Course overview
This course will increase understanding about the critical nature of brain development in the early years for behaviour, future health and capacity to learn. Preservice teachers will learn how the brain develops from conception through the early years of life. They will examine the role of the environment in gene expression, the development of key brain structures, neural connections and myelination, and growth spurts in the brain. The course will cover experience dependent plasticity, the effects of non-optimal environments on brain development, and the central role of relationships for behaviour, health and learning outcomes. Preservice teachers will be required to report on how their learning in this course might be applied in their professional work setting.
Course learning outcomes
- Communicate their understanding of brain development in the early years
- Describe the biological foundations of development
- Apply knowledge of the role of adults and the social environment in supporting children's brain development
- Analyse and explain the relationship between early brain development and young children's behaviours
- Transmit knowledge about the importance of children's early brain development for their future health (physical and emotional) behaviour and capacity of learning
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.