Health psychology (BPS220)


Course description for study year 2024-2025

Facts

Course code

BPS220

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

Norwegian

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

The course explores the intersection and overlap between psychology and somatic medicine, focusing on a holistic understanding of the co-variation and interaction of the body, mind, and environment. Students will gain knowledge of theories and methods to understand and predict the development of health and ill-health. The main focus is on methods for health promotion as well as prevention and treatment of disease.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

On successful completion of this course, students will

  • have knowledge of fundamental theories, methods, and models concerning the overlap between psychology and somatic medicine
  • understand how diseases and related pathophysiology interact with psychological and behavioral factors
  • have knowledge of basic features of health psychology working methods, with particular emphasis on various biopsychosocial factors
  • have knowledge of the main features of health-promoting methodologies
  • have knowledge of the relative strengths and weaknesses of different health-promoting measures at the community level

Skills

On successful completion of this course, students will

  • be able to discuss interventions that are aimed at the overlap between psychology and somatic medicine and how these can be applied in working life
  • be able to explain stress theory, chronic illness, social support, and quality of life
  • be able to explain the significance of psychological and social factors for health, well-being, and illness
  • be able to discuss the main theories for the prevention of health problems and the main features of health-promoting methodologies
  • be able to discuss key similarities and differences between health-promoting and preventative work

General competencies

On successful completion of this course, students will

  • be able to explain fundamental concepts and theories within the field of health psychology
  • be able to critically reflect on health and unhealthiness/ill health

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

BPS110 Introduction to psychology, BPS120 The History and Method of Psychology, BPS130 Personality psychology, social psychology and psychological methods, BPS140 Biological psychology, developmental psychology and cognitive psychology

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Folder evaluation 1/1 Letter grades All

Portfolio assessment consisting of two written assignments. The grade is based on the assessment of the portfolio as a whole. Scope: approx. 1000 words (+/-10%) per assignment not including table of contents, source references and bibliography. Referencing and citation style: APA 7th. The topic of the assignment will be defined by the course coordinator. A detailed activity plan will be provided by the course coordinator at the start of the teaching.Students who do not pass the ordinary examination can submit a revised version of the portfolio when taking a re-sit examination. Students who fail the re-sit or re-scheduled examination must take the course examination together with the subsequent year group, and follow the teaching and examination arrangements that apply to this year group.

Coursework requirements

compulsory seminars

All of the compulsory activities must be approved in order for the student to be eligible for examination. Approval/non-approval of compulsory activities is announced on Studentweb, normally no later than 7 days before the examination. Students who lack approval of one or more compulsory activities will be withdrawn from the examination.

Compulsary activities:

  • Seminars: Preparation for, attendance and participation in five seminars. Students who have less than 75% attendance at the seminars lose the right to take the examination, regardless of the reason.
  • Written assignment: Written exercise/submission (one or partial submissions). A detailed activity plan will be provided by the course supervisor at the start of the lesson. Rated as approved/not approved.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Bianka Anna Karshikoff

Course teacher:

Liss Gøril Anda-Ågotnes

Method of work

The teaching consists of lectures, practice visits and seminars.

  • Students are expected to prepare for lectures by reading relevant literature. The recommended reading is indicated in the lecture plan.
  • In seminars, the different theoretical topics and methods are presented using a variety of different learning activities.

Open for

Admission to Single Courses at the Faculty of Social Sciences

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto