Overview

The aim of this unit is to introduce the principles and practice of psychology as applied in general health settings. Prevention and treatment approaches are introduced.

Requisites

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Date Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
04-August-2025
02-November-2025
Last self-enrolment date
17-August-2025
Census date
31-August-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
19-September-2025
Results released date
09-December-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Analyse, appraise and explain the bi-directional relationships between biological, psychological, behavioural and social determinants of illness
  • Design and implement psychosocial/behavioural interventions appropriate for individuals’ physical health and well-being, tailored to individual risk factors and/or disease status
  • Develop and assess major health campaigns which target major public health issues particularly in the context of co-occurring physical and psychological conditions

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Activity Type Activity Total Hours Number of Weeks Hours Per Week
On-campus Class 36 12 weeks 3
On-campus Workshop 6 2 weeks 3
Unspecified Activities Independent Learning 108 12 weeks 9
Total Hours: 150 Total Hours (per week): 15

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Case Studies Individual 10% 1
Essay Individual  60%  1,2,3 
Report Individual  30%  1,2,3

Content

  • Biological, social and psychological influences on health and illness
  • Stress and coping
  • The health care system, doctor-patient communication
  • Health promotion, disease prevention
  • Psycho-educational interventions for the medically ill
  • Rehabilitation after illness
  • Pain and Palliative care

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.