psyc1030 - lecture 1: video and note summery

Course Introduction

• Course Title: Intro to Psych Developmental Social and Clinical Psychology (Psych 1030)

• Course Coordinator: Mick Zalko

• Acknowledgement of Country: Recognition of traditional custodians and their contributions to society.

• Seating Arrangements: Acknowledgment of classroom capacity issues and encouragement to arrive early for seating.

Course Structure

• Modes of Learning:

  • In-person lectures (live and recorded) at 3 PM Mondays

  • Online lectures via UQ Extend platform

  • Required tutorials (not recorded)

• Resources:

  • Access information on the course Blackboard site (lecture slides, recordings, quizzes, discussion boards).

  • Email contact for course content and administration inquiries.

Contact Information

• Course Staff Contact: Outline found on Blackboard under course staff link.

• Admin Support: Email or visit the Psych Building for administrative queries.

• Discussion Board: Open forum for questions and student interaction (staff will monitor).

Weekly Course Delivery

• Lecture Content: Lectures cover Psychological therapies, anxiety, depression, personality, etc.

• Tutorial Content: Attendance required, as assessments (worksheets) are due during tutorials.

• Assessment Structure:

  • Quizzes (52% of total grade)

  • Tutorial Worksheets (42%, best 6 of 7 counted)

  • Research Participation (6% extra credit, optional)

  • Cultural Safety Module (mandatory, pass/fail but no marks)

Assessment Overview

• Quizzes: Held every four weeks, assessing content from lectures and online lectures.

• Worksheets: Must be submitted at the end of each tutorial; participation is essential.

• Research Participation: Opportunity to engage in live psychology research; gives practical experience and can improve grades.

• Cultural Safety Module: University-mandated module focusing on culturally aware practice in psychology.

Importance of Attendance

• No Big Exam: Continuous assessment throughout the semester, emphasizing regular attendance and participation.

• Level of Engagement: Encouragement to engage with tutors and peers for better learning outcomes.

Clinical Psychology Module

• Focus: Diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

• Evidence-based Practice: Integrated scientific research, psychological theory, and clinical knowledge to alleviate psychological distress.

• Collaborative Approach: Interaction among various mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, etc.) to cater to diverse needs of individuals.

Key Areas of Clinical Psychology

• Assessments: Diagnosis of conditions (e.g., anxiety disorders, mood disorders, behavioral issues).

• Treatment Approaches: Development and implementation of evidence-based treatments.

• Promoting Well-being: Focus on early interventions to prevent issues from arising.

Types of Disorders Addressed

• Mental Health Conditions: Anxiety disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, etc.

• Behavioral Issues: Anger management, relationship difficulties, adjustment to life changes.

• Neurological Disorders: ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities, severe mental illness.

• Health Psychology: Stress management, chronic illness coping.

Diagnostic Challenges

• Diagnostic Criteria: Utilization of the DSM-5 as a checklist for assessing psychological disorders; varies widely in patient presentation.

• Heterogeneity of Disorders: Recognition that symptoms can manifest in diverse ways among individuals with the same diagnosis.

Modes of Therapy in Psychology

• Psychodynamic: Explores unconscious processes shaped by childhood experiences; aim to uncover and analyze these influences through therapeutic relationships.

• Biological: Focuses on neurobiological and genetic factors related to mental disorders; treatment often involves medications (e.g., antidepressants) and interventions.

• Behavioral: Utilizes conditioning principles (classical and operant) to modify behaviors; emphasizes systematic exposure and reinforcement techniques.

• Cognitive Behavioral: Emphasizes the role of thoughts in shaping behaviors; incorporates techniques like cognitive restructuring to alter unhelpful thought patterns.

Therapy Evaluation Criteria

• Evidence-based Assessment: Requires independent trials demonstrating that the treatment is effective beyond placebo effects.

• Importance of Robust Studies: Emphasizes rigorous methodology in assessing the validity of therapeutic interventions.

Conclusion of Lecture

• Encouragement to review additional materials available online.

• Reminder of no tutorials for the first week; active participation and preparation for the following weeks is crucial.