Health psychology (BPS220)
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Facts
Course code
BPS220
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English, Norwegian
Time table
Content
The course explores the intersection and overlap between psychology and somatic medicine, focusing on a holistic understanding of the co-variation and interaction of the body, mind, and environment. Students will gain knowledge of theories and methods to understand and predict the development of health and ill-health. The main focus is on methods for health promotion as well as prevention and treatment of disease.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
On successful completion of this course, students will
- have knowledge of fundamental theories, methods, and models concerning the overlap between psychology and somatic medicine
- understand how diseases and related pathophysiology interact with psychological and behavioral factors
- have knowledge of basic features of health psychology working methods, with particular emphasis on various biopsychosocial factors
- have knowledge of the main features of health-promoting methodologies
- have knowledge of the relative strengths and weaknesses of different health-promoting measures at the community level
Skills
On successful completion of this course, students will
- be able to discuss interventions that are aimed at the overlap between psychology and somatic medicine and how these can be applied in working life
- be able to explain stress theory, chronic illness, social support, and quality of life
- be able to explain the significance of psychological and social factors for health, well-being, and illness
- be able to discuss the main theories for the prevention of health problems and the main features of health-promoting methodologies
General competencies
On successful completion of this course, students will
- be able to explain fundamental concepts and theories within the field of health psychology
- be able to critically reflect on health and unhealthiness/ill health
Required prerequisite knowledge
None
Recommended prerequisites
BPS110 Introduction to psychology, BPS120 The History and Method of Psychology, BPS130 Personality psychology, social psychology and psychological methods, BPS140 Biological psychology, developmental psychology and cognitive psychology
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Folder evaluation | 1/1 | 1 Semesters | Letter grades | All |
Portfolio assessment consisting of two written assignments. The grade is based on the assessment of the portfolio as a whole. Scope: approx. 1000 words (+/-10%) per assignment not including table of contents, source references and bibliography. Referencing and citation style: APA 7th. The topic of the assignment will be defined by the course coordinator. A detailed activity plan will be provided by the course coordinator at the start of the teaching.Students who do not pass the ordinary examination can submit a revised version of the portfolio when taking a re-sit examination. Students who fail the re-sit or re-scheduled examination must take the course examination together with the subsequent year group, and follow the teaching and examination arrangements that apply to this year group.
Coursework requirements
compulsory seminars, Written assignment
All of the compulsory activities must be approved in order for the student to be eligible for examination. Approval/non-approval of compulsory activities is announced on Studentweb, normally no later than 7 days before the examination. Students who lack approval of one or more compulsory activities will be withdrawn from the examination.
Compulsary activities:
- Seminars: Preparation for, attendance and participation in 5 seminars. If more than 50% attendance is achieved, the student may be evaluated individually at the course leader's discretion. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that attendance requirements are met.
- Written assignment: Written exercise/submission (one or partial submissions). A detailed activity plan will be provided by the course supervisor at the start of the lesson. Rated as approved/not approved.
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Bianka Anna KarshikoffCourse teacher:
Liss Gøril Anda-ÅgotnesStudy Program Director:
Muriel Marisa Katharina BruchhageMethod of work
The teaching consists of lectures, practice visits and seminars.
- Students are expected to prepare for lectures by reading relevant literature. The recommended reading is indicated in the lecture plan.
- In seminars, the different theoretical topics and methods are presented using a variety of different learning activities.
Open for
Admission to Single Courses at the Faculty of Social Sciences
Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 1 - 7, Master
Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 1 - 7, Master, Part-Time
Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 5 - 10, Master
Advanced teacher education for levels 8-13
Advanced teacher education for level 8-13 in science
Mathematics and Physics - Five Year Integrated Master's Degree Programme
Half Year Intermediate Program in English
Half Year Intermediate Program in History
Christianity/Religion - Half Year Intermediate Programme
Half Year Intermediate Program in Nordic Languages and Literature
Educational Theory and Practice
Educational Theory and Practice
Educational Theory and Practice in Performing and Creative Arts
Educational Theory and Practice in Performing and Creative Arts
Exchange programme at Faculty of Social Sciences
Drama and Theatre Communication- One-year programme
English - One-year programme
Outdoor Education
Offshore Wind Energy - One-Year Study Program
History - One-year programme
Sports Science- One-year programme
Communication - One Year Study Programme
Religious Studies - One-year programme
Arts and Crafts - One-year programme
Learning and Psychology, a one-year course
Mathematics - One-Year Programme
Primary and Secondary School Music Education
Nordic Languages and Literature - One-year programme
Psychology - One-year programme
Science and Technology - one-year programme
Tourism in change - One - year Programme
Sociology - One-year programme
Political Science - One - year Programme
One year study programme - Music Performance
Økonomi og ledelse - årsstudium
Course assessment
There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.