PSYC6601

Health and Psychology

Faculty of Science and Information Technology School of Psychology

10 Units 6000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Distance Education - Callaghan	Semester 2

Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

Provides an introduction to Health Psychology: conceptually defining health within a 'biopsychosocial' framework, as well as covering basic physiological functions and processes of acute and chronic illness. Major causes of morbidity and mortality are reviewed, and key aspects of health-related assessment and measurement are addressed. The roles for psychologists to work at individual and community levels to improve health will be discussed, together with relevant models of health behaviour and behaviour change.

Objectives

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Define 'health', within a biopsychosocial framework.
2. Identify the major physiological systems of the body and key processes of acute and chronic illness.
3. Identify major causes of morbidity and mortality and associated key individual and environmental determinants as well as particular high-risk sub-groups
4. Describe the major methods and instruments used to assess health and related issues, and be able to select and apply measurement tools appropriate to particular contexts.
5. Identify the opportunities for psychologists to work within the health area, from the clinical to health promotion ends of the spectrum.
6. Identify key models of health behaviour and behaviour change, and intervention approaches, underpinning the field of Health Psychology.

Content

1. Defining health, within a biopsychosocial framework
2. Major physiological systems; processes of acute and chronic illness
3. Morbidity and mortality among the Australian population; determinants of health and illness
4. Health-related assessment /measurement methods and instruments
5. Opportunities for Health Psychology to improve health, and models of health behaviour and behaviour change underpinning approaches to intervention

Replacing Course(s)

Not applicable

Transition

Not applicable

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

It is assumed that students will have completed a four-year program in Psychology that has been accredited by the Australian Psychological Society.

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Seminar
Workshop

Assessment Items

Examination: Class	In-class exam on disease physiology.
Essays / Written Assignments	Essay: Chronic Disease

Contact Hours

Seminar: for 3 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Compulsory Components

Requisite by Enrolment	This course is only available to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Clinical and Health Psychology, PhD in Clinical Psychology, or PhD in Health Psychology programs.

Timetables