Course overview
This course builds on the components of mental health and developmental psychology introduced in Psychology IA and IB. The course work covers two broad thematic areas. The first aims to build a solid foundation in understanding of development across the lifespan by considering select topics in development during childhood, adulthood and old age. The second provides an introduction to evidence-based psychological assessment, treatment and prevention for mental health behaviours as well as coverage of select topics in biological bases of health and behaviour. The course draws on the biopsychosocial (mind - body) perspective that recognises that health and other behaviours are determined by the interaction of biological mechanisms, psychological processes and social influences.
Course learning outcomes
- Review and evaluate research in select topic areas from the developmental, mental health and health psychology fields
- Interpret data from a developmental, mental health or health psychology research journal articles
- Prepare a standard research report using American Psychological Association (APA) structure and formatting conventions
- Demonstrate an understanding of the applications of psychology to lifespan development and to promoting whole-person health and well-being
- Demonstrate an understanding of the biopsychosocial (mind - body) perspective that recognises that health and other behaviours are determined by the interaction of biological mechanisms, psychological processes and social influences