Overview

This unit provides an introduction to the neurobiological processes involved in perceiving and interpreting sensory information. The relationship between neural activity, perception, attention, and conscious awareness are explored. Students will engage with theoretical and empirical work to develop their understanding of the nature of consciousness.

Requisites

Prerequisites
NEU10002 Neuroscience
PSY10007 Brain and Behaviour

Rules

Pre-requisite

NEU10002 Neuroscience v1

OR:

PSY10007 Brain and Behaviour v1

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
02-March-2026
31-May-2026
Last self-enrolment date
15-March-2026
Census date
31-March-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
21-April-2026
Results released date
07-July-2026
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
01-March-2027
30-May-2027
Last self-enrolment date
14-March-2027
Census date
30-March-2027
Last withdraw without fail date
20-April-2027
Results released date
06-July-2027

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  1. Describe visual and auditory systems
  2. Explain the different neurobiological mechanisms involved in sensation and perception
  3. Contrast different attentional processes and their methods of measurement
  4. Conduct sensory and/or perceptual and/or attentional tests with human participants
  5. Compare, contrast, and synthesise critical arguments associated with key research in the cognitive neuroscience of sensation, perception and attention

Teaching methods

All applicable locations

Activity Type Activity Total Hours Number of Weeks Hours Per Week Venue Type and Activity Detail
Live Online Lecture 12 12 weeks 1  
Online Lecture 12 12 weeks 1 asynchronous lecture
On-campus Lab 12 12 weeks 1  
Specified Activities Various 36 12 weeks 3 Group work, Laboratory homework, Reading
Unspecified Activities Independent Learning 78 12 weeks 6.5 Independent study, Assignment preparation, Revision
Total Hours: 150 Total Hours (per week): 12.5  

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULOs
Assignment Individual  40% 1,5
Presentation Group  35% 3,4
Laboratory Tutorial Quizzes Individual  25% 1,2,3

Content

  • Visual systems and perception
  • Auditory systems and perception
  • Touch, smell, taste, proprioceptive systems
  • Sensory integration and interaction
  • Anatomical and physiological basis of attention
  • Neuropsychology and attention
  • Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Verbal communication
  • Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Communicating using different media
  • Graduate Attribute – Teamwork Skills: Collaboration and negotiation
  • Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Information literacy
  • Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Technical literacy

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.