Aims

To provide students with a broad knowledge of interdisciplinary research and theory within health psychology and addiction, combining both historical and contemporary approaches to these fields. At the completion of the module, students will have a greater understanding of (1) nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, (2) the impact of genetic, social, cultural, and individual factors on health, (3) theoretical models for health promotion and effective intervention techniques, and (4) processes underlying development and treatment of addictive health behaviours.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics to be covered:
-Research methods in health psychology
-Nervous, immune, and endocrine systems
-Impact of stress on health
-Genetic and epigenetic impacts on health
-Social, personality, and cultural impacts on health
-Theoretical models for health behaviour change
-Addictive health behaviours (e.g., smoking, alcohol)
-Health promotion and disease prevention

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will be used as the main way to impart basic knowledge and to stimulate interest in the broad range of topics in this module. The interactive, seminar-style workshops will allow further discussion and critical evaluation of the concepts taught in lectures and give the opportunity for students to get hands-on experience by taking part in psychological experiments illustrating course material. Students will be assigned relevant articles to read prior to the interactive lectures which will be discussed and evaluated, providing an opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with research and methodologies within health psychology, in addition to gaining experience with critically evaluating scientific research. The articles and their discussions will help students in the application of theories and concepts learned during the lectures, allowing students to apply this knowledge to effectively understand health psychology research. Interactive seminars will allow in-depth discussion of topics and concepts, providing opportunities to apply concepts to realistic, anecdotal examples. Use of discussions and seminar-style workshops throughout the course further facilitates student interactions and provides ample opportunities to practice the type of questions used in the final summative assignment (formative practice). The private study time will allow students to carry out in depth review of the information imparted through lectures, to consolidate their learning and to generate their own views, views that can be shared with others in the in-person workshops and followed up by independent study.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination will assess material from all parts of the syllabus, ensuring that students have a good overall knowledge of the topics. Examination preparation work will take place during workshops. Students have the opportunity to formatively practice assessments in the workshops (see teaching rationale)