Introductory Course in Behavioural Science

Aim

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Term 1 – 30 ECTS

• Describe key sustainability concepts and explain sustainability from various perspectives
• Describe central sociological theories and concepts related to societies, individuals, and groups
• Describe key concepts and theories of learning in different contexts
• Explain how unpredictability and complexity in educational situations affect teaching and learning, and describe how to make well-informed decisions in such contexts
• Describe central psychological theories and concepts to explain human thinking and behavior
• Describe the biopsychosocial model and how it can be applied to disability and impairment
• Describe how biological, psychological, and social factors can influence the emergence and experience of disability in different contexts
• Apply theoretical knowledge from various behavioral science disciplines to understand human behavior and socially important issues
• Identify and explain how values vary between individuals and over time, and reflect on how these relate to different aspects of sustainability and behavioral science
• Identify information needs, use relevant search tools, and critically review search results
• Discuss and reflect independently and collaboratively on behavioral science and sustainability from various theoretical perspectives

Term 2 – 30 ECTS

• Describe fundamental epistemological approaches and schools of thought within behavioral science, focusing on disability and society, sociology, psychology, and pedagogy
• Describe and critically reflect on key concepts, theories, models, and research findings in behavioral science, and integrate theories related to disability and society, pedagogy, psychology, and sociology
• Formulate and discuss questions from the perspectives of diversity, including class, gender, and ethnicity, in relation to behavioral science theories
• Identify researchable problems, discuss possible solutions, and reflect on how these relate to a sustainable society
• Identify information needs, use relevant search tools, and critically review search results related to behavioral science
• Discuss and reflect independently and collaboratively on behavioral science and sustainability

Content

The course is divided into nine modules. The first module, "Behavioral Science and Sustainability", runs throughout the first semester and frames the other four modules.The module "Behavioral Science and Sustainability 2" runs throughout the second semester.

Behavioral Science and Sustainability – 6 ECTS

This module introduces fundamental concepts and various perspectives on sustainability. Based on the content of the other modules, it explores how behavioral science knowledge can be applied to understand human behavior, identify socially important issues, and promote a sustainable society. The module also includes sustainability competencies such as systems thinking, interdisciplinarity, value-based judgment, and collaboration.

The Societal Perspective – 6 ECTS

This module covers basic macro-sociological theory and concepts, with an emphasis on classical theories. It also addresses basic micro-sociological theory and concepts, focusing on both classical and modern perspectives. Macro- and micro-sociological theories are used to shed light on current societal issues.

Thinking and Behavior – 6 ECTS

This module explores the history and theoretical perspectives of psychology. It covers areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, personality psychology, clinical psychology, and social psychology, focusing on the thinking and behavior of individuals and groups.

Processes of Change and Influence – 6 ECTS

This module examines learning from various perspectives, based on the idea that humans develop throughout life and are constantly influencing and being influenced by their environment. It also explores what promotes learning in different situations and how the choice of pedagogical perspective can act as either a barrier or a driver for sustainability. Given the complexity of educational situations, the module includes knowledge about what is required to make well-informed decisions in such contexts.

Disability and Society – 6 ECTS

This module addresses disability and impairment based on the biopsychosocial model. The biological level covers body structures and functions and related impairments. The psychological level focuses on individual factors and how these may contribute to the experience of disability in interaction with the environment. The social level examines external factors and societal structures and how these can either reduce or reinforce an individual's participation in society.

Behavioral Science and Sustainability 2 – 6 ECTS

This module connects with the content of the other modules by focusing on problem formulation and future competencies. It adopts an exploratory approach to behavioral science phenomena, identifying researchable problems, discussing possible solutions, and reflecting on how these relate to a sustainable society. The module also includes basic academic communication.

Theme: Health and Disability – 8 ECTS

This module addresses health from an interdisciplinary perspective, considering both individual and societal factors. It also examines how different conditions affect an individual's ability to participate in society. Biological, psychological, and social aspects of disability are explored, based on both acquired and developmental conditions. Social, ecological, and economic sustainability are discussed in relation to health and disability.

Theme: Identity and Learning – 8 ECTS

This module explores how personal and others' values influence learning, identity, actions, and decision-making. It also examines how different conditions, backgrounds, and identities can affect learning and decision-making, based on the idea that humans develop throughout life and are constantly influenced by their environment. Furthermore, it investigates how interventions, values, and systems shape the opportunities and limitations individuals face in society.

Theme: Everyday Life and Work – 8 ECTS

This module examines the development and structure of work and everyday life over time from sociological, psychological, and pedagogical perspectives, particularly in relation to disability. It considers both individual and societal factors. The module also addresses how individuals, based on their abilities and societal demands, relate to work and everyday life in a sustainable society. It explores what it means to live and work in families, groups, and teams, and focuses on how the balance between everyday life and work changes throughout life.