A free online public course on The Science of Health and Happiness has been launched by the Centre for Positive Psychology and Health at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Beginning on 3 March, this free ten-week course will explore how the principles of positive psychology and lifestyle medicine can be used to improve our health and optimise our well-being. It will cover a range of topics including whole person health, strengths, mindfulness and meditation, and obstacles and paths to happiness.

It will also examine happiness throughout the life-cycle and share strategies aimed at fostering health and happiness in childhood and adolescence and in ageing.

The RCSI Centre for Positive Health and Psychology is a unique academic centre that combines the scientific principles of positive psychology and lifestyle medicine to enhance health and happiness.

Centre Director, Professor Ciaran O'Boyle, said: "We are delighted to bring this course to the public during a time when it has never been needed more.

"The COVID crisis has accelerated a global focus on health and well-being. We already know that the virus will have far-reaching and long-lasting implications, not least on our resilience and mental health. This course will support people to better understand the science behind their own health and happiness so that they know how to stay well, develop their resilience and learn to flourish."

The course will be delivered by Professor O'Boyle; Dr Trudy Meehan, Senior Clinical Psychologist specialising in child and adolescent mental health, and lecturer at the RCSI Centre for Positive Psychology and Health; and Dr Pádraic Dunne, immunologist, practicing psychotherapist and meditation teacher, and lecturer at the RCSI Centre for Positive Psychology and Health.

Consisting of 10 online lectures, released at a rate of one per week, this flexible course is free of charge and open to anyone interested in improving their health and well-being. Visit this page for more information or to sign up.