PYN606 Applied Developmental Science

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

A coherent understanding of contemporary developmental science and theory provides a strong foundation for applied practice in Educational and Developmental psychology. This unit develops an advanced understanding of core theories to support assessment, intervention, and education skills utilised by practicing psychologists to benefit client systems and practice safely within an evidence based, best practice approach. There is a strong emphasis on becoming an effective communicator of developmental science as part of Translational practice.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Critically appraise and interpret developmental theories, and contemporary developmental and developmental psychopathology research.
2. Use developmental concepts to describe and explain individual patterns of development across the various domains of human development (e.g. neuropsychological, social, emotional, cognitive and so on).
3. Competently integrate developmental science into intervention practice to enhance outcomes across the lifespan and for a range of difficulties addressed by applied psychological practice.
4. Apply a developed understanding of developmental science and theory to effectively translate these concepts for effective communication to a range of audiences.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit comprises a series of lectures throughout the semester that include didactic presentations, student seminar presentations and discussions addressing specific aspects of development within both biological and environmental contexts. Lectures and student seminars will include class discussions as an integral part of the learning process.

PY19 course design is intentionally blended to purposefully integrate active face-to-face learning experiences with blended/online learning experiences across the course consistent with the course learning outcomes, cohort needs and discipline professional practices. Canvas is used within this unit to inform and enhance your learning. All unit material required for learning and completing assessment is included online through Canvas. Additional readings and resources such as web links and video material is also posted where appropriate to expand your ability to advance your knowledge in the unit's subject matter.

A key aim of the unit and course is to support (provisional) psychologists in developing their knowledge, skills and competencies so they are able to provide the best quality care for their clients. Underlying this aim, and in line with registration guidelines, is a focus on ensuring the public's safety.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

The formative aspect of assessment will involve the provision of constructive feedback on your seminar presentation, thus developing your communication skills and your ability to organise and present researched material. 

Assessment

Overview

Assessment in this unit is both formative and summative. Formative assessment involves constructive feedback on seminar presentations. Summative assessment consists of a written assignment, a seminar, and a final examination. Criteria for each piece of assessment will be discussed in Week 1.

Note that prior to release of marks, the unit coordinator undertakes a moderation process to ensure that criteria and standards have been applied consistently and fairly. Actively reading the feedback provided will enhance your learning success. Final grades are not confirmed until reviewed by the relevant Faculty Assessment Committee and approved by the Executive Dean at the completion of each teaching period.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Seminar Presentation and Written Paper

Written Assignment & Seminar Presentation. You will each choose a topic from a list to be provided in the first week of semester or one for which you seek approval from the unit coordinator/lecturer by the end of week 3. The topics will consist of contemporary developmental issues that are of current interest in the media or in other forums, such as schools. You are required to research your topic and present your findings as a written article to the media, expressing your informed opinion, as an educational and developmental psychologist. Your statement must be based on developmental theory and the findings of relevant developmental research studies, and you must make references to such material. You will also present your research in a seminar that is appropriate for the appropriate forum (e.g., media, school). (Word Limit: 1,500 words).

Assessment: Examination (Theory)

A case-focused online exam based on application of theories and concepts introduced in the unit to authentic scenarios.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

Registration (Provisional or General) with the Psychology Board of Australia is required for enrolment in this unit.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

Discussion of life course events may cause distress to some participants. The QUT Student Counselling service is available and free of charge to all QUT students.

Course Learning Outcomes

PY19 Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)

1. Critically evaluate and apply theories of psychology and evidence-based knowledge and skills applicable to the professional practice of educational and developmental psychology, adhering to contemporary professional practice standards.
   Relates to: ULO1, Seminar Presentation and Written Paper, Examination (Theory)
2. Formulate approaches for engaging in critical thinking. decision making and reflective practice, drawing on cognitive, technical and creative skills, to identify and implement contemporary evidence-based intervention and assessment strategies in varied contexts that reflect culturally safe and responsive practice.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Seminar Presentation and Written Paper, Examination (Theory)
3. Access, evaluate, and utilise relevant psychological information that informs and assists in intra- and inter-professional collaboration with a range of audiences and contexts that demonstrates creativity and initiative as an educational and developmental psychologist.
   Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Examination (Theory)
4. Promote and practise effective written, oral and digital communication to analyse and convey complex information and build productive professional relationships across diverse stakeholders.
   Relates to: ULO4, Seminar Presentation and Written Paper