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Developmental Psychology
UndergraduateMAQ-PSYX2352019
Course information for 2019 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Dive into the development of the human mind. Learn how the brain changes from pregnancy to childhood, and adolescence through to adulthood. Consider how development is influenced by genes, the physical environments and social relationships.
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- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- -
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Developmental Psychology
About this subject
At the completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- Knowledge: Recall, recognise and describe key concepts of the major developmental theories. (Lectures, Textbook)
- Understanding: Describe the processes of development from conception through pregnancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood (Lectures, Textbook)
- Application: Apply developmental theories to various real-life scenarios to explain or predict observed human behaviour at different stages across the lifespan. (Lectures, Tutorials, Literature Review)
- Research Skills and Critical Analysis: Collect, integrate and critically evaluate a body of developmental research literature on a specified developmental topic.
- Academic writing: Clearly present a line of argument using a concise and clear academic writing style (APA Publication Manual, journal articles)
- 1. MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT Introduction, Overview of Theory, Approach to writing a literature review Prenatal Development, Genes, Environment Physical and Perceptual Development
- 2. MODULE 2 COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
- 3. MODULE 3 SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT A Temperament and Q&A Session Social-Emotional Development and Attachment
- 4. MODULE 4 SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT B Contexts for Development: Families & Parenting Gender Development Moral Development
- 5. MODULE 5 ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND AGEING Adolescence/Adult Development Adult Development Continued Death and Dying
This subject involves the study of how humans grow and change across the lifespan from conception until death. The subject consolidates and extends topics introduced in the developmental section of PSYC105. We explore developmental continuities and changes that are normative and common to most people, but also ways in which people differ from one another. In particular we focus on theories that seek to explain development and the extent to which development is influenced by genes, the physical environment, social relationships, and the context in which the individual lives. We survey major theories, research findings, and contemporary issues in physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and personality development across the life span. The tutorial sessions complement the lectures and focus on developmental research methodologies and practical applications of developmental theory.
- Open book (10%)
- Literature review (1500 words) (40%)
- Invigilated examination (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
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