Overview
In PSYC 228: Introduction to Human Development, you will study the basic concepts and mechanisms inherent in the process of human development from birth to old age, with an emphasis on the physical, cognitive, and socioemotional changes associated with each life stage. In this course, we will consider the basic issues at each stage using a variety of theoretical models.
Students considering an introductory psychology course for general transfer should take PSYC 289 and PSYC 290.
Outline
The course consists of the following eight units.
- Unit 1 – Theories, Approaches, and Biological Foundations
- Unit 2 – Infancy
- Unit 3 – Early Childhood
- Unit 4 – Middle and Late Childhood
- Unit 5 – Adolescence
- Unit 6 – Emerging and Young Adulthood
- Unit 7 – Middle Adulthood
- Unit 8 – Late Adulthood
Evaluation
To receive credit for PSYC 228, you must successfully complete all quizzes and the assignment and must achieve a composite course grade of at least D (50 percent) and a grade of at least 50 percent on the examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows.
| Activity | Weight |
| 8 Quizzes (5% each) | 40% |
| Critical Review Assignment (3% for approval, 12% for assignment) | 15% |
| Research Participation | 5% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Tanner, J.L., Warren, A.E.A., Bellack, D., & MacQuarrie, C. (2017). Visualizing the Lifespan, Canadian Edition. USA: John Wiley & Sons Canada.
Other Resources
Other course materials are available online.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
The challenge requirement for PSYC 228 is a written invigilated examination. To receive credit for the PSYC 228 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the examination.
Challenge for credit course registration form