Module overview
The module will examine the psychosocial aspects of a range of illnesses, and explore the current theoretical models and research findings that inform clinical practice.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Understand behavioural observation, objective measures, mental status examination, self-report measures and/or self-monitoring for patient assessment
- Understand diagnostic nomenclature appropriate to the patient presentation
- Conceptualise cases from a biopsychosocial perspective and identify appropriate evidence based interventions.
- Understand variables related to health risk assessment.
- Demonstrate significant knowledge of the relevant medical/physiological aspects of symptom presentation in their primary area of focus.
Syllabus
This module introduces you to Clinical Health Psychology, a branch of Health Psychology that focuses on the relationship between psychological variables and biomedical conditions. The module deals with the processes of the psychological treatment of, and response to physical illness of patients in the health care system. It will provide you with knowledge and skills relevant to understanding how psychology is applied to the care of the physically ill and how it is applied to maximise the effectiveness of health care delivery. During the module you will study different chronic illnesses and their management and working with patients in the health care system.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
This module includes 12 sessions (11 seminars and 1 tutorial) delivered by the module coordinator and invited internal and external lecturers with expertise in particular topics. Seminars emphasise active learning, and require participation in group discussions, debates, and other activities. A range of teaching and learning activities are used in the seminars, including the use of videos and case studies. To successfully complete the module, you will need to engage in your own personal study.
Opportunities for formative assessment and feedback are built into the module in the form of in-class teaching and learning activities. These may include, for example: small group work and presentations; small-group and whole class discussions; observed exercises; spontaneous and/or planned questions and answers; and individual activity sheets. Staff provide verbal feedback during these activities to help you gauge and develop your knowledge and understanding.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 36 |
| Independent Study | 164 |
| Total study time | 200 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Ogden, J. (2019). Health psychology: a textbook. Open University Press.
Sarafino, E. P., Smith TW. (2016). Health psychology: Biopsychosocial Interactions.
Carrie D., Llewellyn CD., Ayers, S., McManus, C., Newman, S., Petrie K.J., Revenson TA., Weinman, J. (Editors) (2019). Cambridge Handbook of Psychology, Health and Medicine. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Bennett, PW. (2021). Clinical Psychology, Research and Practice: An Introductory Textbook. Oxford University Press.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 60% |
| Written assignment | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Open Book Exam | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal