Unit name | Nutrition and Behaviour |
---|---|
Unit code | PSYC31052 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1A (weeks 1 - 6) |
Unit director | Professor. Jeff Brunstrom |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
Level 5 Psychology |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Psychological Science |
Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
The unit examines the inter-relationships between nutrition and behavior and their implications for health and psychological well-being. Major topics covered are appetite and weight control (including obesity and dieting); eating disorders; food preferences; dietary influences on mood and cognitive function; caffeine psychopharmacology; and food craving and "addiction". An underlying theme to these topics is the interplay of biological, psychological and social processes influencing behavior.
Key expected outcomes of the course are a critical understanding of eating behaviour (appetite and food choice) and the impact of diet on psychological functioning, and recognition of the contribution of psychology to this field. Related to this is an appreciation of the value of integrating ideas from different areas of psychology. Students will gain knowledge of the scientific methods used in the field of nutrition and behaviour, and will develop the ability to evaluate relevant contemporary research findings and theories. For students with little or no background in physiology or biology some early preparatory reading (e.g., Frayn, 1996) would be useful.
This unit comprises 18 x 60 minute lectures and tutorials.
Coursework: 1x 2000 word essay
Examination: 1 x 2.5 hour exam, May/June 2012
Final Grade: based on 30% coursework and 70% exam
RECOMMENDED TEXTS:
NOTE: Other reviews will be recommended for the core topics covered in this unit.