This course focuses on human development during childhood and adolescence. All key areas, cognition, language, emotion, and social and motor skill, will be discussed. The biological foundations of psychological development and the psychoanalytical, behavioural, and cognitive theories which provided the basis of modern developmental psychology provide an underlying integrative thread. as do key themes, for example continuity v discontinuity in development, and the interactions between nature and nurture in human development. The laboratory program will provide students with more in depth information about specific aspects of development, guide them through the process of writing an essay in which 2 opposing ideas about a single topic are presented in an unbiased way, and critiqued, and provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge of development gained in the course to current social dilemmas.

To be arranged in consultation with students, but in 2008 assessment was exercises in laboratories (10%), a written assignment (30%) and mid-semester (30%) and end of semester exams (30%). Exams include both multiple-choice and short answer questions. At least one exam must be passed to pass the course.

Two- hours of lectures per week and 6 x 3 hour laboratories spread over the semester.

PSYC1001 or (PSYC1003 and PSYC1004)