PSYC3500
10 units
3000 level
Course handbook
Description
We all want to live healthier lives and society benefits from a healthy population but there are challenges to achieve these goals. This course examines the relationship between mental and physical health and examines some of the key principles underpinning Health Psychology and the role of theory and evidence in informing practice. It looks at how physical illness can impact on mental well-being, how individuals can improve their physical and mental well-being using behavioural change, and how organisations and psychologists can promote healthy behaviour in individuals and populations.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 1 - 2024
Ourimbah
- Semester 1 - 2024
Online
- Semester 1 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Identify the role of theory and evidence in informing the practice of Health Psychology;
2. Evaluate models and psychological strategies for intervening in an evidence-based manner in a range of health contexts;
3. Discuss health and its determinants, within a biopsychosocial framework;
4. Critically appraise measures used to assess health and related issues;
5. Identify opportunities for psychologists to work within the health area; at both clinical and public health ends of the spectrum.
Content
- Health Psychology in an epistemological framework.
- How health problems impact on individuals' well being.
- How changes in behaviour can have a positive influence on a person's quality of life.
- Biopsychosocial determinants of health, and interventions which address them.
Related Courses
PSYC3000, PSYC3001, PSYC3600, PSYC3700
Assumed knowledge
Students considering enrolling in this 3000 level course should have successfully completed all the first year units and at least half the second year units of the degree program in which they are enrolled, in order to have sufficient requisite knowledge, understanding and generic skills.
Assessment items
Quiz: Online Quiz
Written Assignment: Written Assessment
Formal Examination: Formal Exam
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan
Laboratory-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 2
- See course outline for lab schedule
Laboratory-2
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 9
- See course outline for lab schedule
Laboratory-3
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 6
- See course outline for lab schedule
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Semester 1 - 2024 - Ourimbah
Laboratory-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 2
- See course outline for lab schedule
Laboratory-2
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 9
- See course outline for lab schedule
Laboratory-3
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 6
- See course outline for lab schedule
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Semester 1 - 2024 - Online
Self-Directed Learning-1
- Online 10 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
- For students studying via distance a minimum of 10 hours per week of self directed learning is expected.
Course outline
- PSYC3500 - Semester 1, 2024 (All) (PDF, 245.5 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.