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:
- Critically analyse and evaluate the variables influencing health risk assessment, demonstrating an ability to synthesise complex and sometimes incomplete information to inform clinical judgement.
- Critically evaluate and apply a range of behavioural observation methods, objective measures, mental status examinations, self-report instruments, and/or self-monitoring approaches, demonstrating awareness of their psychometric properties, clinical utility, and contextual limitations in practice.
- Demonstrate a systematic and in-depth understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying symptom presentation within the primary area of focus, and critically appraise their relevance to clinical practice and decision-making.
- Critically appraise and apply diagnostic nomenclature relevant to patient presentations, demonstrating an advanced understanding of its conceptual basis, limitations, and implications for formulation, communication, and clinical decision-making.
- Synthesize and critically apply a biopsychosocial framework to complex case presentations, demonstrating independent judgement in the selection, justification, and evaluation of evidence-based interventions.
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 this module, you will critically examine a range of chronic illnesses, including their underlying mechanisms and management strategies, as well as approaches to engaging and working effectively with patients within the healthcare 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 embedded throughout 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 question-and-answer sessions; and individual activity sheets. Staff provide ongoing verbal feedback during these activities to support you in gauging and developing your knowledge and understanding.
In addition, written formative feedback is provided on at least two occasions early in the module. This feedback includes specific comments on individual submissions, as well as general written feedback shared with the class to support wider learning and development.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 164 |
| Teaching | 36 |
| Total study time | 200 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
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.
Sarafino, E. P., Smith TW. (2016). Health psychology: Biopsychosocial Interactions.
Bennett, PW. (2021). Clinical Psychology, Research and Practice: An Introductory Textbook. Oxford University Press.
Ogden, J. (2019). Health psychology: a textbook. Open University Press.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 50% |
| Written assignment | 50% |
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