DI4001 - Sociology and Psychology (2017/18)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2017/18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Module title | Sociology and Psychology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Module level | Certificate (04) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total study hours | 300 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Assessment components |
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Running in 2017/18(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
Through successful completion of the module, students will develop a broad understanding of psychology and sociology in relation to health and nutrition behaviour. Students will also begin to develop skills in professionalism.
Module aims
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Specifically it aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the sociology and psychological theories relevant to the practice of nutrition and dietetics. Also the HPC Standards of Proficiency for Dietitians and Association for Nutrition Code of Ethics and Statement of Professional Conduct for nutritionists. This module will support students to reflect on the range of employment opportunities available. Relevant aspects of nutrition & dietetic practice, theory and research will also be studied. This module also aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.
Syllabus
The specified learning outcomes will be developed around a framework based on the following subject matter:
Theories of human behaviour
The psychology of health behaviour and health education.
An introduction to health promotion
Psychological theories of eating disorders psychoanalytic, cognitive and social
Psychological dimensions of long term illness
Psychology of normal and disordered eating
Attitudes and cognitive dissonance
Socio-cultural and religious factors influencing food choice
Sociology of lay health beliefs
Origins, changes and current eating patterns of different population groups in the UK
Concepts of socialisation and the application to stages in the life cycle and their effects on lifestyle and health professional/client interaction.
An introduction to employability skills and becoming a nutrition professional.
Classification systems and the use of social class in relation to UK health statistics.
Systems of social organisation, inclusion, exclusion, diversity and health inequalities.
Numeracy, data handling, descriptive statistics, presentation skills
Developing learning and skills through reflection.
An introduction basic food policy and health policy
Learning and teaching
The module will be delivered through lectures (56 hours) and tutorials which will include directed study, problem-based learning and workshops (28 hours)
Students will be guided in their independent learning through directed reading (20 hours), use of the VLE and appropriate web-based resources.
Students will also be required to develop skills in reflective practice and will be required to develop a professional development portfolio.
Students will develop communication skills through active participation in group tasks.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
- Explain the different theories of human behaviour and the psychological background of aspects of health behaviour relating to nutrition and dietetics.
- Recognise the sociological aspects of health, social organisation, socialisation and social status that determine lifestyle choices and access to healthcare.
- Recognise the range of employment opportunities available to support independent professional development.
Assessment strategy
This module will be assessed by:
- Two online tests to demonstrate understanding of professionalism and employment opportunities (2 x 30 min). Students will be tested on their understanding of what it means to be a professional and how this applies to them. Students will also establish awareness for employment opportunities once they graduate in their respective fields via a reflective account.
- In class test (30 minutes) of a given peer reviewed journal article which addresses the impact of social organisation.
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One five minute oral presentation of a case study which requires students to solve a problem using the psychological theories taught in the module. In addition students will be expected to consider sociological aspects of health. It will be a group presentation but carry an individual mark. Students will work in groups of three to deliver a presentation of 15 minutes in total (5 minutes per individual). A mark will be allocated for group cohesion. Each group must submit a short signed account on the day of the presentation detailing how each individual group member contributed to the final presentation. The oral presentation will provide students with peer and tutor formative feedback to inform the case study report.
a. The reassessment task will be an individual presentation of 5 minutes. Students will be expected to re-work their contribution to the original presentation. - Case study report of how psychological theories can be applied to the management of a given case study (1500 words)
Component | Marks | Learning outcomes |
Online Tests | 20% | 3,4 |
In Class Test | 30% | 2 |
Group Presentation | 20% | 1,2 |
Case Study report | 30% | 1,2 |
Bibliography
Aspden W, Caple F, Reed R, Jones A, Weyers J (2011) Practical skills in food science, nutrition and dietetics. London: Prentice Hall.
Barry A, Yuill, Y. (2008) Understanding the Sociology of Health: An Introduction (2nd edition) London: Sage Publications. (core)
Blackman M.C, Kvaska C.A. (2011) Nutrition Psychology. Improving Dietary Adherence. Jones and Barlett Publishers
Germov L, Williams, L. (Eds.) (2004). the Sociology of Food and Nutrition: The Social Appetite. Sydney: Open University Press.
Morrison, V. & Bennett, P. (2008). An introduction to health psychology. (2nd edition) London: Pearson Publishing
Morrall P. (2009) Sociology and health: an introduction. (2nd edition). London: Routledge
Ogden J. (2007) Health psychology. A textbook. (4th edition) Buckingham: Open University Press (core)
Rollnick S, Manson P Butler C (1999) Health behaviour change: a guide for practitioners. London: Churchill Livingstone.
Taylor, S. & David, F. (Eds.) (2007) Sociology of Health and Health Care (4th edition). London: Wiley Blackwell.