Applied Developmental and Paediatric Psychology

Description

This course aims to provide students with an advanced framework for exploring developmental issues and concerns that may affect children and families. Students will be encouraged to develop an understanding of key developmental processes spanning prenatal development through adolescence. Emphasis is placed on the application of contemporary research to children in a range of contexts. Students will also have an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in the review of developmental research and will undertake a systematic literature review of recent research in an approved topic. In addition, they will be asked to apply information from research to a case study problem. This course is designed for individuals who are working with (or intend to work with) children and families in educational or clinical settings and for students who wish to pursue a research career in the areas of child and family psychology, early intervention, counselling, special education and related fields.

Specific Course Objectives
The objectives of the course are:
• To broaden student’s understanding of research design and application of research skills in applied developmental psychology so that students can better access, understand, evaluate and practice research related to education, child and family psychology and early intervention.
• To develop a critical awareness and understanding of the multiple contexts, pathways and mechanisms of development and an appreciation of the transactional influences of biological, socio-familial and cultural factors over childhood and adolescence.
• To encourage students to apply these concepts to a range of developmental and paediatric issues, including for example: 1) difficulties in the school setting; 2) family processes; 3) the understanding of risk and protective factors. Students will also be encouraged to apply these concepts to a hypothetical case study of a child.