PSYC69822 15 Semester 2 Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Jo Brooks Unit coordinator Division of Psychology and Mental Health 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 <p>In this unit, we explore how our minds and bodies are connected—looking at how emotions, thoughts, and behaviours can affect health problems that are often seen as just “physical.” We consider a range of conditions and symptoms over the course of the unit, as well as considering the impact of stress, and the emerging field of psychoneuroimmunology. Alongside these topics, you’ll develop skills in critically evaluating research and learn how to communicate complex ideas clearly for both academic and non-specialist audiences.</p><p>This unit considers ways in which psychological factors (emotions, cognitions, behaviours) may relate to experiences of health issues typically considered to be ‘physical’ ailments. The contributions of different biological, psychological and social approaches to our understanding of medically explained and unexplained conditions will be considered. The unit covers a range of conditions and symptoms including an introduction to the concept of medically unexplained illness and consideration of how stress may influence our health, including an introduction to the topic of psychoneuroimmunology. Throughout, students will be supported to develop skills of critical evaluation. &nbsp;</p> <p>In this unit, we explore how our minds and bodies are connected—looking at how emotions, thoughts, and behaviours can affect health problems that are often seen as just “physical.” We consider a range of conditions and symptoms over the course of the unit, as well as considering the impact of stress, and the emerging field of psychoneuroimmunology. Alongside these topics, you’ll develop skills in critically evaluating research and learn how to communicate complex ideas clearly for both academic and non-specialist audiences.</p><p>This unit considers ways in which psychological factors (emotions, cognitions, behaviours) may relate to experiences of health issues typically considered to be ‘physical’ ailments. The contributions of different biological, psychological and social approaches to our understanding of medically explained and unexplained conditions will be considered. The unit covers a range of conditions and symptoms including an introduction to the concept of medically unexplained illness and consideration of how stress may influence our health, including an introduction to the topic of psychoneuroimmunology. Throughout, students will be supported to develop skills of critical evaluation. &nbsp;</p> <p>The unit aims to: &nbsp;</p><ul><li>Provide an understanding of the role of psychological factors in disease and illness</li><li>Draw on recent research to critically discuss methodological issues which are important when we are trying to understand the relationship between mind and body.</li><li>Develop skills of critical reading of original research papers within the field. &nbsp;</li><li>Develop skills in writing for lay audiences&nbsp;</li></ul> <p>At the end of this unit students will be able to: &nbsp;</p><ul><li>Understand how psychological factors interact with and impact on physiological processes, including in the context of both medically unexplained and explained symptoms and the functioning of the immune system</li><li>Describe current research on the role of psychological factors in a range of physical health conditions &nbsp;</li><li>Critically evaluate evidence, noting both positive and negative qualities. &nbsp;</li><li>Critically evaluate research related to the relationship between psychological and physiological processes. Integrate ideas and concepts from different psychological and medical literatures</li><li>Communicate and interact in small groups and class discussions. &nbsp;</li><li>Show a sophisticated and sympathetic understanding of illness without disease. &nbsp;</li><li>Effectively communicate research to lay audiences in writing.&nbsp;</li></ul> <p>Teaching will be delivered over 10 sessions. Course material will predominantly be delivered within 2-hour in-person sessions. Students will sometimes be asked to prepare specific material in advance of taught sessions, and should expect to carry out independent reading after taught sessions to enhance understanding of topics discussed in class. Taught sessions will involve lecture and interactive seminar components - for example: working with set reading to gain a deeper understanding of the area and to build critical evaluation skills; interactive workshop enabling students to develop skills in writing for lay audiences. Students will be provided with electronic resources on Canvas including PowerPoint slides, self-directed revision activities and reading lists. A discussion board on Canvas will also be available for discussing issues and questions with staff and peers. &nbsp;</p> 0 Other 100% <p>Exam: 100% of mark. &nbsp;</p><p>Students will also receive formative feedback (from peers or staff) on writing for lay audiences.&nbsp;</p> MSc Clinical & Health Psy MSc Clinical & Health Psy PGDT Taught Component Optional MSc Clinical & Health PT MSc Clinical & Health Psy PT PGDT Taught Component Optional MSc Health Psychology MSc Health Psychology PGDT Taught Component Mandatory MSc Health Psychology PT MSc Health Psychology PT PGDT Taught Component Mandatory N <p>Current reading recommendations will be provided with individual sessions.</p> Lectures 20 0 130