Human Development (Conversion) (Online Distance Learning) EDUC5955

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Education
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Taught Wholly by Distance Learning: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course will explore the developmental changes individuals experience from infancy to adulthood. As part of this exploration, students will critically evaluate the main theoretical perspectives on how development occurs and engage in the debates surrounding the role of nature and nurture in development.

Timetable

None - to be developed

Requirements of Entry

2:1 honours degree or equivalent

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Assessment

 

1. Essay (70%). Students will submit an essay (1500 words) online on one subject from a selection of titles provided.

2. Application Paper (30%). Students will submit a written assignment (500 words) online which links theory and research to practice.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

The aims of this course are to:

 

- Promote an understanding of the developmental changes experienced from infancy to old age.
- Promote a critical evaluation of the main theoretical perspectives on how development occurs.
- Engage students in the debates surrounding the roles of nature and nurture in development.
- Explore the particular methodological complexities associated with research in this area.
- Critically review empirical evidence relevant to each of the areas discussed.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

- Critique and compare different theories of human development

- Identify and evaluate contemporary and historical debates relating to the role of nature and nurture in psychological development and the role of environmental and genetic factors in atypical development
- Assess ways in which developmental theory and research can inform educational, social and clinical practice

- Recognise the unique methodological and ethical complexities associated with research in developmental psychology
- Use psychological theory to demonstrate an understanding of the nature of social, cognitive, language, moral, and physical development across the lifespan
- Evaluate theories of social and emotional development

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.