Development Across the Lifespan

This course offers a clear and engaging introduction to how people grow and change from conception to late adulthood. It explores physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development across the entire life course, using major theories and research to help learners understand why people develop the way they do. The course combines scientific knowledge with real-world examples from areas such as family life, education, health, and cultural contexts. Learners will follow the journey of human development from prenatal growth to aging, studying topics like genetic and environmental influences, brain and motor development, cognitive changes, social relationships, identity formation, emotional growth, and the experience of aging and loss. Each module includes videos, readings, case studies, and reflective activities that make complex ideas easy to relate to everyday life. By the end of the course, learners will have a strong foundation in developmental psychology and will be able to apply this understanding to personal growth, caregiving, teaching, and support in different life stages. The course is suitable for students, educators, healthcare workers, and anyone interested in understanding people across the lifespan

• Understand physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth across life stages
• Apply developmental understanding to personal growth, caregiving, teaching, and support
• Build a strong foundation in developmental psychology

• No deep prior experience required, basic computer and internet skills helpful
• Ability to read course instructions in English and complete short practice activities