PSY1005 : Sensation and Perception
PSY1005 : Sensation and Perception
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Laura Wright
- Lecturer: Dr Sarah Knight, Dr Gabriele Jordan
- Owning School: Psychology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
None
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| PSY1004 | Cognitive Psychology |
Co Requisite Comment
None
Aims
To introduce the principles underlying our ability to sense and perceive light, sound, touch, taste and smell.
Original Summary:
The module introduces the sensory and perceptual processes for our primary senses. It will cover: (i) how different sensory organs function and the basic processes of sensory transduction and (ii) how those sensory inputs lead to perception – the internal representation of our environment.
Outline Of Syllabus
Principles of sensory processing
Eye and vision
Perception of colours
Perception of depth
Perception of motion
Sounds and Hearing
Taste and Smell
The body senses
Brain structures involved in perception
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of this module the student will be able to:
Describe and discuss the sensory and perceptual processes for our primary senses
Explain how sensation and perception can be studied.
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of this module the student will be able to:
Acquire, organise and retrieve information effectively
Make critical judgements and evaluations
Reason scientifically
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 75 | 1:00 | 75:00 | Producing revision notes and topics summaries, practice questions. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module follows a ‘flipped’ classroom’ rationale: The lecture materials set the parameters of the course. Their purpose is to introduce the following main topics and principles:
• the different senses that feed our perception
• the basic principles common to the processing sensory information
• the integration of the sensory information components into percepts
• the brain structures that mediate perceptual integration.
The workshops will provide a forum to:
• Introduce and explore some of the topics at greater depth and breadth.
• Introduce further examples and clarifications for the more challenging topics introduced in the
main lectures.
• Introduce and guide the students on the effective use of further Internet or online resources for the course.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 100 | Multiple choice questions (90), unseen, Inspera invigilated. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The examination will be used to assess knowledge, independent learning, and understanding of material contained in the module.
FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Winter vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Winter vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely. The assessment format will not normally vary from the original to ensure learning outcomes are met. Any changes to the original format must meet module learning outcomes and be approved by the school.
If the module is failed or deferred students will resit failed or deferred assessments in the same format during the August resit period.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSY1005's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- PSY1005's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.