UO Health Psychology

Undergraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
PSYC 3027
Course ID icon
Course ID
204613
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
3
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

Students will critically examine the relationship between individual psychological processes and health and apply psychological theory to the development of behavioural health interventions. In this course students will develop an advanced understanding of health psychology (including psychological theories, health behaviour and beliefs, the influence of personality, gender and culture, models of health, assessing health information, social and environmental factors, the relationship between stress and illness, addiction and substance abuse, and terminal illness). They will understand how the application of this knowledge may be applied to improve health (including relaxation techniques, psychological strategies, changing health attitudes and beliefs, pain management, relapse prevention, coronary heart disease prevention, and health policies) and the ethics of health psychology research and practice. Students will apply this knowledge in the development of a health behaviour change plan.

Course learning outcomes

  • Critically examine how psychological factors affect all aspects of health and illness
  • Explain the basic principles, theories and methodologies of health psychology
  • Describe and evaluate the psychological precursors to selected illnesses
  • Select and apply appropriate behavioural change procedures in individual cases
  • Apply psychological theory and research findings in the promotion of good health
  • Analyse factors influencing the practitioner-client relationship

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A