Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LI Neural Basis of Vision and Action
School	School of Psychology
Department	School of Psychology
Module Code	03 30008
Module Lead	Paul Muhle-Karbe
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-25 hours Seminar-2 hours Tutorial-5 hours Practical Classes and workshops-4 hours Guided independent study-164 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	All of our actions and behaviours, whether conscious or not, start with the sensation of a stimulus and end with a muscle movement. Actions in turn produce future perceptions. This module will explore the perception-action loop focusing on vision and proprioception as the main sensory inputs. We will consider how perception drives our actions but also how the motor system determines our sensory input via eye and hand movements. Taking a neurophysiological approach the module will consider the role of inhibition, excitation and learning in both sensory encoding and motor production and how such process can produce illusions in healthy individuals. The clinical consequences of imbalances between excitation and inhibition, and also the effects of neurological and neuropsychological trauma will be discussed. Students will learn how to present scientific concepts to a variety of audiences.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Understand neural processes, brain structures and connections involved in visual processing including the role of excitation and inhibition and the consequences of imbalance between the two. Understand how the visual and motor systems work together for the control of actions including eye movements. Evaluate methods for testing theories of human visual perception and movement. Describe, and discuss and evaluate the neural processes, brain structures and connections associated with motor control including cognitive aspects of motor planning and memory. Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge on the topics of vision and motor control, based on their own knowledge of the topic. Demonstrate an ability to describe the scientific concepts behind visual illusions, in writing, to a general audience, based on their own knowledge of the topic. Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the neural basis of human movement by synthesising a well-reasoned argument, based on their own knowledge of the topic.
Assessment	30008-01 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) (50%) 30008-02 : Vision Report Coursework : Coursework (25%) 30008-03 : Mid Module Quiz : Exam (School Arranged) - MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) (25%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessments: 1. In-course MCQ test (25% of 20 credit module) 2. Written report, equivalent to 1000 words maximum (25% of 20 credit module) 3. MCQ exam, 2h (50% of 20 credit module) Reassessment: If the module is failed or deferred, any failed/deferred component will be resubmitted or resat
Other
Reading List