Students

COGS703 – Advanced Principles of Cognitive Science: Sensation and Perception

2018 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Blake Johnson
blake.johnson@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit forms part of a four-unit core sequence covering a range of foundational and cutting-edge research topics in cognitive science, with an emphasis on active research programs at MQ. This team-taught unit is made up of a selection of 3-4 topic modules, led by experts specialising in these fields. Topics to be covered may include but are not limited to: the brain mechanisms of visual and auditory perception, mental imagery, and object recognition.

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:

  • Identify and critically review major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in sensation and perception research.
  • Demonstrate analytical research skills and show intellectual independence.
  • Demonstrate effective scientific communication in written and oral form for a variety of audiences.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in a group setting to address a research problem in cognitive science.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Written Assignment 40% No Week 10
Group Oral Presentation 30% No Week 3
Individual Oral Presenation 20% No Week 8
Class Participation 10% No Weeks 1-13

Written Assignment

Due: Week 10
Weighting: 40%

A maximum 2000 word essay on a topic assigned by the course convener in Week 1. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and critically review major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in sensation and perception research.
  • Demonstrate analytical research skills and show intellectual independence.
  • Demonstrate effective scientific communication in written and oral form for a variety of audiences.

Group Oral Presentation

Due: Week 3
Weighting: 30%

A group presentation (10%) and short individual written report (500 words, worth 20%). The topic will be assigned by the course convenor in Week 1. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and critically review major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in sensation and perception research.
  • Demonstrate analytical research skills and show intellectual independence.
  • Demonstrate effective scientific communication in written and oral form for a variety of audiences.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in a group setting to address a research problem in cognitive science.

Individual Oral Presenation

Due: Week 8
Weighting: 20%

A short in-class presentation on a topic assigned by the course convenor in Week 1. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and critically review major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in sensation and perception research.
  • Demonstrate analytical research skills and show intellectual independence.
  • Demonstrate effective scientific communication in written and oral form for a variety of audiences.

Class Participation

Due: Weeks 1-13
Weighting: 10%

Active engagement and participation in class discussion. This will be based on participation in on-line discussions, class discussions, and lecture attendance. Marks for this component will be awarded on a pass/fail (all or nothing) basis. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and critically review major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in sensation and perception research.
  • Demonstrate analytical research skills and show intellectual independence.
  • Demonstrate effective scientific communication in written and oral form for a variety of audiences.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in a group setting to address a research problem in cognitive science.

Delivery and Resources

The lecturers will provide students with a reading list. Students will need to access the papers on those lists through the library's website or directly from the instructor.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, 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 ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

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

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

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.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and critically review major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in sensation and perception research.
  • Demonstrate analytical research skills and show intellectual independence.
  • Demonstrate effective scientific communication in written and oral form for a variety of audiences.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in a group setting to address a research problem in cognitive science.

Assessment tasks

  • Written Assignment
  • Group Oral Presentation
  • Individual Oral Presenation

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and critically review major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in sensation and perception research.
  • Demonstrate analytical research skills and show intellectual independence.
  • Demonstrate effective scientific communication in written and oral form for a variety of audiences.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in a group setting to address a research problem in cognitive science.

Assessment tasks

  • Written Assignment
  • Group Oral Presentation
  • Individual Oral Presenation
  • Class Participation

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and critically review major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in sensation and perception research.
  • Demonstrate analytical research skills and show intellectual independence.
  • Demonstrate effective scientific communication in written and oral form for a variety of audiences.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in a group setting to address a research problem in cognitive science.

Assessment tasks

  • Written Assignment
  • Group Oral Presentation
  • Individual Oral Presenation

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and critically review major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in sensation and perception research.
  • Demonstrate analytical research skills and show intellectual independence.
  • Demonstrate effective scientific communication in written and oral form for a variety of audiences.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in a group setting to address a research problem in cognitive science.

Assessment tasks

  • Written Assignment
  • Group Oral Presentation
  • Individual Oral Presenation
  • Class Participation