Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101682

Coordinator Karen Mattock Opens in new window

Description Structured around an overview of lifespan development including diversity, this subject explores the holistic nature of growth and development through developmental theory and research. This subject highlights the interactive nature of three main areas of development: biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to end of life. The subject encourages observation as a means for understanding development and promoting individual wellbeing. Indigenous Australian knowledges and perspectives are integrated into the subject alongside an appreciation of the richness of diverse cultural contexts.

School Psychology

Discipline Behavioural Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) BEHV 1018

Restrictions

Note that only students enrolled at WSU Online may register in the WSU Online subjects offered at that location.

Assumed Knowledge

Basic understanding of core concepts of personality, social and developmental psychology.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Apply contemporary theories, principles, and research in developmental psychology across the lifespan to developmental domains (cognitive, physical, learning and social-emotional) and their interrelationships. (APAC Graduate Attributes (GA) 1.1i, 1.1ii, 1.1iii, 1.1v, 1.1.vi, 1.1ix, 1.1x, 1.1.xi, 1.1xii, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6) 
2. Analyse risk factors in child development, including interprofessional perspectives, and their potential developmental impacts. (APAC GA 1.1iii, 1.1ix, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6)
3. Evaluate developmental theories and practice approaches from cross-cultural and Indigenous Australian knowledge and perspectives. (APAC GA 1.1iii, 1.1ix, 1.1xi, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6)
4. Critically analyse personally held values, feelings and attitudes in to developmental psychology. (APAC GA 1.1ix, 1.2, 1.6)

Subject Content

1. Historical context and research methodologies in lifespan development
2. Biological basis of development
3. Physical and motor development through the life span
4. Physical development and ageing
5. Perceptual and language development across the lifespan
6. Cognitive development through the life span
7. Moral development
8. Early childhood and social emotional development: attachment and it's significance in human development
9. The self, personality and individual differences in development
10. Social and emotional development across the lifespan
11. Impact of child abuse and neglect - the effects on physical, psychological and emotional development; promoting resilience; developing knowledge of child protection matters and mandatory reporting and interprofessional perspectives.
12. Cross cultural and indigenous perspectives in lifespan development
13. End of life issues-death dying and bereavement