Pre-requisites

PS811.406 Introduction to Psychology

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• Synthesise the biological basis of lifespan development by explaining changes in the central nervous system from neural induction to end-of-life which impact behaviour, cognition, emotion, mind and a sense of self.

• Evaluate key theories, their usefulness/limitations and their inter-dependence from the various discipline areas that developmental psychology draws upon as well as the additional impact of gender and culture on development.

• Critique notions of wholeness, happiness, fulfilment and dignity. Communicate these ideas in the context of current definitions of ‘abnormal’ and therapeutic best practice for each discipline area.

• Assess and judge the presence of common developmental problems/disorders and make evaluations in terms of their aetiology, presentation and treatment.

• Evaluate researched ideas appropriate to lifespan development.

Unit Description

Human Lifespan Development introduces students to a range of Psychology discipline areas within the context of change and development. This unit has two broad themes. The first theme looks at specific discipline areas within developmental psychology. This unit commences with the embryology of the central nervous system. Issues such as: personality and emotional development, cognitive development (inc. intelligence and language), social development (including theory of mind) and moral/spiritual development across the lifespan are then introduced. The second theme sets out to identify critical times of life, from infancy to death, and for each integrates the above discipline areas. For each critical time of life the biological basis of behaviour is considered. As part of this second theme issues pertinent to normal vs. abnormal development are discussed. Clinical indicators of abnormal development and appropriate interventions for common issues/disorders will be discussed. Further, discussion will explore notions of the ‘good life’, self-actualisation and what it means to live and die with dignity.

Teaching Strategies

Teaching strategies include: lectures and tutorials; weekend schools; class discussions; role plays and practice of skills within class; presentation of instructional material in the form of printed documentation, DVD, video and audio tape and online interaction.

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Unit offerings

Face to face: (Every Year, Semester 2)

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.