Module Descriptors
BEHAVIOURAL MEDICINE
PSYC60355
Key Facts
Faculty of Health Sciences
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Justine Drakeford
Email: J.Drakeford@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 28
Independent Study Hours: 122
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- GROUP PRESENTATION weighted at 20%
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 80%
Module Details
Module Learning Strategies
Contact Hours: 28
2 hour lectures x 11
1 hour workshop/seminar on student-led presentations assessment x 2
1 hour for seminar on Essay coursework preparation x 2
1 hour seminar on module support x 2
Independent Study Hours: 122
Guided reading - 50 hours
Preparation of reading and collection of material for group presentations - 24 hours
Preparation reading essay assignment - 40 hours
Seminar preparation and reading - 8 hours
2 hour lectures x 11
1 hour workshop/seminar on student-led presentations assessment x 2
1 hour for seminar on Essay coursework preparation x 2
1 hour seminar on module support x 2
Independent Study Hours: 122
Guided reading - 50 hours
Preparation of reading and collection of material for group presentations - 24 hours
Preparation reading essay assignment - 40 hours
Seminar preparation and reading - 8 hours
Module Indicative Content
This module provides an historical background of the origins of contemporary Behavioural Medicine. Key theories and concepts that address the relationships among behavioural, physiological and psychosocial processes and health and disease in humans will be explored and critically analysed.
In addition, students consider the different methodological approaches and methods used by behavioural scientists to inform behavioural medicine. Further, they will also review the emotional aspects of illness, human coping behavioural patterns, personality and behavioural styles and their role in health and illness.
Topics will include: Social, Cultural and Psychological influences on behaviour and health; biological pathways to disease; determinants of illness and illness patterns; psychosocial interventions and stress management. These topics will be illustrated through the application and evaluation of biopsychosocial approaches to health and disease across the lifespan and students will appraise the extent to which the essence of being human lies in the interrelationships among biology, behaviour, cognition, environment, society, and culture.
In addition, students consider the different methodological approaches and methods used by behavioural scientists to inform behavioural medicine. Further, they will also review the emotional aspects of illness, human coping behavioural patterns, personality and behavioural styles and their role in health and illness.
Topics will include: Social, Cultural and Psychological influences on behaviour and health; biological pathways to disease; determinants of illness and illness patterns; psychosocial interventions and stress management. These topics will be illustrated through the application and evaluation of biopsychosocial approaches to health and disease across the lifespan and students will appraise the extent to which the essence of being human lies in the interrelationships among biology, behaviour, cognition, environment, society, and culture.
Module Additional Assessment Details
A Group Presentation weighted at 20% and a written 2000 word assignment 80%
Summative
Students will be expected to participate in a group presentation. The presentation tests Learning Outcome 3 by allowing students to apply these outcomes to an illness/disease of their own choosing. For example, the topics of the presentation will focus on a physical illness not covered in the module (e.g. HIV, stroke, diabetes, arthritis). Students will be required to provide and appraise empirical evidence linking psychosocial and behavioural factors to these diseases and will be expected to describe the direct (biological) and indirect (health behaviours) pathways behind these associations.
The written Essay assignment will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2 & 4
Students will be expected to apply theoretical knowledge (e.g. stress buffering/ reactivity hypothesis, type A personality, acute enhancement hypothesis) when formulating essay answers. They will be expected to provide empirical evidence in support of their arguments and critically evaluate this research to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon in question.
Formative feedback
Seminars will be provided to allow students the opportunity to have peers/tutor feedback on draft essay plans. They can use this formative feedback to improve their essays. In addition, they will have the opportunity to discuss their group presentation with the module leader who will give them feedback according to the assessment criteria.
Summative
Students will be expected to participate in a group presentation. The presentation tests Learning Outcome 3 by allowing students to apply these outcomes to an illness/disease of their own choosing. For example, the topics of the presentation will focus on a physical illness not covered in the module (e.g. HIV, stroke, diabetes, arthritis). Students will be required to provide and appraise empirical evidence linking psychosocial and behavioural factors to these diseases and will be expected to describe the direct (biological) and indirect (health behaviours) pathways behind these associations.
The written Essay assignment will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2 & 4
Students will be expected to apply theoretical knowledge (e.g. stress buffering/ reactivity hypothesis, type A personality, acute enhancement hypothesis) when formulating essay answers. They will be expected to provide empirical evidence in support of their arguments and critically evaluate this research to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon in question.
Formative feedback
Seminars will be provided to allow students the opportunity to have peers/tutor feedback on draft essay plans. They can use this formative feedback to improve their essays. In addition, they will have the opportunity to discuss their group presentation with the module leader who will give them feedback according to the assessment criteria.
Module Texts
Ader, R. (1991). Psychoneuroimmunology, 3rd Eds, New York, Academic Press
Cooper, Cary L. (2005). Handbook of stress medicine and health. 2nd Eds, Boca Raton: CRC Press (Electronic Book)
Vedhara, K., & Irwin, M. (2005). Human Psychoneuroimmunology. Great Britain: Oxford University Press
Institute of Medicine (2001). Health and behavior: the interplay of biological, behavioral, and societal influences. Washington, DC : National Academy Press, 2001 (Electronic Book)
However, most of the module will consist of published papers and reviews scattered through the literature, and individual reference will be provided as appropriate.
Cooper, Cary L. (2005). Handbook of stress medicine and health. 2nd Eds, Boca Raton: CRC Press (Electronic Book)
Vedhara, K., & Irwin, M. (2005). Human Psychoneuroimmunology. Great Britain: Oxford University Press
Institute of Medicine (2001). Health and behavior: the interplay of biological, behavioral, and societal influences. Washington, DC : National Academy Press, 2001 (Electronic Book)
However, most of the module will consist of published papers and reviews scattered through the literature, and individual reference will be provided as appropriate.
Module Resources
Student access to Blackboard and Pebblepad - Behavioural Medicine webpage will be set up for student Discussion board. Further, students will be able to access course handouts, materials (e.g., websites of interest, power point tips).
Journals
Psychosomatic Medicine
Biological Psychology
British Journal of Health Psychology
Brain, Behaviour and Immunity
Health Psychology
Psychophysiology
Social Science and Medicine
Journals
Psychosomatic Medicine
Biological Psychology
British Journal of Health Psychology
Brain, Behaviour and Immunity
Health Psychology
Psychophysiology
Social Science and Medicine
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Students must be enrolled on Psychology Degree