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Utrecht University

Understanding child development: from synapse to society

In this course, we dive into the topic of child development. You will learn that child development is complex and is influenced by a surprisingly rich number of factors at many different levels of organization. You will see that development can be studied in various domains and at various levels of understanding, from different angles and disciplines. Importantly, you will come to understand that processes within and between the various domains and levels of organization continuously interact to shape development. This implies that understanding development requires taking an interdisciplinary approach. In order to help you organize your thinking about this complexity you will learn more about the developmental systems approach and theories related to that. We will look, amongst other things, at the brain and motor development, cognitive, language and social-emotional development and all the factors that have an influence on development. To illustrate how an interdisciplinary approach helps to understand child development you will see how researchers from various disciplines and backgrounds study child development at Utrecht University. These scientists will give a look in their field of knowledge and their collaboration with colleagues, to illustrate how the theory you will learn translates to practice. In sum, we invite you to follow us on a journey to understand child development from synapse to society!

Status: Systems Thinking
Status: Human Development
BeginnerCourse28 hours

Featured reviews

MM

5.0Reviewed Nov 3, 2022

I enjoyed this course. Despite my difficulties that really did not get resolved, I really am glad I took this course.

RM

5.0Reviewed Oct 13, 2018

I have absolutely loved this course. Challenging but accessible. Every week has been engaging. I enjoyed the variety of research papers, video lectures and interviews.

JM

5.0Reviewed Feb 9, 2026

Helped gain a well educated understanding of childhood development and all aspects that form part of it.

RS

5.0Reviewed Nov 28, 2020

THE undestanding child development :from synapse to society is very help its too good also Thank you for your wonderful course

CC

5.0Reviewed Dec 3, 2022

The information is relatable and well disseminated. The assignments are refreshing and keep you engaged. Thank you for this opportunity. Keep up the great work!

CS

5.0Reviewed Feb 9, 2026

This course is an excellent way to understand the many perspectives that shape an individual's development. It should be part of any pedagogy student syllabus.

AP

5.0Reviewed Mar 6, 2026

It's actually a good course to understand development itis very helpful but I don't get my cirtificate after completing this course

SD

5.0Reviewed Oct 5, 2019

the course was very interesting, and I gain knowledge that I can use in my job as a pediatric Physiotherapist.

ML

5.0Reviewed Mar 11, 2022

A brief yet comprehensive course for child development. Really helped me understand the frameworks and critical aspects of child development.

RR

5.0Reviewed Feb 19, 2020

excellent explanation of the subject. But....... not at all easy... if you want to choose this one, you should be ready to spend more time than prescribed... surely...HAD FUN LEARNING

RR

5.0Reviewed May 12, 2020

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to this course. It was very well designed and it was informative in easy way..

YS

5.0Reviewed Dec 7, 2022

Fantastic opportunity to summerize information on the Development of a child, the basic and an introduction on the topic.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 170

Irina Solanich
3.0
Reviewed Apr 4, 2019
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1.0
Reviewed Feb 21, 2020
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5.0
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5.0
Reviewed Mar 19, 2019