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.

A written 2500 word assignment 100%

The written Essay assignment will assess LO's 1, 2, 3 and 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 Assessment/Feedback

Individual one-to-one tutorials give student the opportunity to discuss their essay plan with the tutor and receive constructive feedback. This formative feedback on their essay plans can be used to improve their essays.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: weekly 2-hour lecture/workshops and 1 assignment preparation session. Guided Independent Study: (126) 64 hours reading 54 hours Preparation reading essay assignment 8 hours preparation for journal club and workshops

Ader, R. (2006). Psychoneuroimmunology, 4th 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.

Students must be enrolled on Psychology Degree
Students must achieve a minimum grade of 55% in PSYC50672 Cognitive and Biological Determinants of Behaviour. Transfer students must have achieved a minimum of 55% in core psychology modules covering cognitive and biological psychology at level 5 before enrolling on this module.

Blackboard VLE

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, you will consider the different methodological approaches and methods used by behavioural scientists to inform behavioural medicine. Further, you 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 you will appraise the extent to which the essence of being human lies in the interrelationships among biology, behaviour, cognition, environment, society, and culture.