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Department of Psychology, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


PS50029: Introduction to issues in health and health beliefs

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: EX 100%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description: Aims:

* To provide a broad introduction to health psychology and health related disciplines
* To locate many of the issues and health concerns of health psychology in the wider health sciences research context.
* Understand and critically evaluate different variables, models, theories and approaches associated with health beliefs and health cognitions.

Learning Outcomes:
On completion of the unit students will:
* Be familiar with the contributions of different disciplines to the study of health, well-being and disease.
* Be able to demonstrate that they know about the changes in health psychology across the lifespan
* Appreciate some of the key social processes that contribute to the experience and reporting of illness.
* Be familiar with the role of beliefs and cognitions in the context of health.

Skills:
Intellectual
* To communicate an argument
* To evaluate others arguments and research
* To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding
Professional / Practical
* To make decisions regarding legitimacy and reliability of evidence
* Essay research, preparation and writing skills
* Revision and examination skills
* Study and Learning skills.

Content:
The unit provides a broad introduction to health psychology and related health disciplines. The unit begins by introducing different models of health care. A systematic appraisal of health across the lifespan from children to older adults is covered, as is the social processes of becoming ill. Finally, core concepts in health beliefs and cognitions are covered, as are the relative impact such thought processes have on health-related behaviour.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

PS50029 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Psychology
NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.