Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

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%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Graeme Hyman

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prohibitions

BME1122, PSY3130