date with the course content.
30% will be based on a written assignment. This will also help to prepare you for the final exam.
(There will be an optional assignment which will be marked and give you feedback to prepare you for the written assignment and the final exam.)
40% of the grade will be based on the final exam.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required reading:
Hunsley, J., & Lee, C. M. (2017). Introduction to Clinical Psychology: An evidence-based approach (4th edition).

Copies available in the library, or you can rent or purchase the e-text, or purchase the printed text. There is a 14 day free trial of the e-text, see www.wileystudentchoice.com

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS