PC6070 - Health Psychology (2020/21)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2020/21 | ||||||||||
| Module title | Health Psychology | ||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2020/21(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module introduces students to Health Psychology as an applied area within the discipline to allow informed and realistic decisions about further education and training in Health Psychology. The module allows students develop skills to critically appraise key perspectives and approaches to Health Psychology as well as to evaluate assessments, explanations and treatments that are applied to a range of physical issues. Students will have the opportunity to investigate the role played by physiological, psychological, social and cultural mechanisms in the causation and treatment of physical illnesses.
Students will gain experience in constructing a health promotion leaflet and an accompanying written explanation, thus providing additional transferable skills for future employment. The aims of this module have been developed in accordance with NICE guidelines and the British Psychological Society code of conduct and ethics.
Syllabus
The module will focus on a range of topics from Health Psychology including health-risk behaviour; health protective behaviour; theoretical models; stress, health and illness; health across lifespan; doctor-patient relationships; pain and coping.
Learning Outcomes LO 1 - 3
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module is delivered through a variety of teaching and learning methods. A combination of group and individual activities will take place within a framework of lectures, seminars and workshops.
Supplementary guided learning via WebLearn and self-managed private study will be provided when suitable.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Appreciate and critically consider the basic principles of assessment, evaluation and treatment planning for a range of issues.
2. Discuss the conceptual and evidential basis for explanations within Health Psychology
3. Evaluate the role psychology plays in health promotion and illness prevention.
Assessment strategy
A health promotion assignment exercise consisting of a one-page tailored health promotion leaflet and an accompanying written explanation (2000 words excluding references). This will require students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key concepts covered in the module as well as independent and original thought by selecting and organising relevant material. Formative assessments will be delivered throughout the module and constructive feedback will help students to prepare for the summative assessment. A minimum grade of 40% is required to pass the module.
Bibliography
CORE
Morrison, V., & Bennett, P., (2016) Health psychology: An introduction (4th ed.). London: Pearson Prentice Hall.
ADDITIONAL
Marks, D. F., Murray, M., & Estacio (2018). Health psychology: Theory, research and practice. London: Sage.
Ogden, J. (2012) Health psychology: A textbook. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.