Enrolments for 2020 have closed.
This unit contains mature content and may not be suitable for some students. Any student under the age of 16 who would like to enrol in this unit must first complete a Parental Consent Form.
Perception
Undergraduate | MAQ-PSYX2247 | 2020
Previously MAQ-PSYX247
Course information for 2020 intake
View information for 2021 course intakeWeigh 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.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 18 weeks
FEE-HELP available
Perception
About this subject
At the completion of this subject, students 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
- Understand the difference between the "real" world (what is) and the "phenomenological" world (what seems to be), and use knowledge of human perception to understand and explain ‘real world' phenomena
- Understand ethical challenges in perception research involving children and animals
- Reflect on what has been learned and incorporate those learnings into future work
- Demonstrate effective time management and work organisation skills
- 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%)
- Practical worksheets (Participation in online practical exercises) (9%)
- mid semester test (Online test) (25%)
- invigilated examination (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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- 10
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 10
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-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-PSYX247-Perception 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.