Unit Outline

This unit introduces you to major theoretical and empirical perspectives on the psychology of health and wellbeing. It examines the psychosocial determinants of health and wellbeing as well as psychological theories of health promotion and illness prevention. Issues relating to the psychological aspects of illness causation and interpretation, prevention, and the management of chronic disease will be explored. Further, the unit will examine major sources of stress and models of stress and coping. Mechanisms, theories and principles of behaviour change will be explored, as well as communication skills needed to work with groups and individuals engaging in behaviour change. As such, experience in team-building will feature in this unit as you will serve as a resource for each other's learning experience.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Explain individual and population-based approaches to health, wellbeing, and coping.
2	Apply theoretical and empirical knowledge to explain and predict health behaviour.
3	Appraise the impacts of cross-cultural differences, gender, socioeconomic status, disease and chronic illness on health behaviour.
4	Communicate psychological health and well-being concepts for a range of audiences.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	25 points at introductory level
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	KHA359

Alterations as a result of student feedback

As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit in 2026, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s Unit Survey following your completion of the unit.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Health Infographic and Written Evaluation	Week 6	35 %	LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Case Study (Individual assessment task)	Week 10	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Final Exam	Exam Period	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Health Infographic and Written Evaluation

Task Description:

You will design a visual health communication resource (Part A) and submit an accompanying written evaluation (Part B). The task requires application of psychological and public health principles to support behaviour change, with consideration of the intended audience.

Task Length:

1 single-sided A4 infographic (Part A); 800-word written reflection (Part B)

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	The infographic identifies a target population, highlights a relevant health behaviour, and conveys a clear message consistent with established guidelines.	LO4
2	The infographic shows clear use of health behaviour theory by addressing key constructs to influence change.	LO2
3	The infographic is visually appealing, clearly organised, and uses text and visuals to communicate key messages in an engaging and accessible way for the target audience.	LO4
4	The written evaluation supports the choice of population and behaviour with relevant evidence and demonstrates understanding of the theoretical framework informing the infographic.	LO2
5	The written evaluation explains how the infographic design was informed by the needs and characteristics of the target population.	LO3
6	The written evaluation communicates ideas clearly and coherently in an appropriate reflective style.	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Case Study (Individual assessment task)

Task Description:

You will be presented with a case study describing a health promotion program and asked to identify psychological factors that may be involved. Subsequently, you will produce a written report that collates and synthesises empirical research to inform and improve the program.

Task Length:

1,200 words maximum

Due Date:

Week 10

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identifies and explains key program challenges using health psychology concepts and theories taught in the unit.	LO2
2	Develops clear, practical, and context-sensitive recommendations that are informed by theory, supported by evidence, and grounded in unit content.	LO1, LO2
3	Selects and integrates credible academic and public health sources to support analysis, with evidence explicitly linked to challenges and recommendations.	LO2
4	Communicates in a clear, concise, and professional manner, using an accessible style appropriate for stakeholder audience and maintaining consistent focus.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Final Exam

Task Description:

The exam will be designed to assess the interpretation and application of knowledge, comprehension skills, and critical thinking skills rather than only knowledge recall.
The exam will be available and submitted through MyLO.

Task Length:

2 hour exam

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply theoretical and empirical knowledge and critical reasoning skills to define, explain, predict and evaluate health behaviour in a variety of contexts.	LO1, LO2, LO3
2	Effectively communicate your understanding of relevant topics in health	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.