To advance the students' knowledge and understanding of psychological development from infancy to adolescence from both motor development and psycho-social perspectives

Motor skill development: Motor development as a part of human development; motor development as (a) a process and (b) as a field of study. Descriptions of the phases of motor development from infancy through adolescence to adulthood (reflexive, rudimentary, fundamental skills, sport specific skills) noting the changing characteristics. Factors influencing motor development (growth, maturation, genetics (nature), environment (nurture); historical overview of theories to explain motor development with focus on the maturation perspective of 1930s and more recent dynamic, neuroscientific and motor cognition approaches; influences of the individual, the environment and task demands Methods of investigation. Concepts of direction of development, readiness, critical/sensitive periods. Motor development in infancy, childhood and adolescence; early and late developers, implications for teaching and coaching. Importance of a developmental philosophy. Perception and perceptual development with focus on vision. Balance and its development. Evaluation of stimulation and perceptual motor training programmes at various phase of development. PSYCHO-SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT This module aims to develop a fundamental knowledge and understanding of how developmental issues from childhood to adolescence can influence participation and performance in sport and physical activity. This module will include content relating to youth sport participation and development including models of development in sport, the influence of significant others, stages of development, motivation and participation in sport, and burnout and dropout in sport. This module will compare and contrast readiness for youth sport competition from the biological, social, cognitive and psychological perspectives. The module content will consider psychological considerations of participation in sport and physical education from childhood to adolescence and will critically examine current practices in this area. This module will also critically consider best practices in this area based on research from youth sport and motor development, specifically addressing issues such as long term participation patterns, competition, and program characteristics.

Demonstrate an understanding of the process of motor development from infancy to adolescence Demonstrate an understanding of the major factors influencing motor development from infancy to adolescence Identify and understand problems and issues related to children's and adolescent's participation in and dropout from sport and exercise Discuss the major factors influencing psycho-social development from infancy to adolescence Critically appraise the implications of developmental issues for teaching & coaching Advise on appropriate pathways and activities for children in sport

Display a professional understanding of the importance of participation in sport and physical activity Understand the value of appropriate physical activity and sport pathways in movement development

Orally present research proposals in the area of developmental psychology To demonstrate proficiency in a range of motor skill experiments

A combination of lectures, labs, tutorials and independent study.