This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)

Module PSYC3237: VISION AND VISUAL NEUROSCIENCE

Department: Psychology

PSYC3237: VISION AND VISUAL NEUROSCIENCE

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Open	3	10	Available in 2016/2017		Durham

Pre-requisites

PSYC2111 Biological Psychology & Perception OR 100 credits from C817 Psychology (Applied) Level 2 modules

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combinations

None

Aims

To develop an understanding of a range of topics within vision and visual neuroscience

Content

The module will cover a range of topics in visual neuroscience. These can vary from year to year but are likely to include visual system development, retinal, subcortical and cortical organisation and the processing of visual stimuli, the visual neuroscience of brightness, colour, shape, object, motion and depth perception, vision and action, attention and consciousness, together with treatment of the psychophysical and physiological methods used in their study
The module will build on the coverage given to the broad topic area provided in the Level 2 module Biological Psychology and Perception
The module will also cover related conceptual and historical issues in psychology

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge

Detailed knowledge of key theories and empirical work in visual neuroscience, and their influence on current research

Subject-specific Skills

Ability to review critically and consolidate understanding of a coherent body of psychological knowledge and apply it appropriately

Key Skills

Good written communication skills
Good IT skills in word processing
Abilities to work independently in scholarship within broad guidelines

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Students' acquisition of detailed knowledge will be facilitated by lectures, group discussions and detailed reading lists
These modes of teaching provide students with detailed knowledge of the key theories and the skills needed to evaluate different theoretical positions in light of current evidence
All modes of teaching are designed to promote the critical evaluation and appropriate application of evidence and arguments
Assessment of these abilities is based on the written examination
Independent student research, student-led discussions and small group work develop students' abilities to work independently in locating and evaluating information from a range of sources
An assessment of the range, recency and appropriateness of sources will be included in the overall assessment of the essay
Lectures, discussions and small group work will also give students the opportunity to interpret and evaluate the significance of empirical work

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total Hours
Lectures	11	1 per week	2 hours	22
Preparation and Reading				78
Total				100

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Examination	100%	Written Examination	90 minutes	100%

Formative Assessment

None

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.