Department of Psychology, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| EX 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take PS50029 |
| 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. |
| Programme availability: |
PS50030 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:Department of Psychology
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