Health Psychology, 6 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding
The student:

• understands and defines the concepts of health and ill-health,
• understands health and ill-health from a theoretical perspective,
• describes how psychological mechanisms can affect health and ill-health,
• describes how health can be promoted with psychological methods,
• describes and discusses how contextual factors, including domestic violence, can affect health and ill-health.

Skills and Abilities
The student:

• applies the concepts of health and ill-health on current health issues,
• applies theoretical models to case descriptions,
• identifies relevant scientific studies within health psychology.

Evaluation Ability and Approach
The student:

• analyzes and values theoretical models within health psychology,
• analyzes and values relevant scientific studies within health psychology,
• analyzes and values contextual factors, such as domestic violence, and their impact on health and ill-health,
• demonstrates a professional and scientific approach in group discussions and in writing.

Content

This course introduces health psychology including principles and mechanisms involved in promoting health and preventing ill-health. The focus of the course is on understanding and using theoretical models within health psychology to understand the development of health and ill-health, and to suggest interventions.

Examinations and grades

Health Psychology 1, 5 credits (Code: A003)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Health Psychology 2, 1 credits (Code: A004)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the course as a whole, a minimum of grade E, or G where applicable, is required for all components on the course. To arrive at a course grade, the grades awarded for each examination assignment, grades A-E, are first converted to the numerical values 5-1. An average value is then calculated, also taking into account the number of credits for each module in relation to the total number of credits for the course. The course grade is thus awarded by means of a weighted average of the examination assignments included on the course.

Modes of assessment

Health Psychology 1, 5 credits (Sample code: A003)
Written exam

Health Psychology 2, 1 credits (Sample code: A004)
Oral examination
Attendance and performance is compulsory. Absence from this examination may be compensated through attendance at a follow-up seminar and/or complementary assignments provided by the course director.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

Psychology, Basic Course, 30 credits

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

A person who has been admitted to and registered on a course has the right to receive teaching and/or supervision during the time specified for the course to which the applicant has been admitted (see the University's admission regulations). After that, the right to teaching and/or supervision ceases.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Taylor, Shelley E., 2020/latest edition
Health psychology
McGraw-Hill Higher Education

Additional reading such as scientific articles might be added.
If a more recent edition of a required book is available, the latest edition is normally recommended. More information about literature and reading instructions may be found in the study guide provided by the instructor.