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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Sociology and Psychology
Reference HS2139 Version 2
Created April 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 8
Approved July 2018 SCQF Points 15
Amended June 2023 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide students with an understanding of key elements of psychology and sociology relevant to the study of health and eating behaviour.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Explain how the disciplines of sociology and psychology relate to lifestyle choices and health.
2 Explain relevant psychological and sociological theories as they relate to health and eating behaviour.
3 Explain a range of individual and social factors that influence human behaviour.
4 Describe the origin and development of current systems for the provision of healthcare, education and social services.

Indicative Module Content
An introduction to the disciplines of psychology and sociology and the main theoretical strands underpinning them. An overview of research methods in the behavioural sciences. Theories of human behaviour, psychological background to health behaviour and lifestyle choices. Theories of behavioural changes, modification and group processes. Psychological theories of learning including principles of adult learning, personality, memory, attribution and social interaction. Outline of the basis of normal and abnormal eating behaviour. Patterns of inequality and deprivation. An introduction to the sociology of health and medicine. Wider determinant of health (e.g. social organization, inclusion, exclusion, diversity and inequalities). Concepts of status, role, social networks, and social mobility relating to health and healthcare, and food selection. Current systems for the provision of healthcare, education, and social services and the differences between devolved nations. An introduction to social policy and the welfare state. E-health.

Module Delivery
Lectures are supported by discussion sessions in tutorials.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 36 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 114 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: Essay

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
Component 1 (Examination) comprises 100% of the module grade. To pass the module, a D grade is required.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
F F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Successful completion of Stage 1, or equivalent.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 BARRY, A-M. and YUILL, C., 2022. Understanding the sociology of health: an introduction, 5th ed. London: Sage Publications Ltd.
2 BARKWAY, P., 2013. Psychology for health professionals., 2nd ed. Sydney: Churchill Livingstone.
3 GIDDENS, A. and SUTTON, P.W., 2021. Sociology, 9th ed. Cambridge: Polity Press.
4 NETTLETON, S., 2020. The Sociology of health and illness. 4th ed. Cambridge: Polity Press.
5 OGDEN, J., 2019. Health psychology: a textbook, 6th ed. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781