PN4065 Vision in a complex world

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Available only to students in the second year of the Honours Programme

Planned timetable

Lectures: Wednesdays 11-1

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof J Harris

Prof J Harris
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof J Harris

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The aim of the module is to develop an advanced understanding of the psychological processes involved in visual perception. The module extends basic knowledge of visual processing, from perceptual psychology and visual neuroscience, to how vision is used to interpret our complex world and to interact with it. We will consider the purpose and processes involved in using vision along two broad themes: recognising and interpreting the world via perception, and using vision to control our own actions in the world. The module will cover selected topics that illustrate the extraordinary range of problems our perceptual systems solve in the real world, including topics from: active vision (how do our visual systems allow us to function fast enough to drive a car, play fast-action sports), camouflage and search (how do we find and recognise objects in our cluttered world), material perception (how do we perceive things as dirty, smooth, shiny, patterned).

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST ( PASS PN2002 OR PASS PS2002 ) AND ( PASS PN3037 OR PASS PS3037 )

Assessment pattern

100% Coursework

Re-assessment

100% Coursework (resubmission of failed components)

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2-hour seminars plus office hour.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the psychological processes underlying vision are applied to real world problems
  • Demonstrate a critical appreciation of key research on vision, and how to apply the knowledge from the research to real-life issues
  • Communicate acquired knowledge effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Effectively communicate to both general and scientific audiences
  • Develop the practical skills of designing an experiment
  • Think creatively and independently, manage time and work effectively in a team