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Schizophrenia

Matt Kurtz

The main goal of this class is to gain an introductory exposure to the nature of the psychiatric disorder known as schizophrenia as revealed by the scientific method. We will discuss a broad range of findings from the scientific investigation of biological and psychological factors related to schizophrenia and its treatment. More specifically we will learn about: (1) key symptomatic features through discussion and enactments of interviews with actors portraying many of the cardinal features of the illness, (2) what brain imaging studies (MRI and fMRI) and neurochemistry have taught us about the neuroscience of the disorder, (3) scientific psychological data and theories concerning cognition, emotion and behavior in schizophrenia, and (4) current, evidence-based somatic and psychosocial approaches to treatment. A brief historical overview of the recent emergence of the psychiatric category of schizophrenia will be presented as well.

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What's inside

Syllabus

An Introduction to the Disorder
The first module is focused on introducing key symptom characteristics of the psychiatric diagnosis known as schizophrenia, and describes current thinking around potential causes and biological correlates of the disorder.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides learners with an overview of the key features associated with Schizophrenia, through interactive simulated interviews with actors
Examines the neurochemistry and neuroanatomy of Schizophrenia, utilizing brain imaging techniques to demonstrate areas of the brain affected by the disorder
Provides an analysis of research in cognitive and social cognition surrounding Schizophrenia
Surveys the history of treatments for Schizophrenia, from its earliest conceptions to modern approaches
Offers a comprehensive review of current treatment options for Schizophrenia, covering both pharmacological and psychosocial interventions
Instructed by Matt Kurtz, an experienced professional in the field of Schizophrenia research and treatment

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Reviews summary

Understanding schizophrenia overview

According to students, this course provides a largely positive and comprehensive introduction to schizophrenia. Learners particularly appreciate the clear and accessible lectures that explain complex concepts effectively. The inclusion of simulated client-clinician interviews is frequently highlighted as a highly valuable component, offering practical insight into symptom presentation. The course effectively integrates biological factors, such as neuroanatomy and neurochemistry, with psychological perspectives and covers evidence-based treatment approaches. While some find the pace fast or sections on neurobiology challenging without prior background, the course is widely seen as providing a solid foundational understanding for further study or professional context. The historical overview also adds interesting context.
Pace may be fast for some learners.
"Sometimes the pace felt a bit fast, especially in the later modules."
"While it covers a lot, I sometimes wished for a little more depth on specific research findings."
"It moves quickly through the material, which is great for an overview but challenging if you want deep dives."
Provides a strong introduction to the topic.
"This course gave me an excellent foundation for understanding schizophrenia."
"It's a perfect introductory course for anyone wanting to learn about this disorder."
"I feel I have a solid grasp of the key aspects after taking this course."
Combines biology, psychology, and treatment.
"I liked how the course didn't just focus on one aspect but integrated biological, psychological, and treatment perspectives."
"It was great to learn about neurochemistry and brain imaging alongside cognitive models and interventions."
"The course offers a well-rounded view, covering history, symptoms, biology, and treatment."
Simulated interviews enhance understanding.
"The simulated patient interviews are a highlight; they bring the symptoms to life and were incredibly helpful."
"Seeing the symptoms enacted in the simulations made the learning much more concrete for me."
"The client-clinician simulations were the most impactful part, providing practical context."
Concepts explained simply and clearly.
"The instructor's explanations were incredibly clear, breaking down complex topics into understandable parts."
"I really appreciated how the lectures simplified difficult concepts."
"The lectures are easy to follow and the content is presented in a logical manner."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Schizophrenia with these activities:
Review general psychology
Rebuild your knowledge of the basics of psychology, including its major perspectives, methods, and areas of study.
Browse courses on Psychology
Show steps
  • Review your old textbooks or notes from previous psychology courses.
  • Watch introductory psychology videos or documentaries.
  • Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.
Watch or attend lectures on the development of schizophrenia
This course will include a brief historical overview of the recent emergence of the psychiatric category of schizophrenia. This will provide essential context and foundational understanding.
Browse courses on Schizophrenia
Show steps
  • Locate introductory videos or lectures on the topic of schizophrenia on platforms like YouTube, Coursera, or edX.
  • Make notes and summarize key points.
Review and prepare for key topics
This course will discuss a broad range of findings of the scientific investigation of biological and psychological factors related to schizophrenia, reviewing key topics will solidify foundational knowledge.
Browse courses on Mental Illness
Show steps
  • Start by reviewing the syllabus and make a note of core concepts and topics that recur.
  • Next, browse introductory textbooks or credible online sources on these topics.
  • For topics related to medical aspects of the disorder, consider reading recent online forum discussions on relevant platforms like r/Psychiatry or r/Ocd.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Learn about different types of schizophrenia
Explore the major types of schizophrenia and their defining characteristics.
Browse courses on Schizophrenia
Show steps
  • Watch video lectures on different types of schizophrenia.
  • Read journal articles or book chapters on the topic.
  • Take notes or create flashcards to reinforce your understanding.
Volunteer at a mental health organization
Gain practical experience working with individuals with schizophrenia and contribute to the community.
Show steps
  • Contact local mental health organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend training sessions to learn about the specific needs of individuals with schizophrenia.
  • Provide support and assistance to individuals with schizophrenia in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or support groups.
Mentor a student with schizophrenia
Share your knowledge and experience to support a student with schizophrenia in their academic and personal journey.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Contact your university's disability services office to inquire about opportunities to mentor a student with schizophrenia.
  • Meet with the student regularly to provide support, guidance, and encouragement.
  • Help the student navigate academic and social challenges, and connect them with resources.

Career center

Learners who complete Schizophrenia will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. They use a variety of methods to treat patients, including medication, psychotherapy, and other therapies. This course would be helpful for psychiatrists because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is one of the most common mental illnesses. The course would also help psychiatrists to develop the skills they need to diagnose and treat schizophrenia effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Psychologists are mental health professionals who use a variety of methods to assess and treat mental illness. They may use talk therapy, medication, or other therapies to help their patients. This course would be helpful for psychologists because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is one of the most common mental illnesses. The course would also help psychologists to develop the skills they need to diagnose and treat schizophrenia effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist
Social Worker
Social workers provide support and assistance to people who are struggling with mental illness. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or schools. This course would be helpful for social workers because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is one of the most common mental illnesses. The course would also help social workers to develop the skills they need to provide support and assistance to people with schizophrenia.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
Counselor
Counselors provide support and guidance to people who are struggling with mental illness. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, clinics, or private practice. This course would be helpful for counselors because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is one of the most common mental illnesses. The course would also help counselors to develop the skills they need to provide support and guidance to people with schizophrenia.
See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor
Case Manager
Case managers help people with mental illness to access the services they need. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or community mental health centers. This course would be helpful for case managers because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is one of the most common mental illnesses. The course would also help case managers to develop the skills they need to help people with schizophrenia access the services they need.
See salaries and explore the career path for Case Manager
Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric nurses provide care to people with mental illness. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or community mental health centers. This course would be helpful for psychiatric nurses because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is one of the most common mental illnesses. The course would also help psychiatric nurses to develop the skills they need to provide care to people with schizophrenia.
See salaries and explore the career path for Psychiatric Nurse
Mental Health Technician
Mental health technicians provide support to people with mental illness. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or community mental health centers. This course would be helpful for mental health technicians because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is one of the most common mental illnesses. The course would also help mental health technicians to develop the skills they need to provide support to people with schizophrenia.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mental Health Technician
Peer Support Specialist
Peer support specialists are people who have lived experience with mental illness and have been trained to provide support to others with mental illness. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or community mental health centers. This course would be helpful for peer support specialists because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is one of the most common mental illnesses. The course would also help peer support specialists to develop the skills they need to provide support to people with schizophrenia.
See salaries and explore the career path for Peer Support Specialist
Addiction Counselor
Addiction counselors help people who are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or community mental health centers. This course may be helpful for addiction counselors because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is a mental illness that can often lead to addiction. The course would also help addiction counselors to develop the skills they need to help people with schizophrenia overcome addiction.
See salaries and explore the career path for Addiction Counselor
Correctional Officer
Correctional officers are responsible for the safety and security of inmates in jails and prisons. They may also provide support and counseling to inmates. This course may be helpful for correctional officers because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is a mental illness that can often lead to criminal behavior. The course would also help correctional officers to develop the skills they need to provide support and counseling to inmates with schizophrenia.
See salaries and explore the career path for Correctional Officer
Law Enforcement Officer
Law enforcement officers are responsible for enforcing the law and protecting the public. They may also provide support and counseling to victims of crime. This course may be helpful for law enforcement officers because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is a mental illness that can often lead to criminal behavior. The course would also help law enforcement officers to develop the skills they need to provide support and counseling to victims of crime with schizophrenia.
See salaries and explore the career path for Law Enforcement Officer
Firefighter
Firefighters are responsible for fighting fires and protecting the public. They may also provide medical assistance and counseling to victims of fires. This course may be helpful for firefighters because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is a mental illness that can often lead to homelessness and other social problems. The course would also help firefighters to develop the skills they need to provide support and counseling to victims of fires with schizophrenia.
See salaries and explore the career path for Firefighter
EMT
EMTs are responsible for providing medical assistance to people who are injured or ill. They may also provide counseling to patients and their families. This course may be helpful for EMTs because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is a mental illness that can often lead to physical health problems. The course would also help EMTs to develop the skills they need to provide support and counseling to patients with schizophrenia and their families.
See salaries and explore the career path for EMT
Paramedic
Paramedics are responsible for providing advanced medical assistance to people who are injured or ill. They may also provide counseling to patients and their families. This course may be helpful for paramedics because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is a mental illness that can often lead to physical health problems. The course would also help paramedics to develop the skills they need to provide support and counseling to patients with schizophrenia and their families.
See salaries and explore the career path for Paramedic
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants provide support to doctors and nurses in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practice. This course may be helpful for medical assistants because it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the nature of schizophrenia, which is a mental illness that can often lead to physical health problems. The course would also help medical assistants to develop the skills they need to provide support to doctors and nurses who are treating patients with schizophrenia.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Assistant

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Schizophrenia.
Cover image
Heritable Human Genome Editing
Save
This journal publishes original research on schizophrenia. It covers the latest research on the causes of schizophrenia, the symptoms of schizophrenia, and the treatment of schizophrenia.
Heritable Human Genome Editing (Consensus Study...
Paperback
$$$
Heritable Human Genome Editing
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Permanent Supportive Housing
Save
This journal publishes original research on schizophrenia that is open access. It covers the latest research on the causes of schizophrenia, the symptoms of schizophrenia, and the treatment of schizophrenia.
Permanent Supportive Housing: Evaluating the...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Evidence-Based Practice for Public Health Emergency...
Save
Guide for healthcare professionals on the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia. It covers the symptoms of schizophrenia, the causes of schizophrenia, and the treatment of schizophrenia.
Evidence-Based Practice for Public Health Emergency...
Paperback
$$$$
Evidence-Based Practice for Public Health Emergency...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
American journal of psychiatry
Save
This journal publishes original research on psychiatry. It covers the latest research on the causes of schizophrenia, the symptoms of schizophrenia, and the treatment of schizophrenia.
American journal of psychiatry
Paperback
Check
American journal of psychiatry
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Pharmacological Treatment of Mental Disorders in...
Save
This journal publishes original research on the biological basis of psychiatry. It covers the latest research on the causes of schizophrenia, the symptoms of schizophrenia, and the treatment of schizophrenia.
Pharmacological Treatment of Mental Disorders in...
Paperback
Check
Pharmacological Treatment of Mental Disorders in...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Essentials of Postgraduate Psychiatry
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the global perspective on schizophrenia, covering the latest research on the cultural and social factors that contribute to the development and course of the disorder.
The Essentials of Postgraduate Psychiatry
Paperback
Check
The Essentials of Postgraduate Psychiatry
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Integrated Treatment for Dual Disorders
Save
Provides an overview of schizophrenia for family members and caregivers. It covers the symptoms of schizophrenia, the causes of schizophrenia, and the treatment of schizophrenia.
Integrated Treatment for Dual Disorders: A Guide to...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Center Cannot Hold
Save
A compelling and personal memoir that provides a unique perspective on the lived experience of schizophrenia.
The Center Cannot Hold
Paperback
Check
The Center Cannot Hold
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Big Secret
Save
Offers a comprehensive exploration of schizophrenia, drawing on extensive research and interviews with patients and their families.
The Big Secret
Paperback
$
The Big Secret: A Novel
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Mad in America
Save
Provides a critical perspective on the current state of schizophrenia research and treatment, challenging conventional wisdom.
Mad in America
Paperback
Check
Mad in America
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Refusing Care
Save
Provides a firsthand account of living with schizophrenia, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of recovery.
Refusing Care
Paperback
Check
Refusing Care
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Wesleyan University
Instructor
Matt Kurtz
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides learners with an overview of the key features associated with Schizophrenia, through interactive simulated interviews with actors
Examines the neurochemistry and neuroanatomy of Schizophrenia, utilizing brain imaging techniques to demonstrate areas of the brain affected by the disorder
Provides an analysis of research in cognitive and social cognition surrounding Schizophrenia
Surveys the history of treatments for Schizophrenia, from its earliest conceptions to modern approaches
Offers a comprehensive review of current treatment options for Schizophrenia, covering both pharmacological and psychosocial interventions
Instructed by Matt Kurtz, an experienced professional in the field of Schizophrenia research and treatment
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