Distance learning with real -time participation in online meetings . Lectures/online meeting will be held on Teams.

This course describes trauma in childhood and adulthood, including violence, accidents, disasters and life-threatening illness and their association with mental and physical health. Emphasis will be placed on introducing the scientific foundation of the trauma field and understanding scientific articles in this area. The main topics of the course include:

• Prevalence of traumatic events and acute stress reactions.
• Mental health problems following trauma, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, substance abuse and prolonged grief.
• The disease burden of trauma, due to e.g., cardiovascular diseases, cancers, autoimmune diseases, and suicide.
• The influence of environmental and genetic factors in the development of psychological and physical diseases following trauma.
• Factors that promote recovery post-trauma and reduce the risk of long-term health problems.
• Evidence-based treatment options for PTSD.

The course is intended for students who want to increase their scientific knowledge of the relationship between trauma and health. It is only intended for postgraduate students. The course consists of lectures by the main supervisor and selected guest speakers who are experts in the field of trauma. Emphasis will be placed on discussions and active participation of students.

That students gain:

• Knowledge of risk factors for the development of health problems following trauma
• Knowledge of the prevalence and symptoms of common mental health outcomes following trauma
• Knowledge of common diseases following trauma
• Insight into how to prevent/reduce long-term health problems among those exposed to trauma

Application procedure: Students apply via The University of Iceland’s Aurora application portal, where they log in using their home university credentials. All students must attach a copy of their current transcript from their home institution and the information page of their passport or another form of valid travel ID to their application. Applications will be answered by the end of December.