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PS50030: Biopsychosocial mechanisms in health

Academic Year: 2018/9
Owning Department/School: Department of Psychology
Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: EX 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EX 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
PS50030 Retrieval Exam (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you are advised to 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

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

Department of Psychology

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2018/19 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2019/20 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2018/19.
  • 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.
  • Undergraduates: .
  • Postgraduates: .