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 within the biological approach will include 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 discuss debates and issues in developmental and biological psychology, such as, the nature vs. nurture debate, 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.

Essay (LO 1, 2 & 3) – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding, and ability to critically assess key issues, concepts, theories and research. As part of the essay assignment students will be required to reflect on how their understanding of specific concepts within the module and their academic skills have developed during the module.

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.

Lectures provide a basic framework of concepts, theories and research.

Classes also include interactive learning activities, such as workshops, group discussions, web-based activities, practical demonstrations and tests, oral presentations, and written formative and summative assessments.

During private study time, you will be expected to complete additional reading and consolidate the topics and concepts covered in class.

1. Describe the basic concepts, key issues and relevant research relating to developmental and biological psychology.

Knowledge and understanding

2. Demonstrate a reflective self-analysis of your academic skills.

Reflection

3. Discuss the key psychological debates and application of concepts introduced in this module and demonstrate introductory evaluation of developmental and biological psychology.

Application and problem-solving

Gross, R. (2020) Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (8th Edition), Hodder Education, London
Banyard, P., Dillon, G., Norman, C., & Winder, B. (Eds.). (2024). Essential psychology (Paperback ed.). SAGE Publications Ltd.

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. 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.