NU4003 - Sociology and Psychology (2019/20)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2019/20 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 2019/20(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 and have a better understanding of employment opportunities and job application processes.
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 HCPC 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.
Prior learning requirements
Course entry requirements apply
Syllabus
The learning outcomes will be met via the following components:
1. Professionalism: LO1
1.1. The introduction of reflection to develop learning and professionalism
1.2. An introduction to employability skills and becoming a nutrition professional
1.3. Numeracy, data handling, descriptive statistics, presentation skills; using electronic spreadsheets
1.4. Understanding and citing scientific evidence
1.5. Students will have opportunity to learn with and from students from human nutrition.
1.6. Complementary and Applied Medicine (CAM). The underpinning evidence and use of CAM.
2. Sociology LO2
2.1. Socio-cultural and religious beliefs/factors influencing food choice
2.2. Sociology of lay health beliefs
2.3. Concepts of socialisation and the application to stages in the life cycle and their effects on lifestyle and health professional/client interaction
2.4. Classification systems in relation to UK health statistics
2.5. Systems of social organisation, diversity and health inequalities
2.6. An introduction to food policy, corporate responsibility and sustainability
3. Psychology LO3
3.1. Theories of human behaviour
3.2. The psychology of health behaviour and health education
3.3. An introduction to health promotion, behaviour change theory and methods for improving health centred on major public health concerns
3.4. Psychological theories related to eating disorders
3.5. Psychological dimensions of long term illness
3.6. Psychology of normal and disordered eating
3.7. Attitudes and cognitive dissonance
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
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 reflection and professionalism.
Students will develop communication skills through active participation in group tasks.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Explain the different theories of human behaviour and the psychological background of aspects of health behaviour relating to nutrition and dietetics.
2. Recognise the sociological aspects of health, social organisation, socialisation and social status that determine lifestyle choices and access to healthcare.
3. Individual professional development and application of employment opportunities within each profession.
Assessment strategy
This module will be assessed by:
1. An on-line portfolio; students will complete two online tests to demonstrate understanding of professionalism and employment opportunities (2 x 30 min). Student will also develop a CV and cover letter and receive formative feedback to develop further for the final submission. Students will reflect on the feedback received and how they will apply this to develop them further. The results from the on-line tests, the final CV, cover letter and reflection will be submitted as the on-line portfolio.
2. In class test where students will provide an account of the factors that influence their food choice.
3. An oral presentation of a case study which requires learners to apply the psychological theories taught in the module. Learners will normally work in small groups to deliver a presentation. The oral presentation will provide learners with formative feedback to inform the case study report.
a. The reassessment task will be an individual presentation. Students will be expected to re-work their contribution to the original presentation.
4. Case study report of how psychological theories can be applied to the management of a given case study.
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, C. (2008) Understanding the Sociology of Health (4th edition) London: Sage Publications. (core)
Blackman M.C, Kvaska C.A. (2011) Nutrition Psychology. Improving Dietary Adherence. London: Jones and Barlett Publishers
Germov J, Williams, L. (Editors) (2017). The Sociology of Food & Nutrition: The Social Appetite. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Morrison, V. & Bennett, P. (2008). An introduction to health psychology. (4th edition) London: Pearson Publishing
Morrall P. (2009) Sociology and health: an introduction. (2nd edition). London: Routledge
Ogden J. (2012) Health psychology. A textbook. (5th edition) Buckingham: Open University Press (core)
Rollnick S, Manson P Butler C (2010) Health behaviour change: a guide for practitioners. (2nd edition) London: Churchill Livingstone.
Taylor, S. & David, F. (Eds.) (2007) Sociology of Health and Health Care (4th edition). London: Wiley Blackwell.
Online resources:
• British Dietetic Association: www.bda.uk.com
• Association for Nutrition: www.associationfornutrition.org
• Health and Care Professions Council: www.hcpc-uk.co.uk
• Change4Life: www.nhs.uk/change4life
• Start4Life: www.nhs.uk/start4life
• NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk