This course is about how the brain receives, integrates, and makes sense of the world.
We will look at the sensory organs that translate the psychophysical world into perception. Readings and films will help you appreciate the complexity of perceptual processing and the applications of this knowledge to arts, medicine, and engineering.
Learning Outcome
1) Gain essential knowledge of the neurophysiology of sensation and perception--an overview of the physical and physiological properties of eyes, ears, skin, nose, and tongue.
2) Develop a critical understanding of the challenges of studying perception in humans. Many research questions about how we perceive are still unanswered and you can explore topics that are interesting to you or controversial.
3) Apply your knowledge creatively, by mixing everything that you have learned in the class into a story (of your choice) about a simple and common perceptual experience.
- Teacher: Najmeh Khalili-Mahani