EDF5537 Human growth and lifespan development
Faculty of Education
EDF5537 Human growth and lifespan development is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Education, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Malaysia. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Malaysia
- Assessment
- No exam
- 2 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before EDF5537
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After EDF5537
No unit lists EDF5537 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
Corequisite: Enrolment in D6006 MProfCouns
Overview
In this unit you will examine major lifespan theories and mental health issues that arise in the course of childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Historical and contemporary frameworks of lifespan and attachment are explored and discussed in the context of counselling practice. You will also examine key concepts in attachment theory and how the main attachment types play out in both childhood and later life. Upon completing this unit, you will not only gain the core knowledge of lifespan development but more importantly to apply this knowledge to helping people resolve difficulties they may encounter on their lifespan journey.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Lifespan autobiography (2000 words or equivalent)Written50%
- Case study (2000 words or equivalent)Written50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
describe and differentiate major lifespan theories
- 2
explain the relevance of lifespan theory to counselling
- 3
recognise how adult attachment style can affect relationships
- 4
appreciate and cultivate sensitivity to the effects of counselling on the client
- 5
articulate how an understanding of lifespan and attachment theories can be included in a practical framework for counselling.
Workload and teaching
- Teaching approachActive learning
Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:
(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:
- 36 hours of engagement in online, face-to-face or blended platforms over the semester
(b) Additional requirements (all students):
- Independent study to make up the required minimum hours during the semester.
For the unit teaching schedule, please visit the timetable.
You will be provided with the opportunity to engage with relevant literature and resources. Further, you will be encouraged to deepen your understanding of topic areas through collegial discussion and debate, and by participating in activities designed to extend your understanding.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Please visit the unit Moodle site for further information.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Ms Li Fern Tong
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Ling Mee Chooi
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EDF5537?
EDF5537 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is EDF5537 offered?
In 2026, EDF5537 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Malaysia.
How much work is EDF5537?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does EDF5537 have an exam?
No. EDF5537 has 2 assessment tasks and no exam.