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:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Shumetha Sidhu
Email: shumetha.sidhu@reading.edu.my

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. UoRM Lead is Shumetha Sidhu (shumetha.sidhu@reading.edu.my)

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


4. Reflect on the practical applications of vision research

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.

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 this 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 to what extent it can be applied outside of a laboratory.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Seminars will include a variety of teaching and learning approaches, including lectures, interactive discussions, flipped learning, and workshops.

Pre-learning videos will be used to provide a basic introduction to each topic, and should be supplemented with independent study of the relevant literature in the field.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		14
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)		74
Preparation for seminars		12
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

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 review. 

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 Support Centres 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 (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.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
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 review in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 17 October 2023