465-103 CDS 13:Physical Development

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Subject Description

A study of factors influencing physical growth, maturation and development during the prenatal period, infancy and early childhood through an examination of published reports of research and through the collection of guided observations of infants and young children. Topics will include: introduction to the genetics of conception, patterns of interaction between genes and factors that influence the heritability of characteristics; stages of development during the prenatal period, the vulnerability of the embryo and fetus and the process of birth; characteristics of the newborn in terms of sensory and motor competence, communicative behaviours, sleep states and individual differences in temperament; patterns of growth of the different body systems with an emphasis on the development of the nervous system and the relationship between this development and sensitive periods in development; the emergence of complex behaviour including sensory and perceptual development and motor skill development and the range of factors that influence timing and variability in these skills.

Assessment

An assignment totalling 2,000 words and a 2-hour written examination.

Prescribed Texts

• Berk, L. (1997), Child Development (4th Ed). Needam Heights Massachusetts: Allyn & Bacon.