Abnormal Psychology

This course provides you with an overview of the scientific study of abnormal psychology. Based on a bio-psycho-social approach, you will study how the biological, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional factors are related to the onset and the trajectory of the psychopathologies. Coursework will include basic concepts and definitions, historical perspectives on psychopathology, and different theoretical models of psychopathology. Additionally, the course will cover frameworks for the assessment and diagnosis of mental illness, legal and ethical issues pertaining to the assessment and treatment of mental illness, and the role of culture and diversity in assessment and treatment.

You will acquire theoretical knowledge that will allow you to identify indicators of disorders, analyze real cases, and compare clinical interventions based on a bio-psycho-social approach. You will be able to identify and explain how most disorders result from the interplay of biological/medical, psychological/individual, and social/cultural factors.