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Neuroimaging of Vision - PSY00004H

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

Vision begins with light waves exciting the photoreceptors in the retina. From this the visual brain creates an idea of what lies outside. But that basic perception is not the brain's finished product. The final construct is a perception that is invested with meaning. The meanings we attach to our perceptions are usually useful - they transform mere patterns of light into objects we can use, people we can love, places we can go. But sometimes they are misleading: the pool of water in the desert turns out to be a mirage; the axeman in the dark corner a mere shadow. This module will show how modern neuroimaging techniques are beginning to contribute to our understanding of how the visual brain allows us to see the world.

Module learning outcomes

  • Give an account of how different neuroimaging techniques can be used to understand the organization of the visual brain.
  • Describe how neuroimaging can be used to reveal sensory maps in visual cortex.
  • Give an account of how different aspects of the visual scene are processed in the visual system
  • Describe how neuroimaging has contributed to our understanding of visual attention
  • Give an account of how different regions of the visual brain contribute to consciousness

Module content

  1. Maps of the visual world
  2. Functional specialization in the visual brain
  3. From maps to modules - how to we we recognize complex objects?
  4. How are faces represented in visual cortex?
  5. Neural mechanisms of attention and selective perception
  6. Visual cortex and awareness
  7. Neural correlates of visual consciousness

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.

Indicative reading

Sample Reading:

Cognitive Neuroscience by Michael S. Gazzaniga, Richard B. Ivry and George R. Mangun


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.