Psychology (PSYC) 323

Overview

PSYC 323 studies the basic concepts and mechanisms inherent in the process of human development from conception to emerging adulthood. This course describes the nature and context of development as well as the research methods used to study human development. The course examines the biological, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral aspects of development through various theoretical models. The major emphasis is on normal growth and development.

Outline

Unit 1: Theory and Foundations

• Chapter 1: History, Theory, and Research Strategies
• Chapter 2: Genetic and Environmental Foundations
• Chapter 3: Prenatal Development

Unit 2: Birth and Early Physical Development

• Chapter 4: Birth and the Newborn Baby
• Chapter 5: Physical Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood

Unit 3: Infancy and Toddlerhood

• Chapter 6: Cognitive Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood
• Chapter 7: Emotional and Social Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood

Unit 4: Early and Middle Childhood

• Chapter 9: Cognitive Development in Early Childhood
• Chapter 10: Emotional and Social Development in Early Childhood
• Chapter 12: Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood
• Chapter 13: Emotional and Social Development in Middle Childhood

Unit 5: Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood

• Chapter 15: Cognitive Development in Adolescence
• Chapter 16: Emotional and Social Development in Adolescence
• Chapter 17: Emerging Adulthood

Evaluation

To receive credit for PSYC 323, you must complete the course quizzes, two assignments, and a final examination. You must achieve a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent) and a grade of at least 50 percent on the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbook

Registration in this course includes an electronic textbook. For more information on electronic textbooks, please refer to our eText Initiative site.

A print version of the eText may be available for purchase from the publisher through a direct-to-student link provided on the course website; you can also acquire the textbook on your own if you wish.

Other Resources

All other learning resources will be available online. They include study materials, links to psychology websites, and instructions on how to use the online textbook resources, assignments, and quizzes (which may be taken at any time).

Challenge for Credit Course Overview

The Challenge for Credit process allows students to demonstrate that they have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university level course.

Full information for the Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Policy
• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Procedures

Challenge Evaluation

To receive credit for the PSYC 323 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least 50 percent on the exam and obtain a composite mark of at least “D” (50 percent) to pass.

Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form

• Challenge for Credit Form