PSY6422 - Biopsychology of Stress and Health

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of the underpinning mechanisms of biopsychological stress, long-term consequences thereof, and the moderating effects of SES, cultural identity and other important individual differences;
Critically evaluate modern scientific methodology used to understand stress and the impact of stress on health; then draw on existing theoretical and applied knowledge to plan a hypothetical study within budget.
Synthesise and apply modern research findings on the impact of stress to the evaluation of potential interventions to reduce stress-related illness and disease.
Demonstrate an understanding of important concepts, and to be able to summarise these in appropriate scientific format.

Content:

Unique in our ability to worry about things that have not happened (anticipatory stress), human beings are especially vulnerable to the consequences of stress. This module will take a modern and biological approach, exploring in depth the effects that stress hormones have on our physiological and psychological well-being. It will explain the importance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the stress hormones secreted by it (e.g. cortisol). The module will consider the methodology of the objective measurement of cortisol - via a practical demonstration (saliva sampling) and an assessment in which students will be expected to design a relevant, cortisol-based experimental - as if they were applying for a hypothetical research grant. The module will consider the positive and negative effects of cortisol on a range of physiological mechanisms (e.g. the heart) before considering the psychological factors that initiate the stress response, individual differences and why some people will become stressed when others do not.
br> Students will consistently be asked to consider the individual differences that affect physiological function - specifically (but not limited to) effects of socio-economic status, cultural identity and increasing age. For example, it is important that students are aware of the psychological and physiological challenges of being a member of a minority group.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module delivery will utilise a combination of lecture-based teaching, small-group seminar sessions, video clips and supportive use of the VLE (e.g. podcasts and recommended reading) for students as they continue to develop their ability to learn independently. The module will be delivered on the basis of two-hour lecture slots, though these will incorporate activities and discussions, small-group work, etc. As such, two 2-hour 'lecture' timetable slots will be required each week, though delivery within these sessions will vary considerably.

Lectures, workshops, discussions and problem-solving activities
Hours: 36
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 164

Assessment:

001 Proposal, 3,000 words, end of semester 1 100%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - James Jackson
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6S1

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