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Overview

Topics in child health and wellbeing module is varied in content and international in its outlook. Through lectures, seminars, and workshops, we will critically examine theoretical and methodological issues in research to evaluate empirical findings and their interpretation. This module emphasises global research and implementation and is a favourite with students who want to know more about international projects and challenges that they bring. The content is linked to several UN sustainable development goals. Varied assessments include a class presentation, a written critique, and short-answers exam. Past students have positively commented on all aspects of teaching and learning: they found the interactive nature of lectures and seminars informative, conducive to learning, and enjoyable. Students also appreciated formative build-up of the assignments, and guidance / feedback provided to them.

The module content is updated annually to keep up with interesting research and intervention development. This year, it is likely to include the following topics:

• Introduction to module context, content, and assessment methods

• Development of food preferences in childhood; the importance of healthy eating; childhood obesity

• Evidence-based healthy eating programmes in school and nursery settings

• Healthy eating in adolescents: determinants of disordered eating; treatment and interventions

• Parenting variables and family context: effectiveness of parenting programmes

• Growing up with peers: social interactions within a school context; problems associated with bullying; interventions

• Developmental disabilities and problems: importance of early detection; effective early intervention

• Common mental health issues and disorders in childhood and adolescence; treatment options and outcomes

• Determinants of mental health and wellbeing in children with chronic illness: an example from pediatric psychology

• Future of child health and wellbeing; emerging themes

Assessment Strategy

Assessment in this module includes two pieces of coursework and a final exam.

Coursework is designed to promote and assess the students' ability to engage in independent scholarship and critical thinking, presenting their findings orally and in writing. There is a formative aspect (continuity) between different components of this coursework.

Final exam is designed to assess the broad knowledge and understanding of the material covered in the module.

Grading follows Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ standards.

Threshold / Pass: Reasonably comprehensive coverage but with some small errors or omissions. Writing is organised and structured. Fair understanding of the material, evidence of engagement, scholarship, and critical thought. Students who perform at this level would receive C-, C, or C+ grades (numerical equivalent: 50-59%).

Good / Merit: Comprehensive coverage, good writing, well organised and structured. Very good understanding of the material; evidence of scholarship, critical thought, and engagement. Students who perform at this level would receive B-, B, or B+ grades (numerical equivalent: 60-69%).

Excellent / Distinction: Comprehensive and accurate coverage of the area with clarity of argument and expression. Depth of insight into theoretical and methodological issues. Evidence of scholarship, independent thinking, and critical thought showing detailed knowledge of topics covered in the module. Students who perform at this level would receive A-, A, A+, or A* grades (numerical equivalent: 70-100%).

Learning Outcomes

• Finally, the students will examine the broader context in which development occur and understand the roles that carers, families, schools, and society play in determining the behavioural outcomes and choices available to children.

• The students will be expected to communicate recent research succinctly, in writing and orally, posing and answering questions, and presenting a coherent argument.

• The students completing the module should consider and critically evaluate basic and applied research into child health and wellbeing and its relevance in wider societal and cultural context; examining some of its key concepts, ethical issues, and global trends.

• The students shall understand and integrate work from diverse theoretical and practical approaches to the study of child health and wellbeing, including health, clinical, behavioural, cognitive, and social developmental perspectives.

• The students should understand the origins and impact of several important childhood health and wellbeing issues and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions designed to alleviate these problems.

• Working on their own, the students will identify scholarly papers that contribute to our understanding of childhood issues and critically evaluate their assumptions, methods, and findings.