Behavioral Sciences

This course introduces the principles and concepts of behavioral science. The topics covered include;

Principles of Psychology, Goals of Psychology, Personality, Human Learning, Memory, Perception, Medical Sociology, Social Anthropology, Classification of Psychological Disorders, Psycho-Socio Factors, Death and Dying, Human Behavior in Health and illness, Motivation, Emotions and Treatment of psychological, psycho-social and behavioral problems.

COURSE JUSTIFICATION/RATIONALE  

This course provides the student with the knowledge of behavioral sciences-psychology, sociology and anthropology necessary for understanding their application in clinical practice. Health effects can be created or exacerbated by harmful behaviors (smoking, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and risky sexual behaviors). Similarly, psychological, social, biological, and behavioral factors have been shown to influence disease risk and illness recurrence. Such mind–body interactions and behavioral influences on health and disease are important concepts to which medical students should be exposed. Students should also graduate with an understanding of how their background and beliefs can affect patient care and their own well-being; how they can best interact with patients and their families; how cultural issues influence health care; and how social factors, such as health policy and economics, affect physicians' ability to provide optimal care for their patients. 

COURSE AIM  

The course aims to equip students with knowledge and skills needed to describe, identify and compare psychological behaviors, and understand the basic principles and goals of psychology, medical sociology and social anthropology.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES   

At the end of the course, students will be able to: 

• Describe the basic principles and goals of psychology, medical sociology and social anthropology. 
  
• Identify psychological disorders and factors that affect health in the community.  
  
• Correlate the relationships between human behavior, health and illness. 
• Compare African traditional and western medicines in trying to deliver service on human health. 
• Use relevant psychotherapy methods applied in managing psychological, psycho-social and behavioral problems. 

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