Module PSYC3587: Psychology and Health Promotion

Department: Psychology

PSYC3587: Psychology and Health Promotion

Prerequisites

• 60 credits from Level 2 Psychology module

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to theoretical approaches and empirical research in psychology that can be applied in promoting people's health and preventing disease

Content

• The application of psychological theories and empirical research to heatlh promotion and disease prevention (example topics: Theory of Planned Behaviour; Health Belief Model; Stage Models; Implementation intentions; Fear appeals; Debiasing risk perceptions; Rewarding; Nudges; Principles of influence; Message framing)

Learning Outcomes

• Detailed knowledge of health psychopathology including current theory, evidence, and research methods
• In-depth knowledge of some specialist sub-areas of applied psychology

• Ability to review critically and consolidate understanding of a coherent body of psychological knowledge and apply it appropriately

• Good written communication skills
• Good IT skills in word processing, data manipulation, and data presentation
• Ability to work independently in scholarship and research within broad guidelines

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Knowledge and understanding is developed through the weekly two hour sessions involving a variety of learning modes including lectures, video based material, and some small group work
• All modes of teaching are designed to promote critical evaluation of evidence and arguments, to adopt different theoretical positions, and to interpret empirical work in terms of its application to health promotion and disease prevention
• These abilities will be assessed in the written exam. The exam will be essay based, providing students with the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to appraise and apply empirical evidence and theoretical claims in a critical manner

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University