BSc Computer Science (Human Computer Interaction) / Course details

This course unit builds upon the topics introduced in First Year; students will be expected to be familiar with basic ideas and concepts as covered in PSYC11312 Sensation and Perception.

We will detail advanced theories of visual perception and discuss more complex perception, for example the perception of complex motion, 3D perception; object recognition, multisensory perception; perceiving reflections and shadows, ecological perception, perception of art, event perception, time perception, space perception and face perception.  We will also discuss aspects of action including human action, disorders of action and the perception of actions.

The unit aims to introduce students to more advanced concepts in perception and action, and develop their experience of discussing research within a seminar group

Knowledge and Understanding:

Demonstrate an understanding of advanced perception and action research; Critically evaluate the methods used in perception and action research; Relate empirical findings to our understanding of perception in the real world.

Intellectual Skills:

Critically analyze the empirical basis for perception and action research; Apply knowledge of perception and action to interpret research findings and everyday situations.

Practical Skills:

Appraise empirical data; Be able to discuss empirical findings with others within a small group context; Plan, research and write up an essay on a topic in the area of perception and action.

Transferable skills and personal qualities:

Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in: Synthesising information; summarising theories and evidence; critical thinking; evaluating research; working in groups; communicating effectively both orally and in writing; presenting concise and persuasive arguments

Week 1:

Theories of Perception - Luke Jones

Week 2:

Colour & Lightness constancy - Luke Jones

Week 3:

Object recognition - Karen Lander

Week 4:

Face recognition - Karen Lander

Week 5:

Spatial Vision - Rebecca Champion

Week 6:

Depth Perception - Rebecca Champion

Week 7:

Motion Perception - Rebecca Champion

Week 8:

Perception of Action 1 - Ellen Poliakoff

EASTER

Week 9:

Perception of Action 2 - Ellen Poliakoff

Week 10:

Motor Control & Disorders of Action 1 - Ellen Poliakoff

Week 11:

Motor Control & Disorders of Action 2 - Ellen Poliakoff

This course will consist of 18 hours of lectures. E-learning provision: Lecture content, supplementary reading and resources including case studies, news items, quizzes and Wikis, and a monitored discussion board will be provided via Blackboard.

Students should be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of advanced perception and action research; Critically evaluate the methods used in perception and action research; Relate empirical findings to our understanding of perception in the real world

Students should be able to:

Critically analyze the empirical basis for perception and action research; Apply knowledge of perception and action to interpret research findings and everyday situations

Students should be able to:

Appraise empirical data; Be able to discuss empirical findings with others within a small group context; Plan, research and write up an essay on a topic in the area of perception and action.

Students should be able to:

Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in: Synthesising information; summarising theories and evidence; critical thinking; evaluating research; working in groups; communicating effectively both orally and in writing; presenting concise and persuasive arguments

Students will receive a grade and can request a summary of their performance after the exam board.

Ward, J. (2010). The student’s guide to cognitive neuroscience (3rd ed.). Hove: Psychology Press, Taylor & Francis Group.