BME1130 - Health and human behaviour

Leader(s): Dr Graeme Hyman

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

The complex relationships between health and illness and behaviour of the individual, beginning with an introduction to concepts of health and psychological well-being, illness, disease and disability. Normal and abnormal reactions to illness are covered and students will study an individual with a chronic medical condition. Physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural reactions are considered, and the biological factors and psychological processes - such as perception, learning, memory, cognition and emotion - that underlie these. The impact of behaviour - particularly habits - on health and well-being is covered, as well as illness prevention and health promotion.

Objectives

1. Describe the major features of human growth and development; psychological processes, health and illness, society and culture, and professional ethics;
2. Recognise the variety of social, cultural and ethical perspectives that may legitimately be taken with regard to health and issues related to the biomedical sciences;
3. Think critically about psychological, socio-cultural and ethical issues; and
4. Integrate information obtained by observation with basic science knowledge and theory

Assessment

Case study report: (1500 words) 25%
Behaviour change project (1500 words): 25%
Written examination: 50%

Contact hours

4 hours per week

Prohibitions

BME1122, PSY3130