Course Description
An introduction to special topics in psychology for honors students.
Athena Title
HONORS SEM PSYC
Prerequisite
PSYC 1101 and permission of major and permission of Honors
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Review contributions of psychology to the enhancement of health 2. Review contributions of psychology to the prevention and treatment of disease 3. Identify health risk factors, particularly as they pertain to life style 4. Review the health care system focusing on the system within the United States, but also how it relates to other systems such as socialized medicine 5. Discuss the application of psychological principles to applied health problems. Sample topics include lowering high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, managing stress, alleviating pain, smoking cessation, etc.
Topical Outline
1. Introduction to cellular anatomy/physiology, relation to aging and genetic diathesis 2. Review of cancer, relationship to lifestyle 3. Review of digestive system and disorders such as nutrition, obesity and other eating disorders 4. Review of cardiovascular health 5. Psychological stress 6. Drugs and substance abuse, placebo effects 7. Exercise, psychology of activity 8. Respiratory system and disorders 9. Sensory and nervous system disorders 10. Infectious and viral diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases 11. Childbirth and pediatric disorders 12. Consumer health and health care
Syllabus