PSYC 120 - Health Psychology

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory (or Other) Hours: 0

General Education Code(s): 23SS
Other Course Attribute(s): LASC, SS

This course is an interdisciplinary study of health that emphasizes the concept of health as being influenced by a variety of factors including biology, environment, psychology, and social influences, and the concept of health as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, and not just the absence of disease. This course will include the foundational principles of health including a basic overview of physiological systems of the body, and basic principles of genetics and psychology. There will also be a focus on risk factors and health-related behaviors, including the importance of nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, and environmental risk factors. Population health will be addressed by addressing relevant health conditions in today’s society.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course: The General Education requirement for Social Sciences is satisfied by PSYC 120. To meet this General Education requirement, students will be able to:

1. Describe major concepts and theories of at least one discipline in the social sciences.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the methods social scientists use to explore social phenomena.

Course-specific SLOs for PSYC 120:

1. Describe the importance of integrating biological and psychological approaches to health.

2. Identify psychological, social, and biological factors that contribute to (individual) differences in health.

3. Recognize reasons for variability in health among diverse populations.

4. Explain the factors and processes involved in health behavior change.

5. Understand how to promote healthy behaviors and enhance overall well-being in different contexts.

Repeatable: No
CIP Code: 422810