Work Design, Well-being and Work
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PSTY4068 | Psychiatry and Applied Psychology | 4 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- PSTY4068
- School
- Psychiatry and Applied Psychology
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The course explores the role of individual, social and organisational factors in work environments and the promotion of well-being at work. Drawing from key literature in occupational health psychology, a major theme is work-related stress - its nature, causes and effects. The experience of stress offers one vehicle for understanding the link between those adverse working conditions and individual and organisational ill-health. The course also considers other major contemporary concerns such as bullying, harassment and violence. The focus of the course then shifts towards an exploration how these problems and others can be best controlled and managed through job design, the design of work environments and contemporary ergonomics. Various models of prevention and organisational interventions are suggested, covering both risk based perspectives, participatory approaches and positive psychological perspectives. Examples of interventions are considered both at the individual and organizational levels. Future challenges, both theoretical and practical are identified.
Target Students
Postgraduate students on the MSc in Occupational Psychology, MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology, MSc in Management Psychology within the Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology.
Classes
- One 4-hour lecture each week for
Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. Further Activity Details: Contact time: 30 hours; Self-managed learning groups: 20 hours; Personal study: 150 hours
Assessment
- 40% Presentation 1: Group presentation - 20 minute presentation.
- 60% Exam 1 (2-hour): 1 x 2 hour examination.
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
AIMS: Thecourse aims to provide students with knowledge about the interface between the design and management of work and health, with particular emphasis on work-related stress and contemporary ergonomics. OBJECTIVES: On completion of this course, students should be able to: i) understand and describe the interface between the design and management of work on the one hand, and individual and organisational health on the other, ii) illustrate this knowledge with reference to several contemporary workplace issues, iii) understand the basic principles of contemporary ergonomics and their relevance in dealing with specific occupational health and safety issues, e.g accidents, and iv) be able to design interventions which promote well-being at work.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding of:
A1 Sound knowledge of the theoretical basis for work/occupational psychology
A6 Sound knowledge and understanding of work design, well-being and work
A8 Competency in the application of the problem solving cycle to address applied problems, i.e. identifying needs; designing and implementing interventions; evaluating outcomes; critical reflection and review
A10 Knowledge and appreciation of the need for theory and evidence driven interventions in occupational and organisational settings and contexts.
Intellectual Skills:
B1 Analyse and interpret evidence
B2 Display the skills of problem-solving and reasoning
B3 Demonstrate independence of thought
B4 Appraise critically and evaluate
B6 Problem solve in relation to psychological, social and organisational issues in occupational/work/management psychology.
Professional/practical Skills
C1 Oral and written communication and presentation
C3 Teamwork
C4 Professional and ethical conduct
C6 Reflective practice
Transferable Skills
D2 Communicate effectively in writing
D3 Communicate effectively by oral presentation
D4 Retrieve information from databases and the internet
D6 Problem-solve in occupational/work/management psychology