NCI Courses

This lecture will introduce learners to abnormal psychology and detail what is expected of them during the semester.

This lecture will define the subject area and key research and theorists/schools of thought in abnormal psychology. Students will be provided with an overview of the history of abnormal psychology and mental illness.

This lecture will explore biological approaches to understanding psychopathology; critically evaluate the contribution biological models have made with a specific emphasis on the serotonergic model of depression. The efficacy of biological treatments will be examined.

In two lectures, the psychosocial approaches to understanding psychopathology will be explored. Cognitive-behavioural models will be explored in depth, along with a focus on emerging models that focus on mindfulness. The efficacy of psychosocial treatments will be reviewed.

This lecture provide a critical analysis of our current understandings of anxiety disorders. An overview of the primary anxiety disorders will be provided; along with the epidemiology of anxiety disorders, and the biological and psychosocial perspectives on anxiety. Treatments for anxiety will be explored.

Spanning two lectures, the different trauma-based disorders will be explored with specific emphasis on PTSD and Complex PTSD. Prevalence, risk-factors, and treatment approaches will be covered. A special focus on the distinction between the DSM and ICD perspectives on PTSD will be taken.

Students will learn about the nature of psychosis and the different psychotic diagnoses. Biological and psychosocial explanations for psychosis will be explored as well as the different treatment options available.

This lectures provides students with a critical evaluation of current understandings of major mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder) along with treatment options and outcomes.

This lecture will discuss the contribution of evolutionary theory to the field of clinical psychology/psychiatry. Prominent evolutionary theories to understand mental illness will be evaluated.

This lecture will critically evaluate the current psychiatric categorical model of mental illness and present evidence suggesting that dimensional models of psychopathology are superior.