465-302 CDS 32: Developmental Differences

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

465-201 CDS21, 465-202 CDS22 and 465-203 CDS23, or equivalent.

Contact

Subject Description

A study of the effects of a range of developmental differences commonly found in young children. A major focus will be on how children's behaviour relates to brain structure and function; the organisation of the brain and principles of neural development. Anomalies of development will be considered through examination of current research on links between brain and behaviour in, for example, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, Tourette's syndrome, learning disabilities, dyslexia, aphasia, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. Congenital anomalies, including spina bifida and heart malformations. Causes and consequences of intellectual disability. Behavioural disorders including fears, phobias and anxiety, eating and sleeping disorders, stress and aggression. Sensory impairment, especially hearing and visual impairment. Genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome, cystic fibrosis and thalassaemia. Research skill development: where appropriate, students will identify a research question and design a simple project to answer that question.

Assessment

Assignment(s) totalling 2000 words, and a 2-hour written examination.