Prospectus

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Pharmacological and Biological Approaches to Clinical and Health Psychology

Course
2018-2019

Entry requirements

Personality, Clinical & Health Psychology or similar courses.

Description

Our understanding of the role of psychological factors in psychopathology and health problems and their treatment has increased considerably in the past decades. This is due to rapid developments in the fields of pharmacology, (functional) neuroimaging, genetics, and psychoneuroimmunology. Basic knowledge of biology and pharmacology is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of disorders, but also to understand diagnostics and treatment. These new developments also raise important questions about what is desirable and ethically acceptable (e.g., the possibility to change our DNA).

This course focuses on basic knowledge of the role of biological processes in the development and course of psychopathology (in particular, mood and anxiety disorders), and health problems (e.g., pain and allergic reactions). We present a selection of topics, including genetics, immunology, endocrinologye (hormonal) and brain stimulation in relation to psychopathology and health psychology. The goal of this course is to provide some basic knowledge and an appreciation of the complexity of this field. Biological mechanisms of non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies and treatments are reviewed. Attention is also paid to recent developments in treatment, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), bright light therapy and innovative approaches to adjunctive psychopharmacology.

Course objectives

After completion of the course, students are able to:

  • Describe basic biological processes that are involved in, among others, mood and anxiety disorders, pain and allergy.

  • Understand how these biological processes are likely involved in current pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.

  • Understand the working mechanisms of several innovative biologically oriented (psychological) treatments that are currently in various stages of development and might become more prominent in tomorrow’s therapeutic arsenal.

Timetable

For the timetables of your lectures, workgroups, and exams, select your study programme.
Psychology timetables

Lectures Exams

Registration

Course

Students need to register for lectures, workgroups and exams.
Instructions for registration in courses for the 2nd and 3rd year

Elective

Elective students have to enroll for each course separately. For admission requirements contact your study advisor.

Exchange/Study abroad

For admission requirements, please contact your exchange coordinator

Examination

Students are not automatically enrolled for an examination. They can register via uSis from 100 to 10 calendar days before the date; students who are not registered will not be permitted to take the examination.
Registering for exams

Mode of instruction

This course offers eight lectures of two hours. Attendance is not mandatory. The weblectures and slides will be made available on Blackboard (barring technical difficulties).

Language
The literature, lectures and slides are in English. The exam questions are in English and can be answered in English or Dutch.

Assessment method

The written exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions (which determine 70% of the grade) and five essay questions (30%). These questions test your knowledge of the course material. The examination questions cover the book, syllabus and lecture handouts. Detailed information about the exact course material from the book and syllabus will be made available on Blackboard at the start of the course.

The Institute of Psychology uses fixed rules for grade calculation and compulsory attendance. It also follows the policy of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences to systematically check student papers for plagiarism with the help of software. Disciplinary measures will be taken when fraud is detected. Students are expected to be familiar with and understand the implications of these three policies.

Reading list

  • Lecture handouts

  • Syllabus with selected readings (book chapters and journal articles)

  • R.H. Ettinger (2017). Psychopharmacology: Second Edition. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group / Psychology Press. ISBN-13: 9781138833081

Contact information