Students

PSYU2239 – Perception and Cognition

2026 – Session 2, Online-flexible, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Kim Curby
Co-Convenor
Sachiko Kinoshita
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
60cp at 1000 level or above including (PSYU1101 or PSYX1101 or PSYU1104 or PSYX1104) AND (PSYU1102 or PSYX1102 or PSYU1105 or PSYX1105)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit introduces you to two fundamental topics within psychological science: perception and cognition. Perception, using the senses, is an organism's only link to the outside world. As the sole method for our brain to absorb information, perceptual processes mediate what we believe is real and everything we have ever learned. We will explore aspects from the physiological bases of the senses to the rich and complex experiences and illusions that they produce. Cognition is the study of the workings of the human mind. Major topics of cognition include mechanisms of visual and auditory attention, varieties of short- and long-term memory, language processes such as reading and written word recognition. Although the focus of the unit is on normal adult cognition, we will also examine disorders of cognition including acquired dyslexias and various forms of memory impairments. 

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of the underlying principles, theories and concepts, and skills in the core topics in perception and cognition (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar). 
  • ULO2: Analyse, critique, and describe the nature and purpose of psychological research relating to perception and cognition based on first-hand engagement with the research process (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar).  
  • ULO3: Communicate a breadth of understanding of topics in perception and cognition, including in written mode to convey thoughtful, scientifically driven information (Capability 2: Practitioner). 
  • ULO4: Demonstrate effective application of cognition and perception knowledge, research methods, and ethical principles for positive impact at the foundational level of competency (Capability 4: Professional)

General Assessment Information

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy. 

All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor. 

Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure (clause 128 and 129). 

To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better. 

Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn. 

Late Submissions 

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE MARK) will be applied each day an assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.   

 For example: 

 

Number of days (hours) late 

Total Possible Marks 

Deduction 

Raw mark 

Final mark 

1 day (1-24 hours) 

100 

75 

70 

2 days (24-48 hours) 

100 

10 

75 

65 

3 days (48-72 hours) 

100 

15 

75 

60 

7 days (144-168 hours)  

100 

35 

75 

40 

>7 days (>168 hours) 

100 

75 

 

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.  

Note that the Written reflection is submitted as an iLearn quiz. It is open throughout the semester, and closes promptly at 11:55 pm on the last day of the session (6/11/2026). Whatever has been written (including a blank) is automatically submitted at the closing of the quiz.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Mutimodal Written Task 40% No 18/09/2026 Individual Yes Open
Written Reflection 10% No 06/11/2026 Individual Yes Open
Final exam 50% No Examination Period Individual No Observed

Mutimodal Written Task

Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 36 hours
Due: 18/09/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

You will submit a multimodal written piece of work demonstrating your understanding of a particular topic in Perception and Cognition.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of the underlying principles, theories and concepts, and skills in the core topics in perception and cognition (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar). 
  • Analyse, critique, and describe the nature and purpose of psychological research relating to perception and cognition based on first-hand engagement with the research process (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar).  
  • Communicate a breadth of understanding of topics in perception and cognition, including in written mode to convey thoughtful, scientifically driven information (Capability 2: Practitioner). 
  • Demonstrate effective application of cognition and perception knowledge, research methods, and ethical principles for positive impact at the foundational level of competency (Capability 4: Professional)

Written Reflection

Assessment Type 1: Reflection task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: 06/11/2026
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

You will submit a short written reflection on your engagement and experiences with cognitive and perceptual research.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of the underlying principles, theories and concepts, and skills in the core topics in perception and cognition (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar). 
  • Analyse, critique, and describe the nature and purpose of psychological research relating to perception and cognition based on first-hand engagement with the research process (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar).  
  • Demonstrate effective application of cognition and perception knowledge, research methods, and ethical principles for positive impact at the foundational level of competency (Capability 4: Professional)

Final exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 47 hours
Due: Examination Period
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

You will be required to sit the final examination held within the University’s formal exam period, in accordance with relevant requirements.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of the underlying principles, theories and concepts, and skills in the core topics in perception and cognition (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar). 
  • Analyse, critique, and describe the nature and purpose of psychological research relating to perception and cognition based on first-hand engagement with the research process (Capability 1: Scientist and Scholar).  
  • Communicate a breadth of understanding of topics in perception and cognition, including in written mode to convey thoughtful, scientifically driven information (Capability 2: Practitioner). 
  • Demonstrate effective application of cognition and perception knowledge, research methods, and ethical principles for positive impact at the foundational level of competency (Capability 4: Professional)

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • Academic Success for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

As a student enrolled in this asynchronous online delivery, you will engage weekly in online learning in your own time.

Each week will focus on a topic area in perception or cognition and include an online lecture module, online tutorial discussion forum, and readings/audiovisual resources to support your learning. You will have an allocated Tutor who will engage with you on the weekly online tutorial discussion forum and also hold a weekly online drop in session where you can clarify any questions on the content. Full details are available on this unit’s ILearn site.

Recommended Readings

Perception

Snowden, R., Thompson, P., & Troscianko, T. (2012). University Press. Basic Vision: an introduction to visual perception 2nd Edition. Oxford: Oxford

Access to Assigned Reading Material. These texts are available for purchase, but there are also hard copies available at the library in the main collection as well as those available for download as eBooks. Where availability is limited, students should consider using previous editions of each book which are are just as good for most topics. Basic Vision, 2nd Edition (2014) Basic Vision, "Revised" Edition (2012) [Note: As far as I can see, these are identical, and either could be referred to as the 2nd Edition.] Basic Vision, First Edition, (2006), available in print only.

Cognition

Eysenck, M.W., & Keane, M. (2000). Cognitive psychology. 8th Edition, Hove, UK. Psychology Press.

Technology Used

Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device. Students who do not own their own laptop computer may borrow one from the uninversity library.

Note that for Perception tutorial #2 students will require anaglyph 3D glasses (either red-blue or red-green). Anaglyph glasses can be purchased from many stores online or can be constructed at home very cheaply.

It is University policy that the University-issued email account will be used for official University communication. All students are required to access their University account frequently.

Unit Schedule

Lecture and tutorial schedule

Session

week

Lecture topic Tutorial topic

1

Introduction to unit and to the topic of perception

 
2 Perceptual and Cognitive Psychology Methods & Tools     Perception Prac #1
3 Fundamentals of Perception; Spatial vision  
4 Colour Vision; Motion Perception Perception Prac #2
5 Depth Perception; Perceptual Organisation and the perception of objects  
6

Face Perception and Perceptual Expertise; Visual Attention

Perception Prac #3
7 Introduction to cognition; Attention  
8 Working memory Cognition Prac #1
9 Episodic memory  
10 Semantic memory Cognition Prac #2
11 Word recognition and reading  
12 Decision making and judgment Cognition Prac #3
13 Revision  

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit https://students.mq.edu.au/support/technology/service-desk

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Artificial Intelligence Tools

Macquarie University recognises that artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI, is rapidly reshaping education and the modern workplace. As AI becomes increasingly accessible, the University and your teaching staff are committed to preparing you to use these tools effectively, ethically, and with strong professional judgment. Rather than restricting technology, the emphasis is on helping you understand when and how AI can be used to enhance productivity, support learning, and reflect real-world professional practice. Across your degree, we will support you to develop the critical thinking, adaptability, and values-based decision-making skills required to navigate evolving AI tools responsibly, including acknowledging their use appropriately.  You should always appropriately acknowledge when you have used AI tools within assessment tasks, including which AI tools you have used and how you have used them.  

To provide clarity, Macquarie University uses a simple, two-tiered approach to AI in assessment: 

AI Open assessments allow you to fully incorporate AI, reflecting authentic tasks where AI would normally be used in professional settings.  

Observed with AI Optional assessments involve tasks where you either demonstrate essential knowledge without technology or show how you apply AI under supervision. 

Across both categories, the goal is to ensure you build foundational knowledge, exercise sound judgment, and engage with AI in ways that uphold ethical, cultural, and university values. 

Inclusion and Diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.  

PROFESSIONALISM

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.  

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know. 


Unit information based on version 2026.05 of the Handbook