Undergraduate USA-BEHL3031-2023

Health Psychology

Duration

10 weeks

Study method

100% Online

Available loans

FEE-HELP

Assessments

Subjects may require attendance

Prior study

Not required

The University of South Australia, UniSA, is ranked in the top 10 universities nationally and amongst the very best young universities in the world. They offer over 200 world-class degrees that are informed by industry and delivered with a highly practical approach to teaching and learning. In fact, they are South Australia’s number one university for graduate careers. They are a valuable partner with Open Universities Australia.

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2023

Subject details

What you'll learn

By the end of this 10-week course, you’ll be able to:

Critically examine how psychological factors affect all aspects of health and illness.
Explain the basic principles, theories, and methodologies of health psychology.
Describe and evaluate the psychological precursors to selected illnesses.
Select and apply appropriate behavioural change procedures in individual cases.
Apply psychological theory and research findings in the promotion of good health.
Analyse factors influencing the practitioner-client relationship.

Topics covered

- You’ll study the following topics:
- Introducing health psychology
- Healthy behaviours
- Practical reports and presentations
- Nutrition
- Sleep, sleepiness and health
- Health risk behaviours: alcoholism
- Pain
- Chronic illness: cancer
- Chronic illness: CVD (cardiovascular disease) and stress
- Global trends and health differentials

Entry requirements

No eligibility requirements

Additional requirements

No additional requirements

Description

Since the early 20th Century, the field of psychology has made substantial contributions to the way we think about health and illness. Health psychologists engage in the promotion and maintenance of health, prevention, and treatment of illness, causes and detection of illness, and improvement of the healthcare system and health policy.

In this course you'll develop an advanced understanding of health psychology; including psychological theories, health behaviour and beliefs, the influence of personality, gender and culture, models of health, and other factors that contribute to health psychology. Learn how this knowledge may be applied to improve health; including relaxation techniques, psychological strategies, changing health attitudes and beliefs, pain management, relapse prevention, coronary heart disease prevention, and health policies.

UniSA Online’s 10-week short courses give you the flexibility to upskill in a certain area, stay current with developments in your field, diversify your knowledge, or even explore a new direction in your career – without having to commit to the time and cost of a full university degree.

Delivered 100% online, you’ll be able to study where and when it suits you. Access online academic and student support seven days a week, fit study around work and life commitments, view learning resources 24/7, and log in to the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

This is a third-year course from UniSA Online’s Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology degree. Please note: you are responsible for completing any relevant prerequisite courses before enrolling in this course.

Assessments

Report (50%)
Invigilated Examination (50%)

Textbooks

For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).