Course overview
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of biological processes underlying child and adolescent growth and development, including how the normal processes can be perturbed. Building upon foundational knowledge of human biology, students will consider topics including childhood and adolescent neurodevelopment, endocrinology of growth and puberty, development of the immune system, autoimmunity and infectious disease in childhood, prenatal diagnosis and common genetic disorders in childhood and common childhood conditions including paediatric sleep disorders and obesity. Students will gain advanced knowledge, critical thinking and communication skills through analysis and evaluation of evidence and synthesis and presentation of solutions to contemporary issues in child and adolescent growth and development.
- Foundations of child and adolescent growth and development
- Disturbances to child and adolescent growth and development
- Continuation of disturbances to child and adolescent growth and development
Course learning outcomes
- Explain the biological processes underlying child and adolescent growth and development.
- Describe the biological basis, presentation, and management of common childhood diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders using contemporary scientific evidence.
- Evaluate social, ethical, current practice, interventions and research relating to child growth, development, and wellbeing.
- Synthesise and clearly and concisely communicate scientific evidence related to child growth and development in written and oral formats.
- Collaborate effectively and demonstrate professional scientific practice in the investigation of issues related to child growth and development.