Lifespan Developmental Psychology unit (PSY302)

Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

This unit provides coverage of human development over the lifespan (infancy to old age) including cognitive and social-emotional domains of development. The major periods of development are examined, including infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood, emphasising predominant developmental aspects for different periods of development. In the practical component, students engage in empirical investigation intended to deepen and extend their understanding of development and the changes in functioning and behaviour it entails. Investigations address discrete aspects of human development and a range of developmental periods, and include student participation and training in data coding and collection. Students also complete practical exercises that will enhance their knowledge of developmental issues.

Summary

Unit name	Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Unit code	PSY302
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Psychological Sciences
Discipline	Psychology
Coordinator	Associate Professor Nenagh Kemp
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Cradle Coast	Semester 1
Hobart	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Critically analyse and interpret major concepts, theories, and research evidence related to changes across the lifespan and across cultural settings.
• Apply knowledge of physical, cognitive, social and emotional lifespan development to code and interpret naturalistic data and behaviours.
• Interpret the information needs of diverse audiences and communicate theoretical concepts in tailored formats to address real-world situations

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
090701	$2,174.00	$1,020.00	$1,192.00	$2,972.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

PSY211 - Research Skills in Psychology

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KHA220 AND KHA362 AND KHA200 AND KHA262 AND KHA250|KHA302

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Online Lecture Modules: 2 hours weekly On Campus Practical: 2 hours weekly or Online Practical Modules Independent Learning - 6 hrs weekly of self-directed study
Assessment	Data coding (4%)|Quizzes x 2 (6%)|Assignment (20%)|Research report (30%)|Written examination (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

You will need the following text: White, F.A., Hayes, B.K., & Livesey, D.J. (2016). Developmental Psychology: From infancy to adulthood. (Fourth edition). Frenchs Forest, Australia: Pearson Education. It is important that you have ongoing access to this textbook, either online or as a hard copy. A hard copy will be available for a limited loan period from the University of Tasmania Library reserve collection. However, you are encouraged to buy or access a personal copy so that you can keep up with the weekly readings. The same textbook was used for this unit in recent years, and second-hand copies are often available. You can buy the textbook via the link provided on the UTAS Course and Unit Handbook page for this unit.

Recommended

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association. This manual will be available via the University of Tasmania reserve collection.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.