Module Code - Title:
BM4074
-
PSYCHIATRY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module based predominantly on an apprenticeship model in the clinical setting aims to develop students' knowledge of common medical conditions and clinical presentations in the area of Psychiatry.
The module builds on the foundation modules in Knowledge of Health & Illness 1 & 2 and Clinical & Anatomical Skills 1 & 2. In addition to the acquisition of new knowledge in a clinical setting, students will apply their existing knowledge of health & disease to the solution of clinical problems. Though the emphasis in this module is on the clinical sciences, there will also be a continuing exposure to and integration with the basic sciences.
Syllabus:
This module is outcome driven in that teaching and learning is directed at the attainment of competence in the diagnosis and management of a range of problems commonly encountered in Psychiatry. There are 25 such conditions and these are provided in the appendix (J) to this module.
For each condition students will develop knowledge of common causes and classifications; incidence and prevalence; pathogenesis and pathophysiology; clinical features and characteristic findings from investigations; differential diagnoses; clinical course; management principles; prognosis and prevention. In the hospital setting students students work with medical practitioners and unit teams in both inpatient and outpatient settings for a period of 7 weeks. They participate in a range of clinical activities, attend lectures, clinical skills sessions and tutorials and undertake self directed learning.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Students must demonstrate competence in the diagnosis and management of a range of problems commonly encountered in Psychiatry. In all there are 25 such conditions (see appendix) For each condition students will develop knowledge of common causes; incidence and prevalence; pathogenesis and pathophysiology; clinical features and characteristic findings from investigations; differential diagnoses; clinical course; management principles; prognosis and prevention. In the clinical attachments students work with psychiatric practitioners and unit teams in both inpatient and outpatient settings. They will participate in a range of clinical activities, attend tutorials, journal clubs and undertake self directed learning.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Students must:
Develop the ability to think about normal and abnormal functioning of individuals in the context of their whole life, informed by concepts of biological, psychological and social vulnerabilities, together with the role of predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors.
Acknowledge the various forms of, and extent of, stigmatisation of those who suffer mental illness and to reflect on their own perceptions of mental health users, carers and services.
Demonstrate self-awareness and self-care, including the ability to function as a team member
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
In the clinical setting involving real patients students must demonstrate competence in a range of clinical skills relevant to the clinical discipline of Psychiatry
In particular students must:
Perform a competent mental state examination
Demonstrate competence in taking a psychiatric history
Demonstrate competence in diagnosing major psychiatric disorders
Demonstrate the ability to recognise other psychiatric disorders including first line management and appropriate referral.
Demonstrate an awareness of how to manage the common psychiatric disorders that present in, and are often managed within, the primary care setting
Demonstrate proficiency in communicating with other health professionals and relevant public servants e.g. Gardai, Coroner etc.
Demonstrate proficiency in communicating as a patient advocate
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Australian Medical Council (2003)
Anthology of Medical Conditions
, Canberra: Australian Medical Council
Talley NJ and O Connor S. (2001)
Clinical Examination: A Systematic Guide to Physical Diagnosis. 4th ed.
, Sydney: MacLennan and Petty
Katona C. (2001)
Psychiatry at a glance. 3rd ed.
, Blackwell publishing
Basant Puri. (2002)
Textbook of Psychiatry 2nd ed.
, Churchill-Livingstone
Cameron A, Bloye D, and Davies S ()
Psychiatry
, Mosby Publishing.
Gelder M, Harrison P, and Cowen P. (2006)
Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed.
, Oxford University Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Bloch S & Singh B (eds) (2001)
Foundations of Clinical Psychiatry. 2nd ed.
, Melbourne University Press
Kaplan H I and Saddock B J (1998)
Synopsis of Psychiatry 8th ed.
, Williams and Wilkins
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
John.McFarland@ul.ie