PSY 250 - Sensation and Perception in Psychology

3 Credit Hours

This course is an introduction to the biological processes of sensation and perception. The basics of neural anatomy, physiology and psychophysics will be covered. Some rudimentary concepts of how neuronal circuits affect sensory processes will be presented. Topics related to brain development, damage and abnormal functioning will also be discussed in light of modern theories of sensory system malfunction, Mechanisms of sensory processing in human and other mammalian brains will be discussed with some emphasis on human clinical techniques (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging and optical imaging). Three general levels are covered: a) the level of events in the peripheral sensory organ, b) the level of central nervous system, and c) the level of behavioral phenomena and sensory perceptual abilities.

Prerequisite(s): COM 121 or COM 122, PSY 130 with grade of “C” or better.

Semesters Offered: Fall