COURSE SYLLABUS

BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
3rd year 6-year MD
FALL/ SPRING SEMESTERS 2011/2012

COURSE COORDINATOR: Dorota Hędzelek PhD

Anna Leszczyńska-Rodziewicz MD,PhD

E-MAIL: [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS: Psychiatric Hospital, Szpitalna street, ward B
Wednesdays 11:00 - 13:00

COURSE INSTRUCTORS: Anna Leszczyńska – Rodziewicz MD, PhD

Aleksandra Rajewska –Rager Md, PhD
Magdalena Kosmowska MD

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Behavioral science is a branch of the sciences which is concerned with the study of
human and animal behavior. Behavioral science looks at individuals and their behavior along
with the behavior of societies, groups, and cultures, and processes which can contribute to
specific behaviors. It encompasses any of the various interrelated disciplines, such as psychiatry,
psychology, sociology, and anthropology, that observe and study human activity, including
psychological and emotional development, interpersonal relationships, values, and mores. It is a
science taking on the bio-psycho-social-cultural-spiritual perspective.
Learning behavioral science is an important part of becoming physicians. More and
more, professional and accrediting organizations are explicitly endorsing the necessity of
physicians being skilled and well trained in these areas.
Physicians themselves are increasingly aware of the importance of behavioral health and
psychiatric issues in their practices. No physician’s education would be complete without an
understanding of the role played by behavioral, social and cultural factors in human health and
disease, knowledge of the ways in which these factors can be modified, and an appreciation of
how personal life experiences influence physician–patient relationships.
Medical students with education in the behavioral and social sciences will be better
equipped to recognize patients’ risky behaviors and foster changes in those behaviors through
appropriate interventions.
Skills in the behavioral and social sciences are essential for the prevention of many
chronic diseases and for the effective management of patients with these diseases.
Communication skills, which are emphasized in the behavioral and social sciences, will assist
physicians in building therapeutic relationships with their patients and increase
the likelihood that patients will follow their advice. In addition, good communication skills and
the cross-disciplinary education discussed in this class will improve their ability to relate to their
colleagues in medicine, as well as other professionals.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES:

 1. To familiarize the students with relevant issues in behavioral science

2. To teach the students to conceptualize patient problems by using a bio-psycho-

social-cultural-spiritual formulation

3. To show the students how to apply the vast theoretical material through the use of
problem based learning

4. To prepare the students to obtain EXCELLENT scores on the NBME Behavioral

Sciences exam on April 2, 2011

III. REQUIRED TEXTS:

Fadem B., High-Yield Behavioral Science (High-Yield Series), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins;
Third edition, 2008.

Fadem B., Behavioral Science (Board Review Series), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Fifth
edition, 2009.

There will be an assigned required reading for each class. Complete assigned readings prior
to class session.

Recommended Readings:

Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry: Behavioral Sciences/ Clinical Psychiatry. Tenth
Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007.

Rapid Review Behavioral Science, Mosby; 2 edition, 2006.

IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA:

To pass you need to obtain min.- 70%

NBME exam 60%

Class participation 40%

___________________________________
100 %

NBME exam will take place on 10TH of March

V. CLASS SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNED READINGS:

CLASS TOPIC READINGS

SESSION

1 Unconcious Mental Processes/Psychoanalytic theory Chapter 6 BRS series

2 The Physician - Patient Relationship; communication Chapter 21 BRS series

in medical practice

3 Biological assessment of patients with psychiatric Chapter 5 BRS series

disorders

4 Defence mechanisms Chapter 6 BRS series

5 Psychological Therapies Chapter 17 BRS series

6 Psychiatric disorders in children Chapter 15 BRS series

7 Family culture and illness Chapter 18 BRS series

8 Dissociative & adjustment disorders, cognitive Chapter 14 BRS series

9 Personality disorders Chapter 14 BRS series

10 Agression and Abuse Chapter 20 BRS series

11 Anxiety disorders Chapter 13 BRS series

12 Human Sexuality & Gender Identity Disorders Chapter 19 BRS series

Abnormal Sexuality and Sexuality Disorders

13 Substance Related Disorders Chapter 9 BRS series

14 Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders Chapter 11 BRS series

15 Mood Disorders Chapter 12 BRS series

16 Somatoform, Factitious Disorders and Malingering Chapter 13 BRS series

17 Eating Disorders Chapter 14 BRS series

18 Biologic Therapies: Psychopharmacology Chapter 16 BRS series

19 Normal sleep & sleep disturbances Chapter 10 BRS series

VI. Classroom Policies and Procedures:

1. Attendance, Punctuality, and Group Participation

Since a lot of the learning experiences in this course are interactive and participatory,
attendance is mandatory. Attendance will be taken each class session. Consistent lateness,
missing class, and leaving class early will adversely affect grades.
Be prompt! It is essential for students to be punctual so as not to disrupt class
experiences for other students.

More than two (2) absences will result in a loss of points towards your final grade
unless there are extenuating circumstances that you discussed with the course
coordinator.

Student willingness to actively participate and contribute to learning experiences enhances

those experiences for the entire class. As a student, you bring enormous resources and
experiences which can enrich the classroom experience.

2. Instructor Availability – If, at anytime you wish to discuss any issue related to the
class with the coordinator or any of the instructors, do not hesitate to contact the given
person.

It is important to have this course be a productive and rewarding experience for

you. Therefore, contact us with any questions, concerns, ideas and suggestions you
have.

The coordinator reserves the right to modify the course syllabus as needed as the course
progresses and external events dictate. Any and all changes made will be announced
either by email and/or in class.