Professional Certificate in Human Development

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Adult development refers to the changes that occur in biological, psychological, and interpersonal domains of human life from the end of adolescence until the end of life. These changes may be gradual or rapid, and can reflect positive, negative, or no change from previous levels of functioning. Changes occur at the cellular level and are partially explained by biological theories of adult development and aging. Biological changes influence psychological and interpersonal/social developmental changes, which are often described by stage theories of human development. Stage theories typically focus on ?age-appropriate? developmental tasks to be achieved at each stage. The socio-cultural definition of being an adult is based on what a culture normatively views as being the required criteria for adulthood, which in turn influence the definitions of adulthood of individuals within that culture. Current views on adult development in late life focus on the concept of successful aging, defined as low probability of disease and disease-related disability, high cognitive and physical functional capacity, and active engagement with life. Biomedical theories hold that one can age successfully by caring for physical health and minimizing loss in function, whereas psychosocial theories posit that capitalizing upon social and cognitive resources, such as a positive attitude or social support from neighbors and friends, is key to aging successfully.

This innovative course will also equip people to work therapeutically with children, young people and families. You will be trained to offer therapy based on psychodynamic and systemic approaches, in addition to some other evidence-based treatments such as CBT and mindfulness. You will learn the importance of attachment or early relationships affect the child?s development. In addition, you will acquire key neuroscience knowledge to ensure parenting or caring for the child is effective and productive. The aim is to help the child to develop the whole brain with effective integration for flexibility and adaptability.

Who should attend?

Teachers, counsellors, psychologists and parents

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Define the scope and scale of typical human development stages
• Identify the challenges that development brings and how to navigate them
• Implement steps that facilitate the transition through the stages of development
• Develop programs that children and adults could apply for healthy development

TEXTS, READINGS, INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES:

No text is required. Materials will be provided by the instructor.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrate minimum 75% attendance record
• Complete a project on behavior change

GRADE DISTRIBUTION AND SCALE:

Grade Distribution:

• Attendance and Participation100%