Principles of Psychoneuroimmunology

Catalog description

An introduction course to the field of psychoneuroimmunology. Topics to be covered include a description of the principal components of the immune system and their function in the maintenance of health and prevention of illness. Topics of interest to be covered within the framework of a biopsychosocial model include: the effect of psychosocial stress on the immune system, the role of the immune system in the development of various diseases (viral infections, allergies, cancer, autoimmune disorders), the relationship between the immune system and psychopathology, and a discussion of lifestyle management techniques to enhance immune function.