This Master's-level course explores how prenatal experiences shape developmental trajectories across the lifespan. Integrating theory, empirical findings, and current innovations, students will examine the psychological, social and biological pathways linking maternal-fetal interactions to emotional, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes. Through interactive formats and case-based learning, the course bridges foundational knowledge with emerging research and applications in developmental psychology.
Learning goals
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe key psychosocial and biological interactions and mechanisms of prenatal development.
- Analyze the influence of maternal states (e.g., stress, sleep, mental health) on fetal, infant, child and lifespan outcomes.
- Critically evaluate research methods in prenatal studies.
- Connect prenatal processes to later developmental domains (e.g., cognition, emotion, behavior).
- Discuss prevention strategies and the potential of digital health innovations.
- Apply theoretical and empirical insights to case scenarios and intervention concepts.
- Enseignant·e: Salome Kurth