SCWK7724 · Social Work

Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience in the Life Course

School of Social Work

Elective This course examines the ways in which stress poses risk to healthy biological, psychological and social development. Using life course perspective and ecological systems theory (micro through macro), the course also highlights the characteristics, relationships, and contexts that increase resilience at each life stage (in utero through end of life). Circumstances relevant to social work (including but not limited to prenatal stress, trauma, bullying, violence, poverty and homelessness) are examined through the dual lenses of stress and resilience. Neuroscientific, genetic and related biological research is emphasized in the course, however no background in biological sciences is required as a prerequisite.