This module will allow students to develop their knowledge about theories, debates, and research findings in developmental and biological psychology.

The module takes a life-span perspective covering a range of typical and atypical developments from prenatal to ageing. Developmental psychology content will incorporate prenatal, attachment, cognitive development, typical and atypical development in adolescence and adulthood, and older ageing. Biological psychology content will incorporate typical and atypical brain development, brain structure and function, psychopharmacology, behavioural genetics, hormones and behaviour. Individual differences will also be included in the content. Topics may change annually to reflect the debates at the forefront of developmental and biological psychology, but topics could include prenatal development, sensation and perception, learning and memory, neurodiversity, mental illness, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Students will complete two online MCQ class tests.

MCQs will assess learning outcome 1.

Unseen examination (essay question from choice of topics) will assess learning outcome 2.

Students will apply their knowledge in response to the essay questions by drawing on biological and developmental psychology research. This may include explaining how environmental factors, genetics, and behavioural epigenetics influence development; how neurotransmitter dysfunction underlies ADHD symptoms and how pharmacological and psychosocial interventions help alleviate these symptoms; or how biopsychosocial changes are associated with the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Formative assessment opportunities will be available during seminar sessions. Practice online MCQs and essay questions will also be available, and students will gain feedback for their performance on these. Assessment support sessions will also be provided to facilitate preparation for approaching assessments.

Learning and teaching activities include lectures, seminars, assessment preparation sessions, and drop-in support sessions. Lectures will introduce and integrate knowledge of theories, debates and research findings in developmental and biological psychology on key points of the lifespan.

Seminars will allow students to gain and develop contemporary knowledge, issues and debates in developmental and biological psychology. This will be done through group discussions, practical experience of a variety of practical experimental techniques and the development of transferable skills such as literature searching techniques and reading a journal article. In some instances, material may also be delivered through other media such as video clips, blackboard and technical demonstrations.

1. Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles and debates relevant to core areas of developmental and biological psychology across the lifespan.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Integrate and critically evaluate knowledge from developmental and biological psychology and apply this to issues and debates in lifespan development.

Application and Problem solving

Carlson, N. R., & Birkett, M. A. (2022). Physiology of Behavior. Pearson Higher Ed.

Lansford, J. C., French, L. E., & Gauvain, M. (2021). Child and adolescent development in cultural context. American Psychological Association

The module takes a life-span perspective covering a range of typical and atypical developments from prenatal to ageing. You will learn about cognitive, emotional and socially typical and atypical development. Special attention will be given to the biological underpinnings of typical and atypical development.