Biological Factors for Human Development

The work of the social worker involves the modification of environmental factors as well as human behaviour to achieve the best fit. It is therefore important for social workers to have the necessary knowledge on the factors that influence human behaviours. Furthermore, it is imperative that such knowledge must be informed by empirical studies as knowledge will influence practice. This course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge about the biological factors that influence human behaviours. Students will be introduced to the basics of human biology and the different theoretical perspectives on factors that determine human behaviours. Empirical findings will be used to present how biological factors have been found to influence common human behaviours that are contributing to social issues. The Learning Outcomes of this course are: • Discuss why helping professionals need to study human biology • Describe human behaviours as functions of the central nervous system, neurotransmission and the endocrine system • Explain how biological factors are known to influence human behaviours • Demonstrate why human behaviours are often a result of the interaction between biological and environmental factors • Apply critical thinking to examine human behaviours from different perspectives and suggest implications on social work practice • Implement literature research, synthesize findings and present a conclusion • Compare the various biological theories of human behaviours in the application to social work.

For further information on the course, you may go to UniSIM and check out courses of interest to you.