Module Catalogue 2024/25

PSY2001 : Developmental Psychology

PSY2001 : Developmental Psychology

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Bess Price
  • Owning School: Psychology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Code Title
PSY1002
Pre Requisite Comment

Having attended PSY1002, developmental lectures, is preferable but not essential. Advice on additional reading for those who have not taken PSY1002 will be detailed in lecture 1.

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The module provides students with a thorough understanding of developmental psychology across several key domains: perception, cognition, language, social behaviour and cultural transmission, conceptual change, morality, and neurodivergence. General aims of the module are:
1.       To provide students with a solid foundation of the theoretical views underpinning our understanding of human development.
2.       To encourage critical thinking regarding methodological approaches in developmental psychology, including the impact of the historical and cultural context.
3.       To help students recognise how psychological research can and should be used to optimise human development across the lifespan.

Outline Of Syllabus

Research methods and theoretical approaches in child development
Language development
Face perception
Number concept
Object concept
Cognitive development: Information processing and social context
Social cognition
Moral & emotional development
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Theory of Mind
Adolescence, adulthood and ageing

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module the student will be able to:

1. Describe the processes of perceptual, social and cognitive development;
2. Discuss theories and research on perceptual, cognitive, social, emotional and moral development;
3. Explain theory of mind research and psychological theories of autism.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this module the student will be able to:

1. Gather and synthesise information from a variety of sources;
2. Apply theoretical concepts;
3. Discuss relevant critical issues;
4. Critically evaluate arguments and evidence;
5. Use library and other information sources effectively;
6. Work independently;
7. Take responsibility for one’s own learning and intellectual development;
8. Manage time and schedule workloads effectively;
9. Use computing and IT resources;
10. Communicate effectively in writing.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture221:0022:00Present in person
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading142:0042:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops61:006:00Synchronous online
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study130:0030:00N/A
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures are used as the principle and most effective mode of imparting the core knowledge of the module. The question and answer sessions are used to impart and discuss knowledge and understanding. Workshops will help students to consolidate knowledge gained through lectures. These include two essay writing workshops designed to help students practice their academic writing skills, familiarise themselves with marking criteria and receive constructive feedback. The private study is essential for in-depth review of knowledge imparted through lecture materials.

Formative practice will be gained via essay workshops and interactive sessions.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination901A100MCQs (45), essay questions (1 out of choice of 3), unseen, PIP Inspera invigilated.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The MCQs and essay questions are used to assess knowledge, independent learning and understanding of material; and the ability to integrate this material, to communicate it clearly, and to demonstrate critical thinking and an original approach.


FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.

If the module is failed students will resit failed assessments in the same format during the August resit period.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.

You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.