Developmental Psychology, 15 credits

Passed results of the first and second semester (30 credits and at least 15 credits, respectively) of the Study Programme in Psychology.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

Module 1, Developmental psychology 1: Childhood and adolescence

• account for and compare the different theoretical perspectives within developmental psychology
• describe the general development of children and adolescents concerning psychological functions, for example sensory motor functions, cognitive and socio-emotional abilities, temperament and languages
• describe how heredity and environment affect the individual development, at a general level describe individual deviations from the normal development
• explain how other professional groups within the healthcare field (e.g. speech therapists, paediatricians) can collaborate with psychologists to understand children's development
• describe brain development and maturity in children and adolescents and biological correlates of psychological functions' development and change over the entire life span
• account for and critically discuss advantages and disadvantages with different research methods that are used within research and clinical practice
• account for the occurrence of gender differences regarding the psychological development of children and adolescents and critically discuss possible reasons for these differences
• provide examples of how the psychological development of children and adolescents can be influenced by belonging to a specific subgroup (e.g., homosexual, ethnic minority group)
• demonstrate knowledge of how prenatal factors (e.g. smoking, alcohol, diet) and perinatal factors (premature birth, birth injuries) can affect development
• provide examples of how knowledge of developmental psychology may be of importance for the future profession.

Module 2, Developmental psychology 2: Aging

• account for the development (cognition, social, personality, emotional and neurobiological) in normal aging
• demonstrate knowledge of pathological aging (e.g. dementia)
• describe the influence of aging on the brain and its function and biological antecedents of psychological functions change over time during aging
• describe longitudinal design.

The course is divided in two modules, as follows:

Module 1 starts with an introduction to the developmental psychology. Different theoretical perspectives concerning human development are presented and discussed. The normal development is described in regard to traditional developmental fields as sensorimotor function, cognition, emotions, relations to friends, connection and language. The importance of sexes, and example of how the development is influenced by belonging to different subgroups (homosexual, ethnic minorities) is discussed and problematised. The course integrates new knowledge with knowledge from previous courses and may, in some cases, highlight previous knowledge in a clearer development perspective. Module 1 also brings up certain abnormalities from the normal development of relevance for clinical psychology. The reading list consists partly of current scientific articles to give the students knowledge of how one practically studies different developmental phenomena (e.g. advantages and disadvantages with different methods and designs and research-ethical aspects).

In component 2, the students initially obtain an introduction to developmental psychology with a focus on the later part of the life cycle. Of central interest is cognitive, social, personality and emotional development in both normal aging and in dementia and the neurobiological basis for these processes. An introduction to longitudinal design of interest for the aging research area is provided.

Module 1, Developmental psychology 1: Childhood and adolescence
The teaching consists of teacher-supervised lectures, film showings, seminars and meeting with clinical psychologists. 

Module 2, Developmental psychology 2: Aging
The teaching consists of teacher-supervised lectures and a compulsory interview with an older individual.

Some course elements are compulsory, see heading "Examination".

Module 1, Developmental psychology 1: Childhood and adolescence, is examined through
a) compulsory oral presentation of in-depth study in research
b) compulsory in-depth assignment on gender
c) compulsory oral presentation of scientific articles at journal club
d) written exam at the end of the module, is graded U, G or VG

The module is graded U, G or VG.
The grade G on the module requires G on the written exam, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements a, b and c according to instructions. The grade VG on the module requires, in addition, VG on the written exam.

Module 2, Developmental psychology 2: Aging, is examined through
a) written examination at the end of the module (Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction)
b) written presentation of completed interview with an elderly individual (Fail/ Pass)

The module is graded U, G or VG.
The grade G on the module requires G on the written exam, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course element b according to instructions. The grade VG on the module requires, in addition, VG on the written exam.

Course grade
On the entire course, one of the grades Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction is given.
Pass in the entire course, requires Pass in module 1 and at least Pass in module 2.
Pass with distinction in the entire course, requires Pass with distinction in module 1 and at least Pass in module 2.

Absence from or unfulfillment of compulsory course elements
The examiner decides whether, and if so how, absence from or unfulfillment of compulsory course elements can be made up for. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in or fulfilled compulsory course elements, or compensated for any absence/ failure to fulfill in accordance with instructions from the examiner. Absence from or unfulfillment of a compulsory course element may imply that the student can not retake the element until the next time the course is offered.

Possibility of exception from the course syllabus' regulations on examination
If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a functional disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected knowledge, skills and attitudes may not be changed, removed or reduced.

If the course is cancelled or goes through substantial changes, information about interim regulations will be stated here.

Course evaluation takes place according to KI's local guidelines. Results and possible measures are returned to the students on the web site for the course.