The study of human development is integral to the fields of nursing, education and psychology. But it’s also useful for understanding your own lifetime development and that of your children.
The Certificate of Developmental Psychology is an online professional development course that will explore the physical, mental, emotional and social development of the individual throughout infancy, childhood and adulthood.
In this online developmental psychology course you will discover major theories and research methods of study in developmental psychology, with an emphasis on understanding how biological, cognitive, emotional, and social processes develop and interact throughout the lifespan.
Specific topics include prenatal care and growth, attention and memory, language development, cognitive development, development of attachments, moral development, and gender-role development.
On completion of this course, you will have a solid foundation of the principles and theories of developmental psychology and will be able to apply them to your profession or personal life.
Course Structure
Unit: Developmental Psychology
Unit 1 – Theories of Human Development
- What is adolescence?
- Piaget’s theory of cognitive development
- Piaget’s stages of development.
- Theories of moral development
- Erikson’s psycho-social stages
- Theoretical approaches and key concepts
- Lifelong growth
- Nature/nurture theories
Unit 2 – Life crises
- So what is a life crisis?
- Puberty
- Attachment theory
- Evaluation of SSC studies
- Why might attachment not occur?
- Internalised problems
- Externalised problem
Unit 3 – Physical development
- What is puberty?
- Puberty in females
- Hormonal control of puberty in girls
- Puberty in males
- Hormonal control of puberty in boys
- Factors affecting the age of puberty
- Physical activity
- Obesity
Unit 4 – Intellectual Development
- Piaget’s formal operations stage
- Cognitive development and behaviour changes
- Brain development during adolescence
- Assessing cognitive skills/intelligence
- School problems
- Bullying and cyberbullying
- Bullying – the effects on the victim
- What can children do if they are being bullied?
- Dealing with cyberbullying
- The best way to avoid cyberbullying is to –
- Parents and carers who suspect a child is being bullied
- Being a bully
Unit 5 – Emotional Development
- Freud’s theories
- Defence mechanisms
- Emotional problems
- Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
- How can anorexia and bulimia affect you?
- The role of family in adolescent emotional development
- Preparing a child for a death
- Typical childhood responses to grief
- Supporting a grieving child
Unit 6 – Sexuality
- The acquisition of gender identity and sex role identity
- Vicarious learning and sexual identity
- Gender identity
- Social learning and sex-typed behaviour
- Gender identity disorders
- Causes of GID
- Developmental appearance of GID
- GID diagnosis and treatment
- Talking to teenagers about sex
- Bullying and peer pressure
- Homosexuality and heterosexuality
- Supporting LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender) teenagers
- Parents and LGBT teenagers
- Sexual behaviour
Unit 7 – Social Development
- Family influence
- Denigration of parents
- Influence of peers
- Group acceptance and popularity
- Shyness and loneliness
- Dating and relationships
Unit 8 Moral Development
- Piaget’s theory of moral development
- Stage one: (heteronomous morality)
- Stage two: (autonomous morality)
- Kohlberg’s theory of moral reasoning
- Pre-conventional level
- Conventional level
- Post-conventional level
- The role of family in moral learning
- Other factors influencing the moral development of adolescents
- Six pillars of morality
Unit 9 – Delinquency and Crime
- Pathways to delinquency
- Gangs
- Crime is more likely in adolescence
- Behaviour problems
- Drugs, solvents and alcohol
- Child abuse
- Who are the abusers?
- Stranger abusers
Unit 10 – Adolescence and The Transition to Adulthood
- Erikson’s later stages – the transition to adulthood
- Young adulthood
- Middle adulthood
- Late adulthood
- Careers development
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 100 hours. Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development For:
- Teachers
- Early Childhood Educators
- Teacher Aids
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