Course Description
The contributions of Psychology to the enhancement of health. Specific foci include the role of behavior on the development of acquired illness and health behaviors. The application of psychological principles to applied problems such as high blood pressure, controlling serum lipids, managing stress, pain, tobacco, and alcohol use will be discussed. The course is designed to provide a biological background for further study in health psychology.
Athena Title
Biological Health Psychology
Pre or Corequisite
PSYC 3990 or PSYC 3990E
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
- To provide a basic and broad overview of the field of Health Psychology from a biological perspective. - To understand how behavior can influence risk for numerous acquired diseases. - To understand the major illnesses affecting Americans. - To understand the health-care system. - To provide a broad overview of the major bodily systems.
Topical Outline
1) Basic principles 2) Cells & aging 3) Genetic predispositions 4) Infectious diseases 5) Cancer 6) Nervous system disorders 7) Sensory disorders 8) Psychological stress 9) Immune system 10) Psychoneurochronology 11) Drugs/Substance abuse 12) Placebo effects 13) Pain 14) Cardiovascular health 15) Pediatric health 16) Nutrition, eating behavior 17) Heath care.
Syllabus