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
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Click Add to Cart/View Cart on the course page.
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit.
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;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
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.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS 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 only 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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