PSY2071 Developmental psychology
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
PSY2071 Developmental psychology is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 2 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before PSY2071
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After PSY2071
2 units list PSY2071 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Prohibitions: PSY2031, PSY2051
Prerequisites: PSY1011 and PSY1023 or PSY1022
Overview
This unit goes beyond giving a deeper understanding of the cognitive and behavioural functioning of healthy and clinical populations across the lifespan. You will build an understanding of the links between early and later development and why there is variability in development across individuals. The importance of considering cultural factors in development will be highlighted. You will extend your skills in scientific enquiry and writing to clearly communicate your understanding of developmental science to the general public, clinical and industry stakeholders. You will demonstrate that the skills and knowledge gained in your developmental science training are valuable for working and contributing meaningfully in clinical, research and industry settings.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Online |
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Media release and reflections (500 words)Written20%
- Developmental psychology assessment report (1,000 words)Written40%
- Briefing to stakeholder on developmental science tools (1,000 words)Written40%
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
Apply psychological knowledge of human development across the lifespan to different contexts, such as clinical, research and industry.
- 2
Analyse the contribution of biological, environmental, cognitive and behavioural factors to development in order to understand an individual's functioning.
- 3
Evaluate developmental science research to understand functioning of populations.
- 4
Discuss some cultural factors to consider in selecting appropriate assessment and intervention tools for use in different contexts, such as clinical, research and industry.
- 5
Communicate effectively to different stakeholders, such as the general public, clinical, research and industry.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials19 hours
- Lectures24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
Two hours of lectures weekly.
Two hours of tutorials 9 times per semester.
One hour unit induction tutorial in week 1.
Preparation: 8 hours background reading/ preparation for lectures, tutorials and assessment tasks per week.
Attendance at tutorials is recommended in order to successfully complete in-class activities and related assessment tasks.
For full details of the teaching approach to this unit, please refer to Moodle.
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Where it fits
PSY2071 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Soon Li Lee
- Mr Jake Hoskin
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Hannah Kirk
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PSY2071?
PSY2071 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after PSY2071?
PSY2071 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including PSY2243 and SWM3127.
When is PSY2071 offered?
In 2026, PSY2071 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia, with an online option.
Does PSY2071 have an exam?
No. PSY2071 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include PSY2071?
PSY2071 is part of Behavioural commerce and Psychology.