Enrolments for 2020 have closed.
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Cognitive Processes I
Undergraduate | MAQ-PSYX2246 | 2020
Previously MAQ-PSYX246
Course information for 2020 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Understand how the human brain works when taking in visuals, sounds, memory and language. Discover the cognitive processes of selecting and sorting. Investigate how brain processes vary in dyslexia and memory impairment.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 18 weeks
FEE-HELP available
Cognitive Processes I
About this subject
At the completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of research findings and theories about foundational aspects of cognitive processes
- Acquire skills in critical evaluation of research on cognition
- Acquire an understanding of the limits of human cognition
- 1. Introduction and research methods in cognition
- 2. Attention
- 3. Working memory
- 4. Visual attention
- 5. Episodic memory
- 6. Semantic memory
- 7. Concepts and categorise
- 9. Word recognition and reading
- 10. Language production
- 11. Thinking and reasoning
- 12. Cognitive neuropsychology
This unit introduces major topics of cognition including mechanisms of visual and auditory attention, varieties of short and long term memory, language processes such as reading and written word recognition, and storage and retrieval of knowledge of concepts and reasoning. We cannot attend to everything that impinges on the senses so we select and attend only to part of the available input. Selected information must be encoded, used, stored and retrieved. Although the main focus of the unit is on normal adult cognition disorder, a major topic will be the cognitive science of religions. Cognitive processes are also examined and these include acquired dyslexias and various forms of memory impairments. Practical exercises will demonstrate phenomena and research findings from various areas of cognition.
- Analysis of a journal article (500 words) (15%)
- Mid-session test (M/C question online test) (20%)
- Research participation (throughout the semester) (5%)
- Invigilated examination (60%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
MAQ-PSYX104-Introduction to Psychology I (no longer available)
- MAQ-PSYX1104-Introduction to Psychology I
and one of
MAQ-PSYX105-Introduction to Psychology II (no longer available)
- MAQ-PSYX1105-Introduction to Psychology II
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-PSYX246-Cognitive Processes I (no longer available)
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.