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HL30516: The neuropsychology of bodily experience: from investigation to clinical practice

[Page last updated: 04 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department for Health
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you must take HL10036 AND take HL20045
Aims: To provide students with an in-depth, applied knowledge of the biology, psychology and sociology of bodily experience.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
1. Discuss how experience of physical sensation plays a role in broader health behaviours and well-being.
2. Critically evaluate, interrogate, and defend relevant theoretical models of perception (e.g. fatigue).
3. Interpret a biopsychosocial approach to health, well-being and illness
4. Appraise how the study of 'abnormal' bodily experiences can influence our understanding of normal bodily experiences
5. Translate understanding of theory and data into interventions in a clinical and public health setting.

Content: This unit focusses on specific experiences of the human body from a neurophysiology and psychology perspective. Drawing on examples from 10 different bodily experiences (including fatigue, appetite and pain), we will consider the function of these experiences and why, in some circumstances, they do not go away. For example, the experience of pain is part of adaptive defensive behaviour that is usually short lived, but for some people can persist for years after the initial injury. Methodological investigation, theoretical implications and clinical interventions will be explored and challenged. Seminar and practical delivery, with hands on examples of balance, breathlessness, pain and methods of enquiry. In small group settings, students will also deliver a formative (not assessed) oral presentation. We will discuss each experience in relation to the underlying biology, physiology, psychology and sociology in a small group setting. This knowledge will be extended to explore how we identify and develop novel methodologies and treatment interventions for persistent bodily sensations.

Programme availability:

HL30516 is Optional (DEU) on the following programmes:

Department for Health
  • UHHL-AFB18 : BSc(Hons) Health and Exercise Science (Year 3)
  • UHHL-AKB18 : BSc(Hons) Health and Exercise Science with Professional Placement (Year 4)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change 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.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.