Students

PSYH4468 – Advanced Issues in Development Psychology: Development Problems across the Lifespan

2020 – Session 1, Weekday attendance, North Ryde

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, any references to assessment tasks and on-campus delivery may no longer be up-to-date on this page.

Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.

Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Professor
Cathy McMahon
cathy.mcmahon@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
Room 715 4FW (formerly C3B)
Mondays 4-6 pm
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
PSYH490 or PSHY4490 or PSYH495 or PSYH4495
Co-badged status Co-badged status
PSYM7768
Unit description Unit description
This unit will enable students to apply developmental theories to real-world problems across the lifespan. A series of developmental predicaments will be presented and students will be required to integrate multiple theoretical perspectives to analyse the biological, psychological and social aspects of the problem and predict developmental trajectories. The topics are based on five cases each of which will run over two weeks. Students work in small groups. The unit will introduce students to the clinical reasoning process from assessment through to theoretically informed models of intervention and the identification of potential research topics that underpin evidence-based practice.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Apply a range of developmental theories to real-world problems.
  • ULO2: Identify contextual factors that facilitate or impede development at different life-stages.
  • ULO4: Respond thoughtfully and compassionately to a range of human predicaments and contexts, as well as demonstrating objectivity, critical reflection and scientific enquiry.
  • ULO3: Integrate/synthesise multiple theoretical perspectives and systems to explain complex behaviours or predicaments.
  • ULO5: Undertake research on specific developmental problems and evidence based treatment approaches.
  • ULO6: Present assessment and management plans and research findings succinctly and clearly in written (case report) and oral (PowerPoint presentation) formats.

Assessment Tasks

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Assessment details are no longer provided here as a result of changes due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.

Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students

General Assessment Information

Oral Presentation 

Students are required to research a specific question, present their findings succinctly and cogently in a brief powerpoint presentation and submit a one page summary to the Unit Convener. The timing is random throughout the semester, according to the group to which the student is allocated. The task is assessed as Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory.

Case Report: Due 27th April by 6.00pm 

Students prepare a case report on a developmental problem. The task requires students to analyse the case with reference to relevant developmental theory, context and research. Assessment is based on the following criteria: Integrate/synthesise multiple theoretical perspectives and systems to explain complex   behaviours or predicaments; identification of appropriate evidence based management strategies; demonstration of professional self-reflective skills; clear academic writing style and compliance with APA formatting conventions (assessment criteria provided in grid to students)  

Short Answer in Class Examination 1st June 

Students will be asked to provide short answer responses (maximum 1 page) to questions from readings related to the five cases and the introductory and final lectures.  If students need to make a case to do a supplementary examination they should apply through ask.mq.edu.au providing relevant supporting documentation.

 

Delivery and Resources

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19.

Please check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status

Classes are run as two-hour seminars. Students work in small groups on 5 case problems, using a problem based learning approach.  Each case runs over two weeks. There is an introductory lecture and a final review lecture. None of the classes are recorded and students need to attend. In recognition of health and other issues, students will be eligible to sit the final examination if they attend at least 11 of the 13 classes (85%).

Unit Schedule

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

The unit schedule/topics and any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19. Please consult iLearn for latest details, and check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status

 UNIT SCHEDULE 2020

 

24/2/20

Introduction

 

Theoretical Overview/PBL

02/3/20

Case 1 Infancy/Transition to Parenthood

Part 1

09/3/20

Case 1

Part 2 & Presentations (Group 1)

 

16/3/20

Case 2

Early School Years

Part 1

23/3/20

Case 2

Part 2 & Presentations (Group 2)

 

30/3/20

Case 3 Adolescence/Early Adulthood

Part 1

06/4/20   

Case 3

Part 2 & Presentations (Group 2)

 

 

Mid-Session/Easter Break

13th April -  27th April

 

27/4/20

Case 4 Middle Adulthood

Part 1

04/5/20

Case 4

Part 2 & Presentations (Group 4)

 

11/5/20

Case 5 Older Adulthood

Part 1

18/5/20

Case 5

 

Part 2 & Presentations (Group 5)

25/5/20

Course Review

 

01/6/16

Final Examination (in class)

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

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