Units / PSY2071
PSY2071 · Developmental psychology
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 2Psychology
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit goes beyond giving a deeper understanding of the cognitive and behavioural functioning of healthy and clinical populations across the lifespan. You will build an understanding of the links between early and later development and why there is variability in development across individuals. The importance of considering cultural factors in development will be highlighted. You will extend your skills in scientific enquiry and writing to clearly communicate your understanding of developmental science to the general public, clinical and industry stakeholders. You will demonstrate that the skills and knowledge gained in your developmental science training are valuable for working and contributing meaningfully in clinical, research and industry settings.
Areas of study: Psychology Psychological science
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | First semester | Teaching is all online (ONLINE) |
| Clayton | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
| Malaysia | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Media release and reflections (500 words) | Written | 20% | — |
| 2 | Developmental psychology assessment report (1,000 words) | Written | 40% | — |
| 3 | Briefing to stakeholder on developmental science tools (1,000 words) | Written | 40% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Apply psychological knowledge of human development across the lifespan to different contexts, such as clinical, research and industry.
- Analyse the contribution of biological, environmental, cognitive and behavioural factors to development in order to understand an individual's functioning.
- Evaluate developmental science research to understand functioning of populations.
- Discuss some cultural factors to consider in selecting appropriate assessment and intervention tools for use in different contexts, such as clinical, research and industry.
- Communicate effectively to different stakeholders, such as the general public, clinical, research and industry.
Workload
Two hours of lectures weekly. Two hours of tutorials 9 times per semester. One hour unit induction tutorial in week 1. Preparation: 8 hours background reading/ preparation for lectures, tutorials and assessment tasks per week. Attendance at tutorials is recommended in order to successfully complete in-class activities and related assessment tasks.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Tutorials | 19 hours |
| Lectures | 24 hours |
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