Applied Developmental Neuroscience

Catalog description

Neuroscience has evolved tremendously in recent decades. The importance of understanding underlying brain and body systems in the service of high-quality child and family services can’t be overstated. Technological advances and contemporary methodologies for studying the neuroscience of behavior have provided an evidence base for what was once speculation and inference. In this course students will be introduced to neuroscience findings that explain, support and challenge our understanding of a child’s physical growth, development and behavior. The importance of learning this material is not about knowing medical terms or staying modern for its own sake but lies in making the invisible visible. This course assumes that students can develop a working knowledge of brains and bodies that will increase their effectiveness as a professional in any sector that serves children and families. This course has been organized into four sections: Foundational Principles, Brain and Body Systems, Contextual Influences on Neurobiology and Problems of Practice. Within each section, students will learn about the ways neuroscience information can inform their understanding of development and behavior. The emphasis of this course is focused on the practical application of the neuroscience findings as they inform growth development and behavior within each child’s individual context.