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PS30101: Psychology of pain

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2012/3
Follow this link for further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Psychology
Follow this link for further information on credits Credits: 6
Follow this link for further information on unit levels Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Follow this link for further information on period slots Period: Semester 1
Follow this link for further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW 80%, OT 20%
Follow this link for further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Follow this link for further information on unit rules Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take PS20092 and take PS20106 and take PS20107 and take PS20108 and take PS20109
Follow this link for further information on unit content Description: Aims:
To provide students with a fundamental understanding of the role that psychological factors play in pain and pain-related behaviours. To cover core topics such as definitions of pain, sensory pain pathways, treatment approaches, and psychological issues in pain.

Learning Outcomes:
To critically evaluate theoretical models of pain
To critically evaluate the physiological approach to pain
To critically evaluate the way in which psychological factors can affect the experience and perception pf pain
To critically evaluate the role that psychological interventions can have in pain management programmes.

Skills:
Recognises the inherent variability and diversity of psychological functioning and its significance. (T/F A)
Can demonstrate systematic knowledge and critical understanding of a range of influences on psychological functioning, how they are conceptualised across the core areas, and how they interrelate. The core knowledge domains within psychology include (i) research methods, (ii) biological psychology, (iii) cognitive psychology, (iv) individual differences, (v) developmental psychology and (vi) social psychology.
Has detailed knowledge of several specialised areas and/or applications, some of which are at the cutting edge of research in the discipline. (T/F A) Can reason scientifically, understand the role of evidence and make critical judgements about arguments in psychology. (T/F A)
Can adopt multiple perspectives and systematically analyse the relationships between them. (T/F A)
Can undertake self-directed study and project management in order to meet desired objectives. (F)
Is able to take charge of their own learning, and can reflect and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses for the purposes of future learning. (F)

Content:
Definitions of pain
Theoretical models of pain modulation
Peripheral and spinal mechanisms in pain
Central pain pathways
Coping with pain
The role of emotion in pain
Sex, gender and pain
Pharmacological management of pain
Physical management of pain
Psychological management of pain.
Follow this link for further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PS30101 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Industrial Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
Department of Psychology
  • UHPS-AKB03 : BSc (hons) Psychology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • THXX-AFM13 : MRes Psychology (Full-time) - Year 1

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2012/13.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.