Psychology Applied to Health
| Module title | Psychology Applied to Health |
|---|---|
| Module code | NEU3003 |
| Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Mark Tarrant (Convenor) Dr Byron Creese (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 60 |
|---|
Module description
Health and illness are not only influenced by biological factors (viruses, bacteria etc.) but also by psychological and social factors, including emotions, personality, and our relationships with other people. Understanding the interplay between these different influences is critical to medical research and clinical practice. This module will provide students with an introduction to this field and highlight research relevant to both treatment and prevention of ill health.
This optional module is delivered by expert psychologists who conduct research in a variety of health contexts and is likely to interest final year students of the BSc Neuroscience, BSc Medical Sciences, and related disciplines (e.g., Psychology, Biosciences, Human Sciences, Sport and Exercise Sciences).
Module aims - intentions of the module
Students are introduced to contemporary research in key areas of psychology applied to health (including stress, social support, medication adherence), and study how research findings are translated into practice in healthcare settings (e.g., through health promotion and behaviour change interventions). By critically appraising how social and psychological processes influence health and illness, students will develop an integrative, holistic understanding of important problems in healthcare.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate understanding of key research and findings in psychology applied to health
- 2. Review key psychological theories and research studies in health psychology
- 3. Critically appraise research in psychology applied to health, in terms of theoretical and methodological rigour
- 4. Evaluate research that has been applied in preventative health contexts (e.g., in healthcare and public health interventions) and consider the implications of this research for the future of healthcare and public health policy
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Describe and critically appraise methods used in health psychology research
- 6. Critically appraise scientific research papers in psychology
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Study autonomously, managing private study, soliciting and using feedback
- 8. Interact effectively with others and contribute to scientific discussions
- 9. Communicate ideas effectively by written means
Syllabus plan
The module’s precise content will vary from year to year, but the following information gives a detailed description of the typical overall structure.
The delivery will be a combination of lectures, seminars and structured discussions, and will be all online. Specifically, students will attend a series of lectures which provide the core content of the module, in terms of theoretical frameworks and key empirical studies within the field. Group learning seminars will enable students to work with others in developing critical appraisal skills and fostering deeper understanding of module material. Structured discussions will allow students to discuss key topics from lectures.
The syllabus is supported by an on-line clinic for questions, comments and advice. Students are expected to engage in independent study across the module.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | 119 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 15.5 | 2x lectures (1hr each); 9x lectures (1.5 hrs each) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 4 | Seminar and workshop (2 hrs each) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 11 | Weekly tutor clinic |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 0.5 | Structured discussion |
| Guided Independent Study | 119 | Guided reading of research articles and literature; preparation for lectures, seminars and scientific discussions; assessment preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contribution to structured discussions, including developing a scientific argument | Based on contributions to the on-line forum (students are expected to contribute to each discussion). | 1-9, esp. 8 | Oral (tutor) |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Examination (online) | 60 | 24 hours (2 questions) | 1-7, 9 | Individual grade |
| Scientific Essay Synopsis (coursework) | 40 | 1000 words | 1-7, 9 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Examination, 60% (online) | Essay Examination | 1-7, 9 | Ref/Def |
| Scientific Essay Synopsis, 40% | Essay Examination | 1-7, 9 | Ref/Def |
Re-assessment notes
Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Jetten, J. et al. (2011). The Social Cure: Identity, Health and Well-being. Hove: Psychology Press.
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
Primary research publications and review articles covering various topics, as directed by the module team and identified through independent study.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/02/2021 |
| Last revision date | 25/06/2021 |
