1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. Auditory and Visual Processing
  4. Print

Auditory and Visual Processing (ELEN90071)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2017 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
You’re currently viewing the 2017 version of this subject

Overview

Availability
Semester 2
FeesLook up fees

AIMS

This subject has a twofold aim. First, it introduces students to auditory processing and auditory prostheses available for treating auditory impairment, and to visual processing and visual prostheses available for treating vision impairment. Topics covered in auditory processing and prostheses include: acoustics and auditory stimuli, auditory pathway, neural coding of sound, auditory psychophysics, hearing loss and auditory impairment, cochlear implants (the Bionic Ear) and cochlear implant stimulation strategies. Topics covered in visual processing and prostheses include: the retina, the visual pathway, vision psychophysics, visual prostheses, prosthetic vision and retinal implant stimulation strategies.

Second, it introduces students to a number of important research skills: (i) how to prepare and present a lecture and (ii) how to provide feedback on the presentations of other students.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Topics include:

Acoustics and auditory stimuli, auditory pathway, neural coding of sound, auditory psychophysics, hearing loss and auditory impairment, cochlear implants (the Bionic Ear) and cochlear implant stimulation strategies, the retina, the visual pathway, vision psychophysics, visual prostheses, prosthetic vision and retinal implant stimulation strategies.

Intended learning outcomes

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)


Having completed this subject it is expected that the student be able to:



  • Describe the processing of sound carried out in the auditory pathway
  • Measure the behaviour of the human auditory system using psychophysical procedures
  • Interpret the results of the principal measures of auditory impairment
  • Identify the type of neural prosthesis appropriate for specific types of hearing impairment
  • Describe the principal signal processing techniques used with cochlear implants
  • Identify the factors that determine the effectiveness of a cochlear implant for a particular patient
  • Describe the processing of vision carried out in the visual pathway
  • Measure the behaviour of the human visual system using psychophysical procedures
  • Interpret the results of the principal measures of visual impairment
  • Describe the principal signal processing techniques used with retinal implants
  • Identify the factors that determine the effectiveness of a vision implant for a particular patient

Generic skills

  • In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline;
  • Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;
  • Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development;
  • Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning;
  • Intellectual curiosity and creativity, including understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity;
  • Openness to new ideas and unconventional critiques of received wisdom.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Enrolment in a research higher degree (MPhil or PhD) in Engineering.

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Assessment

Additional details

  • A lecture of up to one hour, including question time, on a journal paper during the semester (approximately 30-35 hours of work), worth 25%;
  • A written report of up to 3000 words on the journal paper that was presented as a lecture during the semester (approximately 30-35 hours of work per student), worth 25%;
  • Five critiques of up to 750 words each of lectures presented by other students during the semester (approximately 65-75 hours of work per student), worth 10% each.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1-11 are assessed in the lecture presentation on a journal paper, written report and feedback critiques.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorAnthony Burkitt
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours1 x two hour lecture per week
    Total time commitment200 hours
    Teaching period24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017
    Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017
    Census date31 August 2017
    Last date to withdraw without fail22 September 2017
    Assessment period ends17 November 2017

    Semester 2 contact information

    Email: aburkitt@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

200 hours

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    None

    Recommended texts and other resources

    None

  • Subject notes

    LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

    The subject is delivered through lectures. Each student delivers one lecture. Each student provides a critique of other students’ lectures.

    INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

    Students are provided with lecture slides, conference papers and journal papers.

    CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

    Some lectures are delivered by guest lecturers from research institutes and/or industry.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseDoctor of Philosophy - Engineering
    CourseMaster of Philosophy - Engineering
    CoursePh.D.- Engineering
  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

    Additional information for this subject

    Subject coordinator approval required

Last updated: 3 November 2022