School of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences

Course Syllabus

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:
- the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
- the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
- the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:
- gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
- stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
- communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Knowledge and Understanding
The student:
- Understands and defines the concepts of health an ill-health,
- Uses models of stress/sensitivity, symptom perception and health behavior to understand how Health Psychology has developed into a recognized subject within Psychology,
- Describes the impact of psychological mechanisms on health and ill-health,
- Describes how ill-health can arise and develop from a psychological perspective,
- Describes how health can be promoted with psychological methods.

Skills and Abilities
The student:
- Applies the concept of health and ill-health on current health issues,
- Applies models of stress/sensitivity, symptom perception and health behavior on case descriptions,
- Applies developmental models of health and ill-health on case descriptions,
- Identifies clinically relevant scientific studies within Health Psychology,
- Applies appropriate communication skills with clients in the Health Psychology spectrum.

Evaluation Ability and Approach
The student:
- Analyzes and values models of stress/sensitivity, symptom perception and health behavior,
- Analyzes and values clinically relevant scientific studies within Health Psychology,
- Analyzes and values developmental models of health and ill-health,
- Demonstrates a professional and scientific approach in group discussions and in writing.

This course presents the foundations of Health Psychology, and the principles and mechanisms within the subject that concern promotion of health and prevention of ill-health. Some focus will be on understanding preventive work from a Health Psychology perspective.

Teaching formats include lectures, seminars and group work. The course will be offered in English.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2010-10-19, reg. no. CF 12-540/2010), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Psychology, Basic Course, 30 credits

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Required Reading

Additional reading such as scientific articles might be added. If a more recent edition of a required book is available, the latest edition is recommended.

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