Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)

Module PSYC3237: VISION AND VISUAL NEUROSCIENCE

Department: Psychology

PSYC3237: VISION AND VISUAL NEUROSCIENCE

Type Open Level 3 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2020/21 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • 60 credits from Level 2 Psychology module

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 hours 100%

Formative Assessment:

None


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University