This course combines two distinct modules, one on visual neuroscience and one on cognitive neuroscience. These two topics are addressed in distinct modules because traditionally these topics have been approached in different ways, but here they are combined into a single course to highlight that considering them in synergy is the most powerful way to understand the nexus between psychological function and the brain.
Topics covered in the visual neuroscience component may include: illusions and perceptual constancies, psychophysical thresholds and design of experiments, spatial frequency analysis, depth perception, theoretical approaches to the study of perception and visual neuroscience.
Topics covered in the cognitive neuroscience component may include: the scientific approach to investigating cognitive phenomena, research design and interpretation, and research best practices for transparency and replicability. Course content may also be considered through the lens of contemporary cognitive neuroscience papers.
This is an Honours Pathway Course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe the fundamental concepts and major themes in visual and cognitive neuroscience, and articulate the theories and scientific approaches that have been used to address these, and their implications.
- Compare and contrast particular approaches to studying vision and cognition (including behavioural, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging) in light of their use to answer a particular research question.
- Apply critical analysis skills to evaluate relevant research studies and conclusions.
- Analyse and synthesise cognitive research to develop a reasoned argument.
Indicative Assessment
- Oral presentation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Written assignment (40) [LO 3,4]
- Final exam (50) [LO 1,2,3]
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Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 2 hours lectures per week (total 24 hours).
- Approximately 106 hours of self-directed study which will include 12 x 3 hours of online lectures and/or reading, preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Preliminary Reading
Readings provided via WATTLE.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8538 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |