The neuropsychology of perception and action (MSc) (P01636)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : PPL-P-NPAHCN

This course will provide an overview of the neural systems supporting our perception of the spatial world, and the movements of our bodies within it. The higher visual system will be used to illustrate the core concept of modularity, by which complex tasks are broken down into independent sub-tasks that can proceed in parallel. Some basic requirements for the control of goal-directed actions, such as reaching-and-grasping, will then be considered. There will be critical discussion of evidence that the neural pathways supporting the visual guidance of action are separate from those giving rise to visual awareness, so that the view of the world available to our mind's eye is not that which guides our actions. A key theme will be that the nervous system selects and combines information that is relevant to the task in hand, and that multiple representations of the world may be created simultaneously in order to meet a variety of goals. This course will draw on evidence from a wide range of research methods, with special emphasis given to the study of brain-damaged individuals with abnormalities of visual perception, attention or action.

Shared with UG Course U03131 Neuropsychology of Perception & Action.

Venue: S1, 7 George Square

? Keywords : Perception, Space, Action, Human Cognition

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Psychology, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Block 2 only

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 5 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
20/09/2007	14:00	16:00	Room S.1, 7 George Square	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Thursday	14:00	15:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

To understand the core concept of modularity, and to be able to provide examples of modular processing in human vision, with reference to specific brain areas.

To understand the special role of the neuropsychological double dissociation in inferring modularity, and to be able to cite examples from the research literature.

To appreciate the sensory cues available to the nervous system for representing the spatial world, and to understand how these cues are exploited.

To understand the basic properties of feedforward and feedback control systems, and to be able to relate these to the control of human actions.

To develop skills in critical analysis of research papers in experimental psychology and neuropsychology.