Visual Neuroscience (OPTO30007)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 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

The subject builds on students’ understanding of the basic principles behind the functioning of the nervous system, developed in the prerequisite neuroscience subject/s. It develops students’ understanding of the structure, function and development underlying the processing of visual information from the eyes to the further reaches of the brain. The subject provides a thorough understanding of the various levels of the visual pathway and the neural mechanisms that enable visual functions such as perceiving form, colour, depth and movement and how visually-guided action is executed. It will also explore the basis of higher brain functions, such as visual attention and reading and also how eye movements are controlled and vision is related to other senses such as balance, hearing and touch. The subject will provide a number of examples of how disorders of the neural processing lead to specific clinical syndromes.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should:



  • Have a thorough understanding of the structure and function of the visual system and how neural elements within different parts of the visual system interact to provide our visual percept and behaviour.
  • Understand the relationship between vision and the other senses.
  • Have a basic appreciation of the pathophysiology underlying neurological disorders associated with the visual system.
  • Be able to convey and explain this acquired knowledge to either a lay or science audience.
  • Have the necessary background knowledge and intellectual skills to engage in either postgraduate studies, or employment, related to visual function and its neurological basis.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • The capacity for critical evaluation of complex issues
  • Problem-solving and communication skills
  • Improved capacity for seeking and evaluating relevant information.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
NEUR30003 Principles of Neuroscience
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
NEUR30002 Neurophysiology: Neurons and Circuits
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Credit cannot be gained for this subject and

NEUR30001

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

Two written assessments of 30 minutes each, one mid semester (15%) and one late semester (15%); 3-hour written examination (70%) in end of semester exam period.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorTrichur Vidyasagar
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3 x one hour lectures per week.
    Total time commitment170 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

    sagar.t@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment 170 hours

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    E R Kandel, J H Schwartz, T M Jessell, Principles of Neural Science, 4th Ed., McGraw-Hill, 2000.

     

    Recommended texts and other resources

    J G Nicolls, A R Martin, B G Wallace & P A Fuchs, From Neuron to Brain, 4th Ed., Sinauer, 2001

  • Subject notes

    This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.

    This subject is available for credit in the Bachelor of Biomedicine.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    MajorNeuroscience
    Informal specialisationScience-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG.
    MajorNeuroscience
    Informal specialisationSelective subjects for B-BMED
    MajorHuman Structure and Function
    MajorHuman Structure and Function
  • 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.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

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

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 3 November 2022