Course syllabus - Behavioural Medicine - Theories and Models

Objectives

The aim of the course is that the student will acquire further advanced knowledge of behavioural medicine as a scientific field, and applications of behavioural medicine in assessment, treatment, prevention and health information.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the students shall be able to:

1 clarify and exemplify the disciplinary foundation of behavioural medicine as well as central concepts of  theories and models of behavioural medicine
2 independently apply theories of behavioural medicine in assessment, treatment, prevention and health information.
3 analyse health-related behaviours at an individual level
4 analyse health-related behaviours at an interpersonal level
5 analyse health-related behaviours at group and organisational levels
6 present arguments regarding behavioural changes and behavioural modifications in specific patient/client cases, based on theories and models in behavioural medicine

Course content

The disciplinary foundation of Behavioural Medicine - theories and models at an individual, interpersonal, group and organisational level
The interaction between everyday human behaviour and medical/biological factors in all the development stages of illness
The volitional adaptation of behaviours in the promotion of health and health educational tools

Tuition

Teaching consists of web-based lectures and seminars, and individual study assignments.

Specific requirements

Bachelor of Science in medicine, caring science, social care, social work or equivalent and English course A is required for Swedish students. Foreign students are required to submit a TOEFL test result, minimum score 530, TWE score 4 (PBT) or 72, TWE score 17 (iBT) or IELTS test score for academic purposes with an overall band score of minimum 5.5 and no band score below 5.0 or equivalent.

Examination

Written assignment (INL1), 1.5 credits, individual written assignment for learning objectives 1 and 3. Marks Pass (G).
Written assignment (INL2), 2 credits, individual written assignment for learning objectives 1-2 and 4-5. Marks Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).
Written assignment (INL3), 2 credits, individual written assignment for learning objectives 1-3 and 6. Marks Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).
Written assignment (INL4), 2 credits, individual written assignment for learning objectives 1-6. Marks Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

To receive a Pass with Distinction (VG) on the course it is necessary to have a VG in INL2, INL3 and INL4. For further details, please refer to the Study Guide.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail