This curricular unit introduces the theoretical principles of cognitive neuroscience as they relate to human development. Topics include brain development, mental processes, neural plasticity, and the interaction between biology and environment in shaping cognitive development from infancy through adolescence.

After completing this curricular unit, the student should be able:

• To understand the basic principles of cognitive neuroscience and their application to developmental psychology.
   
• To explore the neural basis of cognitive functions such as perception, attention, memory, language, and executive functions.
   
• To examine how cognitive abilities develop across the lifespan, from infancy through adolescence.
   
• To critically evaluate current research methodologies and findings in cognitive neuroscience and development.
   
• To analyze the implications of cognitive neuroscience research for education, clinical practice, policy, and future research.