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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Developmental Psychology across the Lifespan
Module Code PSY1059 (ITS: PSYC504)
Faculty Psychology School Science & Health
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Description

This module aims: To increase the students’ knowledge and critical awareness of the theoretical and research approaches relevant to development across the lifespan from childhood through adulthood; to encourage students’ critical evaluation of the current approaches and evidence base across the core areas of physical, cognitive, educational, social, emotional, sexual and psychological health and wellbeing in the field of developmental psychology; to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle complexity in the area in a developmental and integrative manner; and to prepare students to act as knowledgeable contributors to the field of developmental psychology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the key concepts and controversies at the forefront of lifespan development.
2. Appreciate the complexity of social and environmental factors and contemporary contexts pertaining to developmental psychology and their potential impact on individual developmental outcomes across the lifespan.
3. Formulate judgements on current issues in the area through critical reviews of the literature.
4. Evaluate research methodologies employed in applied developmental psychology and consider the application of research for policy and practice
5. Integrate knowledge on broad themes and communicate same in a clear, concise and scholarly manner


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture20Lectures based on indicative content and learning outcomes
Tutorial4Mentor and student led tutorials
Assignment Completion30No Description
Independent Study71Required reading, literature searches and other independent learning
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN11495Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorEmma NicholsonModule TeacherSimon Dunne
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Oral ExaminationSubmission and Discussion of tutorial work. Interactive Oral Assessment.100%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to Lifespan Development: Childhood to Adulthood

Theoretical approaches to and contemporary conceptualisations of lifespan development
Review of major and contemporary themes

Research in Lifespan Development
Review of research methods and applications of research

Transitions Across the Lifespan
Stability and change throughout the lifespan

Cognitive Development
Cognitive Development and Functioning

Contexts Of Development
Contexts Of Development across the lifespan: Family, Social, cultural, political

Psychological Health and Well-being Across the Lifespan
Psychological Adaption and Mental Health; Resilience and Risk Across the Lifespan

Aging
Physical, Social and Psychological Changes; Positive Aging Perspectives

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Kuther: 2018, Lifespan Development in Context: A Topical Approach, SAGE, UK,
  • Santrock, J. W.: 2018, Essentials of Life Span Development, 5th, McGraw Hill, New York, US,
  • Lerner, R. M., Jacobs, F., & Wertlieb, D.: 2005, Applied Developmental Science: An Advanced Textbook, Sage Publications, Inc, Thousand Oaks, California,
  • Crafter, S., Maunder, R., & Soulsby, L: 0, Developmental Transitions: Exploring stability and change through the lifespan, Routledge, New York, NY,


Articles:
  • Journal: 0, Journal of Adult Development, 522600
  • 0: Developmental Psychology, 522601, 1
  • Developmental Review: 522602, 1, Journal
  • 522603: 1, Journal, 0, Human Development,
  • 1: Journal, 0, Psychology and Aging,
  • Journal: 0, Journal of Gerontology, 522606
  • 0: The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 522607, 1
  • Applied Developmental Science:
Other Resources

None

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for PSYC504