Lifespan Developmental Psychology - Trimester 02/2025 - Unit Overview

Unit Overview and Expectations

• Welcome to Lifespan Developmental Psychology (Trimester 02/2025).
• Alicia is the unit coordinator.
  • Contact via email or in person at the Psych Building (second level).
  • Email response within 24 hours, though delays may occur due to illness or leave.
• The unit is theory-based with real-life applications, covering the lifespan from "cradle to grave" (and sometimes pre-cradle).
• Content focuses on breadth rather than depth.

Textbook and Resources

• Textbook: Lifespan Human Development, 4th Edition (Australian/New Zealand focus).
• Topical approach: Each chapter covers a theme across the entire lifespan.
• Cengage MindTap: Free access for the trimester, offering study tools.
  • Information and reminders about MindTap access will be provided.

Unit Structure and Lectures

• Lectures: Mondays, 9-11 AM in Paul Barrett Lecture Theater (weeks 1-13, with a two-week break).
  • Lectures are recorded and uploaded to MyLearn.
• Engagement Sessions (Zoom):
  • Essay discussion (July 10).
  • Language discussion (later in July, content included in the final exam).
  • Exam Q&A.

Assessments

• Four assessments:
  • Mid-Trimester Quiz 1: Open July 21-28 (first half of trimester content, 10% of final grade).
  • Major Essay: Due August 20 (30% of final grade).
  • Mid-Trimester Quiz 2: Open September 8-15 (second half of trimester content, 10% of final grade).
  • Final Exam: During exam week (50% of final grade).
• All quizzes are open from 5 AM to 11:59 PM New South Wales time.
• All assessments must be completed to pass the unit, but passing each individual assessment is not mandatory.

Student Responsibilities

• Complete all assessments.
• Readings are essential.
• Lectures highlight key content, but the textbook provides greater detail.
• AI tools can be used as study aids, but shouldn't replace reading the material.
• Unit content is consistent where possible, but may vary across different psychology units.
• Performance in one unit does not guarantee the same level of success in another.

Inherent Requirements

• Inherent requirements for undergraduate students are available on the School of Psychology website.
  • School of Psychology information site -> policies and guidelines -> inherent requirements of undergraduate students.

Generative AI Policy

• Academic integrity module must be completed (new version for T2, even if completed previously).
• Using generative AI to complete assessments is not permitted.
  • This includes editing assistance tools like ChatTP.
    Policy:
• Presenting work substantially written by someone else (including AI) is considered academic misconduct.

Assessment Details

• Quizzes:
  • 40 multiple-choice questions.
  • 45 minutes to complete.
• Essay:
  • 2,000 words.
  • Choose one of two topics on MyLearn.
  • Critical evaluation of literature.
  • A dedicated lecture and Zoom session will cover the essay.
• Final Exam:
  • 2 hours 15 minutes.
  • 80 multiple-choice questions.
  • Two long-answer questions (choice of four).
  • Content from lectures, textbook, and the language Zoom session.
• Alternate assessment is available through the exams team.

PASS Program

• Peer Assisted Study Program.
• Study sessions run by students who have previously excelled in the unit.
• Not a teaching session, but a dedicated study time for peer interaction and discussion.
• PASS Leader: Alana.
• Sessions: Tuesdays at 7 PM New South Wales time via MyLearn.

MyLearn Page Overview

• Unit news and announcements posted weekly.
  • Announcements also sent to UNE email addresses.
• Unit Information and Resources tile:
  • Study schedule (readings, assessment dates).
• Lectures and recordings.
• Reading List (textbook digital access, APA manual digital access, essay readings).
• End-of-chapter review questions (answers posted weekly).
• PASS information.
• General discussion forums.

Key Resources on MyLearn

• Unit Overview: Learning outcomes and assessment breakdown.
• Textbooks: Links to purchase options.
• Student Support: Links to Academic Skills Office, PASS, library support, well-being support, accessibility support, tech support, indigenous student services (Rala), international student office, and the student hub.
• Policies: Links to relevant UNE policies.

School of Psychology Website

• Accessible via MyLearn.
• Quick links to sections like:
  • Extensions application form.
  • Policies and guidelines.
  • Inherent requirements for undergraduate students.
  • Assessments and referencing -> School of Psychology assessment information, assignment extensions (acceptable and unacceptable circumstance for extensions).

Additional Information

• Quiz information is available on MyLearn.
• Additional resources are posted weekly, but exam content is limited to the textbook and lectures.
• Contact Alicia on MyLearn for questions about the unit.