PY3VIP-Visual Perception: Physiology, Psychophysics, and Psychology
Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: PY2PNS Perception and Neuroscience
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1
Type of module:
Summary module description:
This module will critically examine the scientific study of vision, with an emphasis on the physiology, theories and empirical measurement of visual perception. The module is delivered at the University of Reading Malaysia.
Aims:
The goal of this module is to introduce students to the physiological, psychophysical, and psychological investigations into visual perception. The module will allow students to develop a critical understanding of the existing theories of visual perception. Students will also critically review visual psychophysical tasks and procedures, and consider how this knowledge might be applied outside of a laboratory.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
1) Apply knowledge of the physiology of visual perception
2) Critically appraise the different theories of visual perception and the relevant research
3) Critically analyse the essential principles of visual psychophysics and reflect on its practical applications
Additional outcomes:
1) By participating in group discussions, students will learn to communicate their arguments clearly
2) Enhance academic writing abilities and presentation skills through coursework
Outline content:
The module consists of seven 2-hour seminars that include lectures and group discussions.
The human visual system can be regarded as comprising of two parts. We have the eyes, which act as image receptors, for the purpose of capturing light that is reflected by objects in the environment. This is subsequently converted into signals which are analysed by the visual centres of the brain, thereby revealing an internal image of the scene being viewed.
In th is module, students will examine the fundamentals of visual neuroscience from the visual input at the retina to the perception of visual stimuli. Students will also critically evaluate the different approaches to theorising visual perception, be it in terms of physiology, psychophysics, or psychology. The module will demonstrate the methods used to measure perception, and assess top what extent it can be applied outside of a laboratory.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Seminars will involve lectures and interactive group discussions.
Lectures are intended to provide a basic introduction to each topic, and should be supplemented with independent study of the relevant literature in the field.
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Seminars | 14 | ||
| Guided independent study: | |||
| Wider reading (directed) | 86 | ||
| Total hours by term | 0 | 0 | |
| Total hours for module | 100 |
| Method | Percentage |
| Oral assessment and presentation | 100 |
Summative assessment- Examinations:
Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Coursework will comprise of a 5-minute individual oral presentation on a topic relevant to visual perception, along with a 1500-word critical reflection.
Formative assessment methods:
Students will have an opportunity to prepare an outline of the presentation for feedback from the module convenor.
Active participation in class will help students reflect and think critically, which should help with writing the supporting materials.
Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:
- where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
- where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.
Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment is by submission of a 5-minute video-based presentation and a 1500-word critical reflection in August/September.
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
Last updated: 4 April 2020
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.