本課程主要目的為帶領同學認識人類發展與健康理論，了解從出生到死亡的各個階段的發展重點，進而建構與分析與其相關之個人與公共衛生議題。
課程內容對於發展健康的探討，將從胚胎發育開始，一直開展到最後階段的死亡，來審視個體之不同面向的發展機制並觸通其與健康結果之間的聯結。依循不同的成長階段，學生將學習建立概念框架，從個體之生理發展、心理發展與健康之間的交互作用雨影響，來進行微觀的個體脈絡分析；其後，並進一步的透過分組討論與課堂論壇活動，共同以巨觀層面來探索家庭、社會、與環境因素對發展健康的影響。
透過本課程的理論介紹與同儕間的想法激盪，每位同學將藉著習得的理論學說與豐富觀點來對當代個人與公共衛生議題進行剖析，讓書本中的理論躍然於生活觀察中，來印證對人類發展與健康理論具有具體瞭解並運用之能力 。

The course aims at leading students to frame public health issues using a human development perspective and introducing them fundamental principles of developmental health across the life span. The course will start from the prenatal period through death to see how developmental processes contribute to health.
In accordance with different growing stages, conceptual frameworks will be established to understand the interrelationships among biological and psychological dynamics and influences on developmental health. In addition, the course will also explore contextual factors on health with regard to familial, social, and environmental impacts through interactive class forums and group discussions.
With the given lectures, theories, and perspectives from peers, students will be expected to practically use learned notions to investigate health issues and illustrate the applications to gain a critical understanding of connections between developmental health and public health.