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Perception
UndergraduateMAQ-PSYX22472023
Previously MAQ-PSYX247
Course information for 2023 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
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 18 weeks
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Perception
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, you will be able to:
- Identify, define and demonstrate an understanding of the key terms, physiological processes, research findings and theories related to human perception
- Interpret, synthesise and critically evaluate theories and empirical research in human perception
- Appreciate the difference between the real world (what is) and the phenomenological world (what seems to be), and explain 'real world' perceptual phenomena.
- Recognise ethical challenges in perception research involving children and animals.
- 1. Introduction, Principles and Methods
- 2. The Body Senses and the Chemical Senses
- 3. Auditiory perception
- 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%)
- Online practical quiz (9%)
- mid semester test (Online 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.
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- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- MAQ-PSY-DEG-2023 - Bachelor of Psychology
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
- MAQ-PSYX1102-Introduction to Psychology II
MAQ-PSYX1105 (Not currently available)
MAQ-PSYX105 (Not currently available)
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-PSYX247 (Not currently available)
Others
Pre-requisite
PSYX1102 or PSYU1102 or PSYX105 or PSYX1105
NCCW (pre-2020 units) PSYX247, PSY247, PSY237
NCCW (2020 and onwards) PSYU2247 Perception
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.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-PSY-DEG