Psych 1216 (2151, #28366)
Health PsychologyDr. Alan H. Teich
TTh 11:00 - 12:20Office: 210E Krebs Hall
211 Krebs Hours: 10:00-11:00 MTWThF
12:00-1:00 MW
2:00-3:00 TTh
or by appointment
Email:
Webpage:
Required Text:
Sarafino, E. P. (2011). Health Psychology (7th Ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York.
This course, Psych 1216 - Health Psychology, will examine a multidisciplinary field involved with the acquisition, integration, and application of psychological and biomedical research findings relevant to health and health-related issues. In particular, behavioral principles are joined with traditional biomedical approaches for the purpose of developing strategies relevant to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illness.
By the end of this course, you should:
understand the scientific method and its application to the study of health and illness
be aware of major psychological factors contributing to health and illness
be familiar with physiological systems and their operations under healthy and unhealthy conditions
understand the use of psychological approaches for the modulation of physiological systems and the treatment of a variety of health problems and diseases
COURSE STRUCTURE and POLICIES
Exams
There will be five exams throughout the term. Each exam will consist of a combination multiple-choice, short-answer, and/or essay questions that will cover factual and conceptual information drawn from the assigned readings and class lectures. Each exam will cover 2-4 major topics in detail and be worth 100 points. Please make every effort to take each exam during the scheduled time. I will give make-up exams at my convenience providing that you have a reasonable excuse for missing the exam and tell me before the scheduled exam time. The make-up exam may differ from the missed exam.
Grading
Points from each exam and the paper will count toward your final course grade. Final grades will be determined using the objective scale below:
A+ = 490 - 500 (98+%)C+ = 390 - 399 (78 - 79.9%)
A = 460 - 489 (92 - 97.9%)C = 360 - 389 (72 - 77.9%)
A- = 450 - 459 (90 - 91.9%)C- = 350 - 359 (70 - 71.9%)
B+ = 440 - 449 (88 - 89.9%)D+ = 340 - 349 (68 - 69.9%)
B = 410 - 439 (82 - 81.9%)D = 310 - 339 (62 - 67.9%)
B- = 400 - 409 (80 - 81.9%)D- = 300 – 309 (60 - 61.9%)
F = 0 - 299 (<59.9)
This method of grading, using an objective criterion, has been chosen over the method of "curve grading", in which a student's performance is evaluated relative to the overall performance of the rest of the class, because I feel that the grade a student receives in the class should, at least in principle, be reflective of the degree of competence that student has in terms of the objective amount of material mastered, and not a relative class ranking.
There is no curve in grading; however, I reserve the right to give favorable consideration to those of you who are on the border between two grades, have actively participated in class, and have shown improvement in your exam scores.
Attendance
Attending class is your responsibility since you are paying to be there. It is, of course, in your best interest to attend every class since exam questions will come from lecture material as well as text material.
Add / Drop a Class
The period to add or drop a class for the Fall Semester (2151) ends on Friday, 5 September 2014. The last day to withdraw from a single class is Friday, 24 October 2014. If you want to drop a course after the 25 October date, you must get the appropriate form from theAssistant Vice President for Academic Affairs / Director of Student Academic Services (G-16B Owen, (814) 269-2077) and obtain the faculty member’s signature before returning it to the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs / Director of Student Academic Services.
Academic Success Center and Tutoring Services
If you find yourself having difficulty in this class, please come in to see me. In addition, the Academic Counselors in the Academic Success Center, located in Owen G-16 ( can assist you in staying on track academically. You may complete an on-line request for an individual tutor at the ASC’s website, where you may also access information regarding drop-in tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions. Tutoring and other ASC services are free to all students. In the event you receive notification from the ASC regarding your performance in class, be sure to follow-through to obtain assistance. The Academic Counselors are committed to helping all students maximize academic potential.
Excuse for Prolonged Absences
In the event of a prolonged absence due to illness, death in your family, etc. (more than a single class or single day), you must immediately contact the Office of the Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (G-16B Owen, (814) 269-2077) to be excused from your classes.
Incomplete Grades
The grade of I (for incomplete) is accorded in situations when the course is intended to continue past the time for recording of grades. The grade of G indicates that the student has requested, and the Professor has granted, extra time to complete course requirements. The G grade will be carried on the student’s academic record only until the end of the succeeding term. At that time, the Professor will be asked to submit a grade of A-F, or HSU.
Disability Services
If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and the Office of Health and Counseling Services, G-10 Student Union, 814-269-7119, as early as possible in the term. The Office of Health and Counseling Services will verify your disability and determine reasonable accommodations for this course.
Cheating
Cheating, which includes plagiarism, is completely unacceptable. It will not be tolerated in any Psychology class. Any student suspected of cheating will be subjected to the established University procedures for judgment of the accusation; if the student is found to have cheated, the professor will recommend either a course grade of F or dismissal from the University, depending on the student's prior record of cheating. Students are responsible for reading and understanding the University guidelines for academic integrity and procedures. These are included in the following document available from the Vice President for Academic Affair's office: University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Guidelines on Academic Integrity. It is the students' responsibility to understand and follow these guidelines.
Policies related to cheating and plagiarism are vigorously supported and enforced by each member of the Psychology Department.
Cell Phones / electronic Devices
Please refrain from using your cell phones / electronic devices during class. I understand how important these devices are to you but emailing, texting, and/or surfing the web during class time is, in my mind, disruptive, inconsiderate, and rude.
Psych 1216 - Health Psychology (2151, #28366)
Please note that this schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or events. I will make every effort to follow this schedule but if it should change, you will be notified as soon as possible and arrangements will be made to minimize scheduling problems for you.
DateLecture Topic Assignment
Aug26Introduction
28Overview of Psych and Health1
Sept 2Physical Systems of the Body2
4
9Exam #1
11Stress: It’s Meaning and Impact3
16
18Stress, Biopsychosocial Factors, & Illness4
23
25No Class
30Coping with Stress5
Oct 2
7Exam #2
9Health-Related Behavior and Promotion 6
14Spring Break (??) Make-up Class for Mon, 13 Oct
16Substance Use and Abuse7
21
23Nutrition Weight Control, Diet, Exercise, & Safety8
28
30Exam #3
Nov 4The Nature and Symptoms of Pain11
6
11Managing and Controlling Clinical Pain12
13
18Exam #4
20Chronic Illness13
25
27No Class - Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Dec 2Heart Disease, Stroke, Cancer, & AIDS14
4
11FINAL EXAM #5 1:00-3:00, 211 Krebs
1