Neuropsychology of Perception and Action (VS1) (U03325)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PPL-4-NPAV1-PS

This course will provide an overview of the brain systems supporting perception of the spatial world, and controlling the movements of our bodies in space. The visual system will be used to illustrate the core principle 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 skilled actions such as reaching-and-grasping will then be considered. There will be discussion of evidence that the brain systems 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 minds eye is not that which guides our movements. 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 (e.g. visual agnosia, visual neglect, optic ataxia).

? Keywords : Neuropsychology; perception; action; movement; brain; vision; modularity

Entry Requirements

? This course is only available to part year visiting students.

? This course is a variant of the following course : U03131

? Pre-requisites : Degree major in Psychology and passes in psychology courses at least to the equivalent of junior honours level in Edinburgh. Prior agreement with the 4th Year Honours Course Organiser: Dr. Martha Whiteman (Ext. 50 3317).

Subject Areas

Home subject area

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

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Block 2 only

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 5 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
01/11/2007	14:00	15:50

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.

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.