Psychoneuroimmunology refers to the ways in which psychological processes interact with the functioning of the body’s neuronal and immune systems. The purpose of this module is to present information necessary to interpret the current literature in psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) and to design research in this area. After an initial introduction to basic brain, behaviour and immunology systems, students will explore some contemporary topics such as the nature of ‘sick behaviour’, the effects of chronic stress, and the effects of lifestyle on immune functioning.
Aims
This module aims to enable students to broaden their understanding of the body’s physical systems and their cross talk, with particular focus on the brain-immune interaction. Students will develop their appreciation of the complexity of behaviour and its relationship to immune and environmental factors. The module aims to provide students with clear explanation of theories of the interaction between the brain and the immune system and an understanding of the role of control in health and illness. They will satisfy their curiosity about the role of lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and yoga on health and be able to provide explanations of these processes not only to the examiner, but to friends and employers.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:
1. Describe how the immune system impacts on brain activity
2. Evaluate the appropriateness of diet and physical activity on health outcomes.
3. Describe the effect of inflammation on normal and abnormal behaviour.
Aims
This module aims to enable students to broaden their understanding of the body’s physical systems and their cross talk, with particular focus on the brain-immune interaction. Students will develop their appreciation of the complexity of behaviour and its relationship to immune and environmental factors. The module aims to provide students with clear explanation of theories of the interaction between the brain and the immune system and an understanding of the role of control in health and illness. They will satisfy their curiosity about the role of lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and yoga on health and be able to provide explanations of these processes not only to the examiner, but to friends and employers.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:
1. Describe how the immune system impacts on brain activity
2. Evaluate the appropriateness of diet and physical activity on health outcomes.
3. Describe the effect of inflammation on normal and abnormal behaviour.