Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - BPK 375 OL01

Human Growth and Development (3)

Class Number: 6379

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Oct 22, 2026
    Thu, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BPK 105 or 205, and 142.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The fundamentals of physiological growth and development from conception to maturity. Topics included form a strong foundation for those interested in designing appropriate activity programs for children of all ages.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is an online course offered over 13 weeks. Course content is presented in Modules that are completed asynchronously; there are no in-person or synchronous elements of this course, EXCEPT for midterm and final exams (and in some terms, oral presentations).

The exams for this course are held IN PERSON, on Burnaby campus. No alternate exam arrangements, make-up exams or re-sits can be offered.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of human growth and motor development, from conception (or nearly) to maturity. While the focus is on motor development, the interactions between developmental domains – motor development, other physical development, cognitive development and affective (social and emotional) development - is a key theme of the course. Topics included form a strong foundation for those interested in designing developmentally appropriate activity programs for children and adolescents.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Assessments:

Midterm and final exams (EX); Development of an educational tool (T); Interrogation of Primary Literature on Motor Development (IPL)

Level of Delivery: Introduces (I); Emphasizes (E); Reinforces (R); Applies (A)

Communication Skills**

Autonomy and Professional Capacity***

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Describe common models, principles, and terminology of motor development (EX) (E-A)

2. Describe the interactions between motor development and other domains of development (EX, IPL) (E-A)

3. Teach people in diverse settings (preschool-to-high school and the greater community) about motor development, and how it informs choices around play and activity (T) (E-A)** and ***

4. Discuss prenatal development and the effects of early stimulation and deprivation on motor development throughout life (EX) (E)***

5. Calculate and interpret measurements of growth (including infant growth measurements and adult measurements of growth, such as PHV and BMI)*** (EX) (E-A)

6. Describe how physiological changes over the lifespan interact with physical capacity and influence physical activity guidelines for children, adolescents, and adults (EX) (E-A)***

7. Knowledgably discuss the interactions between the development of the special senses and motor development, and consider implications for activity for children with sensory impairments (EX, IPL) (I) ***

8. Describe reflexes, stereotypies, and the onset of voluntary movement as motor milestones in infancy and early childhood, and consider implications for identifying atypical development (EX) (I) ***

9. Describe fine motor development and fundamental locomotor and object control skills, and consider implications for identifying atypical development (EX) (I) ***

10. Knowledgeably discuss aspects of youth in organized sport, including reasons for playing, influences of coaches and parents, ethical concerns such as violence and injury, and the purpose of the National Standards for Youth Sports (EX) (I-E)***

11. Knowledgeably discuss aspects of assessment of movement and motor development, including considerations for applicability, feasibility, and validity (EX) (I-E)***

12. Evaluate data from the primary literature on motor development and critically discuss its interpretation and representation in the course textbook. (IPL) (A) ** and ***

 

Grading

  • Written Assignment 12%
  • Oral Interview (based on the Written Assignment) 18%
  • Midterm Exam 35%
  • Final Exam 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required Course textbook:  Payne, G & Isaacs, L (2025, 11th Edition). Human Motor Development: A Lifespan Approach. Routledge.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

It is the responsibility of the student to keep their BPK course outlines if they plan on furthering their education.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.