Units
Developmental Psychology
Unit code: PYB203
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit provides an introduction to life span developmental psychology. It unit covers the major theories of life span development and includes biological, social and cognitive aspects of development from birth through to old age. It emphasises the interdependency of all aspects of development and the importance of the physical, family, socio-cultural and historical contexts within which development occurs. The unit aims to develop the student's understanding of general patterns of human development and of the ways in which the development of particular individuals and groups may vary from these general patterns.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit is designed to introduce you to the major theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of developmental psychology, and to encourage you to consider the major life issues, events, and transitions that shape the course of development throughout the lifespan.
Aims
- To introduce you to the major theoretical perspectives which have been applied to the study of human development, and to consider how these theories relate to the major life events and transitions which occur across the lifespan.
- To develop your awareness of general patterns of human development and of the ways in which the development of particular individuals and groups, for example indigenous Australians, may vary from these general patterns.
- To develop your awareness of the importance of the physical, family, socio-cultural and historical contexts within which development occurs, and a sense of the interdependency of all aspects of development.
- To increase your curiosity about developmental processes, and to deepen your interest in, and concern for, developing individuals.
Objectives
On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- Understand and evaluate the major theoretical perspectives that have been applied to the study of human development
- Explain the key processes underlying human development across the lifespan and appreciate the impact of context and culture on these processes
- Interpret and critically evaluate research in developmental psychology
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work within a team to manage a project to completion
Content
The lectures follow a general chronological order through the lifespan. Cognitive, social and physical aspects of development are addressed. There are also a number of special topic lectures covering issues such as Children and Trauma,and Human Development in an Indigenous Context.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The three hours of class time each week comprises a 2-hour lecture and 1-hour tutorial. The lecture will cover theory and research in developmental psychology. In tutorials, students will participate in exercises and activities designed to clarify and deepen their understanding of important concepts covered in the lectures. The tutorials will also provide students with key information for successful completion of the assessment tasks.
Assessment
In addition to submitting hard copies of your assessment you are required to electronically submit all written assignments through SafeAssign for content matching checks.
Assessment name:
Group Oral Presentation
Description:
This assessment task is designed to develop your skills in working in teams, managing a project to completion, and presenting effectively to an audience. You will be required to prepare a 20 minute group presentation where you will demonstrate your ability to evaluate and utilise relevant research evidence to support an argument related to an issue in developmental psychology.
Relates to objectives:
3, 4
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group
Due date:
In tutorials
Assessment name:
Essay
Description:
This assessment task is designed to further your understanding of a key area of developmental psychology and to develop your skills in critical evaluation and utilising research evidence to support a written argument.
You will be required to submit a written essay based on a set topic in developmental psychology. The written assignment will be 2000 words, and should provide a comprehensive discussion and critical evaluation of relevant research evidence.
Relates to objectives:
1-4
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Mid Semester
Assessment name:
Final Examination
Description:
The final examination will cover content discussed in lectures, tutorials, and the assigned readings.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Exam Period
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Required Text
Hoffnung, M., Hoffnung, R. J., Seifert, K.L., Burton Smith, R., Hine, A., Ward, L., & Quinn, A. (2010). Lifespan development (1st Australasian Edition) Sydney: Wiley.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 11-Jul-2012
