Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module PSYC41730: Advanced Developmental Psychology Review

Department: Psychology

PSYC41730: Advanced Developmental Psychology Review

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2019/20
Tied to C8K009
Tied to C8K107

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide training in the creation and delivery of literature reviews
  • To provide advanced analysis of key topics in the field of developmental psychology

Content

  • This module examines specific topics in developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology.
  • Specific topics covered will vary from year to year as a function of changes in trends in relevant literature. However, the topics will be taken from recent issues of relevant journals, such as The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Developmental Science or Development and Psychopathology
  • The module will provide the basis for a student led literature review examining key issues within the topic. In order for this to occur, coverage of the following topics will take place:
  • Introduction to relevant methods
  • Use of tools for literature reviews: internet, databases and search skills
  • Dissemination and presentation: writing styles and strategies, oral presentations
  • Use and misuse of relevant methodologies
  • Common errors within relevant literature in data handling and interpretation

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Critical understanding of current issues surrounding specific topics in developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology
  • The ability to critically evaluate published research within relevant literature
  • The ability to determine the shape and direction of a specific research field
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Capabilities for managing literature conceptually and practically
  • Knowledge of relevant methods and issues within relevant literature
Key Skills:
  • Written communication skills
  • Transferable skills relevant for personal development, such as the development of oral and written communication as well as time management skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The seminars will help the student critically evaluate published research within relevant literature and develop a critical understanding of current issues surrounding specific topics in developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology
  • The seminars will guide the student's knowledge of relevant methods and issues within relevant literature and develop the student's capabilities for managing literature conceptually and practically
  • Supervision contact will develop the student's ability to determine the shape and direction of their review
  • This module is assessed formatively at the discretion of the supervisor, such as an oral presentation
  • Summative assessment of this module is a written assignment which will assess the student's written communication skills

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Total 150
Seminars 2 1 2 hours 4
Supervision Sessions 4 1 2 hours 8
Preparation and reading 138

Summative Assessment

Component: written assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Assignment 5000 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

The formative assignment is dependent on the individual tutor. Some tutors may wish for an outline of the review article as a formative assignment, whereas others may request a presentation on the concepts of the review article. These may be presented in the seminar session.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University