Biology of Childhood Growth, Development & Health

In this course, students will investigate the biological processes underlying infant, child and adolescent growth, development and health. This will include discussion of normal and perturbed neonatal, infant, child and adolescent growth and development. The course includes specific exploration of childhood and adolescent neurodevelopment and assessment, endocrinology of growth and puberty, development of the immune system including a focus on the microbiome and development of autoimmunity. We will consider prenatal diagnosis and common genetic disorders in childhood. We will investigate the biology, prevention and management of common childhood diseases including paediatric sleep disorders, the implications and prevention of obesity in childhood and conclude with discussions of infectious disease in childhood. Social and ethical implications of current practice, interventions and research will be discussed within appropriate topics. Students will have opportunities to hear from scientists and practitioners with relevant expertise. Active learning will be encouraged, for example, through guided reading and group exercises. Students will enhance skills in analysis of literature and in creating a coherent written account of a body of work.