Developmental Courses

Developmental psychologists study how behaviour and thought changes over an individual's life. Understanding development is important for understanding human and animal behaviour. Here are some of the developmental psychology courses we offer in the department; not all courses are offered each year so check the University Calendar.

PSYCO 223 - Developmental Psychology

This course concerns biological, cognitive and social aspects of psychological development, with special emphasis on infancy and childhood. Topics include prenatal development, heredity and environment, intellectual development and schooling, and socialization. Prerequisites: PSYCO 104 and PSYCO 105.

PSYCO 323 - Perceptual and Cognitive Development

Topics covered:

• The development of the ability to process information from the environment.
• Attention, memory, and concept formation in infants and young children. Prerequisite: PSYCO 223.

PSYCO 325 - Applied Research in Developmental Psychology

Students explore relations between applied research in developmental psychology and practical problems in human development. Special attention is devoted to methodological and practical problems in applied research. To gain insights about development, students work with infants, children, or adolescents as volunteers for at least two hours per week in local agencies and schools. Students are encouraged to integrate what they learn in class about research with what they learn as volunteers about practical problems. Prerequisites: PSYCO 104 & 105, 223 and STAT 151 (or former PSYCO 211).

PSYCO 403 - Recent Advances in Experimental Psychology: Models and Theories

Topic: The Nature/Nurture Controversy

Seminar format; limited to about 20 students. No text; current readings will be placed on reserve. The first few classes will involve guest speakers and discussions of readings. Students will do library research on topics of special interest to them, write an essay and a term paper, and present their findings to the class. Topics will include: The hunt for the elusive schizophrenia gene; Can IQ be changed through education, or was the Bell Curve right?; The role of science in eugenic sterilization in Alberta; Targeted mutations (knockouts) of specific genes in mice; Challenges to the reductionist perspective in behavior genetics. Prerequisites: STAT 151 (or former PSYCO 211), a 300-level psychology course.

PSYCO 423 - Advanced Topics in Developmental Psychology

An in-depth review and analysis of research in an area of developmental psychology. Prerequisites: STAT 151 (or former PSYCO 211) and PSYCO 323 or consent of the department.

PSYCO 459- Human Aging: Cognitive Processes

The objective of this course is to provide an overview of sensory, perceptual, memory, and cognitive changes in normal aging. Relatively less attention will be given to cognitive changes in pathological aging. A key focus of the course will be the impact of psychological, environmental, social, and health factors on cognitive processes. Prerequisite: PSYCO 354.

PSYCO 496 / PSYCO 498 - Individual Research

A course designed to allow the senior undergraduate student the opportunity to pursue a research topic in greater depth than the classroom structure permits. This pursuit may take the form of directed reading, library research, and/or laboratory experience. A formal paper, research proposal, research report, annotated bibliography, lab notes, and/or essay is required. Prerequisites: A 300-level psychology course and consent of the Department.