Course overview
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of biological processes underlying infant, child and adolescent growth, development and health, including how the normal processes can be perturbed. Building upon foundational knowledge of human biology, students will consider topics including childhood and adolescent neurodevelopment, endocrinology of growth and puberty, development of the immune system, autoimmunity and infectious disease in childhood, prenatal diagnosis and common genetic disorders in childhood and common childhood conditions including paediatric sleep disorders and obesity. Students will gain advanced knowledge, critical thinking and communication skills through analysis and evaluation of evidence and synthesis and presentation of solutions to contemporary issues in infant, child and adolescent growth, development and health.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain major aspects of the biology of infant, child and adolescent growth and development
- Explain current practice and developments related to common childhood diseases, including the underlying biology
- Demonstrate an understanding of the processes of normal brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders
- Discuss social and ethical aspects of infant, child and adolescent health including current practice, interventions and research
- Locate, evaluate and synthesise evidence related to child growth, development and health
- Discuss scientific information about child growth, development and health clearly and concisely in spoken and written English
- Work effectively as an individual and in groups in the pursuit of scientific knowledge about child growth, development and health