vcc.ca
OPTA 1234: Lifespan Development
Effective date
September 2025
Department
Occup/Physical Therapist Asst
School
Health Sciences
Description
This course examines the developmental changes that occur across the lifespan from birth until end of life. Specific developmental issues that require occupational therapy and/or physical therapy are discussed as well as the physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes associated with the aging process. The role of the occupational therapist assistant (OTA) and physical therapist assistant (PTA) are examined in relation to developmental issues.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the study of human development as it relates to OTA and PTA practice
- Describe the physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes associated with infancy and early childhood
- Describe the physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes associated with middle childhood and adolescence
- Evaluate the use of play within a rehabilitation context
- Develop an understanding of the relationship between parenting and childhood development
- Describe the physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes associated with early to middle adulthood
- Describe the physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes associated with late adulthood, including healthy aging.
- Explain the emotional and psychosocial changes associated with dying
- Value the process of making decisions related to end of life planning.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 45
Total Hours: 45
Total Hours: 45
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies may include: Lecture, seminar, on-line learning, assignments, problem-based learning, videos, small group discussions, and student-led review sessions and guest speakers.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
B- (68%)
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
30-45 |
Assignments |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
15-30 |
Quizzes/tests |
|
Exam |
35-50 |
Exams |
|
Participation |
5 |
As per rubric |
Course topics
- Development in infancy
- Early childhood development
- Motor development including orthopaedic and posture development from birth to adolescence
- Middle childhood development
- Adolescent development
- Use of therapeutic play
- Parenting as it relates to childhood development
- Early adulthood development
- Middle adulthood development
- Late adulthood development
- Death and dying
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.