472-101 Physical Development

This subject will study the factors that influence growth, maturation and development during infancy and early childhood using guided observations of infants and young children to examine the state of the infant at birth and patterns of development from birth to the middle childhood years. Growth and development of body systems will be examined with particular reference to the development of the central nervous system. The relationship between neurological development and the emergence of complex behaviour will be examined through a study of changes in sensory and perceptual competencies, motor skill development, communicative behaviour and self -regulation. The range of factors that influence the timing and variability in development will be examined through the current research literature.

Assignments totalling 2000 words and a 2-hour examination

• L Berk, Child Development. 5th ed., Allyn and Bacon, 2000.
• M D Sheridan, Children's Development Progress Birth to Five Years. London, NFER, 1998.