HPS302 - Developmental Psychology (Adult)
Unit details
| Year | 2026 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 1: Carrie Ewin |
| Previously: | Pathways Through Adulthood |
| Prerequisite: | HPS202 |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | HPS782 |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 1 x 1 hour on-campus seminar per week |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment: | 1 x 1 hour online seminar per week |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site. |
Content
This unit provides an examination of the theories that underpin developmental psychology in adulthood and the research methods used in this area. The physical, social, cognitive and identity aspects of adult development across the lifespan are considered, taking into account both the gains and losses associated with ageing. The unit explores key issues in adult development including dementia, ageing within the health care system and the promotion of optimal ageing. Students will also gain experience in using qualitative analysis to address developmental research questions and analysing real-world developmental cases.
Learning outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Explain and appraise the course of development across the adult lifespan in key domains, such as physical, cognitive, social and identity, and the main theories explaining this development. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Review, synthesise and critically analyse the literature to understand the current evidence-base for a developmental issue. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO3 | Apply a qualitative research technique to answer a developmental research question. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO4 | Analyse and explain individual developmental presentations and communicate findings to answer referral questions. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO5 | Formulate recommendations for goals, further assessments and interventions or accommodations that reflect evidence-based practice and professional guidelines. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Literature Review and Data Analysis | 1750 words | 45% |
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| Assessment 2: Adult Development Case Study Analysis | 1750 words | 55% |
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The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for HPS302 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.