Students will be introduced to the key concepts within developmental and biological psychology. Topics within the developmental approach will include, attachment, maternal deprivation and moral development. Topics will include areas such as attachment, the role of hormones and brain structure. To inform these concepts, students will be introduced to classic and contemporary research studies in both developmental and biological psychology. Students will cover research methods, including, observations, correlations and longitudinal research. Students will discuss debates and issues in developmental and biological psychology, such as, the nature vs. nurture debate, and reductionism and determinism. The concept of inclusivity within psychology will be covered through topics such as the consideration of the universality of attachment types in developmental psychology. The module also includes areas of applied psychology linked to developmental and biological psychology. In these areas students will apply the knowledge of key areas to real-life situations, such as autism in education and explanations for aggression. In order to provide students with key employability skills and to prepare for level 4 study, students will undertake study skills sessions, including, accessing library databases and journal articles, and collaborative IT skills. Independent study time will be spent engaging in wider reading and formative assessment.

Poster (LO 1 & 4) – Produce an academic poster of a non-experimental research project
Essay (LO 1, 2 & 3) – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding, and ability to critically assess key issues, concepts, theories and research.

Formative Assessment¿
Formative learning to prepare for the essay will take the form of practice evaluation/analysis paragraph construction, extended writing tasks to improve literacy, and opportunities to find and review academic literature.

Formative learning to prepare for the poster presentation will take the form of peer review and teacher feedback of draft posters and practice opportunities for presentation skills.

Lecture / workshop sessions (135 hours). Lectures provide a basic framework of concepts, theories and research. Classes also include interactive learning activities, such as workshops, group discussion, web based activities, practical demonstrations and tests, oral presentations, and written formative and summative assessments. In their own private study time, students will be expected to complete wider reading and consolidation of the topics and concepts covered in class.

Describe the basic concepts, key issues and relevant research relating to developmental and biological psychology, and non-experimental research methodology.
Knowledge & Understanding¿

Demonstrate introductory evaluation of the concepts, key issues and relevant research relating to developmental and biological psychology, and non-experimental research methodologies.
Analysis, Enquiry

Discuss some of the key psychological debates introduced in this module.
Learning

Use knowledge of non-experimental research methodology to carry out and write up a practical research project including an analysis of results.
Enquiry, Problem-solving, Psychology Research Skills, Communication

Library access to relevant textbooks, journals, ebooks

Internet access to relevant websites and online databases

Gross, R. (2020) Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (8th Edition), Hodder Education, London

Eysenck, M.W. (2000). Psychology: A student’s handbook. Taylor & Francis Ltd, London

Dawson, C. (2019). Introduction to Research Methods 5th Edition: A Practical Guide for Anyone Undertaking a Research Project (5th Edition). Robinson, London

On this module you will learn the basic concepts within developmental and biological psychology. You will study topics such as attachment, maternal deprivation, moral development, the structures of the brain and central nervous system, localisation of brain function and brain plasticity. To illustrate these concepts, you will be introduced to classic and contemporary research studies within developmental and biological psychology, alongside current issues and debates, including nature vs. nurture debate and reductionism and determinism. You will apply the knowledge you have learnt to applied issues such as autism in education, the impact of advertising on children and explanations for aggression.

On this module you will continue to learn the basic concepts of non-experimental research methods, including observations, correlations and longitudinal research. In order to support your study skills within this module you will undertake sessions on accessing library databases and journal articles, and collaborative IT skills.