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PS50030: Biopsychosocial mechanisms in health

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2017/8
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Psychology
Further information on credits Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Further information on notional study hours Notional Study Hours: 120
Further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Further information on teaching periods Period:
Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: EX 100%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EX 100%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment:
PS50030 Retrieval Exam (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you are advised to take PS50029
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:

* To provide an introduction to the biopsychosocial approach to health
* Provide knowledge relating to individual differences in health
* Show applications of the biopsychosocial model.

Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this unit, students will:
* Understand and critically evaluate different health-related variables from a biopsychosocial perspective.
* Demonstrate an ability to debate contrasting viewpoints
* Generate their own theoretical models.

Skills:
Intellectual
* To think analytically
* To communicate an argument
* To critically assess and evaluate research and evidence as well as a variety of other information
* To synthesise information from a variety of different sources in order to gain a coherent understanding
Professional / Practical
* To work independently
* To utilise problem solving skills
* Revision and examination skills
* Study skills.

Content:
The unit draws upon central concepts from a biopsychosocial perspective and examines the application to health and health care. The focus is on the health of individuals and the many processes and mechanisms involved in understanding differences in sickness and well being.
In terms of individual differences we will cover sex/gender, socioeconomic influences and personality (e.g., unrealistic optimism, controllability, self efficacy and helplessness). We will use pain and stress as examples of the biopsychosocial perspective. These topics will include the physiological basis of pain, psychological factors in perception and attention to symptoms (including information processing). Models of stress, stressful environments and psychoneuroimmunology will be covered, as will mechanisms of disease.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PS50030 is a Stage Required Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Psychology

Notes: