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. Controversial issues, for example continuity v discontinuity in development, the nature of the interactions between nature and nurture in human development will be highlighted. 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 the ‘parenting' of their own ‘virtual child'.

To be arranged in consultation with students, but in 2009 assessment was based on 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.

PSYC1003 and PSYC1004 (or PSYC1001)

White, F., Hayes, B. & Livesey, D. (2010). Developmental Psychology: from infancy to adulthood. Pearson: Frenchs Forest, NSW.