Developmental psychology

The course is mandatory in the psychology bachelor program and one year study in psychology. The course can be taken as a singular course.

The course provides an overview of key areas in developmental psychology, focusing on infancy, childhood, and adolescence. The main emphasis is on typical development, but factors that promote or hinder adequate development will also be discussed. Humans develop continuously throughout life, but the early years are particularly marked by rapid changes. Knowledge about the development of infants and children is relevant for better understanding of I) psychological phenomena in adults, II) the competencies and needs of children at different ages, and III) general questions about what influences human development.

Having attended the course and completed the exam the students will obtain the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding:

• Have in-depth knowledge of important theories and findings in key areas of developmental psychology.
• Have in-depth knowledge of common methods used in developmental psychology research on infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
• Understand how the individual changes during the early years of life and further through childhood and adolescence.

Skills:

• Be able to describe and discuss theories in developmental psychology and findings across the key areas.
• Be able to select methods appropriate for typical age groups and types of research questions.
• Be able to describe the main features of typical development.
• Interpret visualizations of results common in developmental studies.
• Reflect on relevance of specific theories and findings in developmental research to broader topics in psychology

General competence:

• Demonstrate an understanding of how the individual changes during the early years of life and further through childhood and adolescence.
• Develop an understanding of connections between theory, research, and the practical applications of knowledge in psychology.
• Be able to discuss the limitations of psychological theories and research methods.
• Be able to start using developmental psychology as a frame of reference to better understand other areas of psychology.

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

• PSY-2541 Child development (0-12 years) 10 ects
• PSY-1007 Developmental psychology 10 ects
• PSY-2503 Developmental Psychology 5 ects
• PSY-2705 Advanced course in child development 7.5 ects
• PSY-1204 Developmental Psychology 10 ects

Language of instruction and examination

More info about the coursework requirements

Re-sit examination