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 (and death). Cognitive, emotional and social typical and atypical development will be covered. The full range of influences on development will be considered (e.g., physical, biological, cognitive, social, emotional). However, special attention will be given to the biological underpinnings of development including sensation and perception, learning and memory, and neurotypical and atypical development.

Students will complete an online MCQ exam, split across 2 time points over the module presentation.

MCQs assess learning outcomes 1 & 3.
Unseen exam (essay question) assesses learning outcome 2 & 4

Formative assessment opportunities would be available during seminar sessions. Practice MCQs and essay questions will 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.

Scheduled learning and teaching activities will be made up of 50 hours of lectures and seminars/workshops.

Lectures will introduce and integrate knowledge of theories, debates and research findings in developmental and biological psychology on key points of the lifespan.

Workshops 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 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.

Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of a range of theories and empirical research, relating to the core areas of developmental and biological psychology
Knowledge and Understanding
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and critical evaluation of approaches to research within core areas of developmental and biological psychology
Analysis

Understand contemporary issues and debates in a range of theories, empirical research, and issues relating to developmental and biological psychology
Learning

Integrate and reflect on knowledge across developmental and biological psychology and its application to lifespan development
Application

Use of a suitable VLE (e.g.¿Blackboard, Teams)¿
Library access to relevant textbooks and journals¿
Internet access the relevant websites and online academic databases.¿
Access to HSL
Access to Observation Suite
Access to specialist equipment such as eyeblink, biopacs, eye-tracker, driving simulator

Boyd, D., & Bee, H. (2015). Lifespan Development (Global 7th Ed). Pearson

Carlson, N. & Birkett, M.A. (2017). Physiology of Behaviour (12th edition). Boston, Allyn and Bacon.

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

Mash, E.J. & Wolfe, D.A. (2017). Abnormal child psychology (International 7th ed.). Cengage Learning

Pinel, J.P.J. (2014). Biopsychology. (9th edition). Boston, Allyn and Bacon.

Be registered on the MSc Psychology degree.

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 development including sensation and perception, learning and memory, and neurotypical and atypical development.

Students will complete an online MCQ exam, split across 2 time points over the module presentation.

MCQs assess learning outcomes 1 & 3.

Unseen exam (essay question) assesses learning outcome 2 & 4

Formative assessment opportunities would be available during seminar sessions. Practice MCQs and essay questions will 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.