Department of Behavioral Science


David L. Brown, MD, PhD, Co-Chair
John Pettus, PhD, Co-Chair

Course Descriptions:
Behavioral Sciences
Biostatistics and Public Health
Jurisprudence and Medical Ethics

Behavioral Science
BEHS 610
This course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental principles of human behavior and development, with particular emphasis upon the role of behavior within the context of illness and the medical encounter. Data and theories that contribute to the understanding of normal human development and psychopathology are examined.

In addition to emphasizing psychological aspects of patient care within the general medical setting, the course provides an overview of the conceptual bases of psychiatry. A biopsychosocial perspective is viewed as essential in all aspects of patient care, including case conceptualization, diagnosis and treatment intervention.

The course presents an overview of several major psychological theories of human behavior, including psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive and biological models. Exposition of these systems leads to discussion of a number of topics, including systems of psychotherapy, behavior modification, biological/genetic bases of behavior, psychological assessment and psychopharmacological intervention.

An evidence-based approach is adopted in assessing treatment effectiveness, and data supporting the importance of a biopsychosocial approach to patient care is reviewed. There is an emphasis upon behavioral medicine/health psychology and the role of cognitive-behavioral approaches in the modification of risky health behavior.

Special attention is given to the crucial role of cultural factors within the doctor-patient encounter and health care setting and to the importance of cultural competence in the provision of medical care. The role of the family is noted within this context, and such life-disrupting disorders as substance abuse, domestic violence and child abuse are discussed with reference to the physician’s role and responsibility in terms of detection and intervention.

A final area of course emphasis involves the survey of those areas where behavior can be understood in terms of underlying genetics, neuroanatomy or neurotransmitters. This section compares the laboratory studies of stress and coping mechanisms with the related clinical syndromes. The foundations of the somatic therapies – psychosurgery, electroconvulsive therapy and psychopharmacology – are also discussed.



Biostatistics and Public Health
BEHS 620
The central theme of this course is the importance of preventive medicine. To develop this concept, the early parts of the course include lectures and exercises in biostatistics, epidemiology and public health. Students apply the tools of biostatistics and epidemiology to selected public health problems. Students meet in small groups with instructors to gain experience in solving public health problems and in reading the medical literature critically. How behavior, environment and politics influence health in different societies is also considered. The issues of financing and delivering medical care are discussed, along with the important changes in insurance systems, cost containment and the types of medical practice.

Jurisprudence and Medical Ethics BEHS630

The fundamental concepts of law that relate to the medical profession are covered in this course. The history and development of common law are discussed, and a comparison is made between the systems currently found in the United Kingdom, Grenada, and the United States. The fundamental concerns of society in the legislative, judicial, and administrative regulation of medical practice are emphasized. An overview is provided of the current and probable future expansion of society’s role in the regulation of the practice of medicine. The basic principles of malpractice, including the definition of negligence and the measure of damages, are stressed. The particular topics of informed consent, medical ethics, and confidentiality of medical records are presented. The course surveys the history of medical ethics, and compares the major views on such issues as the conflicts between different types of benefits to patients, the duties of a physician, patient autonomy, social ethics, and rationing of services of benefits to patients, the duties of a physician, patient autonomy, social ethics, and rationing of services.

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