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PSYC3500

Advanced Health Psychology

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus Semester 1
Ourimbah Semester 1

Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004

Forms part of an Australian Psychological Society accredited sequence.
This course examines the relationship between mental and physical health.
We look at how physical illness can impact on mental well being, how individuals can improve their physical well being using behavioural change, and how organizations and psychologists can promote healthy behaviour in individuals and populations.

Objectives On successful completion of this course students will:

1. Understand the important relationships between psychological factors and health;
2. Understand psychological strategies for intervening in a professional manner in health contexts;
3. Have the ability to define health, within a biopsychosocial framework;
4. Be able to describe some of the measures used to assess health and related issues;
5. Be able to identify some of the opportunities for psychologists to work within the health area;
6. Have the ability to identify some of the key models of health behaviour and behaviour change, and intervention approaches, underpinning the field of Health Psychology.
Content The course content covers four main areas of Health Psychology

1) Health Psychology in an epistemological framework.
2) How health problems impact on individuals' well being.
3) How changes in behaviour can have a positive influence on a person's quality of life.
4) Broad biopsychosocial influences on health, and interventions which address them.

Related Courses
PSYC3000, PSYC3001, PSYC3400 PSYC3501, PSYC3600, PSYC3700
Replacing Course(s) PSYC3050
Transition Not to count with PSYC3050.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge PSYC2000, PSYC2400, PSYC2500 (or PSYC2070, PSYC2800, and PSYC2500)
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Laboratory
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments An essay on a major Health Topic or a lab report using research techniques appropriate for Health Psychology research (details of this assessment will be given in the course outline).
Examination: Formal A final exam based on material from all lectures, labs and readings
Quiz - Class Mid semester in class quiz
Contact Hours Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Laboratory: for 2 hour(s) per Week for 12 weeks
Timetables 2013 Course Timetables for PSYC3500