Course syllabus for Clinical Psychology 1

Klinisk psykologi 1

Specific entry requirements

Passed results of the first and second semester (60 credits) and at least 15 credits from the third semester of the Study Programme in Psychology.

Student who has failed clinical placement (clinical placement or the equivalent) as a consequence of serious deficiencies in knowledge, skills or attitude in such a way that patient security or the patients' trust in the field/ the healthcare unit may have been jeopardized, are qualified to a new clinical placement only when an individual action plan has been completed.

Outcomes

Module 1, Communication and interviewing skills 2
The module is based on the introductory module in communication skills at semester 2.
On completion of this module, the student should be able to

• identify and describe skills in communication methodology, including validation
• use these skills in role-playing exercises, including patient-oriented communication
• use and provide feedback
• perform patient anamnesis

Module 2, Evaluation methods and report-writing
On completion of this module, the student should be able to

• describe frequently used psychological methods of assessment
• administer and evaluate an aptitude test for children (WISC) and reflect on his/her own skills
• summarize, evaluate and write a psychological report on a fictitious case

Module 3, Clinical neuropsychology
On completion of this module, the student should be able to

• define and describe specific neuropsychological functions and dysfunctions and relate these to knowledge of different diseases and injuries
• account for how neuropsychological knowledge can be applied at assessment, diagnostic procedures and treatment
• describe and reflect on professional skills and attitudes at neuropsychological assessment, diagnostic procedures and treatment
• show skills in the communication with laypersons on neuropsychology

Module 4, Psychological theories
On completion of this module, the student should be able to

• account for psychological theories and reflect on typical features, similarities, differences, application and evidence
• conduct a basic behavioral analysis based on theoretical models and clinical information
• explain and apply knowledge of research methods/design in clinical psychology

Module 5, Psychopathology and diagnostics
On completion of this module, the student should be able to

• show basic skills in applied psychiatric diagnostics
• account for mental syndromes among children and adults regarding aetiology, diagnostics and treatment
• explain and apply ethical aspects and relevant laws in the assessment process relevant to psychiatric diagnostics and assessment

Module 6, Practice integrated learning (VIL)
On completion of this module, the student should be able to

• account for clinical psychological activities and reflect on professional aspects of clinical psychology 
• demonstrate a professional approach in meetings with supervisors, staff, patients and relatives during VFU/VIL as well as with other students, teachers and university staff.

Content

This course provides an introduction to the field of clinical psychology from a biopsychosocial model. Based on the student's knowledge from previous courses, basic clinical knowledge will be covered during the course. Also, basic clinical skills will be introduced. Furthermore, during the course the student begins to integrate his/her knowledge in clinical psychology with clinical skills. Throughout the course ethical and legal considerations in clinical psychology will be discussed as well as various aspects of the professional approach. A scientist-practitioner-perspective is emphasized.

The course contents are divided into the following six modules:

Module 1, Communication and interviewing skills 2, 1.5 hp
During module 1, communication and interviewing skills are practiced in small groups. The student reflects individually over his/her own strengths and fields of improvement.

Module 2, Assessment methods and report writing, 4.5 hp
Within the framework of module 2, the student obtains knowledge with psychological (including neuropsychological) tests. The module provides knowledge of assessment procedures, which tests that are to the psychologist's disposal, principles for the administration of tests, psychometric aspects (reliability, validity and norms), report-writing, legal and ethical aspects. During this module, the student will specifically practice the administration of the WISC test and use those skills testing a child.

Module 3, Clinical neuropsychology, 4.5 hp
In module 3, earlier acquired knowledge in cognitive neuroscience and its connection to neuropsychology is summarised and developed. The module gives the student a biopsychosocial model to neuropsychological dysfunctions and understanding of how such knowledge is applied in neuropsychological evaluation and treatment. A study visit is made to a clinical unit within the field. Patient organisations participate in a lecture so that students can gain a patient perspective. The module includes a seminar where clinical neuropsychologists participate in differential diagnostic discussions with the students.

Module 4, Psychological theories, 4.5 hp
In module 4, different psychological theories from historical and current perspectives are presented. The concepts of evidence and research methods within clinical psychology are discussed.

Module 5, Psychopathology and diagnostics, 6.0 hp
In module 5, the student is introduced to the use of the psychiatric diagnostics. Differential diagnostic considerations are discussed based on case material and relevant laws. Mental syndromes in children, adolescents and adults are treated. In a group assignment, the student deepens his/her knowledge of a mental disorder and shares this knowledge with other students through an oral and written presentation.

Module 6, Practice integrated learning (VIL), 1.5 hp
The module contains an auscultation at a mental health care clinic. Professional aspects of clinical psychology are discussed during the module.

Teaching methods

The teaching consists of teacher-led lectures, web tutorials, films, discussion seminars, group assignments, role plays with feedback, self-evaluation of skills, reflection sheets, study visits and an auscultation.

Some training elements are compulsory, see the heading "Examination".

Examination

Module 1, Communication and interviewing skills 2, 1.5 credits
The module is examined through

1. compulsory roleplay exercises
2. roleplay examination
3. written assignment

The grading scale for this module is Passed/Failed. The grade G on the module requires active presence at 1) and the grade G at 2) and 3).

Module 2, Assessment and report-writing, 4.5 credits
The module is examined through

1. attendance at compulsory lectures and practice seminars according to schedule
2. individual administration of WISC
3. oral and written presentation of a group assignment
4. written assignment, child testing
5. written assignment, report-writing

The grading scale for this module is Passed/Failed. The grade G on the module requires attendance at compulsory lectures and practice seminars according to schedule, and G on examination assignment 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Module 3, Clinical neuropsychology, 4.5 credits
The module is examined through

1. active participation in compulsory seminar
2. attendance at compulsory lectures
3. participation in compulsory exercises
4. written minor essay, is graded U (Fail) or G (Pass)

The grading scale for this module is Passed/Failed. The grade G on the module requires G on the written report, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements according to instructions.

Module 4, Psychological theories, 4.5 credits
The module is examined through

1. written examination

The grading scale for this module is Passed/Failed. The same grade is given for this module as for the written exam.

Module 5, Psychopathology and diagnostics, 6 credits
The module is examined through

1. role-playing seminar
2. oral and written presentation of a group assignment
3. oral seminar
4. written examination

The grading scale for this module is Passed/Failed. For the grade Passed (G), a grade of Passed (G) is required on all assignments.

Module 6, Practice integrated learning (VIL), 1.5 credits
The module is examined through

1. continuous examination of professional approach in connection with VIL, is graded U (Fail) or G (Pass). A student who begins but does not complete the VIL/VFU, without special reasons, shall be given the grade U (Fail). The student has then used up one VIL/VFU opportunity.
2. written assignment, is graded U (Fail) or G (Pass)

The grading scale for this module is Passed/Failed. For the grade Passed (G), a Passed (G) is required for both assignment 1 and 2.

Course grading
The grading scale for the course is Passed/Failed. For the grade Passed (G) at the entire course, grade Passed (G) is required on all the modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Absence from or unfulfillment of compulsory course elements
The examiner decides whether, and if so how, absence from or unfulfillment of compulsory course elements can be made up for. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in or fulfilled compulsory course elements, or compensated for any absence/ failure to fulfill in accordance with instructions from the examiner. Absence from or unfulfillment of a compulsory course element may imply that the student can not retake the element until the next time the course is offered. 100% attendance is required during the auscultation.

Limitation of the number of examinations
Regarding the auscultation, which is practice integrated learning (VIL), the number of times a student has the right to participate is limited to two (2) times.

Guidelines in case of failure of VIL/VFU
The examiner may terminate a student's placement or equivalent with immediate effect, if the student shows serious deficiencies in knowledge, skills or approach that jeopardize patient safety or erode patient trust in healthcare.

If a VIL occasion is terminated this way, the student fails the module and a VIL opportunity is used up. In such cases, an individual action plan must be drawn up, stating what activities and tests are required before the student is qualified to a second VIL/VFU opportunity. The number of times a student has the right to undergo activities and tests according to the individual action plan is limited to two times.

Possibility of exception from the course syllabus' regulations on examination
If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus' regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and attitudes may not be changed, removed or reduced.

Transitional provisions

If the course is cancelled or undertakes major revisions, you will find information on transition rules under this heading.

Other directives

Teaching in English may occur.

This is a translation of the Swedish version (Klinisk psykologi 1). In the event of any discrepancy between the versions, the Swedish version constitutes the official decision, and the Swedish wording will prevail.

Literature and other teaching aids

Module 1

Mandatory litterature

• Petri, Livia & Åstrand Freidlitz, Henrik, Samtalshandboken. Lund: Studentlitteratur AB (2024) - 344 sidor ISBN: 9789144156163 

Module 2

Mandatory literature

• Eriksson, Åsa; Maurex, Liselotte, Psykologisk utredning och utlåtandeskrivning, Lund : Studentlitteratur AB, [2022] - 263 sidor ISBN: 9789144144054, LIBRIS-ID: 7n95q38v5lxsf4v4,

Test Manuals (available as loan).

• Smedler, Ann-Charlotte; Tideman, Eva, Att testa barn och ungdomar: om testmetoder i psykologiska utredningar, 1. utg. : Stockholm : Natur & kultur, 2009 - 279 s. ISBN: 978-91-27-11692-4 (inb.), LIBRIS-ID: 10919498, Omslagsbild,

Module 3

Mandatory literature

• Nyberg, Lars, Kognitiv neurovetenskap: nya teorier och tillämpningar, Tredje upplagan : Lund : Studentlitteratur, [2020] - 207 sidor ISBN: 9789144138138, LIBRIS-ID: n0h3c9stlxpkt9b9,
• Blom, Malin, Vägen till 2.0: att hantera en allvarlig hjärnskada, Första upplagan : [Stockholm] : Malin Blom, [2018] - 205 sidor ISBN: 9789163961311, LIBRIS-ID: 22685895,

In-depth literature

• Klinisk neuropsykologi, Nyman, Håkan; Bartfai, Aniko, Tredje upplagan : Lund : Studentlitteratur, [2023] - 507 sidor ISBN: 9789144149066, LIBRIS-ID: fwngdmckcpt7mg7v,
• Kognitiv medicin, Wahlund, Lars-Olof; Nilsson, Christer; Wallin, Anders, 1. uppl. : Stockholm : Norstedt, 2011 - 448 s. ISBN: 978-91-1-302322-9 (inb.), LIBRIS-ID: 12033738,

Module 4

Recommended literature

• Sommers-Flanagan, John; Sommers-Flanagan, Rita, Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories in Context and Practice: Skills, Stra, John Wiley & Sons, 2012 ISBN: 9781118402535, LIBRIS-ID: 16004971,
• Psykiatri, Herlofson, Jörgen; Ekselius, Lisa; Lundin, Anders; Mårtensson, Björn; Åsberg, Marie, 2., [rev. och omarb.] uppl. : Lund : Studentlitteratur, 2016 - 879 s. ISBN: 9789144094977, LIBRIS-ID: 19600701,

In-depth literature

Additional in-depth literature according to teacher's instructions.

Module 5

Mandatory literature

• Psykiatri, Herlofson, Jörgen; Ekselius, Lisa; Lundin, Anders; Mårtensson, Björn; Åsberg, Marie, 2., [rev. och omarb.] uppl. : Lund : Studentlitteratur, 2016 - 879 s. ISBN: 9789144094977, LIBRIS-ID: 19600701,
• MINI-D 5: diagnostiska kriterier enligt DSM-5, Pilgrim Press, 2014 - 410 s. ISBN: 9789198997916, LIBRIS-ID: 17238133,

In-depth literature

• Arborelius, Lotta, Neurofarmakologi : för psykologer, psykoterapeuter och beteendevetare, Natur & Kultur Akademisk, 2016 - 304 s. ISBN: 9789127137790 (inb.), LIBRIS-ID: 17417857,

Module 6

Literature may be added according to teacher's instructions.