Newcastle University > Undergraduate > Find a Degree > Module

• Offered for Year: 2020/21

• Module Leader(s): Dr Gabriele Jordan
• Lecturer: Professor Anya Hurlbert, Professor Christopher Petkov, Dr Yoav Tadmor, Professor Jenny Read, Dr Quoc Vuong

• Owning School: Psychology
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

Semesters

Aims

The module will provide insights into both lower- and higher-level aspects of perceptions across different domains (visual, auditory, gustatory and olfactory). Apart from gaining knowledge of perceptual systems, students will be encouraged to think about possible everyday applications of the various topics (why is it important, who does it benefit) and develop an awareness of the pros and cons of a variety of experimental measures. Ultimately, students should be able to evaluate key readings and get a better foundation for undertaking related projects in their final year if they so wish.

Outline Of Syllabus

Perceptions permit us to obtain knowledge of our environment by processing the sensory input (e.g. light, sounds) and working out the most likely interpretation of the state of the world. Perceptions across any domain seem to be remarkably effortless and instantaneous, but the underlying steps required to succeed are diverse and complex and require the student to think about aspects of physics (the stimulus), the neural substrates (brain), as well as psychology.
The module will take the student from lower-level, more elementary aspects of perceptions (such as colour, depth, space, or sound) to higher-level perception of objects, faces, scenes, or voices.
Students will be made aware of the progression from classical, seminal studies to modern developments taught by researchers who can be considered as at the forefront of their respective fields.

Teaching Methods

Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.

Teaching Activities

Jointly Taught With

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lecture materials are used as the most effective mode of imparting the core knowledge of the module. Related drop-in sessions provide students with the opportunity to acquire more in-depth knowledge and improve understanding. Private study is essential for in-depth review of knowledge imparted through lecture materials and to integrate materials across topics.

Assessment Methods

Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The essay questions will assess the students’ knowledge of the course in more depth. They will have to answer questions in detail demonstrating their understanding of the current developments in the field and be able to reflect on the topics’ importance for the field itself and their everyday context.

Reading Lists

• PSY3034's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• PSY3034's Timetable