PY3EBL-Eating behaviours across the lifespan

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: PY2RM Research Methods and Data Analysis or PY2RMP Research methods in Psychology and PY2DAL Development across the lifespan
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Sarah Snuggs
Email: sarah.snuggs@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module examines development of and changes in eating behaviours across the lifespan from infancy through to older adulthood. This includes the development of typical eating behaviours and food preferences in childhood and adolescence, as well as specific eating-related topics including obesity, disordered eating and dieting. It will draw on health psychology and clinical psychology research methods and will also consider relevant interventions that are designed to support individuals with their eating.   

This module is delivered at University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia.

Aims:

• Enable students to study and critique evidence relating to a range of eating behaviours including typical and atypical development of these. 


• Provide knowledge and understanding of how individuals develop their eating behaviours and styles from an early age and through adulthood.


• Help students to understand the clinical and health impact of harmful eating behaviours. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

1. Critically examine evidence pertaining to the development and progression of a variety of eating behaviours (including healthy and unhealthy behaviours).


2. Understand a selection of theories thought to underpin this development.


3. Develop knowledge around the mechanisms involved in sustaining changes in eating behaviours. 


4. Evaluate the methods used to measure health behaviours.

Additional outcomes:

Students will experience a range of teaching methods and will be able to participate in critical discussion and debate, as well as small group work. 

Outline content:

The module comprises 7 2-hour seminars. These will involve short lectures, whole class discussions and group work during which students will explore the theories, mechanisms and interventions involved in healthy and unhealthy eating. Learning in interactive seminars is supported through weekly screencasts containing core content which students can watch in their own time.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Seminars involve lectures, whole class discussion and group work.  

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		14
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		10
Wider reading (directed)		28
Exam revision/preparation		25
Peer assisted learning		6
Other		7
Preparation for seminars		3
Completion of formative assessment tasks		2
Group study tasks		2
Reflection		3
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Short Answer Question (SAQ) exam in the summer term.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Students will have the opportunity to practice and answer short answer questions during the seminar sessions (i.e. in groups). Students will also have the opportunity to provide the module convenor with an independently written answer to one short answer question for comment and feedback in preparation for the exam.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.  

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in August resit period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 18 September 2023