Forensic, Abnormal and Clinical Psychology

Description: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to three prominent and interrelated areas of psychology: Forensic, Abnormal and Clinical Psychology. The Forensic Psychology component will introduce students to the prominent historical and theoretical aspects of this area before leading into key areas of contemporary applied forensic psychology practice. Abnormal Psychology will afford students the opportunity to examine various psychological disorders in a systematic manner considering such features as diagnosis, aetiology and treatment. An introduction to Clinical Psychology will be provided which aims to familiarise the student with evidence-based approaches to commonly encountered mental health problems in clinical practice.

Module objectives:

* To familiarise students with the various historical, theoretical, and research issues which have shaped contemporary professional and applied forensic psychology practice.
* To provide students with a systematic framework through which selected major psychological disorders are examined in detail.
* To familiarise students with contemporary clinical approaches to mental health problems with a particular emphasis on evidence based psychiatric and psychological treatments

Basic Reading:

* Holmes, D.A. (2010) Abnormal, Clinical & Forensic Psychology. Harlow: Pearson

Supplementary Reading:

* Bennett, P. (2006) Abnormal and Clinical Psychology. Maidenhead: OUP
* Davey, G. (2008) Psychopathology: Research, Assessment and Treatment in Clinical Psychology. Chichester: BPS Blackwell
* Davies, G., Hollin, C. & Bull, R. (2008). Forensic Psychology. Chichester: Wiley
* Howitt, D. (2009). Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Psychology, 3rd ed. Harlow: Pearson.

Assessment:

One two-hour examination at the end of Semester 2.