Module Details

Module Code: HLST N8170
Full Title: Understanding Health and Illness
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Bruna PucciMcKenna
Departments: Life and Health Sciences
Module Description: To give students an increased awareness and understanding of psychosocial factors which can contribute to the health and well-being of an individual in relation to physical activity, health, illness and chronic disease.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Evaluate psychological factors that impact on health and ill health.
MLO2 Discuss the role of sociological factors in relation to health and physical activity and ill health.
MLO3 Evaluate the biopsychosocial factors that contributed to understanding of health and illness.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Unit 1 Health
Socialization process as applied to health; social history of health; effects of socio-economic factors on health behaviour; effects of poverty and social deprivation on health related behaviours. Health throughout the lifespan: stress and coping; stress management; mental health.
Unit 2 Living with Illness
Determinants of ill health (biological, gender, individual lifestyle factors, education, social class and environmental factors). Psychological impact of illness; living with chronic illness and disability.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
An investigation of a psychological factor affecting health or illness
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
An investigation of a sociological factor affecting health or illness.
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact 13 weeks Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact 13 weeks Every Week 1.00 1
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Total Weekly Learner Workload 10.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Helen Keleher,Colin MacDougall. (2021), Understanding Health, [ISBN: 9780190323431].
  • Ayers, S. & de Visser, R.. (2018), Psychology for medicine and healthcare, 2nd edition. SAGE Publications, London, [ISBN: 9781473969285].
  • McDonald, B.. (2016), An Introduction to Sociology in Ireland,, 2nd. Gill & Macmillian, Dublin, [ISBN: 978-07171-4550-8].
  • Naidoo, J. & Wills, J.. (2016), Foundations for Health Promotion, 3rd. Beilliere Tindall, London, [ISBN: 9780702029653].
  • Hubley J and Copeman J,. (2013), Practical Health Promotion, 1st. Polity Press, Cambridge, [ISBN: 13 978-07456-3666-5].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Morrison, V. & Bennett, P.. (2017), Introduction to health psychology, 4th edition. Pearson, Harlow, [ISBN: 9781292003139].
  • Giddens, A. (2012), Introduction to Sociology, 8th. polity Press, Cambridge, [ISBN: 978-0393912289].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Bonner, A.. (2018), Social determinants of health: an interdisciplinary approach to social inequality and wellbeing..
  • Wren, M-A. (2003), Unhealthy state: Anatomy of a sick society.
Other Resources
  • Department of Health. Healthy Ireland: A Framework for Improving Health and Wellbeing 2013 – 2025. Dublin. Department of Health. Healthy Ireland: A Framework for Improving Health and Wellbeing 2013.
  • Website, Department of Health. Healthy Ireland Strategic Action Plan - 2021-2025,
    https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/441c8- healthy-ireland-strategic-action-plan-20 21-2025/
  • Website, Department of Health. Healthy Ireland at Work: A National Framework for Healthy Workplaces in Ireland 2021-2025,
    https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/445a4a -healthy-workplace-framework/
  • Department of Health and Children. (2016). Healthy Ireland Survey. Dublin. Healthy Ireland Survey.
  • website: International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity https://www.isbnpa.orgn. International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.
  • website: Global Physical Activity Network (GlobalPANet) www.globalpanet.com. Global Physical Activity Network.
  • website: International Society for Physical Activity and Health www.ispah.org. International Society for Physical Activity and Health.
  • website, World Health Organisation,
    https://www.who.int/
  • website, Institute of Public Administration www.ipa.ie.
  • website, Economic & Social Reseach Institute www.esri.ie.