This unit contains mature or sensitive content and may not be suitable for some students.
Perception I
UndergraduateMAQ-PSYX2472019
Course information for 2019 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Weigh up what we believe is real and what is learned. Dive into the major senses, with a focus on vision. Investigate sense-specific questions such as how 3D movies work, how we know which way is up, and why some people are colour-blind.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- -
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Perception I
About this subject
At the completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- identify, define and demonstrate an understanding of the key terms and processes in Perception
- discuss key theories and research in Perception
- locate, identify and demonstrate an understanding of the function of key structures in the physiology of human sensory systems
- explain the cause of many different perceptual phenomena in terms of perceptual and physiological processes and principles
- understand the difference between the “real” world (what is) and the “phenomenological” world (what seems to be)
- apply perceptual and physiological principles to understanding the phenomenological world
- critically evaluate designs and analyses in perceptual psychology
- interpret empirical data in relation to theoretical questions
- critically evaluate perceptual theories and arguments
- review and critique literature on Perception
- competently use information technology applications e.g. e-mail, web-browsers, etc.
- select an appropriate design and methodology for the measurement of perceptual phenomena
- apply knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
- describe and interpret data presented in graphical form
- competently access, use and synthesise information
- display creative thinking skills
- develop new ideas and theories and construct cohesive arguments
- present ideas in new and creative ways
- consider problems from new perspectives
- demonstrate effective writing skills
- display effective discussion skills
- express ideas with clarity and concision
- communicate complex ideas simply present information in a coherent and integrated way
- apply and adapt knowledge to the real world
- recognise the strengths and limitations of Perception in gathering “facts”
- present a convincing argument for the importance of the study of Perception
- present a balanced critical view of Perception
- describe methodological and ethical challenges involved in research with infants and children
- describe methodological and ethical challenges involved in research with animals
- reflect on how perception may influence your opinions or beliefs
- demonstrate effective time management and work organisation skills
- assess your own learning against a set of pre-selected criteria
- reflect on how you have analysed information and solved problems, and incorporate lessons learnt into future work.
- 1. Introduction, Principles and Methods
- 2. The Body Senses and the Chemical Senses
- 3. Audition
- 4. Light, Eye & Brain, and Spatial Vision
- 5. Visual Development
- 6. Object Perception
- 7. Multisensory Integration
- 8. Depth Perception
- 9. Motion Perception
- 10. Colour Vision
- 11. Face Perception
Perception, using the senses, is an organism's only link to the outside world. As the only method for our brain to absorb information, perceptual processes mediate what we believe is real and everything we have ever learned. This unit investigates the mechanisms of perception through all of the major senses, giving special attention to the best understood sense of all: vision. We explore aspects from the physiological bases of the senses to the rich and complex experiences and illusions that they produce, answering questions such as 'How do 3D movies work?', 'How do we know which way is up?', 'Why are some people colour-blind?', 'What do wine-tasters know that I don't?', 'How can we tell the pitch of a musical note?', and 'How do we tell our friends from strangers?'
- online quizzes (16%)
- Practical worksheets (9%)
- mid semester test (25%)
- invigilated examination (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
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.
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.