Main Field of Study and progress level:
Psychology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Psychology
Contents
The course focuses on the integration between biological, psychological and social factors in health and disease (the bio-psycho-social health model). Behavioral antecedents such as cognitive, emotional and social/environmental factors are emphasized. Stress, coping as well as the interaction with social surrounding and the environment (i.e., cognitive, emotional and social/environmental factors) are central themes throughout the course in exploring the effect of psychological factors in health and disease. Methods to improve public health and a healthy work life are discussed. Scientific methodology and design is also included. The course ends with a research project. Throughout the course a gender and class perspective will be included.
Part I: Foundations of Health Psychology (7.5 hp)
The bodys different systems (e.g., the nervous and endocrine systems) are the starting point for the course. Stress, coping as well as social and environmental interactions are thereafter introduced. The course continues with the most common public health diseases (such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes) as well as symptoms of ill-health (such as pain and sleep disturbances) with a special emphasis on the importance of cognitive, emotional and social/environmental factors. Moreover, research design, research methods and aspects of validity and reliability related to measurements in health psychology are covered.
Part II: Health Psychology in Application (7.5 hp)
During this part of the course, the emphasis is put on an individual research project. The project may be conducted in groups, but the report must be individually written. The research project can either be an empirical study or a literature review on a topic related to health psychology. Throughout the course, health psychologically related research will be presented by guest lecturers. Topics that will be covered in these lectured may include treatment of obesity, treatment of stress-related illnesses, and the importance of physical activity and sports. The course will end with an oral and a written presentation of the own research project.
Expected learning outcomes
Part I: Foundations of Health Psychology (7.5 hp)
After completing this course part the student will be able to:
Understand the impact of psychological and social factors in health and disease in general
In particular the student will
Understand the importance of cognitive factors in health and disease
Understand the importance of emotional factors in health and disease
Understand the importance of social and environmental factors in health and disease
Have a basic understanding for how to conduct research in health psychology
Part II: Health Psychology in Application (7.5 hp)
After completing this course part the student will be able to:
Critically review and understand health psychological information
Conduct and present a health psychological project.
Required Knowledge
Univ: 90 credits (hp) in any subject.
English proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic Training -minimum score 5.5 with no individual score below 5 (Tests taken before January 2005 not admissible) or TOEFL -minimum score 530 on paper based test and not below 4.0 on the TWE, alternatively 72 on internet based test and not below 17 on the TWE is also required as well as basic entrance requirements for higher studies in Swedish language proficiency if the course is taught in Swedish.
Form of instruction
The teaching will mostly be seminar based. Some state of the art lectures will be given. Supervision will be given when conducting the research project in Part II.
Examination modes
Part I includes a written examination. Active participation will be required in the seminars in Part I and during the guest research lectures in Part II. Part II requires both written and oral reports. The grading scale includes fail, pass, and pass with distinction. A student who has failed twice on an examination can request from the Board if Undergraduate Studies in Psychology that another teacher is appointed to grade the exam. The student is entitled five examinations within two years after the first registration occasion. To pass the entire course all tests and compulsory parts must have been passed. The grade is an integrated judgment of the results from all examination parts, and is given when all parts have been passed.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
